A worthwhile listen

I listened to this book with low expectations, on a single car journey. And although I only came away with one positive and new idea the experience has made a big impression on my clutter. The narrator is easy to listen to and there was enough in the story for me to identify my own prevarications. The repeated mantra of, getting rid of your clutter will change your life, is indeed true - not only did I clear out more than a dozen dustbin liners of supposed cherished possessions (none of which I have missed in a month) but I also lost 10 kilos. When it was suggested in the book that this often happened as a by-product I remember poo-pooing it at the time. I had no desire or ambition to lose weight. However, in the month following that car journey I had to throw out an additional load of trousers and suits because they were too large for me. I think that I will be re-visiting this book annually to make sure that my hoarding habits haven't crept back into my life. Mind you I never thought of myself as a hoarder, just someone with a lot of 'happy memory things!'

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10 people found this helpful

Great Bible!

This book is great at teaching how to de-clutter your life. It isn't just about tidying up tips, it asks things a bit deeper into what it is you might want to change that you think a uge de-clutter will help with and maybe there's more too it.

Also some excellent practical tips that genuinely work. I have this as an audio book and an actual little hard back.

I did find the narration sometimes a little electronic which I had to persevere through initially.

But overall, happy purchase.

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easy to listen to

Simple principals, easy to listen to narrator. my only criticism is that the principals and action points for me to put it into practice aren't clearly summarised, as there is quite a bit of storytelling about Marie and her clients, more than "how to".

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Inspiring Listen

I enjoyed listening to this book, it gave me so much motivation on the weekends to get rid of things that don't bring me joy, as cliched as that sounds. I'm on a mission to do the entirety of my house now, I've already done the kitchen!

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Unexpectedly, this really did work for me!

When a friend suggested that I read this book, I did so only to satisfy them and, in all honesty, to give me time to think of reasons why I wouldn't be thanking my socks anytime soon.

Then, the strangest thing happened. As I listened I saw genuine logic and a deep understanding of human psychology applied to something as simple as cleaning. I understood when she said that thanking your belongings (like socks) is not a quirky habit, but an opportunity to become more grateful for my surroundings and the things that I use every day. It starts with your belongings but I have seen a change in the way I interact with other people and the gratitude I show them.

I also understood when she said that when you are cleaning your house, you are not just cleaning your house. When you get rid of the things that you have been holding on to, you are actually beginning to embrace the person that you are today. My memory box from my teen years that I have lugged about through five house moves as an adult, didn't need to take up space in my limited storage system. Once I had completed the house (...and have maintained it before you ask), I started to apply the joy question to other things in my life. Did I really want to commit to something where there was no joy? For things like work and appointments this doesn't always apply but when it comes to the weekend which I would usually fill up with visits to friends and family and other things I thought I should be doing, now I ask - does this spark joy?

I credit her simple steps as well to make the process easy. She starts with things that we all know we hoard but wont admit to it: clothes. Once you are in the swing of things, tackle another typical hoarding section: DVDs, Books and other collectibles. By this point you have seen the results and you are reading to start on the more sentimental stuff the photos and filing etc.

Don't tidy and listen - it doesn't work like that. Listen all the way through because there are pearls of wisdom dropped throughout. Then put aside a day in the house and go for it!

Narration was well done - my first experience of Lucy Scott and I enjoyed her calming style which suited the tone of this book.

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Unexpectedly Success Oriented

Who would've thought tidying can contribute to your success, and it seems such a crucial step! I can't wait to reap the benefits of tidying my space...

Also, the narration was amazing, I'm actually going to look at other books the narrator had narrated, she did such a great job!

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Awesome

Great to have a structure and guide for tidying and great encouragement with lovely sharing

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Interesting insight

A very interesting outlook onto how we view our possessions. I would recommend a read even if just out of curiosity as it given me a new way of thinking about my things.

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Not just about cleaning up

This book represents not only ideas on how to declutter and free your houses but also lives and minds in general.

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Put your home into order..

Great book.. I have always been a tidy person.. So reading this gave me great joy..

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