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The Simple Living Handbook: Discover the Joy of a De-Cluttered Life
Where did all this stuff come from? I don't have time for a life. I need to get away! Ever feel this way? Society is quick to fill our minds and homes with all the latest gadgets, tools, obligations, and entertainment, but what happens when it all doesn't fit? The Simple Living Handbook is a how-to memoir about creating a life that has space for what really matters to you.Lippincott's road to simplicity started in the fall of 2010 when she was on the verge of a breakdown. Her life was basically "normal"--husband, two kids, comfortable home, three home businesses--but she felt like she was running a rat race. She was desperate for more time and space to focus on family, health, and her own interests. So she and her husband decided to cut back on clutter--drastically. Now the family of four lives in a one-bedroom apartment with only the possessions they actually need and use; they stick to a simple diet of only whole foods "that God would recognize"; and they have managed to become productive without feeling busy. They've never been happier or healthier.Through personal stories, advice, and tips, Lippincott teaches how to make the hard decisions necessary to simplify your home and your schedule. Beyond that, she addresses the hidden emotional hoarding that threatens to keep our souls running in circles. Through her inspiring story, readers will learn to take a step back, reassess priorities, and commit to making space for those people and things that really matter.
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
184 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
August 27, 2013
*sigh* I've been having horrible luck picking nonfiction books from the library lately.
There's a few good points about decluttering physical spaces / items. Reiterating the importance of prioritization, identifying what is really important / necessary & making the most of what you have / acquire.
In a lot of areas, I think this drive to get rid of stuff (physical / emotional / etc.) can be carried too far. It was a fast read & parts were okay - but (again I return to this complaint in yet another book) much of the interesting things were given only cursory examination.
Also, while the back cover mentioned the author's faith - I found the pushing of mainstream Christianity to be off putting and may alienate non-believers by taking such a central place in an otherwise non-faith dependent ideal to simplify.
There's a few good points about decluttering physical spaces / items. Reiterating the importance of prioritization, identifying what is really important / necessary & making the most of what you have / acquire.
In a lot of areas, I think this drive to get rid of stuff (physical / emotional / etc.) can be carried too far. It was a fast read & parts were okay - but (again I return to this complaint in yet another book) much of the interesting things were given only cursory examination.
Also, while the back cover mentioned the author's faith - I found the pushing of mainstream Christianity to be off putting and may alienate non-believers by taking such a central place in an otherwise non-faith dependent ideal to simplify.
November 25, 2013
This book started out with some great tips on simplifying when it comes to decluttering your house. Where it lost me was when she started to get all preachy about not watching TV and then added religion into the mix. I skimmed the last part of the book.
January 27, 2019
The beginning was simple and straightforward enough, but it really fell quickly for me. It felt like an obsession and expression of faith by the end - cramming a bunch of kids and herself and husband into a one bedroom apartment. Throwing out the tv, not planning for tomorrow, and not turning on music to have natural sounds.
Quite honestly, her life sounded both dull and exhausting, where one's identity is reduced to motherhood and going without on purpose. It's great her children and faith can sustain her. I need more.
Quite honestly, her life sounded both dull and exhausting, where one's identity is reduced to motherhood and going without on purpose. It's great her children and faith can sustain her. I need more.
September 7, 2013
I really liked it. The only drawback was the last chapter which was based on the author's religion. It wasn't offensive at all, just irrelevant to me in it's reference points. She made no effort there to generalize out to either other religions or to general "moral" precepts. She could have left this part out. Otherwise: good book.
June 30, 2013
I actually like her blog better than the book. It has some good general advice, but I was hoping for more concrete examples, which were not part of this book's scope. Also, way too religious for my taste.
July 24, 2025
Some of these books are better than others. This is not one of those books. Two stars because it did have a couple of tips that I’m sure some people could find useful. But there were so many problems. She seems to get rid of things just for the sake of getting rid of things (we used the snow cone machine and my kids loved it, but it was big, so they’re just going to have to live without snow cones now because we wanted to fit the whole family into a one bedroom apartment!). She doesn’t own a TV, which is fine, but then goes on to say that after they cut out TV, they cut out…music? The book kept sounding more and more like they are working hard to intentionally live in a home without joy.
She advocates for ignoring the news. That can be good for your mental health in small doses, particularly if you’re the kind of person who obsesses over things outside of your control. But in the long run, ignoring news and politics is not good for society as a whole, and is a hell of a privilege that she doesn’t even acknowledge.
She advocates for Dave Ramsey. His methods are ok-ish at a surface level, but not sound advice in the long run. If you have a serious addiction to spending money you don’t have, his methods are a good start at fixing that. Otherwise, please ignore him.
She advocates AGAINST having long term goals. Too much pressure and stress or something. I don’t even know. It makes about as much sense as the rest of the book.
And then, halfway through the book, it suddenly turns incredibly religious. She mentions early on that she’s Christian. Ok, sure. So are like two and a half billion other people. But it seemed really misplaced in a book about decluttering.
My overall impression is that she’s privileged and holier-than-thou, but still somehow embarrassed by her own living situation, and working hard to isolate herself and her family from any sort of outside influence (no TV, music, news, public education, etc.).
She advocates for ignoring the news. That can be good for your mental health in small doses, particularly if you’re the kind of person who obsesses over things outside of your control. But in the long run, ignoring news and politics is not good for society as a whole, and is a hell of a privilege that she doesn’t even acknowledge.
She advocates for Dave Ramsey. His methods are ok-ish at a surface level, but not sound advice in the long run. If you have a serious addiction to spending money you don’t have, his methods are a good start at fixing that. Otherwise, please ignore him.
She advocates AGAINST having long term goals. Too much pressure and stress or something. I don’t even know. It makes about as much sense as the rest of the book.
And then, halfway through the book, it suddenly turns incredibly religious. She mentions early on that she’s Christian. Ok, sure. So are like two and a half billion other people. But it seemed really misplaced in a book about decluttering.
My overall impression is that she’s privileged and holier-than-thou, but still somehow embarrassed by her own living situation, and working hard to isolate herself and her family from any sort of outside influence (no TV, music, news, public education, etc.).
August 13, 2013
Had some useful information and inspiration, but would have appreciated more practical tips and less spirituality!
July 21, 2018
The writer is rather ruthless in de-cluttering: her family of four live in a one bedroom apartment, by choice (!). I found the spelling errors VERY annoying. Needs better editing.
December 30, 2021
This was an interesting book to read, however it wasn't what I expected. This title itself is somewhat misleading, as the subtitle is more accurately describes what the book is about. I was under the impression that it was a book on living simply, but it turned out to essentially a book on how to get rid of stuff you no longer want to keep.
While the information is valuable especially to those people in the world who have a lot of stuff, I think for the most part the information presented is what I would consider common-sense. For course if you are one of those people with a lot of stuff that you don't want to get rid of etc., then this is quite likely the book you need, but I don't fit into that category.
Still even with this drawback it was well written, and I'm sure will be quite helpful to many people out there.
While the information is valuable especially to those people in the world who have a lot of stuff, I think for the most part the information presented is what I would consider common-sense. For course if you are one of those people with a lot of stuff that you don't want to get rid of etc., then this is quite likely the book you need, but I don't fit into that category.
Still even with this drawback it was well written, and I'm sure will be quite helpful to many people out there.
March 16, 2024
There were some good tips about decluttering and helpful tidbits of advice on how to live more simply emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
I do feel like most of the decluttering tips are a bit too minimalistic for me, though. While I have total respect for the author for preferring that type of living, it's just not what I want for my life or family. Yes, I want less stuff... but I don't want to get rid of nearly all of my possessions like she did. Also, some suggestions she makes, like cutting back hours at work in order to have more time in the day, just aren't feasible for the vast majority of people. There were also quite a few grammar errors.
I loved the author's take on God and spirituality in the end. I also loved her tips for how to live with less stress, worry, guilt, and regret by putting more trust in God and focusing on the present instead of the future.
I do feel like most of the decluttering tips are a bit too minimalistic for me, though. While I have total respect for the author for preferring that type of living, it's just not what I want for my life or family. Yes, I want less stuff... but I don't want to get rid of nearly all of my possessions like she did. Also, some suggestions she makes, like cutting back hours at work in order to have more time in the day, just aren't feasible for the vast majority of people. There were also quite a few grammar errors.
I loved the author's take on God and spirituality in the end. I also loved her tips for how to live with less stress, worry, guilt, and regret by putting more trust in God and focusing on the present instead of the future.
January 20, 2019
4.5
If you’re looking to purge, this is the BEST guide book. After we moved to a house with no basement and minimal storage, we found ourselves overloaded with “things.” Using this book, we got rid of 40% of our possessions. I kid you not. It was liberating. And still is!!
She takes you room by room with simple questions to ask yourself. There isn’t much fluff here- plain and simple.
The only reason I took half a point off is the ending to the book. It goes into getting rid of spiritual baggage, etc. I get this. And agree with it. I just thought it was out of place. And let’s face it, once you’ve gone through your own house to that extent you’re emotionally exhausted. That’s not the time to go through all the hurt and drama of the past.
If you’re looking to purge, this is the BEST guide book. After we moved to a house with no basement and minimal storage, we found ourselves overloaded with “things.” Using this book, we got rid of 40% of our possessions. I kid you not. It was liberating. And still is!!
She takes you room by room with simple questions to ask yourself. There isn’t much fluff here- plain and simple.
The only reason I took half a point off is the ending to the book. It goes into getting rid of spiritual baggage, etc. I get this. And agree with it. I just thought it was out of place. And let’s face it, once you’ve gone through your own house to that extent you’re emotionally exhausted. That’s not the time to go through all the hurt and drama of the past.
April 10, 2020
I enjoyed the first 2 chapters of this book. As someone who spends too much time organizing my stuff and planning for things, this was a much needed reminder to simplify my material possessions, focus on the present, and act/live now. I also liked her anti-growth philosophy concerning the business she operates with her husband. Very anti-capitalist. I did find her privileged perspective annoying at times, especially when she writes that it is difficult for her to give her apartment number because it means she doesn’t own and live in a house. Cry me a river! Also a rewrite of the AA 12 step program was weird... Despite this, I’m going to keep this book around to help me comb through my things next time I move.
November 22, 2018
This was a very quick read - nothing too exciting, not a lot I haven't read before. While the author provided examples from her own life, it was very list oriented. If you want a short and to the point approach with a strong Christian focus, this will do.
I did, however, pick up on something I found interesting and hadn't heard about. She mentions the concept of "soul fever," which is like being emotionally sick. Most books don't have me wanting to do research after the fact, so that was a plus for me.
I did, however, pick up on something I found interesting and hadn't heard about. She mentions the concept of "soul fever," which is like being emotionally sick. Most books don't have me wanting to do research after the fact, so that was a plus for me.
June 10, 2019
I'm a Christian and I got this book because I was looking for a book on this subject written from a Christian perspective.
Maybe it is because I already am a minimalist but there was nothing new here as far as simplifying stuff goes.
Then we got into the inaccurate "vegetarian is better for you and the planet" comment and I lost interest.
Didn't learn anything new.
Maybe it is because I already am a minimalist but there was nothing new here as far as simplifying stuff goes.
Then we got into the inaccurate "vegetarian is better for you and the planet" comment and I lost interest.
Didn't learn anything new.
October 13, 2019
Feel lighter INSTANTLY!
Simplicity, for anyone whose home and life feels ANYTHING but simple. I have always wanted to de-clutter and live at peace with my stuff (especially the "stuff" in my head!), but often gave up or relapsed.
This book is a gentle and inspirational invitation to acting with personal integrity and intention. In a word, KIND. I can do this!
Simplicity, for anyone whose home and life feels ANYTHING but simple. I have always wanted to de-clutter and live at peace with my stuff (especially the "stuff" in my head!), but often gave up or relapsed.
This book is a gentle and inspirational invitation to acting with personal integrity and intention. In a word, KIND. I can do this!
April 17, 2020
The beginning of the book had a few useful tips (I like the idea of writing a lost of your ideal minimalist wardrobe before cleaning out your close, for instance), but devolved into silliness by the end. Honestly, all the religious stuff is alienating to me. Also, the bookies poorly edited - she eve left off the”r” at Rhee death of Reinhold Niebuhr’s name.
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July 7, 2023I didn't actually enjoy this one all that much. I guess it felt a little too prescriptive and "look at how I do this" versus just sharing principles, ideas, and tips? The author mentioned being a blogger, and I think it did read more like a blog that I wouldn't really read, rather than a book for a larger audience. There are some good nuggets. But overall, for me, it was just a bit dull.
July 13, 2018
The author promotes her version of simple living - dealing with physical and mental clutter. She is Christian. Some of her perspectives on God were a little different. She says she doesn't make long term goals because they distract from living in the present.
July 17, 2019
Like others have said, the first half of the book was good but the second half was not. I ended up skimming over much of it as it had deeply religious (and quite honestly judgmental) tones to it. If it weren't a library book it would be the first thing I would declutter from my life.
May 18, 2017
This was a quick read and had some good bullet points!
July 25, 2017
Loved the first half, disliked the second half
November 5, 2018
This is a very quick and simple book for beginning minimalists. I enjoyed the design and layout of the book as well as the sections on how to declutter our time and minds.
November 26, 2018
Too much religious stuff for my taste...
October 8, 2019
I read about god in a book about decluttering, I declutter by returning said book to the library.
November 14, 2019
Pretty quick and easy read with mostly basic info but some good jewels of info peppered in there.
July 10, 2020
Thought. Provoking
This book makes you think about what is important in your life and leave the rest behind.worth reading you can change.
This book makes you think about what is important in your life and leave the rest behind.worth reading you can change.
August 27, 2020
2-3 stars.
January 11, 2021
It was fine. At this point I've read a bunch of these types of books, so there was nothing new here. I feel like she skimmed a lot of ideas, but didn't go too in depth into any of them.
November 26, 2023
I really enjoyed the first 2 parts, but the last part felt like it dragged on a bit. But overall a good book
May 21, 2024
This was a great quick read about simplicity in your home and life. Love the author’s style and tone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews