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The Diary of a De-cluttering Junkie #1-7
Confessions of a De-cluttering Junkie: (a novel)
My name is Kaye and I'm a de-cluttering junkie. It's been three minutes since I tossed something.
Kaye has had it–utterly fed up with the constant junk that clutters her life. So, armed with a stack of books that each guarantee to teach her the secret to living a clutter-free life, Kaye embarks on a journey that takes her from clutter bug to clutter free–and beyond.
Her family doesn’t know what to think of her and her new obsession.
While her husband does enjoy the streamlined beauty of his new life, he is also just as frustrated as their sons as Kaye goes from clean up to clear out–including treasured possessions.
Who knew that what started out as a survival technique would become an addiction?
Confessions of a Decluttering Junkie includes all seven episodes of Diary of a Decluttering Junkie in this one volume.
Kaye has had it–utterly fed up with the constant junk that clutters her life. So, armed with a stack of books that each guarantee to teach her the secret to living a clutter-free life, Kaye embarks on a journey that takes her from clutter bug to clutter free–and beyond.
Her family doesn’t know what to think of her and her new obsession.
While her husband does enjoy the streamlined beauty of his new life, he is also just as frustrated as their sons as Kaye goes from clean up to clear out–including treasured possessions.
Who knew that what started out as a survival technique would become an addiction?
Confessions of a Decluttering Junkie includes all seven episodes of Diary of a Decluttering Junkie in this one volume.
410 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 30, 2013
65 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Chautona Havig
274 books1,840 followers**fingers skittle across the keyboard. Stop. Eyelids blink over the top**
Oh, was this bio day? Oops! I forgot. I was lost in my latest manuscript. Umm... bio. Yeah.
Hi! I’m Chautona Havig. (for those who care, that’s Shuh-TONE-uh HAVE-ig). Yeah. Just work with me here. I should have used a pseudonym, but when you grow up with a name like Chautona, it kind of sticks.
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. ~ Hebrews 10: 23–25
Those aren’t just words on a page for me–they’re why I write. I write to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ. The stories I create are to make people laugh, cry, question, consider.
They’re for you.
When the world screams for hope, I try to point you to the true Source of hope–Jesus.
Sometimes life in the church no longer seems a refuge from the pain of a self-serving world around us, but through my stories, I try to point you to the only Refuge that can truly help–the Father’s Everlasting Arms.
And sometimes we just need an escape from the monotony, the emptiness we see around us. We need joy, laughter–what I like to call “just the write escape.”
Christian fiction without apology or pretense–lived, not preached.
What does that even mean?
It means I care–about you. About your walk with Jesus. I care about the words you put before your eyes, the mental pictures those words conjure. It’s difficult to express just how much I love my brothers and sisters in Christ. It’s difficult to share just how much I love you.
But I do.
And I write for you. I sit in my little house in California’s Mojave Desert and I write to show you why one sister believes one thing, why a brother believes another. I write to show you how some Christians handle trials or triumphs–for you. So when you’re faced with something–good or bad, it doesn’t matter–maybe it’ll spark a memory. Maybe that memory will smolder until you pull out your Bible and see what the Lord said about it–about His great love for you. For YOU!
And maybe, just maybe, you’ll share that love with another hurting, confused, or blessed-with-more-than-she-knows-what-to-do-with soul.
I just happen to think that’s the most blessed giving anyone could hope to receive.
Oh, was this bio day? Oops! I forgot. I was lost in my latest manuscript. Umm... bio. Yeah.
Hi! I’m Chautona Havig. (for those who care, that’s Shuh-TONE-uh HAVE-ig). Yeah. Just work with me here. I should have used a pseudonym, but when you grow up with a name like Chautona, it kind of sticks.
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. ~ Hebrews 10: 23–25
Those aren’t just words on a page for me–they’re why I write. I write to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ. The stories I create are to make people laugh, cry, question, consider.
They’re for you.
When the world screams for hope, I try to point you to the true Source of hope–Jesus.
Sometimes life in the church no longer seems a refuge from the pain of a self-serving world around us, but through my stories, I try to point you to the only Refuge that can truly help–the Father’s Everlasting Arms.
And sometimes we just need an escape from the monotony, the emptiness we see around us. We need joy, laughter–what I like to call “just the write escape.”
Christian fiction without apology or pretense–lived, not preached.
What does that even mean?
It means I care–about you. About your walk with Jesus. I care about the words you put before your eyes, the mental pictures those words conjure. It’s difficult to express just how much I love my brothers and sisters in Christ. It’s difficult to share just how much I love you.
But I do.
And I write for you. I sit in my little house in California’s Mojave Desert and I write to show you why one sister believes one thing, why a brother believes another. I write to show you how some Christians handle trials or triumphs–for you. So when you’re faced with something–good or bad, it doesn’t matter–maybe it’ll spark a memory. Maybe that memory will smolder until you pull out your Bible and see what the Lord said about it–about His great love for you. For YOU!
And maybe, just maybe, you’ll share that love with another hurting, confused, or blessed-with-more-than-she-knows-what-to-do-with soul.
I just happen to think that’s the most blessed giving anyone could hope to receive.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 30, 2022
makes you think
Is there a subject this author won’t touch?
Very thought provoking as usual. Although every time she mentioned the basement I shuddered. Love the concept of getting rid of what’s not needed, clearing out the stuff cluttering our life. Chautona Havig’s characters are always real and relatable.
Is there a subject this author won’t touch?
Very thought provoking as usual. Although every time she mentioned the basement I shuddered. Love the concept of getting rid of what’s not needed, clearing out the stuff cluttering our life. Chautona Havig’s characters are always real and relatable.
February 3, 2022
As a de-cluttering lover myself, I wanted this book as soon as I saw it. And it didn't disappoint.
While it did sort of give you de-cluttering tips (clean one area at a time, tip them into boxes, etc) the book focuses more on how de-cluttering can impact your spouse, children, friends etc. Kaye;s house DID need de-cluttering, but she hurt a lot of people in the process, and went slightly overboard at times.
I loved that the children were real children (but I find that Havig does a good job of that), and the Kaye and Jacob's relationship was very real.
I wouldn't hand this book to someone under 16 due to many "marriage" references. It's kept extremely clean, which I really liked, but I wouldn't give this to a younger teen. There are also sometimes that, Kaye becomes almost mean and revengeful towards Purrlock, and it's never exactly called out, just mentioned that her husband or children would be upset with the way she had treated him. (As a pet mother of two gigantic and very intelligent rabbits (who do become vindictive at times... like chewing electrical cords in half because you ignored them), I do understand her frustration, but sometimes it seems borderline vindictive towards the cat (She doesn't become savage, but she does think quite unkindly towards him).
Although there was a general aspect of Christianity, it wasn't a huge part of the book, but I actually didn't notice that until now.
*kisses between a married couple, never really detailed, mentions of a couple in the shower together (one goes take a shower and the other comes apologize, it's not detailed in the least), mentions of someone painting their house in a bathing suit with a shirt on top and their children and husband wondering if she is wearing something under the shirt, someone breaks their foot into "smithereens', or almost*
While it did sort of give you de-cluttering tips (clean one area at a time, tip them into boxes, etc) the book focuses more on how de-cluttering can impact your spouse, children, friends etc. Kaye;s house DID need de-cluttering, but she hurt a lot of people in the process, and went slightly overboard at times.
I loved that the children were real children (but I find that Havig does a good job of that), and the Kaye and Jacob's relationship was very real.
I wouldn't hand this book to someone under 16 due to many "marriage" references. It's kept extremely clean, which I really liked, but I wouldn't give this to a younger teen. There are also sometimes that, Kaye becomes almost mean and revengeful towards Purrlock, and it's never exactly called out, just mentioned that her husband or children would be upset with the way she had treated him. (As a pet mother of two gigantic and very intelligent rabbits (who do become vindictive at times... like chewing electrical cords in half because you ignored them), I do understand her frustration, but sometimes it seems borderline vindictive towards the cat (She doesn't become savage, but she does think quite unkindly towards him).
Although there was a general aspect of Christianity, it wasn't a huge part of the book, but I actually didn't notice that until now.
*kisses between a married couple, never really detailed, mentions of a couple in the shower together (one goes take a shower and the other comes apologize, it's not detailed in the least), mentions of someone painting their house in a bathing suit with a shirt on top and their children and husband wondering if she is wearing something under the shirt, someone breaks their foot into "smithereens', or almost*
October 4, 2016
I honestly have no idea how long this took me to read. I read it whenever I wasn't reading anything else, one episode at a time (there are seven in all). One thing I liked about this series is how every day life is portrayed. It is interesting, but realistic. And be pre-warned...you will want to clean the house from top to bottom after reading this!!
I will admit that because there is nothing really riveting going on (except de-cluttering the house, Purlock, the cat's, human instincts, and family life) I felt a little bored at times. But Purlock really did it for me. That and how many good lessons are in this. I mean how can a cat seem so human? I died laughing several times (and so did my siblings when I read parts out to them) at that cat!
Another thing I like about this authors books is how realistic she portrays romance. It isn't all every thing is lovely-duby, but shows the struggle and assumptions that happen in relationships and marriage (even friendships!). There are some discreet parts (concerning marriage relationships) that might make younger readers squirm, but nothing is detailed and the author paints it as normal which I appreciated and makes it more comfortable to read, in my opinion.
So...what happens when a mother, with three children, decides to clear out her house? First, pandomonium....second, painful accidents and annoying cats...third, a basement full of junk...four, friend and husband upset...six, a garage sale to rid the house...six, an orderly house and a happy family...and seven, a van full of things to take to Goodwill!! Go read :)
I will admit that because there is nothing really riveting going on (except de-cluttering the house, Purlock, the cat's, human instincts, and family life) I felt a little bored at times. But Purlock really did it for me. That and how many good lessons are in this. I mean how can a cat seem so human? I died laughing several times (and so did my siblings when I read parts out to them) at that cat!
Another thing I like about this authors books is how realistic she portrays romance. It isn't all every thing is lovely-duby, but shows the struggle and assumptions that happen in relationships and marriage (even friendships!). There are some discreet parts (concerning marriage relationships) that might make younger readers squirm, but nothing is detailed and the author paints it as normal which I appreciated and makes it more comfortable to read, in my opinion.
So...what happens when a mother, with three children, decides to clear out her house? First, pandomonium....second, painful accidents and annoying cats...third, a basement full of junk...four, friend and husband upset...six, a garage sale to rid the house...six, an orderly house and a happy family...and seven, a van full of things to take to Goodwill!! Go read :)
May 15, 2022
Chautona Havig wrote a novel for which I can identify. Who doesn't have a "junk drawer" or place in their home so unorganized you want to put on blinders? She delves into the quagmire that can keep us from setting our sights on what is important, and turning away from temporal things. It's got some funny moments, poignant ones, and makes you stop and think about life.
It's an enjoyable read!!
It's an enjoyable read!!
August 29, 2015
Just a few random thoughts on the book. I loved De-Cluttering Junkie, and I’m beginning to suspect I’d love any of Chautona’s books. Even though this book apparently has no real plot—okay, maybe it’s just that it doesn’t have a “generic” plotline, because it does have introduction, conflict, and a resolution—it’s both fun and exciting. I suspect it would be more interesting for Moms to read than for me, a teenager, but even so I found it gripping—taking it so far as to prefer reading over watching the scenery when we went sight-seeing with my aunt!
One thing I really appreciate about Chautona’s books is how careful she is about the amount of romance she portrays—or refuses to portray. That was especially clear to me in this book, where there were several scenes that could have easily gotten, um, yucky, but she skillfully avoided subjecting us to anything bordering on too much detail. It’s obvious, through the book, that she knows what she’s talking about—but she never uses it to wrongfully stimulate the senses. I really appreciate that. Yes, there is kissing, but it isn’t dwelt upon, and isn’t cast into any other light than normal—which is absolutely acceptable, because that is real life. Husbands and wives do kiss, and they should. I don’t mind reading about it if it’s treated as the normal way things work.
Another thing I loved was that Chautona doesn’t push homeschooling in this book at all—something she has every right to do, seeing as she’s a homeschool mom of a large family. She does mention it in a very favorable light in the Aggie’s Inheritance series, but in this book it just gets a passing mention. Although I am homeschooled, I really, really appreciated that because that is normal—not everyone wants to, or has the ability to homeschool their children. Chautona gets that. I highly recommend her for choosing to portray real life the way it is, rather than creating a perfect homeschooling world—as I’m sure it would have been both easy and tempting to do.
Alright, I’ll get off my soap box now.
One thing I really appreciate about Chautona’s books is how careful she is about the amount of romance she portrays—or refuses to portray. That was especially clear to me in this book, where there were several scenes that could have easily gotten, um, yucky, but she skillfully avoided subjecting us to anything bordering on too much detail. It’s obvious, through the book, that she knows what she’s talking about—but she never uses it to wrongfully stimulate the senses. I really appreciate that. Yes, there is kissing, but it isn’t dwelt upon, and isn’t cast into any other light than normal—which is absolutely acceptable, because that is real life. Husbands and wives do kiss, and they should. I don’t mind reading about it if it’s treated as the normal way things work.
Another thing I loved was that Chautona doesn’t push homeschooling in this book at all—something she has every right to do, seeing as she’s a homeschool mom of a large family. She does mention it in a very favorable light in the Aggie’s Inheritance series, but in this book it just gets a passing mention. Although I am homeschooled, I really, really appreciated that because that is normal—not everyone wants to, or has the ability to homeschool their children. Chautona gets that. I highly recommend her for choosing to portray real life the way it is, rather than creating a perfect homeschooling world—as I’m sure it would have been both easy and tempting to do.
Alright, I’ll get off my soap box now.
April 26, 2019
Fun read
Lol! This book was a hoot (and now I want to go on a de-cluttering binge). Havig has done it again with a clever read many readers can relate to.
It did have a few slow periods, but is well worth the read.
Lol! This book was a hoot (and now I want to go on a de-cluttering binge). Havig has done it again with a clever read many readers can relate to.
It did have a few slow periods, but is well worth the read.
October 8, 2018
I loved this book. It portrays real marriage and real life so well. And it sort of made me want to declutter my own house!
October 13, 2017
Many of us feel the need to declutter our homes and our lives, and now there is inspiration to do so, through Kate. Author Chautona Havig gets us into Kate's head as she goes through the process of decluttering her home. While this topic may seem a strange one on which to base a whole novel, Havig keeps us entertained throughout, especially through the conversations Kate has with her nine-month-old baby, and the cat who is out to get her. While going through this process, Kate learns some life lessons about herself and her family. Havig keeps the momentum going throughout the book, so I recommend it for those who enjoy contemporary fiction, or those who have a special interest in this aspect of home management.
I received a digital copy of this book from the author through Celebrate Lit, for review purposes. The thoughts expressed here are my own.
I received a digital copy of this book from the author through Celebrate Lit, for review purposes. The thoughts expressed here are my own.
January 12, 2022
This is the second time I have read this. The first time was in the seven parts, and now, as a book length offering. I realized it was familiar to me after I was part way through the first section.
It was worth reading again. I think the first reading was a little overwhelming because I could feel the main character, Kaye's stress. The second time I remembered her struggle but could sense the portions that actually relate to me so it was almost like a mild 'let me help you' book. Her husband Jacob is a realistic character too as they both react and struggle to get through the changes she makes in their home and lives. The children most certainly act like many kids naturally would and they give a bit of comic relief and heart tugs throughout the book. It's a good read and can be a series of helpful hints.
It was worth reading again. I think the first reading was a little overwhelming because I could feel the main character, Kaye's stress. The second time I remembered her struggle but could sense the portions that actually relate to me so it was almost like a mild 'let me help you' book. Her husband Jacob is a realistic character too as they both react and struggle to get through the changes she makes in their home and lives. The children most certainly act like many kids naturally would and they give a bit of comic relief and heart tugs throughout the book. It's a good read and can be a series of helpful hints.
October 31, 2018
Wonderful
I laughed and gasped at the bits of wisdom within these pages. I needed a push to remind my husband of the clutter our kitchen was in this past spring. See I had removed all dishes, glasses, pots and pans, bakeware ect... That we never use. And have all we do use in it's own home in my cabinets. We both loved it. Till he started bringing in odd bakeware and soup bowls. Been happening for about 6 months. This book nudged me to address the problem with my hubby headon. He concurred, and now my counter is not cluttered with 6 baking dishes with lids He's never used. Yeah! I highly recommend Confessions of a de-clutter Junkie to anyone that needs a nudge like me or real common sense tools to get some peace of mind. Loved this book.
I laughed and gasped at the bits of wisdom within these pages. I needed a push to remind my husband of the clutter our kitchen was in this past spring. See I had removed all dishes, glasses, pots and pans, bakeware ect... That we never use. And have all we do use in it's own home in my cabinets. We both loved it. Till he started bringing in odd bakeware and soup bowls. Been happening for about 6 months. This book nudged me to address the problem with my hubby headon. He concurred, and now my counter is not cluttered with 6 baking dishes with lids He's never used. Yeah! I highly recommend Confessions of a de-clutter Junkie to anyone that needs a nudge like me or real common sense tools to get some peace of mind. Loved this book.
January 19, 2020
3.5 stars. I liked the premise of this book, because a mom decluttering at the beginning of a new year is relatable. The attitude she was met with from her family bothered me, but I gave them the benefit of the doubt since they knew her better than me. There were some ways that her approach was over the top, but on the whole I felt like she was pretty balanced. The reactions almost felt like gaslighting because she was treated as though she was being manic and out of control with her decluttering project. It read to me like someone trying to make what progress she could amid caring for her family & with kids underfoot. I appreciated how real life her marriage was and how this portrayed how decluttering can affect relationships. It was ok, but I didn't love the story like I expected to.
August 13, 2018
De-Clutter Much?
I really love this story. I am in the process of trying to do this at my own house and of course since I just started, I like to think I would believe myself very successful if I ended up like this . I am sad that this is fiction because I would really like to talk with Kaye. This is the first book that I read from this author though it will definitely not be the last I enjoyed it very much.
I really love this story. I am in the process of trying to do this at my own house and of course since I just started, I like to think I would believe myself very successful if I ended up like this . I am sad that this is fiction because I would really like to talk with Kaye. This is the first book that I read from this author though it will definitely not be the last I enjoyed it very much.
December 30, 2018
I love this author’s writing, as I’ve read several other books she’s written. I have been wanting to declutter my house and this was an inspiring and entertaining way to read about it. I gave the book 4 stars, because while I enjoyed it, there were parts of it that annoyed me- it seemed to drag in places and in other places I didn’t connect with the character. However, that’s a personal experience that won’t apply to everyone.
June 20, 2022
Some great truths!
I’ve been on a decluttering mission for several years now. I’ve read tons of blogs, how to articles and how to books but this was my first fictional novel on the subject. There were so many good truths in this book and I enjoyed reading it. The reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 was because the main character kind of got on my nerves but that is definitely just my opinion.
I’ve been on a decluttering mission for several years now. I’ve read tons of blogs, how to articles and how to books but this was my first fictional novel on the subject. There were so many good truths in this book and I enjoyed reading it. The reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 was because the main character kind of got on my nerves but that is definitely just my opinion.
February 22, 2024
This book was hilarious, relatable, and honors God, as she appears to do in all her writing (based on my experience so far). Most of us can relate to the need for de-cluttering, and the extremes to which it can be taken. I love that the overall lesson here is that relationships with people are more important and that proper balance can, and should, be found in all that we do.
July 25, 2018
It started off good...
I was sucked in and motivated by this work of fiction but at about the halfway point it started to really drag on. Generally ok but won't go on a list of favorites.
I was sucked in and motivated by this work of fiction but at about the halfway point it started to really drag on. Generally ok but won't go on a list of favorites.
October 2, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. More motivating than a how-to book of decluttering. The book lost one star for irritating me though. I just don’t understand why the husband and Kaye’s friends and family were frustrated by her decluttering efforts. Those parts annoyed me.
June 1, 2025
As a person that loves to declutter and live pretty simply, I enjoyed listening to this book on YouTube narrated by the lovely Christa DelSorbo! There were times I wanted to yell in frustration at everyone in the book. lol But all in all it's a good story to listen to or read!
December 3, 2018
I loved this book. I felt like this woman's house is my house (at the beginning), and I must've been subliminally inspired because I've been decluttering since I finished it!
December 19, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. It took a bit to get into but was an utterly satisfying read.
December 1, 2023
Most of us can relate...
Who doesn't need to de-clutter? This is a humorous novel, but with an essence of truth, and a little bit of faith. The author always writes enjoyable books.
Who doesn't need to de-clutter? This is a humorous novel, but with an essence of truth, and a little bit of faith. The author always writes enjoyable books.
January 18, 2025
It was such a good book!!! It honestly has me looking around my house looking at ways to de-clutter my own life. It was a fabulous read I encourage everybody to check out!!
July 12, 2025
This book sparked conversations.... Lots and lots of them.
January 2, 2024
This one is so relatable for me. Really enjoyed it.
October 28, 2015
What an unusual theme for a novel! I would never have imagined writing about decluttering a house. And making it a gripping story? Not easy! Chautona Havig, however, has accomplished this feat. I have had this book on my Kindle for a couple of years, ever since it was first written as a serial novel. Yes, books are one thing that clutter up my life, but I’m not sure if I really want to declutter them!
Read my full review here.
January 20, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. I actually miss it. I wouldn't call it a deep read but it was enjoyable. Personally I've been on a purging binge throughout my home so I could relate quite well to her plight. This book was very motivating towards me to get moving on different areas of my home.
February 15, 2015
Very unlikable main character
Boring, histrionic, and annoying, Kaye is just the type of woman I avoid like the plague. I couldn't even finish the book. I have enjoyed other books by Havig, but this one should stay in the trash.
Boring, histrionic, and annoying, Kaye is just the type of woman I avoid like the plague. I couldn't even finish the book. I have enjoyed other books by Havig, but this one should stay in the trash.
March 8, 2015
Kept my interest
I love this arthor! I had a hard time putting the book down to do other things needed doing.I could so relate to her story, I myself need to de- clutter so hit book hit home.
I love this arthor! I had a hard time putting the book down to do other things needed doing.I could so relate to her story, I myself need to de- clutter so hit book hit home.
August 5, 2015
Helps me knowing I'm not the only one.
Listening to her story of having to much stuff and how she got rid of the clutter was entertaining and helpful.
Good for anyone who feels buried and needs help digging out.
Listening to her story of having to much stuff and how she got rid of the clutter was entertaining and helpful.
Good for anyone who feels buried and needs help digging out.
April 8, 2014
I loved ths book. it was great to read my struggles with clutter (and attempting to escape it) from somebody else. It was funny, and I could relate to her, right down to the cat.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews