What do you think?
Rate this book
The Mindful Art of Space Making: How to Declutter When You're Overwhelmed
Are you dreaming of a serene, clutter-free home but feeling overwhelmed by the chaos around you? The Mindful Art of Space Making is your ultimate guide to transforming your living space and your life through mindful decluttering.
Join April Scott Tandy, a seasoned expert in home transformation, as she introduces her proven Space Maker Method. Her innovative approach to decluttering goes beyond merely getting rid of things; it's about curating your home with intention and purpose.
Inside, you'll learn how
Go at your own pace, making decisions you won't regretUse Quick Wins to build your confidenceHandle emotional and sentimental items with careBuild unstoppable momentum through focused effortThis book isn't just a collection of tips and tricks; it's a transformative journey that empowers you to take control of your home and your life.
Imagine a home where you have space for a cozy reading nook, an inspiring arts and crafts area, or simply room to breathe. This is the essence of Space Making - to make space for what you love!
Join April Scott Tandy, a seasoned expert in home transformation, as she introduces her proven Space Maker Method. Her innovative approach to decluttering goes beyond merely getting rid of things; it's about curating your home with intention and purpose.
Inside, you'll learn how
Go at your own pace, making decisions you won't regretUse Quick Wins to build your confidenceHandle emotional and sentimental items with careBuild unstoppable momentum through focused effortThis book isn't just a collection of tips and tricks; it's a transformative journey that empowers you to take control of your home and your life.
Imagine a home where you have space for a cozy reading nook, an inspiring arts and crafts area, or simply room to breathe. This is the essence of Space Making - to make space for what you love!
175 pages, Hardcover
Published September 22, 2024
198 people are currently reading
338 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 1, 2026
My momma bought “The Mindful Art of Space Making: How to Declutter When You’re Overwhelmed” for me after she convinced me to be her ‘Space Maker Buddy’. Prior to reading this book, I’d never heard of April Scott Tandy or the Space Maker Method, but my momma watches her YouTube channel a lot.
I have to admit that this book is really inspiring. While I was reading this book, I actually started the method and it was a lot easier than I had anticipated. In fact, not only did I start working with my momma on her house, but I even started working on my own house!
I particularly love the Quick Win concept, but I really love the timed decluttering. Just today, I did a 15-minute speed decluttering. Prior to reading this book, I had never considered timing myself and was surprised at how well it worked. I’m a huge quilter, so when I chose my top dresser drawer to declutter, I didn’t have time to think about whether or not an old piece of clothing would make a good quilt—I just kept it or put it in the trash. In fact, I was able to do it on 9 minutes in my rush to complete my mini-project in the allotted time.
The author focuses on The Before, The During, and The After stages of decluttering, along with regular maintenance. Without a doubt, this method is far superior to any other that I’ve found. Scott Tandy is a “real” person who doesn’t gloss over the sometimes ugliness of decluttering. She offers real-life perspectives for working families. I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone who desperately needs less clutter in their lives.
I have to admit that this book is really inspiring. While I was reading this book, I actually started the method and it was a lot easier than I had anticipated. In fact, not only did I start working with my momma on her house, but I even started working on my own house!
I particularly love the Quick Win concept, but I really love the timed decluttering. Just today, I did a 15-minute speed decluttering. Prior to reading this book, I had never considered timing myself and was surprised at how well it worked. I’m a huge quilter, so when I chose my top dresser drawer to declutter, I didn’t have time to think about whether or not an old piece of clothing would make a good quilt—I just kept it or put it in the trash. In fact, I was able to do it on 9 minutes in my rush to complete my mini-project in the allotted time.
The author focuses on The Before, The During, and The After stages of decluttering, along with regular maintenance. Without a doubt, this method is far superior to any other that I’ve found. Scott Tandy is a “real” person who doesn’t gloss over the sometimes ugliness of decluttering. She offers real-life perspectives for working families. I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone who desperately needs less clutter in their lives.
July 21, 2025
I’ve read a few similar books and this is definitely the one that has stuck a chord with me. The author understands that the reason we have too much stuff is that we like our things, they are useful or sentimental. She encourages you to take your time, reuse or repurpose as much as you can and not to get rid of anything before you are sure you want it gone. She acknowledges the thinking processes that allow clutter to build up and lets you be kind to yourself. Sorting your home out properly is a lifelong project. She has lots of hints and tips for when you are stalling. I read voraciously, one or two books most weeks, but this is the first I’ve reviewed on here. I hope it helps set some of you off on a mission to a calmer, clearer home.
September 21, 2024
I consider myself a “seasoned” declutter-er (if that’s even a real word) but within just a few days of reading this book I was able to get past the hotspots in my home that have been giving me anxiety for years. I highly recommend this book for anyone and everyone!
September 28, 2024
I've been watching April's organizing on YouTube for a few years now, and this is a great explanation of her approach.
January 14, 2026
This is a refreshingly practical book about decluttering and making space, both physically and emotionally, without the usual self-help fluff. April Scott Tandy offers a gentle, compassionate approach that feels realistic rather than aspirational, and that’s what ultimately makes it effective. This isn’t about dramatic purges or aesthetic perfection; it’s about creating the conditions for true, lasting change.
What I appreciated most is how grounded the method is. The guidance is calm, thoughtful, and respectful of the fact that many of us are deeply attached to our belongings for emotional reasons. Tandy doesn’t shame that attachment; she helps you understand it and work with it. Her advice on developing your own “compass question” was helpful for me. It's a simple but powerful tool to guide decisions when you’re stuck or overwhelmed. Likewise, her discussion of how to notice and navigate difficult emotions instead of trying to bypass them made this feel like real guidance, not just tidying advice.
With April’s help, I genuinely feel like I may finally be able to deal with the photos and objects I don’t truly want but have been holding onto out of emotional obligation. That alone makes this book worth reading. It’s also a great companion to her YouTube channel; the two together reinforce the ideas in a way that feels supportive rather than repetitive.
Four stars because change still requires honest effort on the reader’s part, but this book gives you a better chance at making that change stick. Now, if I could just convince my husband to adopt these ideas, too.
What I appreciated most is how grounded the method is. The guidance is calm, thoughtful, and respectful of the fact that many of us are deeply attached to our belongings for emotional reasons. Tandy doesn’t shame that attachment; she helps you understand it and work with it. Her advice on developing your own “compass question” was helpful for me. It's a simple but powerful tool to guide decisions when you’re stuck or overwhelmed. Likewise, her discussion of how to notice and navigate difficult emotions instead of trying to bypass them made this feel like real guidance, not just tidying advice.
With April’s help, I genuinely feel like I may finally be able to deal with the photos and objects I don’t truly want but have been holding onto out of emotional obligation. That alone makes this book worth reading. It’s also a great companion to her YouTube channel; the two together reinforce the ideas in a way that feels supportive rather than repetitive.
Four stars because change still requires honest effort on the reader’s part, but this book gives you a better chance at making that change stick. Now, if I could just convince my husband to adopt these ideas, too.
November 2, 2025
Straightforward beginner's book about decluttering. My favorite tip was probably to "Lighten Up" during the process. April manages to always keep the atmosphere in her Youtube videos light-hearted and humorous, all while helping people tackle really overwhelming piles of clutter.
January 4, 2026
4.5. A great companion to April Tandy’s inspiring “Space Maker Method” YouTube channel!
October 21, 2024
This book is written so well that I believe it will help people looking to declutter or organize their space regardless of their current situation.
Preface: I think of myself as a seasoned at decluttering. I have cleared out a lot of my space over the years and made sure most of the things in my space I love.
Now that being said, this book has still helped me, and I believe it will continue to help going forwards. I don't think this is a one time read. I will pick it up the next time I declutter as well.
The author understands that most people aren't minimalists and that we can get emotionally attached to objects. She has written this book in a way to help all people. This book should give you a place to start, a reason to keep at it, and a direction as to what you want to get out of the process.
The author takes you through all the phases of decluttering and organizing and writes as if the book was almost written specifically for you.
TLDR: If you are looking to start decluttering or organizing your house or you are in the midst of doing so, I would highly recommend this book, even if you think you've got it covered, I'm confident it can assist you.
Preface: I think of myself as a seasoned at decluttering. I have cleared out a lot of my space over the years and made sure most of the things in my space I love.
Now that being said, this book has still helped me, and I believe it will continue to help going forwards. I don't think this is a one time read. I will pick it up the next time I declutter as well.
The author understands that most people aren't minimalists and that we can get emotionally attached to objects. She has written this book in a way to help all people. This book should give you a place to start, a reason to keep at it, and a direction as to what you want to get out of the process.
The author takes you through all the phases of decluttering and organizing and writes as if the book was almost written specifically for you.
TLDR: If you are looking to start decluttering or organizing your house or you are in the midst of doing so, I would highly recommend this book, even if you think you've got it covered, I'm confident it can assist you.
September 21, 2024
The book that changed my home
“The Mindful Art of Space Making
How to Declutter When You're Overwhelmed”
has truly been a revelation in helping me to tackle the clutter problem in our home and developing an organisation system that is functional.
I have been an avid fan of Aprils YouTube channel for about a year, and have been eagerly awaiting her book release, as I knew I needed the guidance to bring order to the chaos of my clutter.
“The Mindful Art of Space Making” is the most practical way I have found to help me with seeing why clutter is exists in our home, and how to deal with it in a systematic way that isn’t overwhelming. And in the process I’ve been building very strong decluttering muscles and I’m on my way to being a Space Maker!
I would highly recommend this book for anyone who is overwhelmed by their space and needs a method that actually addresses the cause of clutter rather than only focusing on the organisation itself.
“The Mindful Art of Space Making
How to Declutter When You're Overwhelmed”
has truly been a revelation in helping me to tackle the clutter problem in our home and developing an organisation system that is functional.
I have been an avid fan of Aprils YouTube channel for about a year, and have been eagerly awaiting her book release, as I knew I needed the guidance to bring order to the chaos of my clutter.
“The Mindful Art of Space Making” is the most practical way I have found to help me with seeing why clutter is exists in our home, and how to deal with it in a systematic way that isn’t overwhelming. And in the process I’ve been building very strong decluttering muscles and I’m on my way to being a Space Maker!
I would highly recommend this book for anyone who is overwhelmed by their space and needs a method that actually addresses the cause of clutter rather than only focusing on the organisation itself.
December 20, 2024
It’s hard for me to separate my review of this book from my review of April’s YouTube channel, which I’ve watched regularly for several years. I recommend both, together.
This book is well organized and well written. It’s not excessively wordy and it’s easy to refer back to based on which stage of the process you’re in.
April’s experience declutterring in very small spaces makes this more relevant to people in apartments than most books on this topic. There are no rainbow color fridgescapes or walk in closets or pantries here.
This book is well organized and well written. It’s not excessively wordy and it’s easy to refer back to based on which stage of the process you’re in.
April’s experience declutterring in very small spaces makes this more relevant to people in apartments than most books on this topic. There are no rainbow color fridgescapes or walk in closets or pantries here.
June 8, 2025
So and so, best for beginners of decluttering. A bit tiring to read at times although it did have some good advice. It’s a bit elaborate hence why it would be perfect for those tackling their homes deeply for the first time
June 30, 2025
I really liked this as a kinder approach to decluttering. I did a huge declutter following the KonMari method when it became popular in the States, but never fully finished it because life got in the way and a lot of stuff had too strong of emotions attached to it.
Enter this book. Instead of the idea of "Does this spark joy?" (which, was does that even mean?), "Have I used it in the last 6 months?" (what if I haven't gone camping in more than 6 months, do I toss all my gear?), or the newer one I've seen on TikTok a few times "If this got poop on it, would I bother to clean it or pitch it?", this book had a few more ideas of Compass Questions to get you thinking. I really vibed with "Do I want to carry this into the next chapter of my life?" and "Does this empower me to move into a better future or is it holding me in the past?"
While I'm still a fan of organizing by categories to more easily find duplicates, I'm excited to start another decluttering adventure with my new guiding ideas.
Enter this book. Instead of the idea of "Does this spark joy?" (which, was does that even mean?), "Have I used it in the last 6 months?" (what if I haven't gone camping in more than 6 months, do I toss all my gear?), or the newer one I've seen on TikTok a few times "If this got poop on it, would I bother to clean it or pitch it?", this book had a few more ideas of Compass Questions to get you thinking. I really vibed with "Do I want to carry this into the next chapter of my life?" and "Does this empower me to move into a better future or is it holding me in the past?"
While I'm still a fan of organizing by categories to more easily find duplicates, I'm excited to start another decluttering adventure with my new guiding ideas.
September 21, 2024
My review is being written before the book release. I was provided an advanced copy of this book. :)
I love decluttering and organizing books! April Tandy (Space Maker Method) has a fresh perspective! A few of the ways her method feels different is the emphasis of finding your own “Compass Question” to guide you. There are some good examples in the book. April has a different approach to “just in case” items with a focus more on sustainability. There’s also a chapter on How to Navigate Difficult Emotions & Keep Moving Forward. This chapter addresses things like money guilt and gift guilt. I’d love to read/watch more on this topic!
I’d highly recommend checking out April’s YouTube channel to get a feel for The Space Maker Method. I love watching some of the organizational Tetris she performs (and of course all the unhelpful helpers)! If her method resonates with you, definitely pick up the book!
I love decluttering and organizing books! April Tandy (Space Maker Method) has a fresh perspective! A few of the ways her method feels different is the emphasis of finding your own “Compass Question” to guide you. There are some good examples in the book. April has a different approach to “just in case” items with a focus more on sustainability. There’s also a chapter on How to Navigate Difficult Emotions & Keep Moving Forward. This chapter addresses things like money guilt and gift guilt. I’d love to read/watch more on this topic!
I’d highly recommend checking out April’s YouTube channel to get a feel for The Space Maker Method. I love watching some of the organizational Tetris she performs (and of course all the unhelpful helpers)! If her method resonates with you, definitely pick up the book!
September 22, 2024
Of all the decluttering books I have read, and I've read many, I think April Tandy's approach to the subject may be the most practical and easy to follow. After watching every one of her videos on her YouTube channel, Space Makers, we (her many fans) were thrilled she was writing this book. Now we too can feel her guiding us through the process, even if we can't all have her physically in our homes helping us.
If you've struggled with keeping your home feeling like a calm space to relax in, if you want a kitchen tidy enough to cook in or if your bathroom is overflowing with little bottles of God knows what, April is your person. She takes the time to ask the questions that help us hone in on making a space that caters to our personal needs.
In a nutshell, April deserves the attention of anyone who wants a home they can feel good about. Read it. Use it as a workbook. My home thanks you, April!
If you've struggled with keeping your home feeling like a calm space to relax in, if you want a kitchen tidy enough to cook in or if your bathroom is overflowing with little bottles of God knows what, April is your person. She takes the time to ask the questions that help us hone in on making a space that caters to our personal needs.
In a nutshell, April deserves the attention of anyone who wants a home they can feel good about. Read it. Use it as a workbook. My home thanks you, April!
December 3, 2025
I think I've probably read every decluttering and or minimalism book published! My favourite is still Margareta Magnusson's book on Swedish death cleaning - but April Tandy has put together another helpful book that is realistic with achievable goals. Her tips will likely not help you achieve a Pinterest or Instagram sleek home with the latest in container ware. Tandy wants us to work with what we have, set our own parameters and not take the process too seriously. The goal is not perfection but is to manage our possessions for our current life stages and enjoy small victories in what is an ongoing process. Ms Tandy is wise beyond her years. I've only seen 3 or 4 of her YouTube videos on this subject but she is extremely compassionate, tolerant and capable. This is a short book which I read in one sitting. Recommended especially if you find your clutter overwhelming and don’t know where or how to start.
December 28, 2025
I stumbled upon April’s YouTube channel when she was helping Dani in Korea. I’m always seeking tips on organizing and I was struck by April’s approach to Dani’s clutter, but also by April’s response to Dani as a person. It struck me that although there were some basic tenets to April’s organizing philosophy, she also demonstrated over and over that organizing is a process that can take a person more than one pass to accomplish. Her method doesn’t dismiss the difficulty in the process. It is hard. It is grueling. It is emotional. The great thing about April and this book is that it verbalized what I had been attempting to do many times in my life with all my stuff. I highly recommend this book, her YouTube channel, and the Facebook group for support and tips.
February 2, 2026
An easy-to-read and practical guide to de-cluttering (or "space making"). I am in the midst of top-to-bottom "reorganization" of my house, so this title caught my eye and I picked it up. Although I didn't personally glean much "new" information from this particular book, I do think the author's non-judgmental, personalized approach to de-cluttering will be helpful for many people. So many de-cluttering experts promote a specific approach and regimented routine for tackling organization projects that it was quite refreshing to hear from an expert that encourages readers to do what is right for THEM.
(I "subtracted" 1 star because I though there was an awful lot of repetition in this guide. It could be much shorter.)
(I "subtracted" 1 star because I though there was an awful lot of repetition in this guide. It could be much shorter.)
April 7, 2025
Decluttering isn’t always easy…
I discovered April on YouTube when one of her videos popped up as a recommendation. I decided I should watch it and I was hooked…
I’m slowly going through my home now, and using several of her “rules” to work my way through, one drawer at a time. I’m nowhere close to being as cluttered as the clients she’s helped. Find the Floor is one of my favorite things to watch when April is working with people, because I never actually got to that point in my life.
Regardless, I wanted to read this to support April and her methodology. I don’t know her at all, but she’s fun and she helps!
I discovered April on YouTube when one of her videos popped up as a recommendation. I decided I should watch it and I was hooked…
I’m slowly going through my home now, and using several of her “rules” to work my way through, one drawer at a time. I’m nowhere close to being as cluttered as the clients she’s helped. Find the Floor is one of my favorite things to watch when April is working with people, because I never actually got to that point in my life.
Regardless, I wanted to read this to support April and her methodology. I don’t know her at all, but she’s fun and she helps!
September 30, 2025
So I read this book after watching Aprils youtube channel for a while, and it really felt like all the tidbits she would tell the clients she was working with compiled into one manageable book. I think that if I was her target audience this book would have been extremely helpful, so if you are in a tight spot like this book is targeted to fix this book is wonderful, as for myself I've been lucky enough to grow up into decluttering as I get things and re organizing so I no longer needed these steps. Very well done to April though, if you are overwhelmed by your clutter and you need some help you should absolutely read this book.
September 21, 2024
Space maker method or former the suitcase designer on YouTube. If you’ve followed April on YouTube for a while you’ll know her methods and now in book form I read this in a day and when I can get my hands on the hard back I’ll be sure be using it a lot. Lots of helpful tips to help you declutter at your own speed a great read. Watch out Marie Kondo. Aprils coming for your decluttering crown. Definitely helps for people just starting or even picking up their decluttering or minimalist journeys. Definitely won’t be disappointed
September 21, 2024
April's book come from a real place with fun stories and truly valuable advice. She tackles the process of space making from before, during, to after in systematic and practical fun ways. From questions to ask yourself to addressing and letting go of emotional baggage this book has it all. She also provides helpful advice to help others through their own journeys. She has a YouTube channel that has incredible people on their journey that'll have you hooked in no time to see this method in action. Would recommend!
October 15, 2025
Very motivational and highly recommend!!
Great book and great YouTube channel. She has explained everything in order just as she does in the channel. Highly recommend. Also she doesn’t have strict fast and hard rules you need to follow it is a choose your own adventure declutterring book. Plus it’s a quick read so you can get to work. Love the book and channel. Bought both digital for me and a physical copy for my family. Can’t wait to build those decluttering muscles and find the calm in my home. 👍❤️ thanks for all your hard work and motivation.
Great book and great YouTube channel. She has explained everything in order just as she does in the channel. Highly recommend. Also she doesn’t have strict fast and hard rules you need to follow it is a choose your own adventure declutterring book. Plus it’s a quick read so you can get to work. Love the book and channel. Bought both digital for me and a physical copy for my family. Can’t wait to build those decluttering muscles and find the calm in my home. 👍❤️ thanks for all your hard work and motivation.
November 27, 2025
An Organized Space = Organized Mind
If you stumbled upon the Space Making YouTube videos by April Tandy, you need to read this book. Watch her videos because her calm, realistic, compassionate and simple approach on the screen is seen on these pages. I read this in between my decluttering sessions where I needed a break. But I didn’t want to lose momentum and motivation to go back to the doom piles!
This is an easy read with knowledgeable process approach with storytelling examples that make it relatable. Plus I love the quick wins mindset that she teaches.
If you stumbled upon the Space Making YouTube videos by April Tandy, you need to read this book. Watch her videos because her calm, realistic, compassionate and simple approach on the screen is seen on these pages. I read this in between my decluttering sessions where I needed a break. But I didn’t want to lose momentum and motivation to go back to the doom piles!
This is an easy read with knowledgeable process approach with storytelling examples that make it relatable. Plus I love the quick wins mindset that she teaches.
September 22, 2024
I was so excited for the arrival of April's book and it absolutely lived up to the expectations! Not only does her method make decluttering realistic and suitable for your own living situation, the book also guide you through tough emotions coming up when letting go of things.
If you're interested in how to make space in your own home in a mindful and realistic way, go read "The Mindful Art of Space Making" and follow "Space Maker Method" on YouTube! :-)
If you're interested in how to make space in your own home in a mindful and realistic way, go read "The Mindful Art of Space Making" and follow "Space Maker Method" on YouTube! :-)
December 11, 2025
Finally there’s hope.
I have tried so many methods to get my house organized and keep it that way. The Space Maker Method is not a quick fix. You can allow yourself to make first passes, and if you later find there are more things that you don’t want, you can declutter more. There are so many aspects to this method that I don’t have room to write. So, go get the book and read for yourself. This is one I will read multiple times.
I have tried so many methods to get my house organized and keep it that way. The Space Maker Method is not a quick fix. You can allow yourself to make first passes, and if you later find there are more things that you don’t want, you can declutter more. There are so many aspects to this method that I don’t have room to write. So, go get the book and read for yourself. This is one I will read multiple times.
November 10, 2025
I love April's Space Maker youtube channel and wanted to see it in book form. While I'm already living in after, I'm glad I checked out her book. I recommended her method if you're looking to declutter. This is a gentle, practical method that imo leads to a better chance at true change. Plus, you get to watch it in action on her youtube--start there :)
February 15, 2026
This book is so great! I like hepling friends organise their homes, but I have been using mostly ideas from KonMary Method. However, I like that April suggests going room by room and not a category by category like Marie Kondo which can sometimes be too overwhelming for some people. I also enjoy watching Sunday series every Sunday on Youtube!
September 21, 2024
This book is written in a companionable and easy to understand way that makes you want to get your stuff in order, makes you want to do the decluttering and gives you the tools you need to have the currage to start and do it successfully!
September 21, 2024
This is a wonderful book making the job of decluttering seem not as daunting as it could have been. April does well to take us through the steps of decluttering through to making your space a joy filled environment. Well done, and impressive as a first-time author.
July 15, 2025
Very Helpful
This book was well organized and concise. I have read so many books on minimalism and organization, but this is the most realistic. A short read that included much great information. Well worth my time.
This book was well organized and concise. I have read so many books on minimalism and organization, but this is the most realistic. A short read that included much great information. Well worth my time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews