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You Can't Take It With You: Foolproof Techniques for Tidying Up Like There's No Tomorrow
Break the cycle of stuff and declutter for once and for all!
Author Messie Condo is back! And this time, she’s tidied up her language to give you her most approachable organizing advice with none of the clutter of salty, NSFW words. With simple tips, hilarious quips, and a no-excuses approach, You Can’t Take It With You is the last organizing book you’ll ever need. Messie’s fun and insightful take on death cleaning will pull you out of your nostalgic reverie and existential dread with a mind-first approach so you can tackle those stacks of family photos, boxes of baby clothes, and attics full of antiques in no time. Readers agree that working with her is like decluttering with a friend—the kind that won’t let you keep those old logo tees and half-used hotel soaps. With Messie’s help, you can enjoy the rest of your life (long may it be) and your newly guilt-free relationships feeling 1,000 pounds lighter!
Author Messie Condo is back! And this time, she’s tidied up her language to give you her most approachable organizing advice with none of the clutter of salty, NSFW words. With simple tips, hilarious quips, and a no-excuses approach, You Can’t Take It With You is the last organizing book you’ll ever need. Messie’s fun and insightful take on death cleaning will pull you out of your nostalgic reverie and existential dread with a mind-first approach so you can tackle those stacks of family photos, boxes of baby clothes, and attics full of antiques in no time. Readers agree that working with her is like decluttering with a friend—the kind that won’t let you keep those old logo tees and half-used hotel soaps. With Messie’s help, you can enjoy the rest of your life (long may it be) and your newly guilt-free relationships feeling 1,000 pounds lighter!
- GenresNonfictionAudiobook
176 pages, Hardcover
Published July 29, 2025
6 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 16, 2025
Need to declutter your home? Are you moving soon? Do you have an overwhelming need to find more space or peace in the rooms of your home? You Can't Take it With You is the very short, helpful and effective push you need to start the process. Messie Condo lays out ideas on how to start the decluttering process, a plan on how to stick with it, and how not to overwhelm yourself in the process. In addition to the physical items in our home, Messie brings our attention to the digital clutter as well and this had me cleaning up pictures and files on my phone and laptop! Her book gives you a plethora of ideas on rooms and areas of your home to work on. In addition, she also provides a helpful list of places to check with in order to recycle and donate the stuff you are ready to part with. This is a very helpful guide for people in all stages of life.
I listened to the audiobook version and easily followed along with Messie's lists and tips. I suspect the book version would be even better as you could make notes in the margins and highlight her ideas for projects in your own home. That being said, Hillary Huber brings Messie's voice and humor to life beautifully.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.
I listened to the audiobook version and easily followed along with Messie's lists and tips. I suspect the book version would be even better as you could make notes in the margins and highlight her ideas for projects in your own home. That being said, Hillary Huber brings Messie's voice and humor to life beautifully.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.
October 4, 2025
A fascinating short book! I am already a minimalist… or am I? I seem to be constantly decluttering, yet there’s always more and I have thought about what my kids will do with all my stuff when I’m no ok longer here, which I hope is still a long time away, but I’m 51 and recently found the new baby cards my parents were given when I was born 😂They are now gone, but do I need everything I have?
My favourite statement in the book is “decluttering is self-care”, that is so true and it’s a great way to look at it.
The book gives endless ideas of what to do with items you no longer need or want, with the view of keeping as much out of landfill as possible and trying to break the consumerist world we live in.
A fantastic book and Hillary Huber’s narration is excellent.
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Messie Condo and Dreamscape for an ARC of this book.
My favourite statement in the book is “decluttering is self-care”, that is so true and it’s a great way to look at it.
The book gives endless ideas of what to do with items you no longer need or want, with the view of keeping as much out of landfill as possible and trying to break the consumerist world we live in.
A fantastic book and Hillary Huber’s narration is excellent.
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Messie Condo and Dreamscape for an ARC of this book.
December 10, 2025
You Can’t Take It With You: Foolproof Techniques for Tidying Up Like There’s No Tomorrow by Messie Condo, narrated by Hillary Huber, is a book that I thoroughly enjoyed. While it may not be a light-hearted read, I believe it’s crucial to discuss the importance of decluttering in our modern world. We’ve become obsessed with accumulating possessions and keeping them, leading to excessive buying. This book offers a lighthearted yet insightful approach to decluttering, starting with small steps. Despite its relatively short duration of about 3.5 hours, it’s packed with valuable tips and information that can provide a gentle nudge for those seeking to make a change.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media via NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media via NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book.
December 5, 2025
Quick, easy common sense information. Great reminders.
October 17, 2025
I'm a big a fan of Marie Condo’s work and the wider conversations around intentional living (from Swedish death cleaning to hygge and decluttering) so this book caught my eye. I was excited to see how Can’t Take It With You might add something new to that space.
While it’s a quick, approachable read, I ultimately didn’t find much here that expanded on or deepened those existing ideas. It was just fine. The advice felt familiar and sometimes repetitive, without offering the kind of fresh perspective I was hoping for. That said, readers who are brand new to minimalism or who want a simple, encouraging reminder of the “less is more” mindset may find it enjoyable.
Overall, it’s a light and pleasant read, just not one that stood out to me in an already crowded genre.
While it’s a quick, approachable read, I ultimately didn’t find much here that expanded on or deepened those existing ideas. It was just fine. The advice felt familiar and sometimes repetitive, without offering the kind of fresh perspective I was hoping for. That said, readers who are brand new to minimalism or who want a simple, encouraging reminder of the “less is more” mindset may find it enjoyable.
Overall, it’s a light and pleasant read, just not one that stood out to me in an already crowded genre.
November 23, 2025
You Can't Take it With You: Foolproof Techniques for Tidying Up Like There's No Tomorrow by Messie Condo (2025) hardback and audio
3h 23m narrated by Hillary Huber, 172 pages
Kindle Ebook coming September 30, 2027
Genre: Self-Help, Nonfiction, Humor, Organization, Death Cleaning, Decluttering
Featuring: Taking Stuff Out of Bins, End of Chapter Do It Now Activities, Profanity, Finding Your Motivation, Motivators, Clutter Blind, Mental Load, Scarcity Mindset, Getting Your Head in the Game, Learn How to Corral the Chaos, Reimagine Your Home and Write It Down; Plan of Attacks - Brain Dumps, Checklists, 5-Second Approach, Rate Your Stuff, Do The Math, Call A Friend, One Hour to Pack Excerise, 5-Minute Approach, Non Phone Timer, One Task At a Time, Pretend You're Moving, Breaks, Time Blocking, Make It a Habit, Body Doubling, Aim Low, Toss Buyer's Remorse, Do Your Best, Do It Anyway, Before and After Photos, Put A Bin in the Closet; Tips For - Overthinkers, Procrastinators, Structure Lovers, Perfectionists, Visual Learners; Clutter Magnets, Aspirational Clutter, Tackle The Closet, Sentimental Stuff Last, Kitchens and Bathrooms, Food and Medication Storage, Office and Digital Clutter, Phone Clutter, Library Clutter, Heirlooms, Baby Clothes and Wedding Dresses, Don't Be Storage For Family Members, Keeping a Clutter-Free Home, Donations
Rating as a movie: R for adult language
Songs for the soundtrack: "9 To 5" by Dolly Parton
Books and Authors mentioned: Tidy the F*ck Up: The American Art of Organizing Your Sh*t by Messie Condo, The White Lotus by Mike White, Nobody Wants Your Sh*t: The Art of Decluttering Before You Die by Messie Condo, Gilmore Girls by Amy Sherman-Palladino
My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟📦
My thoughts: This book was very good; she did tidy up her language. 😆 I couldn't find the ebook as it's supposedly on pre-sale for 2027, but the hardback was released this summer. It's humorous and to the point. She gives you the why, how, and then covers room-specific solutions. Ultimately, it is an updated and abridged version of her other death cleaning book.
Recommend to others: I highly recommend it, even if you're under 30.
Memorable Quotes: Much like that too-tight blanket hoodie you bought off a discount site, that only Santa's elves would call "oversized," decluttering styles aren't one-size-fits-all. What works for your type-A friend, whose dorm room was always tidy, might not work for you if you majored in procrastination. If you're living with chronic illness, you might need to work in sprints or take advantage of good days with a decluttering marathon. You might be neurospicy and loath to put things away for fear that you might forget they exist. It's me, "Hi!" I can’t speak to your situation, but I can give you a bunch of tools to try until you find what works for you. Just don't count them out if they're not a good fit on the first try. What you deem helpful can change depending on the day and whether you recently had a nap. The important thing isn't how you declutter; it's that you declutter, the goal is the same, no matter what: To carve a home you love without leaving a mess for anyone else to clean up.
3h 23m narrated by Hillary Huber, 172 pages
Kindle Ebook coming September 30, 2027
Genre: Self-Help, Nonfiction, Humor, Organization, Death Cleaning, Decluttering
Featuring: Taking Stuff Out of Bins, End of Chapter Do It Now Activities, Profanity, Finding Your Motivation, Motivators, Clutter Blind, Mental Load, Scarcity Mindset, Getting Your Head in the Game, Learn How to Corral the Chaos, Reimagine Your Home and Write It Down; Plan of Attacks - Brain Dumps, Checklists, 5-Second Approach, Rate Your Stuff, Do The Math, Call A Friend, One Hour to Pack Excerise, 5-Minute Approach, Non Phone Timer, One Task At a Time, Pretend You're Moving, Breaks, Time Blocking, Make It a Habit, Body Doubling, Aim Low, Toss Buyer's Remorse, Do Your Best, Do It Anyway, Before and After Photos, Put A Bin in the Closet; Tips For - Overthinkers, Procrastinators, Structure Lovers, Perfectionists, Visual Learners; Clutter Magnets, Aspirational Clutter, Tackle The Closet, Sentimental Stuff Last, Kitchens and Bathrooms, Food and Medication Storage, Office and Digital Clutter, Phone Clutter, Library Clutter, Heirlooms, Baby Clothes and Wedding Dresses, Don't Be Storage For Family Members, Keeping a Clutter-Free Home, Donations
Rating as a movie: R for adult language
Songs for the soundtrack: "9 To 5" by Dolly Parton
Books and Authors mentioned: Tidy the F*ck Up: The American Art of Organizing Your Sh*t by Messie Condo, The White Lotus by Mike White, Nobody Wants Your Sh*t: The Art of Decluttering Before You Die by Messie Condo, Gilmore Girls by Amy Sherman-Palladino
My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟📦
My thoughts: This book was very good; she did tidy up her language. 😆 I couldn't find the ebook as it's supposedly on pre-sale for 2027, but the hardback was released this summer. It's humorous and to the point. She gives you the why, how, and then covers room-specific solutions. Ultimately, it is an updated and abridged version of her other death cleaning book.
Recommend to others: I highly recommend it, even if you're under 30.
Memorable Quotes: Much like that too-tight blanket hoodie you bought off a discount site, that only Santa's elves would call "oversized," decluttering styles aren't one-size-fits-all. What works for your type-A friend, whose dorm room was always tidy, might not work for you if you majored in procrastination. If you're living with chronic illness, you might need to work in sprints or take advantage of good days with a decluttering marathon. You might be neurospicy and loath to put things away for fear that you might forget they exist. It's me, "Hi!" I can’t speak to your situation, but I can give you a bunch of tools to try until you find what works for you. Just don't count them out if they're not a good fit on the first try. What you deem helpful can change depending on the day and whether you recently had a nap. The important thing isn't how you declutter; it's that you declutter, the goal is the same, no matter what: To carve a home you love without leaving a mess for anyone else to clean up.
October 23, 2025
This book really got me thinking. I want to be a minimalist, but if I’m being honest, I’m a maximalist and constantly decluttering when I get overwhelmed. Listening to this made me laugh at myself a little but also hit me with that gentle reality check about what I’m actually holding onto and why.
What I loved is how easy and real this book felt. It’s not preachy or overwhelming; it’s more like a calm conversation with a friend who gets it. The author breaks down decluttering in small, manageable steps and even talks about things like digital clutter. This book reminded me that it’s not about being perfect, but instead, it’s about making room to breathe. The audiobook narration by Hillary Huber was great as always.
I have found myself wondering who will be responsible for getting rid of all my stuff? If you’ve ever looked around your space and thought, “How did I end up with so much stuff?”, this is your sign to grab this book. It’s short, funny, motivating, and exactly the push I needed to truly and finally let go of a few things (well..a lot of things!) and feel lighter because of it.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC in exchange for my honest reviews.
What I loved is how easy and real this book felt. It’s not preachy or overwhelming; it’s more like a calm conversation with a friend who gets it. The author breaks down decluttering in small, manageable steps and even talks about things like digital clutter. This book reminded me that it’s not about being perfect, but instead, it’s about making room to breathe. The audiobook narration by Hillary Huber was great as always.
I have found myself wondering who will be responsible for getting rid of all my stuff? If you’ve ever looked around your space and thought, “How did I end up with so much stuff?”, this is your sign to grab this book. It’s short, funny, motivating, and exactly the push I needed to truly and finally let go of a few things (well..a lot of things!) and feel lighter because of it.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC in exchange for my honest reviews.
October 26, 2025
The audiobook was enjoyable. I needed it right now. I have too much of my own clutter, but my mom has never paid for trash pick up ... for over 50 years ... and I'm trying to purge so much stuff. I really never want to leave anyone with a similar task.
So much to do. Very good, practical advice. Get to work and start getting to it! (Unfortunately easier said than done.)
When it comes down to it, if you don't enjoy or love something, let it go. What are the benchmark objects in your home that you wouldn't want to part with? as each object passes through your life ... does it stay, does it go, can it be recycled to someone who will love it more than you?
The audio was well narrated by Hillary Huber. Authored by Messie Condo. (Seems like a made up name that I don't think is very funny.)
Many thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to review the advance read of the audio in exchange for an honest review. Rather short around 3 hours. Publication date is Oct 21, 2025.
So much to do. Very good, practical advice. Get to work and start getting to it! (Unfortunately easier said than done.)
When it comes down to it, if you don't enjoy or love something, let it go. What are the benchmark objects in your home that you wouldn't want to part with? as each object passes through your life ... does it stay, does it go, can it be recycled to someone who will love it more than you?
The audio was well narrated by Hillary Huber. Authored by Messie Condo. (Seems like a made up name that I don't think is very funny.)
Many thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to review the advance read of the audio in exchange for an honest review. Rather short around 3 hours. Publication date is Oct 21, 2025.
October 17, 2025
Thank you to Libro fm for the gifted audio!
I thought this was totally fine. I don’t think the tips were necessarily super original or groundbreaking, but I do think it is a very quick and easy read/listen if someone is not really familiar with decluttering or isn’t already pretty good at maintaining a Decluttered space.
To be frank, I think the voice, especially with the narrator was a little bit judgmental and sassy, and I don’t know if it’s just because of how it was read or if the physical book would feel the same way. But I think if I were to give this book to say my parents that have a ton of stuff, I think they would be insulted a little bit by how it’s written? It didn’t feel as warm and friendly as some other decluttering methods do.
Overall, I think there are good tips, but if you are already someone who has practice minimalism or make sure everything in your home at value, I don’t know that this book will be for you.
I thought this was totally fine. I don’t think the tips were necessarily super original or groundbreaking, but I do think it is a very quick and easy read/listen if someone is not really familiar with decluttering or isn’t already pretty good at maintaining a Decluttered space.
To be frank, I think the voice, especially with the narrator was a little bit judgmental and sassy, and I don’t know if it’s just because of how it was read or if the physical book would feel the same way. But I think if I were to give this book to say my parents that have a ton of stuff, I think they would be insulted a little bit by how it’s written? It didn’t feel as warm and friendly as some other decluttering methods do.
Overall, I think there are good tips, but if you are already someone who has practice minimalism or make sure everything in your home at value, I don’t know that this book will be for you.
October 3, 2025
This new organizing book from the author of Tidy the F*ck Up and Nobody Wants Your Sh*t isn’t introducing any ground-shaking organizing techniques, but it does offer a light and approachable overview of existing tips and techniques from a variety of sources. Based on the concept of Swedish Death Cleaning, this book covers why you need to declutter both for yourself and your descendants. It offers overall tips and those area by area with a lower barrier to entry than “take every garment you own and put it on your bed.”
Thank you, NetGalley, for an advanced review copy.
Thank you, NetGalley, for an advanced review copy.
October 30, 2025
This is a Non-Fiction book about Tidying Up. I read this book by listening to the audiobook for this book, and I did enjoy the audiobook. I found there are some things that are repeated several times in this book, and that kind of drove me crazy. I found several things in this book interesting. I really enjoyed reading this book. I found this book to be a quick read. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
December 20, 2025
This was so good and the quote that resonated with me “But if you wait until it’s too late, your kids will be stuck paying their mortgage and yours while the wheels of justice slowly turn”
Get your affairs in order. Enough said.
Get your affairs in order. Enough said.
October 20, 2025
A great primer to get control of the clutter in your life without throwing the baby out with the bathwater.
October 28, 2025
More good decluttering info
October 28, 2025
Kind of repeated the other two with less humor and cleaner language so if the titles of the other two were off putting then this one is for you!
November 8, 2025
Can pry my books from my cold, dead hands. Everything else can go!
November 9, 2025
Audiobook. A much better book than the last one I read on the topic of "death" cleaning and not just a repetition of Mari Kondo's book. It helps that the author has a sense of humor.
December 11, 2025
No new info but the audio is very easy to listen to.
Motivational. Reminds you to get started.
Motivational. Reminds you to get started.
December 12, 2025
Another great quick read. Most things I already knew, but nice to hear the reminders that it's okay to let things go like my mugs and spatulas. :)
October 22, 2025
I love her snark and humane so much. I read her previous book as well. Thanks NetGalley for the audio version of this to review. I enjoyed the narrator a lot. It was a quick, easy and fun listen. Appreciate her ideas. Would recommend.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews