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Lose the Clutter, Lose the Weight: The Six-Week Total-Life Slim Down
Acheive significant weight loss, a calmer mind, and a more organized, happier, efficient life
A houseful of clutter may not be the only reason people pack on extra pounds, but research proves that it plays a big role. A recent study showed that people with super-cluttered homes were 77 percent more likely to be overweight or obese! Why? Organization guru Peter Walsh thinks it's because people can't make their best choices—their healthiest choices—in a cluttered, messy, disorganized home.
In Lose the Clutter, Lose the Weight, Walsh weaves together a 6-week program that leads you step-by-step through decluttering your home, your body, and your life. He'll help
• Clear your home of excess "stuff" as you discover your vision for your personal space
• Clear your body of excess pounds as you follow a healthy, super-simple eating and exercise plan
• Clear your mind and spirit of the excess weight of too many possessions
With a room-by room organizing guide, dietitian-approved eating plan, exercise physiologist–developed fitness program, and quizzes to get to the root of your problem, Lose the Clutter, Lose the Weight is the only book you need to help you clear the clutter and zap the pounds.
A houseful of clutter may not be the only reason people pack on extra pounds, but research proves that it plays a big role. A recent study showed that people with super-cluttered homes were 77 percent more likely to be overweight or obese! Why? Organization guru Peter Walsh thinks it's because people can't make their best choices—their healthiest choices—in a cluttered, messy, disorganized home.
In Lose the Clutter, Lose the Weight, Walsh weaves together a 6-week program that leads you step-by-step through decluttering your home, your body, and your life. He'll help
• Clear your home of excess "stuff" as you discover your vision for your personal space
• Clear your body of excess pounds as you follow a healthy, super-simple eating and exercise plan
• Clear your mind and spirit of the excess weight of too many possessions
With a room-by room organizing guide, dietitian-approved eating plan, exercise physiologist–developed fitness program, and quizzes to get to the root of your problem, Lose the Clutter, Lose the Weight is the only book you need to help you clear the clutter and zap the pounds.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published February 24, 2015
866 people are currently reading
2542 people want to read
About the author
Peter Walsh
37 books179 followersBorn and raised in Australia, Peter moved to Los Angeles in 1994 to launch a corporation to help organizations improve employee’s job satisfaction and effectiveness. He considers himself to be part-contractor, part-therapist in his approach to helping individuals attain their goals.
When not wading through clutter and large-scale disorganization, Peter divides his time between his work in Los Angeles and visiting Australia as frequently as possible. Peter’s passions include mid-century architecture and design, home renovation and transforming chaos into order.
When not wading through clutter and large-scale disorganization, Peter divides his time between his work in Los Angeles and visiting Australia as frequently as possible. Peter’s passions include mid-century architecture and design, home renovation and transforming chaos into order.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
May 14, 2016
For a book that's about reducing clutter, there is sooooo much word clutter in it! I slugged through this while familiarizing myself with the Hoopla database at work. I’m on a declutter kick and this book had the extra promise of losing weight as well. It makes sense. The less you have, the less you have to clean, the less stress you have, the more time you have to exercise and do things you like. Win win win win win.
This book is for people who need structure. The author noticed that once you start decluttering your house, you also start to lose weight, through the actual exercise from cleaning, and also the lack of stress your clutter is causing. He took it a step further to enhance results by tacking on a simple meal plan and exercise routine. This aspect didn’t work well for me because I already have a workout routine and eat healthily.
This book is seriously bogged down by word clutter. The first half is practically singing itself praises, telling you how awesome the process is, and generally trying to sell you this book. If I’m reading this book, you’ve already sold it to me. The title convinced me to read it. I don’t need half the book trying to convince me to read the book as I’m already in the process of reading the book.
One of the ways the author tries to sell you on his method is by citing studies, surveys, and polls. I’m willing to bet anyone who has the time and willingness to do the math that at least 65% of the paragraphs in this book mention at least one of the above three. There was a phrase that he used when discussing heirlooms: “When you think that everything’s important, then nothing becomes important.” He uses so many studies to back up his claims but many of them don’t hold up to scrutiny. One study in particular focused on nine German men over a six week period in which they were all observed for a total of three nights each. That’s such a small sample size and time frame that it's ridiculous to cite in any book to prove any sort of point.
I digress.
There were two solid ideas I’m taking away from this book to incorporate into my own process. I really liked the idea of before and after photos. I’m currently in the process of severely cutting back on my bedroom clutter and I do wish I had a picture of what it started out like to motivate me to keep going and help me appreciate how far I’ve come.
The other (and most important, in my opinion) idea was, instead of thinking in terms of what do I want for a room, thinking of what I want from a room. Usually people think about what they want a room to look like (leading to the purchase of more items to achieve this idea), not how they want to feel by being in the room. Purpose rather than aesthetics. I like it and will definitely add it to my personalized regimen.
I find that many of these declutter books are padded with extraneous information because, really, the key to keeping things decluttered can be summed up in a pamphlet or booklet. If you want basic tips, I recommend The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo - A 15-minute Summary & Analysis: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing. The original book by Ms. Kondo is also helpful but still cluttered with self-praise and anecdotes.
This book is for people who need structure. The author noticed that once you start decluttering your house, you also start to lose weight, through the actual exercise from cleaning, and also the lack of stress your clutter is causing. He took it a step further to enhance results by tacking on a simple meal plan and exercise routine. This aspect didn’t work well for me because I already have a workout routine and eat healthily.
This book is seriously bogged down by word clutter. The first half is practically singing itself praises, telling you how awesome the process is, and generally trying to sell you this book. If I’m reading this book, you’ve already sold it to me. The title convinced me to read it. I don’t need half the book trying to convince me to read the book as I’m already in the process of reading the book.
One of the ways the author tries to sell you on his method is by citing studies, surveys, and polls. I’m willing to bet anyone who has the time and willingness to do the math that at least 65% of the paragraphs in this book mention at least one of the above three. There was a phrase that he used when discussing heirlooms: “When you think that everything’s important, then nothing becomes important.” He uses so many studies to back up his claims but many of them don’t hold up to scrutiny. One study in particular focused on nine German men over a six week period in which they were all observed for a total of three nights each. That’s such a small sample size and time frame that it's ridiculous to cite in any book to prove any sort of point.
I digress.
There were two solid ideas I’m taking away from this book to incorporate into my own process. I really liked the idea of before and after photos. I’m currently in the process of severely cutting back on my bedroom clutter and I do wish I had a picture of what it started out like to motivate me to keep going and help me appreciate how far I’ve come.
The other (and most important, in my opinion) idea was, instead of thinking in terms of what do I want for a room, thinking of what I want from a room. Usually people think about what they want a room to look like (leading to the purchase of more items to achieve this idea), not how they want to feel by being in the room. Purpose rather than aesthetics. I like it and will definitely add it to my personalized regimen.
I find that many of these declutter books are padded with extraneous information because, really, the key to keeping things decluttered can be summed up in a pamphlet or booklet. If you want basic tips, I recommend The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo - A 15-minute Summary & Analysis: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing. The original book by Ms. Kondo is also helpful but still cluttered with self-praise and anecdotes.
June 23, 2017
The organization guru from tv takes on a double whammy - weight and houses. His premise is that folks with tendencies towards hoarding/cluttering are more likely to have issues with weight; and yes he has a few studies to back it up. The suggestions for eating and exercise are fairly basic, common sense kind of things, but he makes a lot of good suggestions regarding creating a better, more organized home.
Things/quotes to remember:
If the stuff you own is not helping you create the life you want, then let it go.
Always look beyond the product to understand what's really motivating your purchases.
Commit to becoming the person you wish to be and carve out the time for what needs to be done!
Don't believe everything you think.
Self-compassion is a more effective motivator than self-criticism.
Create a vision. This is the first step for almost anything and Walsh uses this to direct organizing efforts.
Make sure the appearance & contents of the room support the activities you're planning to do here.
Decide what you want your food to do for you.
Embrace the digital age & free up the space that once held years' worth of musty paper.
Things aren't people.
Your hands are only so big, too. If you're carrying too much stuff, you might not be able to pick up something new that your life offers you.
It's not about the stuff.
If you open something, close it. If you get something out, put it away. If you move something, put it back where it belongs. If you borrow something, return it.
Things/quotes to remember:
If the stuff you own is not helping you create the life you want, then let it go.
Always look beyond the product to understand what's really motivating your purchases.
Commit to becoming the person you wish to be and carve out the time for what needs to be done!
Don't believe everything you think.
Self-compassion is a more effective motivator than self-criticism.
Create a vision. This is the first step for almost anything and Walsh uses this to direct organizing efforts.
Make sure the appearance & contents of the room support the activities you're planning to do here.
Decide what you want your food to do for you.
Embrace the digital age & free up the space that once held years' worth of musty paper.
Things aren't people.
Your hands are only so big, too. If you're carrying too much stuff, you might not be able to pick up something new that your life offers you.
It's not about the stuff.
If you open something, close it. If you get something out, put it away. If you move something, put it back where it belongs. If you borrow something, return it.
April 27, 2015
I really liked this book. I did the 6 week challenge. I confess I didn't focus on the diet as much as the decluttering. I wasn't able to finish each space in the designated week time, but I made HUGE progress and it has been so wonderful!! I have gotten rid of so many bags of give away items and garbage. I liked defining each space and making sure what stayed in the space was useful for the purpose. I'm glad I own this book, because I have gone back over many things. I plan to review and follow the healthy eating plan as I continue to finish my decluttering.
This has been one of the best things I've done. I am a procrastinator and part of it is because tackling some of these things just seemed too hard or would take too long. As I followed the plan and had to deal with cleaning under the bed or organizing the finances in one place, I found that it wasn't as bad or as hard as I thought it would be. I became excited and uplifted by the process. I wanted each space to be easier to clean and I save so much time and get things done faster.
I highly recommend this book. There is so much information packed into this book, I will be referring back to it over and over again.
This has been one of the best things I've done. I am a procrastinator and part of it is because tackling some of these things just seemed too hard or would take too long. As I followed the plan and had to deal with cleaning under the bed or organizing the finances in one place, I found that it wasn't as bad or as hard as I thought it would be. I became excited and uplifted by the process. I wanted each space to be easier to clean and I save so much time and get things done faster.
I highly recommend this book. There is so much information packed into this book, I will be referring back to it over and over again.
read-a-few-pages-just-not-for-me
May 8, 2017Seems gimmicky to me. Skimmed.
October 3, 2018
I hesitate to review this book because I'm slightly embarrassed by it. Well, guess what, Self, it was a fine book so suck it up! Is there a lot of groundbreaking stuff here? Not really, no. Do I think the program would work if you follow it? I sure do (so long as you set your expectations correctly). Am I going to do the program? Let me ask my wife.
I appreciated Mr. Walsh's insight into his methods for decluttering. I've taken in a few books on the topic now, and let me tell you: there is no whispering to your clothes in this one. I'm interested in reading another one of his books without the exercise program tacked on; but I am glad that connection was highlighted here.
I appreciated Mr. Walsh's insight into his methods for decluttering. I've taken in a few books on the topic now, and let me tell you: there is no whispering to your clothes in this one. I'm interested in reading another one of his books without the exercise program tacked on; but I am glad that connection was highlighted here.
January 11, 2020
I read this because there was a long waitlist at the library for Walsh’s newer book, “Let It Go.”
My biggest takeaway is that my house is nowhere near as cluttered as I thought. I regularly practice most of what Walsh preaches (side note: he is reeeaaallly lecture-y). His advice is very practical but also very obvious. Meh. 2.5 stars
My biggest takeaway is that my house is nowhere near as cluttered as I thought. I regularly practice most of what Walsh preaches (side note: he is reeeaaallly lecture-y). His advice is very practical but also very obvious. Meh. 2.5 stars
February 8, 2021
This book is sort of what I'd consider the "western version" of Marie Kondo's method. While he doesn't ask you what "sparks joy" he DOES encourage you to remove objects that make you sad or upset, cause tension, or don't serve you in some way from your living space. He encourages purposeful design, organization, and practicality over aesthetic and emotion.
I like reading books about decluttering and time management. They get me motivated and remind me that feeling overwhelmed is temporary, as all feelings are. The weight factor was sort of secondary; I wasn't looking for it, but I peeked to see what was useful.
I actually liked the weight section because it wasn't incredibly condescending or "buy all this stuff and follow this exact meal plan for the rest of your life!" There were guidelines. There were goals. They started from 1 and worked their way up to 5 each week, and were easily modified depending on your activity level to start with. There weren't a thousand formulas thrown at you and words that only make sense when you're in the know, and he assumed little.
I like reading books about decluttering and time management. They get me motivated and remind me that feeling overwhelmed is temporary, as all feelings are. The weight factor was sort of secondary; I wasn't looking for it, but I peeked to see what was useful.
I actually liked the weight section because it wasn't incredibly condescending or "buy all this stuff and follow this exact meal plan for the rest of your life!" There were guidelines. There were goals. They started from 1 and worked their way up to 5 each week, and were easily modified depending on your activity level to start with. There weren't a thousand formulas thrown at you and words that only make sense when you're in the know, and he assumed little.
November 27, 2015
Walsh argues that we are overcluttered and overweight because we've let ourselves drift into the easy default setting; we are no longer thinking about our habits.
Why I started this book: I love organizing and I been feeling out of control for a while. Something about moving to a foreign country can do that to a girl.
Why I finished it: Part philosophy, part instruction manual, this book was just a reminder to pay attention and rethink your habits. Liked the plans, and I am working my way thru my apartment. I think that my favorite quote was "Clutter is a delayed decision." Meaning find a home for it or throw it out.
Why I started this book: I love organizing and I been feeling out of control for a while. Something about moving to a foreign country can do that to a girl.
Why I finished it: Part philosophy, part instruction manual, this book was just a reminder to pay attention and rethink your habits. Liked the plans, and I am working my way thru my apartment. I think that my favorite quote was "Clutter is a delayed decision." Meaning find a home for it or throw it out.
March 6, 2015
To be honest, I requested this book because I loved watching Peter Walsh on TLC in the show Clean Sweep. I would have loved for him to come into my home and TRY to make me throw/give away some of my shoes! Even his Australian accent wouldn't have been able to save him!
If you need a total overhaul of your life, this book would give you a good basic place to start but if you are looking for a miracle to losing clutter and weight this is probably not going to do it for you.
If you need a total overhaul of your life, this book would give you a good basic place to start but if you are looking for a miracle to losing clutter and weight this is probably not going to do it for you.
January 25, 2016
Australian organizational guru Peter Walsh (Clean Sweep) makes an interesting point: Household clutter not only affects our homes; it affects our weight and emotions as well. Mr. Walsh has some very practical and tested solutions for people suffering from extreme cases of hoarding and obesity. For the right person, this is worth reading and applying.
May 2, 2022
I listened to this on audiobook. I was interested in it because I'm moving and need to get rid of stuff and was looking for guidance in this area. He talks a lot about bring stuff into your house which isn't really my problem. I have a bunch of inherited stuff to get rid of and making decisions about those items. He gives good tips on getting rid if stuff.
May 19, 2017
For someone that is nearing hoardville or obesity, this would be a good start. I really liked reading the participants success stories and I had a few good laughs, really serious gut laughter on page 259:
Heree are some other suggestions: Have everyoe in the f amily pile every single book in your home on the floor of the living room and sort them. For every four you keep, you have to take one to the Goodwill or the used-book store. (Or more if you really want to weed out your collection!) After you box up the non-keepers and take them to your car, you'll have gotten serveral minutes of walking and lifting.
IF I were to do this, it would be much easier to clear out from each bookshelf section I have them in; studio, living room, office, loft, breakfast nook, bedroom. I have moved across country and gave up space in a moving truck for my books and leaving behind a beautiful dining room table and chairs. Enough said.
The book was interesting, borrowed from the library.
Heree are some other suggestions: Have everyoe in the f amily pile every single book in your home on the floor of the living room and sort them. For every four you keep, you have to take one to the Goodwill or the used-book store. (Or more if you really want to weed out your collection!) After you box up the non-keepers and take them to your car, you'll have gotten serveral minutes of walking and lifting.
IF I were to do this, it would be much easier to clear out from each bookshelf section I have them in; studio, living room, office, loft, breakfast nook, bedroom. I have moved across country and gave up space in a moving truck for my books and leaving behind a beautiful dining room table and chairs. Enough said.
The book was interesting, borrowed from the library.
August 23, 2018
Lose the Clutter, Lose the Weight I am on a mission to clean my house out. We got a lot of stuff when we got married. We got more when family got some new things, when someone died (i.e. my mother died and we inherited items from my dad's house), my fil is saying his house can be cleaned up and out and things from there are coming into my house. We have to sort through them and find out if they are worth anything and decide what to do. All of this is causing me stress and I am working on getting these items out of my house as best I can. My husband is having a hard time letting go of some items, just as my fil and bil are having trouble letting go. My sil told me you have to listen to some books by Peter Walsh. I downloaded the books and he makes a lot of sense. I clean an area and work on the items from fil's house and then clean up another area and do the same over and over. I am inspired and encouraging my kids to get on board. I am hoping that my husband can get into the grove and help us get this accomplished.
If you feel like it, check this book out. Now to go get some food for my kids and I and maybe take a walk and get ready for some more house cleaning.
If you feel like it, check this book out. Now to go get some food for my kids and I and maybe take a walk and get ready for some more house cleaning.
March 27, 2018
I was so ticked off for the longest time! The narrator of this audio book, Shaun Grindell, is English. Peter Walsh is Australian. The accents are NOT the same though both are pleasant. And I kept hearing Peter Walsh’s voice for the longest time. I had to set this aside for a bit before I could get into it.
It is a little bit funny to have someone tell you how to do an exercise.
Most of this is rehashing things I’ve been hearing at my Weight Watchers meetings the last few years. It’s good to hear someone else rephrase the message (be mindful, have intentions, think about what you want from *fill in the blank*) to make you consider it again.
It was motivating me to get rid of things for a swap event.
It is a little bit funny to have someone tell you how to do an exercise.
Most of this is rehashing things I’ve been hearing at my Weight Watchers meetings the last few years. It’s good to hear someone else rephrase the message (be mindful, have intentions, think about what you want from *fill in the blank*) to make you consider it again.
It was motivating me to get rid of things for a swap event.
February 23, 2018
I'm stopping here. First DNF if the year!
As interested as I am to live a healthier lifestyle, and I am, unfortunately this is not the book for me.
Never seen Peter Walsh on television, I came into this blind and was intrigued by the title but there is nothing new here that I'm not already doing. Within what I did manage to read I realized that alot of what he is talking about I already do and I skimmed the rest of the book and was like "I already do that" or "I just started to do that" based on my own needs to get some space back.
As interested as I am to live a healthier lifestyle, and I am, unfortunately this is not the book for me.
Never seen Peter Walsh on television, I came into this blind and was intrigued by the title but there is nothing new here that I'm not already doing. Within what I did manage to read I realized that alot of what he is talking about I already do and I skimmed the rest of the book and was like "I already do that" or "I just started to do that" based on my own needs to get some space back.
February 10, 2024
Very redundant and lengthy introduction meant that I really had difficulty connecting with the actual recommendations. I thought the recommendations were fine but very basic: if you're read any other decluttering or weight loss books ever, you can skip this. It felt like this was a book to meet a contract obligation, but necessarily to add new ideas.
November 13, 2021
Ambitious book. Makes a lot of claims about hoarders and weight/obesity that are sort of dated and also oversimplified and judgmental. What are his qualifications for the weight loss and exercise programs? None, as far as I could find and that part should have been co-written by an expert.
This book seemed more oriented toward those with more serious issues than “clutter” and “overweight” and certainly 6 weeks isn’t enough of an intervention for them if they are hoarders who are obese.
that said, some good tips for organizing and getting rid of clutter can be found in there
This book seemed more oriented toward those with more serious issues than “clutter” and “overweight” and certainly 6 weeks isn’t enough of an intervention for them if they are hoarders who are obese.
that said, some good tips for organizing and getting rid of clutter can be found in there
December 18, 2025
The title (& some of the writing) is a bit hokey, but he makes some solid points, and this could be a great manual for someone who was feeling stuck and wanted a reset, but had little / no experience with decluttering / lifestyle change.
I liked “clutter is delayed decisions.”
I liked “clutter is delayed decisions.”
July 29, 2017
I think that I would have benefited more from this book if I had the hard copy rather than the Kindle version that I borrowed from the Library. With the time crunch and the inability to print the questionnaire, I wasn't able to get through the process as he has has it written. That said, it did give a lot of insight and great ideas. I'll probably end up picking up a copy for myself.
April 14, 2015
I love this book. It really helps me get started clearing the clutter, and let go of the sentimental things that I just don't need. The diet plan I will be starting in the next couple weeks, and the de-cluttering will start next week as well. I wanted to read it first, then use it to work through the program later. It was such a great way to go through and relieve the stress the clutter brings. Just a wonderful book, includes different exercises to do, and a walking regimen that starts slow and works up to a half hour a day. The physical stuff in this book is easy to start into your life, and there are a ton of tasty recipes for all meals, snacks and beverages. Very tasty stuff!
For the meal plan there are lots of choices for each meal, and the recipes are full of good, nutritious foods. This is a great program, and I'm looking forward to starting it soon. The book was easy to read, and full of success stories to help keep the reader inspired to continue.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I was not paid for my review, and all opinions are my own.
For the meal plan there are lots of choices for each meal, and the recipes are full of good, nutritious foods. This is a great program, and I'm looking forward to starting it soon. The book was easy to read, and full of success stories to help keep the reader inspired to continue.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I was not paid for my review, and all opinions are my own.
March 31, 2015
"Clutter is too much stuff scattered in the wrong place!" This is the second book I've read recently on the topic of decluttering and both books have linked decluttering to happier and healthier lives! This book provided a 6 week step by step plan, complete with meals and exercise. A bit overwhelming if you ask me! The main takeaways for me:
1. Clutter is decisions delayed.
2. Keep horizontal surfaces clean.
3. Every item should have a home.
I would have liked to see Before and After pictures of the testers' homes who went through the pilot program. I was less interested in their weight loss journey and more interested in seeing simpler, clutter-free rooms. The tests in the beginning of the book were interesting to define if we have more trouble acquiring (bringing into the home) or discarding (taking things out of the home). I would have loved the opportunity to be a test case for the pilot!
1. Clutter is decisions delayed.
2. Keep horizontal surfaces clean.
3. Every item should have a home.
I would have liked to see Before and After pictures of the testers' homes who went through the pilot program. I was less interested in their weight loss journey and more interested in seeing simpler, clutter-free rooms. The tests in the beginning of the book were interesting to define if we have more trouble acquiring (bringing into the home) or discarding (taking things out of the home). I would have loved the opportunity to be a test case for the pilot!
August 16, 2015
In attempting to give advice on several topics--how to declutter your home, how to lose weight, how to exercise, how to be mindful--this book ends up providing only cursory information on all areas except organization, which is the author's area of expertise. Ironically, this book about clearing clutter is quite cluttered: the "how to" part doesn't even begin until almost the middle of the book.
And regarding organization, the author recommends a room by room approach, which, I've learned from reading the advice of Marie Kondo, is not ideal. To truly tackle clutter, approaching the home holistically is more effective. The advise on healthy eating, although quite limited, is at least sensible.
And regarding organization, the author recommends a room by room approach, which, I've learned from reading the advice of Marie Kondo, is not ideal. To truly tackle clutter, approaching the home holistically is more effective. The advise on healthy eating, although quite limited, is at least sensible.
March 16, 2017
Nope nope nope, couldn't even finish
November 7, 2019
There is no shocking or new information in this book, but everything Walsh says is true and important to keeping a healthy body and an organized life.
December 19, 2017
Overview: It's nice to read about some of the scientific studies behind people with clutter tendencies. Just realizing that a deficient self-regulation could be a large factor is a little relieving, actually, because it's an area that can be worked upon. Cluttering and gaining weight are not Fate because we can change. Walsh walks the reader through a series of confidence-building exercises that will have people slimming down and stepping up to challenging-yet-doable organization tasks. A really interesting read.
Favourite quotes:
"You can make mindfulnchoices that more accurately reflect the life you want. But first, you'll need to examine the way you interact with the world around you. You have to identify the habits and small daily choices that led your home and body to become overstuffed, and you have to let go of those, too."
"You can see people's sadness and fears in the clutter around them."
"Mindfulness isn't about controlling your mind, but simply watching what it does so you learn how it works."
"Don't believe everything you think." ~ bumper sticker
"This about progress, not perfection."
"Truthfully, you're not going to have an end point when it comes to staying mentally and physically fit while living in an uncluttered home. If you're alive, you're not finished."
Favourite quotes:
"You can make mindfulnchoices that more accurately reflect the life you want. But first, you'll need to examine the way you interact with the world around you. You have to identify the habits and small daily choices that led your home and body to become overstuffed, and you have to let go of those, too."
"You can see people's sadness and fears in the clutter around them."
"Mindfulness isn't about controlling your mind, but simply watching what it does so you learn how it works."
"Don't believe everything you think." ~ bumper sticker
"This about progress, not perfection."
"Truthfully, you're not going to have an end point when it comes to staying mentally and physically fit while living in an uncluttered home. If you're alive, you're not finished."
February 1, 2017
I'm a little undecided how much I liked this book. It was probably not the best book to listen to on audio instead of read. On audio the exercise descriptions came across as tedious, the diet plan was just "go online and read the lists" and so forth. Maybe if I do decide to try the plan I will actually get the hard copy of the book.
Although I do not really have a lot of clutter, I do have stuff I don't need and find hard to get rid of. So I hope to try Peter's plan in some manner. The workout descriptions seemed partly too tedious in the book descriptions, and partly too gimmicky - using bags of clutter to lift weight and so forth.
I do like that he talks about why people acquire things or can't get rid of things. Those ideas and thoughts are good to know about, as even if you aren't a hoarder or clutter bug, you can still be affected by those things, particularly the malignancies he talks about. Those malignancies are probably the stuff that I need to get rid of. That and the "I might need it someday" mentality as he explains it makes me feel a little better about some things that I got rid of when I married, just to find that I maybe would use now. Better to have to buy a few things again someday than to store a hundred things that you don't need.
Although I do not really have a lot of clutter, I do have stuff I don't need and find hard to get rid of. So I hope to try Peter's plan in some manner. The workout descriptions seemed partly too tedious in the book descriptions, and partly too gimmicky - using bags of clutter to lift weight and so forth.
I do like that he talks about why people acquire things or can't get rid of things. Those ideas and thoughts are good to know about, as even if you aren't a hoarder or clutter bug, you can still be affected by those things, particularly the malignancies he talks about. Those malignancies are probably the stuff that I need to get rid of. That and the "I might need it someday" mentality as he explains it makes me feel a little better about some things that I got rid of when I married, just to find that I maybe would use now. Better to have to buy a few things again someday than to store a hundred things that you don't need.
June 19, 2020
There were components of this book that I really appreciated: the weight-clutter connection, and the reasons for which we may find ourselves mired in both. Walsh's advice includes principles of minimalism I've used before, such as owning only what serves your life right now-- not your past or the life you aspire to. Be mindful when eating; use the bedroom for sleep and intimacy only (no tv, etc.) So I do like a lot of the advice presented here.
The case studies feel a little outdated and are clearly geared toward a 40-50-something female crowd. While they presented some good stories and examples, I would have liked to see more variety here. The "lose the weight" component of this book, written by an unnamed dietitian, is largely common sense and highly calorie-restricted (I subscribe to more of a whole-foods-diet approach).
On the whole, some truly solid advice... but I'd direct readers to other minimalism books, for the most part. Those looking to both diet and lose clutter, though, may find this book of particular help. I'll put it in our New Years' display mix at the library!
The case studies feel a little outdated and are clearly geared toward a 40-50-something female crowd. While they presented some good stories and examples, I would have liked to see more variety here. The "lose the weight" component of this book, written by an unnamed dietitian, is largely common sense and highly calorie-restricted (I subscribe to more of a whole-foods-diet approach).
On the whole, some truly solid advice... but I'd direct readers to other minimalism books, for the most part. Those looking to both diet and lose clutter, though, may find this book of particular help. I'll put it in our New Years' display mix at the library!
February 8, 2018
I love how motivating and imspiring that this book is. It telling you how clutter and weight go hand in hand. It really encourages you to get rid of it. You have to take it step by step. You just put one foot in front of the other. In other words this book gets an excellent rating. I would recommend this book to my brother to read or anyone who is in need for motivation as to do with their overly loaded space. It just tells you to just take small steps. On the exercise it tells you to walk at least 3 times a. week. Actuallly to be more active. Also to watch what you eat.. To eat more fruits and vegezabes. Ylu need to be more mindful. in all areas of your life. Weather thats shopping ,eating orexervising or spending your idol time.
Well all that stufff just like weight did not get herd over night. It took some time to collect. It takes time to get rid of it.
Well all that stufff just like weight did not get herd over night. It took some time to collect. It takes time to get rid of it.
November 12, 2018
Peter Walsh looks into the science of the direct correlation of clutter and weight. This book gives you direct and simple guidelines to lose weight and clutter. He also talked about mindfulness, and how you need to cut yourself some slack. "Being hard on yourself don't move you toward the changes you want." There is very usable diet plan, with lots of options. And there is a step by step decluttering guide, room by room. In fact after I read it I decluttered some stuff that had been around for a long long time. The only problem for me is that he wanted you to start in the kitchen. And for me that is the hardest place to declutter, because I have no storage space and that is where everyone else's clutter is, too. That said I did take 4 bags of stuff to Bethesda from my craft closet and bedroom and burned a lot of stuff, too. So it made me feel better for awhile. Until I looked at the rest of my house!
February 24, 2019
A good read. But ultimately Maria Kondo wins my heart. I think it's all in the presentation of the positive over the negative. Peter is telling us to get rid of the negative (good advice, still) while Maria Kondo says to keep what "sparks joy." Peter says do a first, then second, then deep pass over the clothes in your closet and then in your dresser. Marie says to pile it all on the bed and then go through it one piece at at time to keep what makes you happy, and to thank the clothes you are done with. I think this provides the deep visual that helps make getting rid of things easier. And it's amazing how saying the same thing in a positive way makes us happier. After all, we don't want to focus on the bad but the good. So - sorry Peter while this is a good book that makes lots of good points, Marie is taking our hearts.
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