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The Minimalist Way: Minimalism Strategies to Declutter Your Life and Make Room for Joy
Bring Minimalism to Your Home, Work, and Relationships
Discover how to apply the minimalist mindset to every aspect of your life by changing the way you think about your home, career, relationships, family, and money. The Minimalist Way will help you take it one step at a time with simple exercises and activities. Ease into minimalism at your own pace and learn how to let go.
Filled with practical philosophy and easy-to-use strategies for removing unnecessary distractions and stress, this is the essential guidebook for anyone looking to clear out their physical, mental, and emotional clutter.
The Minimalist Way includes:
MINIMALIST PHILOSOPHY―outlines the principles of minimalism and shows you how to define the practice to fit your life.
THE MINIMALIST LIFESTYLE―teaches you how to apply minimalism to your spending, food, clothing, family, leisure time, work, and more.
REAL SOLUTIONS―that help you spend time and energy wisely, including checklists, activities, and troubleshooting tips.
Live simpler. Live better. Live minimalism.
Discover how to apply the minimalist mindset to every aspect of your life by changing the way you think about your home, career, relationships, family, and money. The Minimalist Way will help you take it one step at a time with simple exercises and activities. Ease into minimalism at your own pace and learn how to let go.
Filled with practical philosophy and easy-to-use strategies for removing unnecessary distractions and stress, this is the essential guidebook for anyone looking to clear out their physical, mental, and emotional clutter.
The Minimalist Way includes:
MINIMALIST PHILOSOPHY―outlines the principles of minimalism and shows you how to define the practice to fit your life.
THE MINIMALIST LIFESTYLE―teaches you how to apply minimalism to your spending, food, clothing, family, leisure time, work, and more.
REAL SOLUTIONS―that help you spend time and energy wisely, including checklists, activities, and troubleshooting tips.
Live simpler. Live better. Live minimalism.
157 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2019
1296 people are currently reading
2078 people want to read
About the author
Erica Layne
5 books13 followersERICA LAYNE is a sunset chaser, mom of three, and founder of The Life On Purpose Movement―a community of women doing life with intention. Her website (EricaLayne.co) reaches thousands of women every day, helping them trade overwhelm and fatigue for focus and peace. She lives with her young family in the San Francisco Bay Area.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews
April 8, 2020
Loved this book and the easy in-life practices and deeper values of a more peaceful lifestyle.
November 10, 2019
The real title is "The minimalist way for housewives and mums". I wouldn't have picked it up if I had known that the focus was on family life. There was no indication on the book's description.
It might be an useful guide for some kind of parents (helicopter parents to be honest), but even then I have an issue with the author's tendency to patronising the reader. Oh, so I can't count on each of my 600 Facebook friends? Instagrammers lie to sell products?
What I really take away is the 10/10 wardrobe (Does a new item I buy elevate the average of my wardrobe?). In fact, I'm giving this book an extra star due to this really good idea that I never heard of before and will apply immediately.
It might be an useful guide for some kind of parents (helicopter parents to be honest), but even then I have an issue with the author's tendency to patronising the reader. Oh, so I can't count on each of my 600 Facebook friends? Instagrammers lie to sell products?
What I really take away is the 10/10 wardrobe (Does a new item I buy elevate the average of my wardrobe?). In fact, I'm giving this book an extra star due to this really good idea that I never heard of before and will apply immediately.
December 9, 2020
Really not all that helpful for me personally. It made me appreciate ‘Goodbye Things’ even more, because that books says it like it is and the author acknowledges his own mistakes and flaws, which is so refreshing. He’s also super honest about his own progress with before and after pics, which I found really inspiring. ‘Goodbye Things’ also lists things the things you need to do incredibly clearly and concisely, whereas this book says kind of vague things like, “Plan more, be mindful of what’s important to you, consolidate tasks” etc. This was too suburban/soccer-mum for me.
Basically, what I’m saying is read Goodbye Things instead.
Basically, what I’m saying is read Goodbye Things instead.
January 30, 2020
Great listen on audible. Actionable steps to declutter your day and be more intentional
January 28, 2021
In general, it was an easy book to follow and I wrote down several ideas to try. Namely, to create a challenge with myself about donating 3 items each day for a month. I will try.
However, I was slightly shocked by how the author talked about her friends and neighbors and how messy they were and how hard it has been to be inside their houses. I really hoped she asked the permission to share. Cause it's not pleasant to listen someone talking bad about other people (people who trusted her) homes.
Another thing is that this book is aimed at an "average American person from a good household". She almost laughs at people who keep some items "in case there will be nothing in stores". For her - it's nonsense and a cause for a smile.
Well, I grew up in a country/time where we had limited food for years and items too. The people she talk about are older, they may have had some traumatic experience and it's not something to judge.
I support the way she talks about herself and her family, but it felt like she doesn't respect other people choices WHILE talking that minimalism - is living by your own choices.
However, I was slightly shocked by how the author talked about her friends and neighbors and how messy they were and how hard it has been to be inside their houses. I really hoped she asked the permission to share. Cause it's not pleasant to listen someone talking bad about other people (people who trusted her) homes.
Another thing is that this book is aimed at an "average American person from a good household". She almost laughs at people who keep some items "in case there will be nothing in stores". For her - it's nonsense and a cause for a smile.
Well, I grew up in a country/time where we had limited food for years and items too. The people she talk about are older, they may have had some traumatic experience and it's not something to judge.
I support the way she talks about herself and her family, but it felt like she doesn't respect other people choices WHILE talking that minimalism - is living by your own choices.
November 22, 2019
This book was fine, just... shallow. Brushing the very surface of money, class, heteronormativity and our relationship to things. My expectations were too high.
April 19, 2021
Amazing book with amazing ideas. There is no wow moments for me in the book, yet the book tackles almost every subject that you might need. The most amazing about the author that she didn't represent the concept as a religion. Also she admits that nothing fits all. I highly recommend to read this book and grow this muscle in your life.
May 11, 2021
In the Minimalist Way, the author offers “Minimalism Strategies to Declutter Your Life and Make Room for Joy”. The book does offer practical advices which I appreciated. Certain parts of the book overlap with Marie Kondo’s The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up with the difference that the approach is tuned to people with busy lives; not everyone can free up the time needed to declutter a whole room in a single session. But that’s only one of the chapters. The book covers decluttering other areas such as family life, finances, time and relationships.
July 19, 2020
This was helpful for me to generate an honest conversation with myself and what I value. It was a simple read; perfect for what I was searching for.
I have been moving through these topics mentally on my own, and having a book guide me through that discussion was helpful. Author seems authentic and I enjoyed that.
I have been moving through these topics mentally on my own, and having a book guide me through that discussion was helpful. Author seems authentic and I enjoyed that.
December 18, 2021
I am mildly obsessed with blogs, books, folks who promote simple living. Most of the stuff in this book I have seen before, but I really liked the "workshop" part of it: choosing your top three "guiding values" and then choosing the top 3 values for family, career, home, community/relationships, health/spirituality.
This is an excellent exercise in self-reflection. It's interesting to see the overlap between different facets of our lives, and how a core group of values can lead us on the right path.
I do think that there is a lot of emphasis on decluttering "things" vs. decluttering emotional/intellectual components of our lives. I don't see minimalism as primarily about things, but more about the other facets of our being. And to be honest, clearing out the basement is way easier than decluttering our lives of toxic people, careers, etc. That's the hard, messy part for sure.
Grade: B
This is an excellent exercise in self-reflection. It's interesting to see the overlap between different facets of our lives, and how a core group of values can lead us on the right path.
I do think that there is a lot of emphasis on decluttering "things" vs. decluttering emotional/intellectual components of our lives. I don't see minimalism as primarily about things, but more about the other facets of our being. And to be honest, clearing out the basement is way easier than decluttering our lives of toxic people, careers, etc. That's the hard, messy part for sure.
Grade: B
April 9, 2019
This is a great read! It all feels so doable - Erica gives great examples of how to actually live a minimalistic life. She does it in a way that you can customize to your life and style - it doesn't feel black and white or so overwhelming.
While I definitely have a couple large garbage bags in my trunk ready to go donate after reading this, the physical minimalist information was just a small part of this book. Her discussion about the emotional toll of "stuff" or friendships or money woes or our favorite distractions was very eye opening and so much deeper than other "minimalist" works.
This is a quick read, with some work book qualities that I would recommend to anyone who wants a little more control and direction in their life.
I'm feeling renewed and hopeful.
While I definitely have a couple large garbage bags in my trunk ready to go donate after reading this, the physical minimalist information was just a small part of this book. Her discussion about the emotional toll of "stuff" or friendships or money woes or our favorite distractions was very eye opening and so much deeper than other "minimalist" works.
This is a quick read, with some work book qualities that I would recommend to anyone who wants a little more control and direction in their life.
I'm feeling renewed and hopeful.
January 7, 2020
I think this book tries to cover too much (minimalism for home, career, relationships, family, and money), so it lacks depth in any particular area. However, it's a good book for starting on the minimalist journey, filled with stories to inspire and contemplate your own consumerism. Are you buying things that make you look good? Or are you buying things that make you feel good and enjoy life more? We are constantly chasing the next distraction and instant gratification. This book provides lots of suggestions for seeking more meaningful activities and creating memories (instead of accumulating things).
September 11, 2021
Overall I enjoyed this and found quite a few useful tips on being present in the moment, focusing on what a good life actually means to you and being less stressed by focusing on one thing at a time rather than constantly trying to multitask. It was a little too American and middle class for my liking in that the author assumed that the reader owned a house, had an office, several cars and a basement and / or garage and could always afford to buy more. But still, food for thought and good to listen to while driving.
May 1, 2019
I feel like the author doesn't have a job and just writes from home. So of course you have the time for all of these things. I find most of the suggestions hard to implement when you are at work most of the day and exhausted when you get home.
January 21, 2020
A quick 4-hour listen (2 on double speed). One of the most succinct minimalist books I’ve read - touches on finances, home, relationships, family, work. The author gave good suggestions with gentleness.
January 22, 2020
This book was amazing. The author touched on more topics than just a clean, clutter-free home. She focused on a full life of minimalism from decluttering relationships, your mind, your routine, finances and reclaiming your time. It’s a must read for anyone.
January 28, 2020
Minimalism should be simple.
“Don’t buy unwanted stuff” - that should be it, isn’t it? But there’s a lot more to it.
I buy a lot of stuff in amazon. The power of one click and free second day delivery is intoxicating, but as my friend pointed out, I’m minimalistic as well. I don’t buy unless it replaces something. For instance, I had to change my entire wardrobe for good reasons. I ended up buying five new pants in short order. Good news - that’s all the pants I have now. I can generally see this pattern everywhere now.
The book pointed out a subtle shift that started with my hobbies first - I don’t buy the cheap stuff anymore. That’s an easy way to not buy more stuff than you need. With photography, I’m down to one purchase a year now, instead of two dozen cheap stuff I used to do before. Less clutter.
My two cars are still parked inside the garage. I throw away stuff aggressively. My goal is to keep it that way.
But I have a problem. I do buy stuff. It’s going down, but I do buy them. This book gave me a bunch of tips on head fakes to avoid those. The book can be preachy at times and patronizing, but there are little gems there.
I intermittent fast for food. Started a purchase fast recently - without knowing what it is, this book has given me suggestions on how to make it a lifestyle. Quite useful I think.
Not ready yet to cancel amazon prime, but I will get there.
At the end of it all, everything seems obvious, but that’s the point. Everything is obvious and yet our homes are filled with junk. This book might help.
“Don’t buy unwanted stuff” - that should be it, isn’t it? But there’s a lot more to it.
I buy a lot of stuff in amazon. The power of one click and free second day delivery is intoxicating, but as my friend pointed out, I’m minimalistic as well. I don’t buy unless it replaces something. For instance, I had to change my entire wardrobe for good reasons. I ended up buying five new pants in short order. Good news - that’s all the pants I have now. I can generally see this pattern everywhere now.
The book pointed out a subtle shift that started with my hobbies first - I don’t buy the cheap stuff anymore. That’s an easy way to not buy more stuff than you need. With photography, I’m down to one purchase a year now, instead of two dozen cheap stuff I used to do before. Less clutter.
My two cars are still parked inside the garage. I throw away stuff aggressively. My goal is to keep it that way.
But I have a problem. I do buy stuff. It’s going down, but I do buy them. This book gave me a bunch of tips on head fakes to avoid those. The book can be preachy at times and patronizing, but there are little gems there.
I intermittent fast for food. Started a purchase fast recently - without knowing what it is, this book has given me suggestions on how to make it a lifestyle. Quite useful I think.
Not ready yet to cancel amazon prime, but I will get there.
At the end of it all, everything seems obvious, but that’s the point. Everything is obvious and yet our homes are filled with junk. This book might help.
November 9, 2024
Avtorica opredeli minimalizem na področju doma, dela, družinskega življenja, financ, gospodarjenja s časom in odnosov.
Všeč mi je, da knjiga v vsakem poglavju hitro preide k bistvu; ni zgodbic in anekdot iz življenja ljudi, ampak se osredotoča na nasvete, kako zmanjšati "navlako" v življenju. Layne podaja zelo veliko praktičnih primerov, kako zmanjšati negativne vplive digitalnih vsebin na naše počutje, kako se znebiti krame iz naših bivališč, kako se osredotočiti na tisto, kar nam je najpomembnejše itd.
Kaj več od knjige s takšno tematiko ne bi pričakovala, saj je napisana "minimalistično" in ne ovinkari, vseeno pa bi, za pet zvezdic, dodala še slikovno gradivo (vsaj v poglavju o ureditvi doma).
Všeč mi je, da knjiga v vsakem poglavju hitro preide k bistvu; ni zgodbic in anekdot iz življenja ljudi, ampak se osredotoča na nasvete, kako zmanjšati "navlako" v življenju. Layne podaja zelo veliko praktičnih primerov, kako zmanjšati negativne vplive digitalnih vsebin na naše počutje, kako se znebiti krame iz naših bivališč, kako se osredotočiti na tisto, kar nam je najpomembnejše itd.
Kaj več od knjige s takšno tematiko ne bi pričakovala, saj je napisana "minimalistično" in ne ovinkari, vseeno pa bi, za pet zvezdic, dodala še slikovno gradivo (vsaj v poglavju o ureditvi doma).
December 21, 2022
It took me a long time to finish this, as there was a lot of content and practical suggestions. It made me think about my life and how I want things to be, including values I hold and things I want to prioritize.
The structure was great, as it gave suggestions each topic and they were practical. It’s almost a book you need to revisit every year to think about goals and vision again.
In the beginning it was a little fluffy, but I did find overall the content to be practical and useful. I especially liked the idea of finding one item each day for the whole year to donate or let go of!
The structure was great, as it gave suggestions each topic and they were practical. It’s almost a book you need to revisit every year to think about goals and vision again.
In the beginning it was a little fluffy, but I did find overall the content to be practical and useful. I especially liked the idea of finding one item each day for the whole year to donate or let go of!
October 5, 2021
This book deserves more than 5 stars! It’s a beautifully written book that encourages you to examine your life and what’s important to you, gently coaching you to keep what matters and let go of what doesn’t. It’s about decluttering physical things, yes…also about examining our lives from all angles yo make sure the choices we are making align with our truest values.
I’m so thankful to have had the opportunity to read this book on my minimalism journey! I didn’t want the book to end!
I’m so thankful to have had the opportunity to read this book on my minimalism journey! I didn’t want the book to end!
January 29, 2020
Short and helpful book listing tips and strategies for uncluttering life.
Striving for breadth over depth, the text reads like an extended magazine article with bullet points. However, there are many useful tips, some I read in other books, and having them gathered together was helpful and helped de clutter my electronic book shelf.
Striving for breadth over depth, the text reads like an extended magazine article with bullet points. However, there are many useful tips, some I read in other books, and having them gathered together was helpful and helped de clutter my electronic book shelf.
January 6, 2020
Pretty good. Lots of useful theories, statements, and practices - nothing I didn't know, but certainly packaged in a no-nonsense, useful way.
January 7, 2020
A beautiful look at the journey and mentality!
January 16, 2020
I listened to this on audio. It's definitely a book I'll be listening to again & again. It's loaded with a lot of helpful tips but it's a lot to take in all at once.
January 13, 2021
음....그냥 작작사고 필요한것만 사라고 하는책임
September 26, 2023
Wonderful book with plenty of advice on how to declutter our lives.
April 8, 2025
A sweet little book that had so much knowledge and tips for minimizing the clutter in ALL aspects of life. Want to read this again so that I can focus on a bunch of little parts of this.
March 2, 2022
Meh. Stuff you already know really, she kind of piggy backs on Marie Kondo and other minimalists or ideologies. It doesn't feel unique which is a shame because I thought it would be something new. Not really. Get rid of your stuff, know why to keep it out, hug your fam. Simple stuff really
May 16, 2024
The Minimalist Way was just an okay read. I've already forgotten most of what I read, as it just wasn't memorable. I didn't agree with a lot of the things said and didn't think there was much practical advice to implement.
One thing I did like was the 10/10 wardrobe idea and only adding something to your wardrobe if it is going to increase the overall number of your closet. A neat idea and one I still think about weeks after finishing this book.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
One thing I did like was the 10/10 wardrobe idea and only adding something to your wardrobe if it is going to increase the overall number of your closet. A neat idea and one I still think about weeks after finishing this book.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews