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The Simple Life Guide To Decluttering Your Life: The How-To Book of Doing More with Less and Focusing on the Things That Matter
Break free of clutter, be true to yourself, and live your best life! After teaching thousands of people how to step off the burnout treadmill, Gary Collins shares his successful step-by-step process. Packed with realistic solutions and straightforward, no-nonsense advice, this book reveals how to overcome crippling frustration to realign your priorities and usher in a healthier, freer, more enjoyable way of living. You'll discover: what freedom really looks like and how to harness it, inspiring models for uncovering your purpose and vision, a healthy-money mind-set to make your assets work for you, a fresh outlook on your physical and mental health to invigorate you for your new lifestyle, how to tidy up your life inside and out with actionable solutions and much, much more!
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Published April 1, 2019
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About the author
Gary Collins
11 books35 followersGary Collins has a very interesting and unique background that includes military intelligence, Special Agent for the U.S. State Department Diplomatic Security Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Collins’ background and expert knowledge brings a much-needed perspective to today’s areas of simple living, health, nutrition, entrepreneurship, self-help and being more self-reliant. He holds an AS degree in Exercise Science, BS in Criminal Justice, and MS in Forensic Science.
Gary was raised in the High Desert at the basin of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in a rural part of California. He now lives off-the-grid part of the year in a remote area of NE Washington State, and the other part of year exploring in his travel trailer with his trusty black lab Barney.
He enjoyed, and considers himself lucky to have grown up in a very small town experiencing fishing, hunting, and anything outdoors from a very young age. He has been involved in organized sports, nutrition, and fitness for almost four decades. He is also an active follower and teacher of what he calls “life simplification.” He often says:
“Today we’re bombarded by too much stress, not enough time for personal fulfillment, and failing to take care of our health… there has to be a better way!”
In addition to being a best selling author, he has taught at the University College level, consulted and trained college level athletes, and been interviewed for his expertise on various subjects by CBS Sports, Coast to Coast AM, The RT Network, and FOX News to name a few.
His website www.thesimplelifenow.com, and The Simple Life book series (his total lifestyle reboot), blows the lid off of conventional life and wellness expectations, and is considered essential for every person seeking a simpler, and happier life.
Gary was raised in the High Desert at the basin of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in a rural part of California. He now lives off-the-grid part of the year in a remote area of NE Washington State, and the other part of year exploring in his travel trailer with his trusty black lab Barney.
He enjoyed, and considers himself lucky to have grown up in a very small town experiencing fishing, hunting, and anything outdoors from a very young age. He has been involved in organized sports, nutrition, and fitness for almost four decades. He is also an active follower and teacher of what he calls “life simplification.” He often says:
“Today we’re bombarded by too much stress, not enough time for personal fulfillment, and failing to take care of our health… there has to be a better way!”
In addition to being a best selling author, he has taught at the University College level, consulted and trained college level athletes, and been interviewed for his expertise on various subjects by CBS Sports, Coast to Coast AM, The RT Network, and FOX News to name a few.
His website www.thesimplelifenow.com, and The Simple Life book series (his total lifestyle reboot), blows the lid off of conventional life and wellness expectations, and is considered essential for every person seeking a simpler, and happier life.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 3, 2019
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
What did I just read?
I don't feel like this book would help me achieve decluttering of anything. I felt I was reading the rantings of a man who would eventually get to the point, but didn't really get all the way there before giving up. His book could have been one page long and only feature his list 1- 10, point summary because the rest of it felt like it was all over the place. I can't even tell you what was on the list really because the rest of his book was clutter (and I read the whole thing, start to finish just this afternoon).
You are supposed to be telling me how to declutter my life, not telling me to go check out all your other books as you give a general gloss over what they are all about or telling me things like "live within your financial means," or "excessive processed foods and zero exercise will make you fat" in long rambling chapters. I already know that thanks. TELL ME SOMETHING I DON'T ALREADY KNOW, PLEASE!!!!
There were literally three pages (and I did count) on actually decluttering your physical space. It pretty much went, "do you use it? No. Than throw it into your garage and sell it on craigslist!" What if you don't have a garage because you're living within your means Gary? How do I do more with less Gary? You never actually really got around to telling me exactly how that works.
Then there was supposed to be declutter your mind, but again I feel like it was an older man just ranting at me and expecting me to gleam nuggets of information from the info he dumps on me. He talks about online shopping and facebook being wells of useless knowledge and ads, only I feel that his book kinda goes in the same direction as what he's ranting about. It's full of "now I'm just glossing over this, so if you want more details on decluttering your (insert whatever he sorta mentioned) acquire my book Decluttering (insert what he sorta mentioned). It's a giant ad for his other books.
Oh and how the internet is just a pit you will get sucked into and distracted on if you are looking up anything other than directions (encyclopedias are WAY better, even though they usually contain out of date information as soon as they are off the printer, cause, you know, technology). Ugh...go to a library and talk to a librarian about this Gary, I'm begging you. They will teach you how to use the internet properly for research purposes. I looked at some of the sites (not all) you quoted and they might be able to help you find more creditable sources from peer reviewed journals....
And let's not forget to breathe in through our nose and exhale through our mouths a few times to clear our minds!!!! -_-
And the political chapter. Good lord. Not all your readers are American and so completely polarized and opinionated about their political beliefs. Calm down! I think it was the second largest chapter in the book. I don't need it. I'm Canadian. I'm fairly relaxed over politics and don't like to talk politics with people cause I don't want to argue with them. I also don't watch politically charged anything. I don't watch the news, I spend 5-15 minutes every morning going over the weather and headlines on several creditable news websites to make sure I didn't miss anything while I was sleeping...honestly, mostly to check the weather. Hey look! I'm already using 'your' common sense advice, Gary! Isn't that something?
I feel like the pieces of advice I did notice are 100% common sense. Live within your means. Don't eat processed foods, junk, etc and not exercise and wonder why you're fat. Don't hang around toxic people who bring you down instead of supporting you. Don't get sucked into your devices all day. Go outside once in awhile. Exercise. Plan for a rainy day that could last awhile. Plan for your retirement. etc. All of it is ridiculously obvious.
I know I am being ridiculously harsh on this book, but if I had actually bought this, I would be really PO'ed right now.
In Conclusion
This book is pretty much a walking ad for his other books. I do not understand why people love it so much. It is literally common sense. If you have common sense, I think you are completely safe to skip over this book. I was very disappointed with this read.
What did I just read?
I don't feel like this book would help me achieve decluttering of anything. I felt I was reading the rantings of a man who would eventually get to the point, but didn't really get all the way there before giving up. His book could have been one page long and only feature his list 1- 10, point summary because the rest of it felt like it was all over the place. I can't even tell you what was on the list really because the rest of his book was clutter (and I read the whole thing, start to finish just this afternoon).
You are supposed to be telling me how to declutter my life, not telling me to go check out all your other books as you give a general gloss over what they are all about or telling me things like "live within your financial means," or "excessive processed foods and zero exercise will make you fat" in long rambling chapters. I already know that thanks. TELL ME SOMETHING I DON'T ALREADY KNOW, PLEASE!!!!
There were literally three pages (and I did count) on actually decluttering your physical space. It pretty much went, "do you use it? No. Than throw it into your garage and sell it on craigslist!" What if you don't have a garage because you're living within your means Gary? How do I do more with less Gary? You never actually really got around to telling me exactly how that works.
Then there was supposed to be declutter your mind, but again I feel like it was an older man just ranting at me and expecting me to gleam nuggets of information from the info he dumps on me. He talks about online shopping and facebook being wells of useless knowledge and ads, only I feel that his book kinda goes in the same direction as what he's ranting about. It's full of "now I'm just glossing over this, so if you want more details on decluttering your (insert whatever he sorta mentioned) acquire my book Decluttering (insert what he sorta mentioned). It's a giant ad for his other books.
Oh and how the internet is just a pit you will get sucked into and distracted on if you are looking up anything other than directions (encyclopedias are WAY better, even though they usually contain out of date information as soon as they are off the printer, cause, you know, technology). Ugh...go to a library and talk to a librarian about this Gary, I'm begging you. They will teach you how to use the internet properly for research purposes. I looked at some of the sites (not all) you quoted and they might be able to help you find more creditable sources from peer reviewed journals....
And let's not forget to breathe in through our nose and exhale through our mouths a few times to clear our minds!!!! -_-
And the political chapter. Good lord. Not all your readers are American and so completely polarized and opinionated about their political beliefs. Calm down! I think it was the second largest chapter in the book. I don't need it. I'm Canadian. I'm fairly relaxed over politics and don't like to talk politics with people cause I don't want to argue with them. I also don't watch politically charged anything. I don't watch the news, I spend 5-15 minutes every morning going over the weather and headlines on several creditable news websites to make sure I didn't miss anything while I was sleeping...honestly, mostly to check the weather. Hey look! I'm already using 'your' common sense advice, Gary! Isn't that something?
I feel like the pieces of advice I did notice are 100% common sense. Live within your means. Don't eat processed foods, junk, etc and not exercise and wonder why you're fat. Don't hang around toxic people who bring you down instead of supporting you. Don't get sucked into your devices all day. Go outside once in awhile. Exercise. Plan for a rainy day that could last awhile. Plan for your retirement. etc. All of it is ridiculously obvious.
I know I am being ridiculously harsh on this book, but if I had actually bought this, I would be really PO'ed right now.
In Conclusion
This book is pretty much a walking ad for his other books. I do not understand why people love it so much. It is literally common sense. If you have common sense, I think you are completely safe to skip over this book. I was very disappointed with this read.
July 15, 2019
Wow (not in a good way). I'm all for paring down our lives to the things (physical and otherwise) that really matter so I should be an easy sell for this kind of book. I'm not sold. I expected to read about minimizing possessions and likely downsizing, probably something about limiting social media, perhaps something about paring down social activities to those that really add to your life.
What I didn't expect? Repeated mentions of the author's other books and an overall condescending tone. In the "health" chapter, Collins speaks of playing a game of "spot the obese person" and then goes on to discuss how the overweight people he sees riding mobility scooters appear able bodied aside from being obese. Hey, Gary? You don't know these people's stories, what they're dealing with that maybe you can't see. He then goes on to say that if you take his "observations" "as some sort of fat shaming or being insensitive, this book is not for you." You're right, Gary, this book is definitely not for me. I did skim through the rest of the book so I could give a full review. Overall, this is a long-winded way of saying things that are common sense. You've likely heard it all before...
I'm glad Gary Collins is happy with his current lifestyle, but this is in no way what I was expecting and I am SO glad I didn't pay for this drivel.
Thank you to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
What I didn't expect? Repeated mentions of the author's other books and an overall condescending tone. In the "health" chapter, Collins speaks of playing a game of "spot the obese person" and then goes on to discuss how the overweight people he sees riding mobility scooters appear able bodied aside from being obese. Hey, Gary? You don't know these people's stories, what they're dealing with that maybe you can't see. He then goes on to say that if you take his "observations" "as some sort of fat shaming or being insensitive, this book is not for you." You're right, Gary, this book is definitely not for me. I did skim through the rest of the book so I could give a full review. Overall, this is a long-winded way of saying things that are common sense. You've likely heard it all before...
I'm glad Gary Collins is happy with his current lifestyle, but this is in no way what I was expecting and I am SO glad I didn't pay for this drivel.
Thank you to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 7, 2019
I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest opinion.
As a person who is into the idea of minimalism I know that it’s about a lot more than getting rid of all the stuff you have accumulated. I think that Gary Collins has a great perspective on how to declutter all of the areas of your life. This book has a great focus on health, finances, social circles, and our mind. I think it’s important to address all of those areas before people even begin to declutter their homes. If they don’t have a good understanding of WHY they have so much clutter in their life then they will end up back in the same position. One area I found particularly interesting was talking about picking sides, especially when it comes to dealing with politics. I have followed many of the tips given and it certainly leads to a more relaxing life. There are a lot of action steps throughout this book, where a little change can go a long way.
As a person who is into the idea of minimalism I know that it’s about a lot more than getting rid of all the stuff you have accumulated. I think that Gary Collins has a great perspective on how to declutter all of the areas of your life. This book has a great focus on health, finances, social circles, and our mind. I think it’s important to address all of those areas before people even begin to declutter their homes. If they don’t have a good understanding of WHY they have so much clutter in their life then they will end up back in the same position. One area I found particularly interesting was talking about picking sides, especially when it comes to dealing with politics. I have followed many of the tips given and it certainly leads to a more relaxing life. There are a lot of action steps throughout this book, where a little change can go a long way.
March 21, 2020
I received an advance reader copy through ARC Gems in exchange for my honest review.
I struggled massively to get through this. I feel like my week would have been better spent sitting down with one of my older veteran friends, getting them drunk and letting them rant about everything wrong with "kids these days" and their thoughts on how i could simplify my life.
2% of the total book page count in Kindle is actually spent on dealing with physically decluttering.
Most chapters plug at least one of his other books. Was discussing with a friend who also writes, and neither of us are sure where the threshold of feeling too many in-text mentions (as opposed to a page afterward with "Hey, this might also be great to read if you want more help from me"), but this absolutely felt like too much.
Everything here feels common sense. Except the political ranting.
Also, fat-shaming in health chapter.
Also, bashing Marie Kondo - while turning around and essentially using the same method to sort things, but declaming her as woo-woo.
I struggled massively to get through this. I feel like my week would have been better spent sitting down with one of my older veteran friends, getting them drunk and letting them rant about everything wrong with "kids these days" and their thoughts on how i could simplify my life.
2% of the total book page count in Kindle is actually spent on dealing with physically decluttering.
Most chapters plug at least one of his other books. Was discussing with a friend who also writes, and neither of us are sure where the threshold of feeling too many in-text mentions (as opposed to a page afterward with "Hey, this might also be great to read if you want more help from me"), but this absolutely felt like too much.
Everything here feels common sense. Except the political ranting.
Also, fat-shaming in health chapter.
Also, bashing Marie Kondo - while turning around and essentially using the same method to sort things, but declaming her as woo-woo.
August 6, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review. Lately there have been a lot of books written about decluttering your home and life. This book really didn't offer anything new and kind of seemed like a long infomercial. The author mentions other books he has written and seems to toot his own horn too much.
May 17, 2019
Ways to simplify your life and live it more meaningfully
The Simple Life Guide To Decluttering Your Life: The How-To Book of Doing More with Less and Focusing on the Things That Matter by Gary Collins is an interesting read but not what you would fully thing from the title. This book is really about how to simply your life so that you can live better and enjoy it more.
The books chapters cover different areas of your life including: health, finances, social circles, your brain, your house, technology devices, holidays and politics. There are 5 principles and each is applied in each of the chapters. Additionally, you must also think about and figure out "what is your purpose and why am I here". By answering this first you are then able to apply that knowledge and the key principles to the different areas of your life and figure out how to then declutter and simply your life.
There are definitely take-aways that I found while reading this book. This process is not something that you can implement fully all at once. I think you need to go through one area at a time or make small changes in multiple areas at the same time. How ever you decide to get there though you can definitely use this book as a road map and the principles as your legend to get you to your better life destination.
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others who are wanting to explore or ready to make some changes to their lives and get to what the true meaning for you may be.
I received a free ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
The Simple Life Guide To Decluttering Your Life: The How-To Book of Doing More with Less and Focusing on the Things That Matter by Gary Collins is an interesting read but not what you would fully thing from the title. This book is really about how to simply your life so that you can live better and enjoy it more.
The books chapters cover different areas of your life including: health, finances, social circles, your brain, your house, technology devices, holidays and politics. There are 5 principles and each is applied in each of the chapters. Additionally, you must also think about and figure out "what is your purpose and why am I here". By answering this first you are then able to apply that knowledge and the key principles to the different areas of your life and figure out how to then declutter and simply your life.
There are definitely take-aways that I found while reading this book. This process is not something that you can implement fully all at once. I think you need to go through one area at a time or make small changes in multiple areas at the same time. How ever you decide to get there though you can definitely use this book as a road map and the principles as your legend to get you to your better life destination.
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others who are wanting to explore or ready to make some changes to their lives and get to what the true meaning for you may be.
I received a free ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
May 14, 2019
If you only seized upon the word “decluttering” in the title, you will be surprised to find that this book is about a lot more than simply decluttering your home (even though there is a chapter about that). Rather, it is a look at life choices that we make that can clutter up our space, our time, and our minds. After he tells his story, where to start, the key principles of living a simple life, and finding your purpose, he then looks at decluttering health, finances, social interaction, your mind, your technology devices, and the holidays. In each section, he gives statistics about the topic and ideas for you to think about so that you can simplify in that area. Sometimes, he gives straightforward exercises and instructions while at other times he simply guides you to think more deeply about some topic we take for granted. When he relates his story, you might find yourself thinking that you wouldn't be able to go all-in as he has done; that's fine; we all have our own levels of commitment to ideas and ideals like this. I do think, however, that he does give some good food for thought about these aspects of our lives and of modern life that we just take for granted as they just “must be.” This book will get you questioning what is necessary and what is harmful in the habits and the choices that we make and live every day.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
April 5, 2019
The Simple Life Guide To Decluttering Your Life: The How-To Book of Doing More with Less and Focusing on the Things That Matter by Gary Collins is not your typical self-help book. The book is a practical guide and information from someone who lives by what he writes.
I loved the line about him not allowing anyone to “edit his life story” because people wanted him to remove a line in his book. He presents practical tips and suggestions and cautions the book is not for everyone. Even if you don’t put each tip into practice, the book provides solid examples and how to go about looking at your current situation and how to make changes to live a less stressful life.
The book details the 5 key principals of living simply, and each chapter tackles a subject such as health, finances, and social circles to name a few. In reading the chapters, it is obvious the author did his homework and knows his subject, especially the section on health.
I especially enjoyed the chapters on social circles. If only removing toxic family members were as easy as he suggested though.
Overall, an informative and interesting book with good examples and advice on how to live a less stressful life.
I loved the line about him not allowing anyone to “edit his life story” because people wanted him to remove a line in his book. He presents practical tips and suggestions and cautions the book is not for everyone. Even if you don’t put each tip into practice, the book provides solid examples and how to go about looking at your current situation and how to make changes to live a less stressful life.
The book details the 5 key principals of living simply, and each chapter tackles a subject such as health, finances, and social circles to name a few. In reading the chapters, it is obvious the author did his homework and knows his subject, especially the section on health.
I especially enjoyed the chapters on social circles. If only removing toxic family members were as easy as he suggested though.
Overall, an informative and interesting book with good examples and advice on how to live a less stressful life.
June 29, 2019
Review Title: Seeking the All Around Simple Life (Review of The Simple Life Guide To Declutter Your Life by Gary Collins, MS)
Reviewer: Janice S. Garey
**** 4 Stars
What a helpful book for those who hope to simplify and declutter their lifestyle in whole and not limited to only household accumulations. This is a book that will help guide readers through their whole existence (except for the religious component) with a thorough look at what is needed to live a good life and what is excess that causes stress.
The book delves into what makes a quality life in regards to purpose, health, finances, social circles, informational storage, household necessities, holiday and celebration traditions and excesses, political associations, and hobbies. The book is well laid out so the reader should not feel overwhelmed by having to consider all these areas at the same time. They each have a dedicated chapter. Many people have allowed all these areas of their lives to become overly cluttered so that dysfunction can result. This book seems to whittle life back down to the basics so life management becomes possible and a joy instead of a daily burden.
The author has cleared the excess from his life and shares with the reader what worked for him and might be helpful for the reader. He is not adamant that people need to follow his exact strategy but offers it as a starting point to design your own personal working plan.
I enjoyed the personable approach used in this book so you get the feel of being friends with the author. My one criticism is that since I mostly read books for Christian audiences, I found the use of some profanity and expletives detracted from the author's message. That will not bother many who could benefit from this author's work. I had to overlook some language to get to the main message. Other than that, the book is well worth the read and has many helpful solutions for all who are challenged by a cluttered lifestyle.
I received a free ebook copy of this book through Net Galley for honest review purposes. I read it completely and have given my honest opinion about the book.
Reviewer: Janice S. Garey
**** 4 Stars
What a helpful book for those who hope to simplify and declutter their lifestyle in whole and not limited to only household accumulations. This is a book that will help guide readers through their whole existence (except for the religious component) with a thorough look at what is needed to live a good life and what is excess that causes stress.
The book delves into what makes a quality life in regards to purpose, health, finances, social circles, informational storage, household necessities, holiday and celebration traditions and excesses, political associations, and hobbies. The book is well laid out so the reader should not feel overwhelmed by having to consider all these areas at the same time. They each have a dedicated chapter. Many people have allowed all these areas of their lives to become overly cluttered so that dysfunction can result. This book seems to whittle life back down to the basics so life management becomes possible and a joy instead of a daily burden.
The author has cleared the excess from his life and shares with the reader what worked for him and might be helpful for the reader. He is not adamant that people need to follow his exact strategy but offers it as a starting point to design your own personal working plan.
I enjoyed the personable approach used in this book so you get the feel of being friends with the author. My one criticism is that since I mostly read books for Christian audiences, I found the use of some profanity and expletives detracted from the author's message. That will not bother many who could benefit from this author's work. I had to overlook some language to get to the main message. Other than that, the book is well worth the read and has many helpful solutions for all who are challenged by a cluttered lifestyle.
I received a free ebook copy of this book through Net Galley for honest review purposes. I read it completely and have given my honest opinion about the book.
June 30, 2019
The Simple Life Guide To Decluttering Your Life by Gary Collins, MS is a very thought-provoking book. From the title I knew that it would cover more than just the clean out the closets and getting rid of stuff. Still it covered so many areas of life that one may not really consider but is also weighing us down. I found that it was for me anyway.
Simplify or decluttering are not the key words of this book. Instead it the word change. Early on this comment is written, “Your home is only a small piece of the puzzle, as there are many other things in your life you must confront and change to begin living the life YOU want.” Who doesn’t want to live the life that they believe is best for them? So of course, I read on.
There is much to gleam from this book with the author’s honest, could also be said to be blunt, style of writing. He begins with startling facts about marketing, its purpose and its goals; not necessarily in the buyer’s interest. That is only the beginning, health, finances, relationships, social media, holiday celebrations and more are brought to the reader’s attention to be scrutinized. It is pointed out that what is best for me may be different from him. I am a grandmother with over forty years of marriage behind me, he is a single man with two dogs, so it is unlikely our views on the best would be the same. However a framework is given that can be used to change allowing me or anyone else to simplify and declutter. It is a guide that can be useful if one is willing.
I am giving it 5 stars because the book covers the many aspects of life, not just the acquiring of too much stuff. Continuing to acquire things will not make you happy but then neither will just getting rid of it. It is much deeper than that. I do wish that the spiritual had been looked at too, finding purpose there is also life changing.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Simplify or decluttering are not the key words of this book. Instead it the word change. Early on this comment is written, “Your home is only a small piece of the puzzle, as there are many other things in your life you must confront and change to begin living the life YOU want.” Who doesn’t want to live the life that they believe is best for them? So of course, I read on.
There is much to gleam from this book with the author’s honest, could also be said to be blunt, style of writing. He begins with startling facts about marketing, its purpose and its goals; not necessarily in the buyer’s interest. That is only the beginning, health, finances, relationships, social media, holiday celebrations and more are brought to the reader’s attention to be scrutinized. It is pointed out that what is best for me may be different from him. I am a grandmother with over forty years of marriage behind me, he is a single man with two dogs, so it is unlikely our views on the best would be the same. However a framework is given that can be used to change allowing me or anyone else to simplify and declutter. It is a guide that can be useful if one is willing.
I am giving it 5 stars because the book covers the many aspects of life, not just the acquiring of too much stuff. Continuing to acquire things will not make you happy but then neither will just getting rid of it. It is much deeper than that. I do wish that the spiritual had been looked at too, finding purpose there is also life changing.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 9, 2022
This book has some valid and useful information. Honestly the word "decluttering" is misleading as to the content of the book. The Simple Life part is more accurate; if you are looking for tips or motivation on decluttering this is most likely not the book you'll need.
Once I was able to set aside my annoyance with his snarky & condescending tone, I was able to find a few useful ideas that will help my simplicity mindset. It's more about setting a certain path to your life that will allow you to actually accomplish a truly simple life, as opposed to the idea that is often presented in simplicity books or groups - that getting rid of your extra stuff is the only or even most important step. This book is honest, albeit in an obnoxious way, that there is SO much more to a truly simple life than decluttering. If you are open to really thinking deeply about things you may not associate with simple living or decluttering (example: taking care of your body/health/weight is the most important step because poor health will significantly hamper your ability to live the life you truly want) this book might be for you. This book *could* have been a five star book, but the ranting jerky unlikable tone of the author and misleading title had me struggling to choose between 2 or 3 stars. I chose 3 because I did actually learn something, but certainly did not enjoy that learning experience.
Once I was able to set aside my annoyance with his snarky & condescending tone, I was able to find a few useful ideas that will help my simplicity mindset. It's more about setting a certain path to your life that will allow you to actually accomplish a truly simple life, as opposed to the idea that is often presented in simplicity books or groups - that getting rid of your extra stuff is the only or even most important step. This book is honest, albeit in an obnoxious way, that there is SO much more to a truly simple life than decluttering. If you are open to really thinking deeply about things you may not associate with simple living or decluttering (example: taking care of your body/health/weight is the most important step because poor health will significantly hamper your ability to live the life you truly want) this book might be for you. This book *could* have been a five star book, but the ranting jerky unlikable tone of the author and misleading title had me struggling to choose between 2 or 3 stars. I chose 3 because I did actually learn something, but certainly did not enjoy that learning experience.
August 20, 2019
This book is about decluttering your life. It will help you to take stock with yourself to become a happier self. It will give you solutions to help with your decluttering project. His advice is uncomplicated and easy to understand. The author tells you how to overcome frustration that is overcomes you. I liked getting that as I easily become overwhelmed with frustration. He tells how to arrange your priorities so you can get things done. Following his suggestions that he has written could cause a happier and perhaps a healthier life.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
May 17, 2021
The Title Says it All
Now I know that 3 stars is a low score but it is the average on the scale. That's where I rate this book, average. Nothing really disagreeable and I found myself nodding along to most points, only really disagreeing with the digital clutter section. With some proper organizational skills and an auto-deleting program I don't believe it's a big issue.
So really you'll find what you're looking for just nothing truly innovative or groundbreaking. Sometimes that just what you need though, a good reminder of the things you've heard from various sources from someone that seems to have put them to practice.
Now I know that 3 stars is a low score but it is the average on the scale. That's where I rate this book, average. Nothing really disagreeable and I found myself nodding along to most points, only really disagreeing with the digital clutter section. With some proper organizational skills and an auto-deleting program I don't believe it's a big issue.
So really you'll find what you're looking for just nothing truly innovative or groundbreaking. Sometimes that just what you need though, a good reminder of the things you've heard from various sources from someone that seems to have put them to practice.
July 11, 2019
The Simple Life Guide to Decluttering your Life left me wanting. Too many superlatives, too much referring to his other writings, and too many “I’m going to tell you about this..,” statements. Instead of just telling us what he wanted us to hear, he constantly gave us ineffective teasers and references to his other books. The decluttering content was minimal without many practical or innovative ideas. I had hoped to get a lot out of this book to encourage me and my decluttering attempts, but was sadly disappointed. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reading copy.
July 13, 2019
A well-intended guide to make one's life better. Mostly good, with no magic or secrets, just straightforward if not necessarily easy ideas. I think he sees the world accurately and correctly, for the most part, with a bit of an anti-corporate bent. Some factual aspects were a bit iffy - he should probably steer clear of areas he isn't an expert. In the end, no new ground for me, but good reminders. Readability 7. Rating 5.
July 31, 2019
I enjoyed reading this as it is a subject close to my heart.
I found it, however to be more of an essay on the subject, rather than practical tips. The author is clear about this though and does not dress it up as something it is not. I found the 'straight to the point' style of writing refreshing and it was a book that did hold my attention.
It was well written and easy to read and inspirational in parts. Anyone with an interest in this subject will enjoy reading it and I recommend it.
I found it, however to be more of an essay on the subject, rather than practical tips. The author is clear about this though and does not dress it up as something it is not. I found the 'straight to the point' style of writing refreshing and it was a book that did hold my attention.
It was well written and easy to read and inspirational in parts. Anyone with an interest in this subject will enjoy reading it and I recommend it.
May 18, 2021
Gary takes a lot of the information that is out there already and puts his own spin on it to include life stories and useful tips. There are several good takeaways here, but most of them are a rehash of what others are saying on similar topics.
Worth skimming if you've read other minimalist or healthy living books, but a great place to start if you have not.
Worth skimming if you've read other minimalist or healthy living books, but a great place to start if you have not.
July 3, 2019
I really enjoy reading this book and having more ideas on decluttering my life.
December 22, 2019
Great book for those who are looking at ways to declutter their life. I found this book to be very helpful and full of great tips.
January 25, 2020
Just a dude yelling at people in a written format.
Chillax!
Chillax!
August 10, 2020
A few helpful reminders, but you have to wade through condescending rants to find them.
November 3, 2020
I couldn’t finish the book. I felt like any good advice was lost behind the justifications and explanations why Collins way is better than other ways.
April 19, 2021
Thin in size and details. Some of the principles are reasonable, but they could use more than a paragraph of treatment. Not recommended.
October 11, 2024
2.5 stars - took a few odd ranty turns, and definitely a book about decluttering your life more so from drama and task lists than from stuff.
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