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Mind Over Clutter: Tidy Up for a Calm and Happy Home
The ultimate guide to decluttering your home in a fun, sustainable and meaningful way.
Are you drowning in clutter? Do you dread opening your closets because of the mess that awaits inside? Are you ready to sort out your house for good and discover a happier, calmer you?
In this book, Nicola Lewis, creator of This Girl Can Organise, will arm you with the tools you need to clean and clear your home. With a step-by-step, room-by-room plan to get rid of clutter, recipes for natural, eco-friendly cleaning products and tips on upcycling your household items, housework and organizing have never been this easy! From your makeup bag to your ‘hoarders’ garage, your home will be spick, span and sparkling.
Nicola sprinkles magic wherever she goes and she has seen first-hand how decluttering and tidying your home can help transform your mind, bringing you new-found confidence and happiness. Filled with helpful tips and tricks, actionable insights and positive affirmations, this is the perfect book to refer to whenever you need help to tidy your life.
193 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 14, 2019
127 people are currently reading
462 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
October 16, 2024
An easy to follow quick read which covers the basics of the process declutter. I’m particularly interested in this as I really dislike clutter, it clutters my head to have too much stuff. I’ve even stopped purchasing. It’s possible.
Narrated by the author with her die m to earth British accent, Nicola says I it as it is, it’s quite basic, and is not hard to grasp. Put the music on, start small, etc.
I realisable can’t pull every item out of every room, to sort, but I thought it was worth the couple of hours of listening.
People pay for services like this, just couldn’t think of anything worse, cause I know what needs to be done. I just have to get off my bum 😂
And I am, what you would call, a chucker 🤣 I have no problems with that.
Oh, she also shares recipes for easy to make cleaning products. Nicola is fun and passionate.
I listened to this via the Libby app and my public library.
Narrated by the author with her die m to earth British accent, Nicola says I it as it is, it’s quite basic, and is not hard to grasp. Put the music on, start small, etc.
I realisable can’t pull every item out of every room, to sort, but I thought it was worth the couple of hours of listening.
People pay for services like this, just couldn’t think of anything worse, cause I know what needs to be done. I just have to get off my bum 😂
And I am, what you would call, a chucker 🤣 I have no problems with that.
Oh, she also shares recipes for easy to make cleaning products. Nicola is fun and passionate.
I listened to this via the Libby app and my public library.
November 18, 2019
Here, let me save you some time. Want to organize [space] in your home? Take everything out, clean it, get rid of the stuff you don't need to keep, and then put everything else back away ~but neatly~. Her advice on KEEPING things organized? Just do it. Ooooookay.
July 8, 2020
Hmmm.... yeah... it was ok. I got a bit fed up of the slightly patronising attitude and upbeat way of writing, but that probably says more about me than the author. Also annoyed me she referred to herself as “TGCO” throughout the book. I appreciate that’s her brand but it felt false to me. However, I did like the parts about cleaning products and they made good sense. It’s a good book to start with, but I didn’t really learn anything new.
January 3, 2020
A quick read. Didn't tell me anything new about decluttering. I'm someone who reads decluttering, organizing and business/management books as lightweight entertainment. This definitely falls into the lightweight category.
Quibbles:
- "take everything out" (of whichever room you are working on). And put it where, exactly?
- assumes that whatever room you are decluttering (even a garage or shed) can be done in one afternoon or day. This is patently a woman who doesn't understand the real meaning of 'clutter' like those magazine articles that say 'set aside an afternoon to go through your entire home decluttering'.
- "make the bed every morning" - great if you are single, not so great if you share your bed with a great lump who won't get up or is doing shift work.
- "your bedroom is a sanctuary" - ditto said great lump who treats bedroom as a place to store spare carburettors or what have you or insists on having a tv in the bedroom
Only once does she suggest that other occupants of the home should help (despite being married with kids). She writes as if she is single (disclosure: I am single and the most people I have shared personal living space on anything approaching a long term basis in the last 30 years is 2 kitties).
I read this book because I was stopping at a friend's house for a few days and had finished my book. She had bought this book and said it was rubbish but a quick read for the last evening of my visit.
It costs £9.99 new. Wait for someone to declutter this book down to your local charity shop.
Quibbles:
- "take everything out" (of whichever room you are working on). And put it where, exactly?
- assumes that whatever room you are decluttering (even a garage or shed) can be done in one afternoon or day. This is patently a woman who doesn't understand the real meaning of 'clutter' like those magazine articles that say 'set aside an afternoon to go through your entire home decluttering'.
- "make the bed every morning" - great if you are single, not so great if you share your bed with a great lump who won't get up or is doing shift work.
- "your bedroom is a sanctuary" - ditto said great lump who treats bedroom as a place to store spare carburettors or what have you or insists on having a tv in the bedroom
Only once does she suggest that other occupants of the home should help (despite being married with kids). She writes as if she is single (disclosure: I am single and the most people I have shared personal living space on anything approaching a long term basis in the last 30 years is 2 kitties).
I read this book because I was stopping at a friend's house for a few days and had finished my book. She had bought this book and said it was rubbish but a quick read for the last evening of my visit.
It costs £9.99 new. Wait for someone to declutter this book down to your local charity shop.
December 28, 2022
I read this to get some inspiration for new year decluttering but unfortunately it didn't really deliver on that.
While this book does contain some tips on decluttering, there was also a whole chapter on cleaning and then a whole chapter on packing.
There were some good tips in here but most of which I was already aware of.
The countless reviews from her clients were a bit annoying, it just felt like she was trying to promote her business to new customers.
This book was very slim and quick to read. If you have read other books about decluttering it is unlikely you will get anything out of this but if you are a complete novice you may enjoy it.
While this book does contain some tips on decluttering, there was also a whole chapter on cleaning and then a whole chapter on packing.
There were some good tips in here but most of which I was already aware of.
The countless reviews from her clients were a bit annoying, it just felt like she was trying to promote her business to new customers.
This book was very slim and quick to read. If you have read other books about decluttering it is unlikely you will get anything out of this but if you are a complete novice you may enjoy it.
February 13, 2020
I follow TGCO on Instagram so was intrigued to see what this book had to offer. I think I should have opted for the physical book, rather than audio as it was a little unrehearsed and difficult to follow. The tips were a little bit repetitive but I really like Nicola's emphasis in reducing unnecessary plastic use, upcycling, gifting and of course her eco cleaners 🙂
Read
November 4, 2022Come home to peace and relaxation.
Is your home getting you down? Are you dismayed by the state it’s in?
Many of us dread the moment we’ll step through our front door. We hope that home will be a calm, relaxing place. But instead, we face overflowing cupboards and stuff just strewn across the floor. We tell ourselves we’ll get organized – but life is hectic, and we never find the time. So the mess keeps getting bigger.
If that sounds familiar, don’t worry! Help is at hand.
This book your guide to a cleaner, tidier life and to a calmer state of mind. You’ll learn how to declutter your home – stress-free; pick up simple tips to help you get organized – fast; and discover how to maintain your living space in a way that’s healthier for you – and for the planet.
---
A cluttered home is a stressful home.
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by your possessions? Have piles of paperwork, clothes, and household objects taken over your home? If the answer to these questions is yes, then it’s time to declutter both your home and your life!
Modern living is complicated, and a tidy house won’t solve all your problems. But it can definitely help. That’s because your physical environment has a big impact on your state of mind. Unpleasant surroundings can actually damage your mental health.
A study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin in 2009 showed that living in a cluttered home can raise the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in your body.
These findings are bad news for untidy people; high cortisol levels can lead to an increased risk of depression and anxiety and can also cause concentration lapses. Not only that, but elevated cortisol is associated with physical problems too, such as headaches and insomnia.
So clutter makes us unhappy. But we still avoid reorganizing our homes. Why? Well, for some people the thought of tackling the mess can seem overwhelming – or perhaps too time-consuming.
Although the prospect of decluttering might fill you with dread, the good news is that you don’t have to do everything at once! Start by making small, gradual changes, and over time they will make a big difference.
You could start decluttering right in your bedroom. Step one: begin each morning by making your bed. Completing this simple daily task will mean you’ve already accomplished something before breakfast! This will set a positive tone for the day ahead. Even better, research has found that people who make their bed every day are 19 percent more likely to sleep better than those who don’t!
You could then move on to other manageable tasks, such as sorting through your cupboards. Clutter starts to accumulate when you shove items into drawers and forget about them. So every week, set aside a regular time slot to look into your cupboards. Be ruthless, and throw out anything you no longer need.
But how do you identify the things you don’t need? Well, there’s a simple rule: if an item doesn’t bring you joy, it’s not worth having. So that pair of jeans that no longer fit you? Take a deep breath, and throw them away!
---
Follow a simple four-step decluttering process to transform your home.
Waking up in a home you love can inspire you to do great things each day. And when you return in the evening, a comfortable home should welcome you with open arms. Transforming your home into this inspirational, welcoming space is easier than you might think. In fact, it only takes four steps.
The first step is to remove every single thing from the room. No, not the furniture, of course – your wardrobes can stay! This is about smaller items, the little things that pile up to create a big mess.
Next, you sort through the items and create four separate piles. One is for items you want to keep, and the other three are for stuff you’ll donate, sell, or throw out.
The first pile, which contains your “keepers,” is only for things that you use regularly – say, at least once a month. Anything else can go. A good tip: if you find anything that’s still in its original packaging, you’ll probably never use it – so don’t keep it.
After you’ve sorted through everything, it’s time to clean the whole room. Don’t forget the inside of wardrobes and drawers, or high shelves that often get neglected. Now you’re ready to go back to your four piles. Put the things you're keeping back into the room, and organize them carefully. Make sure you find a neat and tidy home for every item.
When you declutter like this, make sure you include your bedroom. Many people overlook their bedroom – often because it’s the only room in the house that guests don’t normally see. But, in fact, your bedroom deserves special attention. After all, it’s the place where you sleep; a calm and soothing atmosphere is essential!
When you’re organizing your bedroom, make sure you’ve considered storage. It’s important because seeing things like work papers or unwashed laundry can distract you when you’re about to go to sleep. If you’re struggling with finding a good storage spot, try using the space under your bed. You could invest in a divan bed, or use plastic drawers that slide in and out. It’s also a great idea to use antique trunks or ottomans in your bedroom. These unique pieces of furniture will give your room character, are great for storage, and can even be used as bedside tables.
---
Consider the environment before you throw out your clutter.
How can you make your home a better place while also making our planet a better place? We live in a consumerist society, and our shopping habits are having devastating consequences. Whenever we indulge in shopping therapy, we contribute to global warming, polluted oceans, and growth of toxic landfill sites. Our insatiable hunger for new products is taking a heavy toll on the natural world.
But don’t lose hope. You may have been part of the problem, but you can become part of the solution. The answer is to find new ways to use what you already have. Repurposing things in this way is known as upcycling. For instance, instead of throwing empty tin cans in the recycling bin, why not use them to grow herbs or flowers on your windowsill? You could even paint those cans your favorite color and use them to store your cooking utensils.
When you’re decluttering your closet, don’t throw out old t-shirts. Instead, cut them up and use them as dustrags. If an unwanted shirt has an especially attractive pattern, you can transform it into a pillowcase or make a patchwork quilt from it.
Even the smallest things can have a new lease on life. Let’s look, for example, at something as simple as the cardboard insert from toilet roll. Completely useless, right? Well, maybe not. Those little tubes can help keep your TV and electrical wires separate and orderly. Stand the rolls upright in a shoebox and house your cables in them.
You can even reuse your empty egg cartons to plant your own miniature herb gardens!
And don’t even think about throwing out your old lightbulbs if you have young children – decorating those little glass spheres with paint can turn them into Christmas baubles and make a fun holiday activity.
Even when you're not upcycling, you can still declutter your home in a way that’s kind to the environment – and to your wallet.
Rather than destroying your broken, old smartphone and buying a new model, why not trade it in? There are lots of companies that will take your old products and offer you cash toward something new. Not only will you make a bit of money, but you’ll also know that your stuff will get properly recycled – a win-win situation!
---
Decluttering your suitcase makes packing a lot easier.
How do you pack for your vacations? If you’re anything like most people, packing for your dream trip can easily turn into a nightmare. What should you take? Have you packed enough clothes? How do you make sure you haven’t forgotten anything important? There’s so much to think about, which is why packing can drive anybody mad. But don’t panic! You can take your decluttering tips and tricks to the airport, too.
An organized approach toward packing starts with making a comprehensive list of all the items you’re going to need.
Break this list into different categories – for instance, clothes and shoes, accessories, toiletries, sports, essentials, and entertainment.
Making this list might sound time-consuming. But actually, in the long run, it will save you lots of time. Write it out once, and in the future you can simply adapt it whenever you go away. It will become your master list!
When it comes to the act of packing, give yourself plenty of time. If you leave it till the night before, you’ll be rushed and stressed. So try starting at least two days before your trip.
When you’re thinking about what to take with you, try arranging your clothes into outfits. This means coordinating everything down to accessories like shoes, jewelry, and scarves. You might even want to think about when you’ll wear each outfit – some colors might work better toward the end of your trip, once you’ve gotten a tan.
It’s also a good idea to pack your holiday clothes into vacuum bags. Not only will your clothes take up less space in your suitcase, but you can also use these bags at home. They’re handy if you need to protect your garments from moths.
You can keep your clothes smelling great on the journey by sprinkling a few drops of your favorite essential oil onto a piece of cloth and putting it in your suitcase.
If you really want to avoid clutter while you’re away, consider going digital. Don’t lug heavy books around; instead, put your beach reads on a Kindle. And you can always store maps, travel guides, and entertainment on a smartphone or tablet.
Decluttering doesn’t need to be complicated. With a little imagination and planning, you can make everyday tasks more manageable – and simplify both your home and your life.
---
A cluttered and chaotic home is more than just annoying; it’s damaging to your mental health. But getting organized is easy when you have a plan. Using a simple four-step process, you can free yourself from the possessions that are weighing you down and embrace the things you love instead. With a little forward thinking and some clever hacks, you can enjoy a tidier, more peaceful home – and you can give yourself peace of mind too!
Actionable advice:
Motivate your child to tidy their bedroom.
Our children’s bedrooms are often the messiest part of the home. You can motivate your kids to be neat and tidy by involving them in decluttering. Encourage them to take ownership of the tidying. Ask them where they think would be a good place for each of their toys to live. Let them choose where to store their belongings. Asking your child for their opinion lets them know that you respect their personal space. It works much better than simply ordering them to tidy up, or cleaning up their mess for them.
Is your home getting you down? Are you dismayed by the state it’s in?
Many of us dread the moment we’ll step through our front door. We hope that home will be a calm, relaxing place. But instead, we face overflowing cupboards and stuff just strewn across the floor. We tell ourselves we’ll get organized – but life is hectic, and we never find the time. So the mess keeps getting bigger.
If that sounds familiar, don’t worry! Help is at hand.
This book your guide to a cleaner, tidier life and to a calmer state of mind. You’ll learn how to declutter your home – stress-free; pick up simple tips to help you get organized – fast; and discover how to maintain your living space in a way that’s healthier for you – and for the planet.
---
A cluttered home is a stressful home.
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by your possessions? Have piles of paperwork, clothes, and household objects taken over your home? If the answer to these questions is yes, then it’s time to declutter both your home and your life!
Modern living is complicated, and a tidy house won’t solve all your problems. But it can definitely help. That’s because your physical environment has a big impact on your state of mind. Unpleasant surroundings can actually damage your mental health.
A study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin in 2009 showed that living in a cluttered home can raise the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in your body.
These findings are bad news for untidy people; high cortisol levels can lead to an increased risk of depression and anxiety and can also cause concentration lapses. Not only that, but elevated cortisol is associated with physical problems too, such as headaches and insomnia.
So clutter makes us unhappy. But we still avoid reorganizing our homes. Why? Well, for some people the thought of tackling the mess can seem overwhelming – or perhaps too time-consuming.
Although the prospect of decluttering might fill you with dread, the good news is that you don’t have to do everything at once! Start by making small, gradual changes, and over time they will make a big difference.
You could start decluttering right in your bedroom. Step one: begin each morning by making your bed. Completing this simple daily task will mean you’ve already accomplished something before breakfast! This will set a positive tone for the day ahead. Even better, research has found that people who make their bed every day are 19 percent more likely to sleep better than those who don’t!
You could then move on to other manageable tasks, such as sorting through your cupboards. Clutter starts to accumulate when you shove items into drawers and forget about them. So every week, set aside a regular time slot to look into your cupboards. Be ruthless, and throw out anything you no longer need.
But how do you identify the things you don’t need? Well, there’s a simple rule: if an item doesn’t bring you joy, it’s not worth having. So that pair of jeans that no longer fit you? Take a deep breath, and throw them away!
---
Follow a simple four-step decluttering process to transform your home.
Waking up in a home you love can inspire you to do great things each day. And when you return in the evening, a comfortable home should welcome you with open arms. Transforming your home into this inspirational, welcoming space is easier than you might think. In fact, it only takes four steps.
The first step is to remove every single thing from the room. No, not the furniture, of course – your wardrobes can stay! This is about smaller items, the little things that pile up to create a big mess.
Next, you sort through the items and create four separate piles. One is for items you want to keep, and the other three are for stuff you’ll donate, sell, or throw out.
The first pile, which contains your “keepers,” is only for things that you use regularly – say, at least once a month. Anything else can go. A good tip: if you find anything that’s still in its original packaging, you’ll probably never use it – so don’t keep it.
After you’ve sorted through everything, it’s time to clean the whole room. Don’t forget the inside of wardrobes and drawers, or high shelves that often get neglected. Now you’re ready to go back to your four piles. Put the things you're keeping back into the room, and organize them carefully. Make sure you find a neat and tidy home for every item.
When you declutter like this, make sure you include your bedroom. Many people overlook their bedroom – often because it’s the only room in the house that guests don’t normally see. But, in fact, your bedroom deserves special attention. After all, it’s the place where you sleep; a calm and soothing atmosphere is essential!
When you’re organizing your bedroom, make sure you’ve considered storage. It’s important because seeing things like work papers or unwashed laundry can distract you when you’re about to go to sleep. If you’re struggling with finding a good storage spot, try using the space under your bed. You could invest in a divan bed, or use plastic drawers that slide in and out. It’s also a great idea to use antique trunks or ottomans in your bedroom. These unique pieces of furniture will give your room character, are great for storage, and can even be used as bedside tables.
---
Consider the environment before you throw out your clutter.
How can you make your home a better place while also making our planet a better place? We live in a consumerist society, and our shopping habits are having devastating consequences. Whenever we indulge in shopping therapy, we contribute to global warming, polluted oceans, and growth of toxic landfill sites. Our insatiable hunger for new products is taking a heavy toll on the natural world.
But don’t lose hope. You may have been part of the problem, but you can become part of the solution. The answer is to find new ways to use what you already have. Repurposing things in this way is known as upcycling. For instance, instead of throwing empty tin cans in the recycling bin, why not use them to grow herbs or flowers on your windowsill? You could even paint those cans your favorite color and use them to store your cooking utensils.
When you’re decluttering your closet, don’t throw out old t-shirts. Instead, cut them up and use them as dustrags. If an unwanted shirt has an especially attractive pattern, you can transform it into a pillowcase or make a patchwork quilt from it.
Even the smallest things can have a new lease on life. Let’s look, for example, at something as simple as the cardboard insert from toilet roll. Completely useless, right? Well, maybe not. Those little tubes can help keep your TV and electrical wires separate and orderly. Stand the rolls upright in a shoebox and house your cables in them.
You can even reuse your empty egg cartons to plant your own miniature herb gardens!
And don’t even think about throwing out your old lightbulbs if you have young children – decorating those little glass spheres with paint can turn them into Christmas baubles and make a fun holiday activity.
Even when you're not upcycling, you can still declutter your home in a way that’s kind to the environment – and to your wallet.
Rather than destroying your broken, old smartphone and buying a new model, why not trade it in? There are lots of companies that will take your old products and offer you cash toward something new. Not only will you make a bit of money, but you’ll also know that your stuff will get properly recycled – a win-win situation!
---
Decluttering your suitcase makes packing a lot easier.
How do you pack for your vacations? If you’re anything like most people, packing for your dream trip can easily turn into a nightmare. What should you take? Have you packed enough clothes? How do you make sure you haven’t forgotten anything important? There’s so much to think about, which is why packing can drive anybody mad. But don’t panic! You can take your decluttering tips and tricks to the airport, too.
An organized approach toward packing starts with making a comprehensive list of all the items you’re going to need.
Break this list into different categories – for instance, clothes and shoes, accessories, toiletries, sports, essentials, and entertainment.
Making this list might sound time-consuming. But actually, in the long run, it will save you lots of time. Write it out once, and in the future you can simply adapt it whenever you go away. It will become your master list!
When it comes to the act of packing, give yourself plenty of time. If you leave it till the night before, you’ll be rushed and stressed. So try starting at least two days before your trip.
When you’re thinking about what to take with you, try arranging your clothes into outfits. This means coordinating everything down to accessories like shoes, jewelry, and scarves. You might even want to think about when you’ll wear each outfit – some colors might work better toward the end of your trip, once you’ve gotten a tan.
It’s also a good idea to pack your holiday clothes into vacuum bags. Not only will your clothes take up less space in your suitcase, but you can also use these bags at home. They’re handy if you need to protect your garments from moths.
You can keep your clothes smelling great on the journey by sprinkling a few drops of your favorite essential oil onto a piece of cloth and putting it in your suitcase.
If you really want to avoid clutter while you’re away, consider going digital. Don’t lug heavy books around; instead, put your beach reads on a Kindle. And you can always store maps, travel guides, and entertainment on a smartphone or tablet.
Decluttering doesn’t need to be complicated. With a little imagination and planning, you can make everyday tasks more manageable – and simplify both your home and your life.
---
A cluttered and chaotic home is more than just annoying; it’s damaging to your mental health. But getting organized is easy when you have a plan. Using a simple four-step process, you can free yourself from the possessions that are weighing you down and embrace the things you love instead. With a little forward thinking and some clever hacks, you can enjoy a tidier, more peaceful home – and you can give yourself peace of mind too!
Actionable advice:
Motivate your child to tidy their bedroom.
Our children’s bedrooms are often the messiest part of the home. You can motivate your kids to be neat and tidy by involving them in decluttering. Encourage them to take ownership of the tidying. Ask them where they think would be a good place for each of their toys to live. Let them choose where to store their belongings. Asking your child for their opinion lets them know that you respect their personal space. It works much better than simply ordering them to tidy up, or cleaning up their mess for them.
March 17, 2019
I am a massive fan of TGCO on Instagram, and pre-ordered this book prior to the release date.
It is the perfect accompaniment to her Instagram page, but in one handy volume, a reference, rather than having to scroll through lots of posts, highlights etc to find what you need.
I already use a few of TGCO techniques, and can honestly say that they do make life so much easier! And tgis book will help me keep on track, and implement more. Life can sometimes be chaotic, so anything helps right?!
Before following TGCO, I admit, I would have probably said "A book on how to organise? Surely you don't need to be taught how to declutter?" But trust me- it works!! So even if you are sceptical. To be it a go, and see how much spacious your home is, and your mind!
It is the perfect accompaniment to her Instagram page, but in one handy volume, a reference, rather than having to scroll through lots of posts, highlights etc to find what you need.
I already use a few of TGCO techniques, and can honestly say that they do make life so much easier! And tgis book will help me keep on track, and implement more. Life can sometimes be chaotic, so anything helps right?!
Before following TGCO, I admit, I would have probably said "A book on how to organise? Surely you don't need to be taught how to declutter?" But trust me- it works!! So even if you are sceptical. To be it a go, and see how much spacious your home is, and your mind!
November 30, 2019
I don’t know why I read decluttering books when these days, my home is mostly clutter free. I guess it’s because each book sort of re-motivates me to keep on top of it and reminds me of the benefits.. I like these little bits of motivation even though I’m reading what I already know and live, and in many cases have read before. I actually liked the first few chapters were Nicola explained who she is and how a job lay off lead her to setting up a decluttering business.
January 23, 2020
Två tankar som dök upp upprepade gånger: ”DIWhy???” och ”Duh!!”. Att lyssna på organisera-ditt-liv-böcker brukar jag tycka är mysigt och lugnande- denna hade helt motsatt effekt.
Read
May 20, 2020Nothing new here. Not one thing.
April 2, 2021
Looking at some of the other reviews I had the same issues with this book as many others, and also found the same parts really useful and refreshing.
I'm in the midst of a major declutter of both my home and my life at the moment. It's a spiritual process in a way, and I have consulted various authors in print and online to get their ideas of how to best go about this and how to reorganise and restyle my home to be the peaceful sanctuary I want it to be rather than the den of chaos that it often is. Personally I think decluttering properly is more than just throwing out useless stuff and then putting everything back tidily, because unless you change your attitude and emotional need for all that stuff, it's only going to build up again. No book I've found yet has really dealt with that psychological/emotional/spiritual aspect properly, and most are like this book, just get it all out, get rid of what you don't need and put the rest away in an organised fashion.
I really did want to like this particular book. At the start it seemed that the author, who has a professional decluttering business and blog, really does want to help people to live in a more organised home and feels that this will make them happier. I don't disagree, and she doesn't seem as harsh or as ruthless about it as Marie Kondo for instance, advocating dancing and singing to music to keep you going and also dealing with it in small and manageable chunks.
However, if you don't want to get seriously irritated then don't get this on audiobook. The author reads it herself and although she may pride herself on being super organised, what she isn't is a good reader. Intonation is all over the place, she stumbles pronouncing some of the words she has written and it often sounds like it's her first time reading the book at all. She also has an incredibly annoying way of referring constantly to 'TGCO', which is her brand 'This Girl Can Organise' and using it in the third person to describe her own advice, "TGCO recommends blah blah blah".
The actual decluttering advice is just absolute common sense. Get everything out in front of you so you can see what's what, sort it into piles of bin, keep, donate, etc, clean up the cupboard or wherever and then put things back neatly, maybe using some nifty storage techniques. This girl here listening can organise too, and that part to me isn't rocket science, but I acknowledge that it isn't necessary as strong a skill with everyone. But each chapter focusing on a different area of the house, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, garage and so on, repeats the same advice. Get it all out in front of you, sort it into piles.... and I found myself getting terrible deja vu chapter after chapter.
What Nicola Lewis does do though, which is really good, is give a lot of tips on how to upcycle, how to create your own storage solutions rather than fork out for yet more stuff to put your existing stuff in, and is quite human with this whole process. Most people don't have the luxury of the time and energy to do a full on Kondo type blitz, but her advice to break things into zones, make lists and tackle only what you can manage in the time available is down to earth and more likely to succeed. She has a positive and encouraging tone which is less patronising than other decluttering gurus I have read.
The other thing I really loved was that she makes her own eco-friendly cleaning products and tried to minimise waste. Lemons, white vinegar, bicarbonate of soda and some essential oils are the basic ingredients for most of them and I've taken notes of her recipes for making these. Another reason to read rather than listen to the book!
I'm in the midst of a major declutter of both my home and my life at the moment. It's a spiritual process in a way, and I have consulted various authors in print and online to get their ideas of how to best go about this and how to reorganise and restyle my home to be the peaceful sanctuary I want it to be rather than the den of chaos that it often is. Personally I think decluttering properly is more than just throwing out useless stuff and then putting everything back tidily, because unless you change your attitude and emotional need for all that stuff, it's only going to build up again. No book I've found yet has really dealt with that psychological/emotional/spiritual aspect properly, and most are like this book, just get it all out, get rid of what you don't need and put the rest away in an organised fashion.
I really did want to like this particular book. At the start it seemed that the author, who has a professional decluttering business and blog, really does want to help people to live in a more organised home and feels that this will make them happier. I don't disagree, and she doesn't seem as harsh or as ruthless about it as Marie Kondo for instance, advocating dancing and singing to music to keep you going and also dealing with it in small and manageable chunks.
However, if you don't want to get seriously irritated then don't get this on audiobook. The author reads it herself and although she may pride herself on being super organised, what she isn't is a good reader. Intonation is all over the place, she stumbles pronouncing some of the words she has written and it often sounds like it's her first time reading the book at all. She also has an incredibly annoying way of referring constantly to 'TGCO', which is her brand 'This Girl Can Organise' and using it in the third person to describe her own advice, "TGCO recommends blah blah blah".
The actual decluttering advice is just absolute common sense. Get everything out in front of you so you can see what's what, sort it into piles of bin, keep, donate, etc, clean up the cupboard or wherever and then put things back neatly, maybe using some nifty storage techniques. This girl here listening can organise too, and that part to me isn't rocket science, but I acknowledge that it isn't necessary as strong a skill with everyone. But each chapter focusing on a different area of the house, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, garage and so on, repeats the same advice. Get it all out in front of you, sort it into piles.... and I found myself getting terrible deja vu chapter after chapter.
What Nicola Lewis does do though, which is really good, is give a lot of tips on how to upcycle, how to create your own storage solutions rather than fork out for yet more stuff to put your existing stuff in, and is quite human with this whole process. Most people don't have the luxury of the time and energy to do a full on Kondo type blitz, but her advice to break things into zones, make lists and tackle only what you can manage in the time available is down to earth and more likely to succeed. She has a positive and encouraging tone which is less patronising than other decluttering gurus I have read.
The other thing I really loved was that she makes her own eco-friendly cleaning products and tried to minimise waste. Lemons, white vinegar, bicarbonate of soda and some essential oils are the basic ingredients for most of them and I've taken notes of her recipes for making these. Another reason to read rather than listen to the book!
March 29, 2022
Mind Over Clutter-Tidy Up for a Calm and Happy Home
by Nicola Lewis
March 14, 2019
The ultimate guide to decluttering your home in a fun, sustainable and meaningful way. Are you drowning in clutter? Do you dread opening your cupboards because of the mess that awaits inside? Are you ready to sort out your house for good and discover a happier, calmer you? If you've tried and struggled with Marie Kondo's The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up or Dana K. White's Decluttering at the Speed of Life, Nicola Lewis can help you finally achieve the tidy, clean and healthy home you've always wanted. In this book, Nicola will arm you with the tools you need to clean and clear your home. With a step-by-step, room-by-room plan to get rid of clutter, recipes for natural, eco-friendly cleaning products and tips on up cycling your household items, housework and organizing have never been this easy! From your makeup bag to your 'hoarders' garage, your home will be spick, span and sparkling. Sections of the book include:Nicola's Journey Tidy Home, Tidy Mind How to De clutter: Room by Room.Eco-cleaning Your Home Upcycling and Donating Decluttering to Go Nicola sprinkles magic wherever she goes and she has seen first-hand how decluttering and tidying your home can help transform your mind, bringing you new-found confidence and happiness. Filled with helpful tips and tricks, actionable insights and positive affirmations, this is the perfect book to refer to whenever you need help to tidy your life.
by Nicola Lewis
March 14, 2019
The ultimate guide to decluttering your home in a fun, sustainable and meaningful way. Are you drowning in clutter? Do you dread opening your cupboards because of the mess that awaits inside? Are you ready to sort out your house for good and discover a happier, calmer you? If you've tried and struggled with Marie Kondo's The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up or Dana K. White's Decluttering at the Speed of Life, Nicola Lewis can help you finally achieve the tidy, clean and healthy home you've always wanted. In this book, Nicola will arm you with the tools you need to clean and clear your home. With a step-by-step, room-by-room plan to get rid of clutter, recipes for natural, eco-friendly cleaning products and tips on up cycling your household items, housework and organizing have never been this easy! From your makeup bag to your 'hoarders' garage, your home will be spick, span and sparkling. Sections of the book include:Nicola's Journey Tidy Home, Tidy Mind How to De clutter: Room by Room.Eco-cleaning Your Home Upcycling and Donating Decluttering to Go Nicola sprinkles magic wherever she goes and she has seen first-hand how decluttering and tidying your home can help transform your mind, bringing you new-found confidence and happiness. Filled with helpful tips and tricks, actionable insights and positive affirmations, this is the perfect book to refer to whenever you need help to tidy your life.
December 22, 2020
1 Sentence Summary: Mind Over Clutter helps you take steps to improve your mental health, physical health, and the environment by showing you why having too much junk is so bad for you and outlining how to get rid of it all.
Favorite quote from the author:
"Don't wait for a better day or opportunity, make today better by creating opportunities."
Three favorite lessons from this book:
1) Clutter increases cortisol levels in your body, which makes you more at risk for mental illness and decreased productivity, but you can beat it by starting small. Does the thought of having too many possessions overwhelm or worry you? When you're stressed: it's more difficult to focus, easier to get distracted, hold a higher risk for anxiety & depression, and even find it more difficult to sleep.
2) There are four simple steps to getting rid of all your junk, the first of which is to empty the room you want to clean. Then organize everything into four piles: keep, trash, donate, sell. Try to only keep the things you use every month, or need for special occasions like the holidays.
3) Use natural cleaning products that you can make yourself if you want to disinfect without harming your health. Chemical disinfectants may harm children, dogs, and cats as they can lead to kidney & liver problems or even a damaged nervous system. More natural cleaning products are: lemon, vinegar and baking soda.
Favorite quote from the author:
"Don't wait for a better day or opportunity, make today better by creating opportunities."
Three favorite lessons from this book:
1) Clutter increases cortisol levels in your body, which makes you more at risk for mental illness and decreased productivity, but you can beat it by starting small. Does the thought of having too many possessions overwhelm or worry you? When you're stressed: it's more difficult to focus, easier to get distracted, hold a higher risk for anxiety & depression, and even find it more difficult to sleep.
2) There are four simple steps to getting rid of all your junk, the first of which is to empty the room you want to clean. Then organize everything into four piles: keep, trash, donate, sell. Try to only keep the things you use every month, or need for special occasions like the holidays.
3) Use natural cleaning products that you can make yourself if you want to disinfect without harming your health. Chemical disinfectants may harm children, dogs, and cats as they can lead to kidney & liver problems or even a damaged nervous system. More natural cleaning products are: lemon, vinegar and baking soda.
October 6, 2025
I found the book quite repetitive — the general “decluttering” rule seemed to boil down to: remove everything, clean, decide what you no longer want, and put everything back. Nothing particularly new or revolutionary.
Surprisingly, almost 40% of the book wasn’t about decluttering at all.
There were, however, some interesting sections on eco-cleaning methods, ingredients, and tips.
That said, some of the later advice felt a bit counterintuitive. For a book about decluttering, the author’s suggestion to save every jar, tin can, and piece of cardboard “just in case” for upcycling or art projects felt contradictory.
Lastly, the constant references to the author as “TGCO” and the repeated “top tips” sections grated on me after a while.
Surprisingly, almost 40% of the book wasn’t about decluttering at all.
There were, however, some interesting sections on eco-cleaning methods, ingredients, and tips.
That said, some of the later advice felt a bit counterintuitive. For a book about decluttering, the author’s suggestion to save every jar, tin can, and piece of cardboard “just in case” for upcycling or art projects felt contradictory.
Lastly, the constant references to the author as “TGCO” and the repeated “top tips” sections grated on me after a while.
August 7, 2019
After following Nicola on Instagram for some time and loving her organising tips I decided to purchase this book to accompany it. It’s full of handy tips and eco cleaning information. It’s certainly made me more aware of how important it is to be recycling and repurposing items.
I read it from front to back but it’s great to use as a reference for things and the pages are easy enough to find. I found I already knew a majority of the tips listed because I’ve been following her for a while but others may pick up more golden nuggets of info. I’m certainly a fan and would recommend the book and even better - follow her fab account on insta!
I read it from front to back but it’s great to use as a reference for things and the pages are easy enough to find. I found I already knew a majority of the tips listed because I’ve been following her for a while but others may pick up more golden nuggets of info. I’m certainly a fan and would recommend the book and even better - follow her fab account on insta!
January 1, 2021
I downloaded the audiobook version thinking that the author reading her own book would be more personal and inspirational. It was interesting to hear how Nicola got into decluttering but after that I didn’t really learn anything new. Not all of the book seemed practical as I don’t believe most people would have enough space in a house to completely empty a room then start decluttering before putting back the 'keep' stuff! Some of the eco cleaning tips were useful but again these can be found in many other sources. I definitely prefer Marie Kondo’s methodology. This would be OK for someone just starting out decluttering but there’s no earth shattering insights.
April 5, 2020
I enjoyed this book it is set out to read quickly and easily. It is very repetitive but it’s going to be when she is explaining to you how to organise every room separately and from it being that way it is now embedded into my memory and won’t be forgotten!
I mostly bought this book for her homemade cleaning products which I can’t wait to try she has loads of tips and ingredients for those.
One last thing that I like about this book is that there is a index in the back so if you want to revisit a section of the book it is so easy to find instead of having to flick through the whole thing.
I mostly bought this book for her homemade cleaning products which I can’t wait to try she has loads of tips and ingredients for those.
One last thing that I like about this book is that there is a index in the back so if you want to revisit a section of the book it is so easy to find instead of having to flick through the whole thing.
November 15, 2020
I was not familiar with Nicola Lewis prior to reading this book, I had just been looking for books on decluttering to inspire me to continue with my own decluttering. This book hit the spot for me. It has a lot of good advice and tips on decluttering and cleaning. I found it motivating and just what I needed to give me the encouragement to push through my current decluttering slump. ⭐⭐⭐ #nicolalewis #mindoverclutter #tea_sipping_bookworm #litsy #goodreads #amazonkindle #decluttering #minimalism #bookstagram #bookqueen
January 13, 2020
Some fantastic, natural, cleaning product recipes and some good storage solutions as well as practical advice and contacts for donating unwanted goods. Great if you’re environmentally conscious. These positives outweighed the slow start and slightly repetitive and patronising parts of the book, e.g. be careful with knives. It’s easy to cut yourself. Thanks.....
Also worth saying that I do feel a lot of the information from the book is probably available on her instagram page
Also worth saying that I do feel a lot of the information from the book is probably available on her instagram page
August 19, 2020
Top Tip: Don't consume this book via audio as you will start pulling your hair out hearing "TGCO Top Tip" over and over and over.
I will save you reading this book. Her tip to declutter is to take everything out, get rid of what you don't want, then put everything leftover... back. Very helpful! *eyeroll*
Book is saved by some natural cleaning recipes, but these are already very well known and nothing new.
I will save you reading this book. Her tip to declutter is to take everything out, get rid of what you don't want, then put everything leftover... back. Very helpful! *eyeroll*
Book is saved by some natural cleaning recipes, but these are already very well known and nothing new.
August 22, 2020
A cluttered and chaotic home is damaging to our mental health. We need a plan to be and to stay organised. Using the simple four-step process, you could free yourself from the possessions that no longer serves you and embrace things you love instead. Forward thinking and some clever hacks, you are on your tidier way, providing a peaceful home environment. Start anytime by taking the ownership in decluttering.
August 22, 2020
A cluttered and chaotic home is more than just annoying; it’s damaging to your mental health. But getting organized is easy when you have a plan. Using a simple four-step process, you can free yourself from the possessions that are weighing you down and embrace the things you love instead. With a little forward thinking and some clever hacks, you can enjoy a tidier, more peaceful home – and you can give yourself peace of mind too!
September 8, 2023
I find declutting books and podcasts quite fun. I like this genre. It’s relaxing. It slowly sinks in. I know it does.
But this is quite useless. Clean it out, throw the crap. Repeat repeat all in a slightly out of touch peppy tone. Definitely skim read this once I got the gist. Nothing I have not heard before, nothing that will actually actively make decluttering easier - unless you’re really into decluttering.
Stick to Dana K White.
But this is quite useless. Clean it out, throw the crap. Repeat repeat all in a slightly out of touch peppy tone. Definitely skim read this once I got the gist. Nothing I have not heard before, nothing that will actually actively make decluttering easier - unless you’re really into decluttering.
Stick to Dana K White.
July 23, 2025
The natural cleaning products were super helpful. The rest pretty much boiled down to remove everything from a space and discard or donate what you don’t need before putting everything back but organized. I imagine houses are smaller in the UK so it might be easier to do so there.
Also while I’m all for upcycling, you only need so many egg cartons for seed starters and toilet paper rolls for cord organizing. Just saying.
Also while I’m all for upcycling, you only need so many egg cartons for seed starters and toilet paper rolls for cord organizing. Just saying.
March 4, 2020
Very nicely organized (of course) book on decluttering, organizing and cleaning. Love the diy cleaners and her top tips for all of it. I found Nicola on Instagram somehow. I enjoy watching her help her clients flutter and find homes for all their stuff. I like that she lists out resources for donating you extra stuff.
July 19, 2020
Positive book; good eco cleaning advice
Book is a little repetitive but I like Nicola’s positivity and the clear structure to the book. Favourite part is the recipes for eco-friendly cleaning materials and the focus on upcycling and donating. Not ground breaking but a simple and fun read
Book is a little repetitive but I like Nicola’s positivity and the clear structure to the book. Favourite part is the recipes for eco-friendly cleaning materials and the focus on upcycling and donating. Not ground breaking but a simple and fun read
November 3, 2020
This was ok, most of it was using your common sense. I did skip some chapters (concerning kids as I don't have any). Plus I was horrified at the suggestion of cutting the picture out of jigsaw puzzle boxes and storing it with the puzzle pieces in a plastic bag. The boxes might be big, but they're tidy.
March 17, 2019
Self help to a healthy home and mind. I really enjoyed this book. It had made the job of decluttering my home so much less stressful. Also being read by the writer I felt like she was there championing my every task.
Currently reading
June 5, 2019Nice reference 've book about decluttering. It gives you list of things that you can do and special cleaners that you can make on your own.
The author is just telling you step by step methods of bei my more organized. Disorganization is form of stress..
The author is just telling you step by step methods of bei my more organized. Disorganization is form of stress..
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