What do you think?
Rate this book
Minimalist Living: Decluttering for Joy, Health, and Creativity
From About.com Reader's Choice Award-winning author Genevieve Parker Hill comes a fresh new minimalism guide for everyone. If your garage, attic, closets, and surfaces are filled with clutter, all that extra stuff can get in the way of a full experience of life as it was meant to be lived. Minimalist Living covers not only techniques for decluttering, but how to fill your newfound space with meaningful activities that add joy to your life and support your goals.
This guide to simplifying for health, joy, and creativity teaches:
• Why you should define your own sense of minimalism
• How to create your "Minimalist Mission Statement"
• How to use the techniques of "blazing" and "gazing" to declutter
• Why decluttering now can lead to a happier, healthier, and more creative life
• How to deal with sentimental items without losing their meaning
• The amazing connection between minimalism and living your soul's deepest purpose
And much more...
This guide to simplifying for health, joy, and creativity teaches:
• Why you should define your own sense of minimalism
• How to create your "Minimalist Mission Statement"
• How to use the techniques of "blazing" and "gazing" to declutter
• Why decluttering now can lead to a happier, healthier, and more creative life
• How to deal with sentimental items without losing their meaning
• The amazing connection between minimalism and living your soul's deepest purpose
And much more...
141 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 12, 2013
1690 people are currently reading
1547 people want to read
About the author
Genevieve Parker Hill
8 books16 followersGenevieve Parker Hill is the Amazon bestselling author of how-to books including Minimalist Living: Decluttering for Joy, Health, and Creativity, which has been downloaded via Amazon Kindle over 90,000 times. As a leader in the area of simple living and travel, she has been a featured packing expert for Elle Canada, received an About.com Reader's Choice award, and been published in Complete Wellbeing Magazine.
Genevieve loves supporting and finding community with other writers, which she does through her book The Wealthy Creative: 24 Successful Artists and Writers Share Their Winning Habits and through coaching and masterminding.
Find out more at GenevieveParkerHill.com.
Follow Genevieve on social media:
Facebook.com/Genevievewrites
Twitter @GParkerHill
Instagram@Genevievewrites
Genevieve loves supporting and finding community with other writers, which she does through her book The Wealthy Creative: 24 Successful Artists and Writers Share Their Winning Habits and through coaching and masterminding.
Find out more at GenevieveParkerHill.com.
Follow Genevieve on social media:
Facebook.com/Genevievewrites
Twitter @GParkerHill
Instagram@Genevievewrites
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
dnf
February 17, 2017If you've read no other books on minimalism and decluttering, this one is fine. It's exactly like every one of the other 4,000 books on minimalism and decluttering.
Bland.
Bland.
August 18, 2018
This book sort of reminded me of this episode of Family Guy I saw where Brian set out to prove he could write a self help book in one night and people would buy it. The book was okay but no new information, nothing amazing or inspiring. Most of the time I felt like the author wasn’t even all that in to what she was recommending, with a lot of “if you don’t want to, you don’t have to” sort of sentiments.
January 4, 2015
I keep coming back to this little book over and over again. Not so much a 'how too' as a "why" type book. IT makes me rethink my home, my posessions, my life style in a really thoughtful and thought provoking way. It's done more for me and my home in a short time than any 'step by step' type guide has ever done. Nothing like finding the exact thing you need for you life at the exact right time.
January 25, 2023
This is a nice overview of why it's beneficial to become a minimalist, how to go about decluttering your home and your life and then keep both uncluttered. There's nothing groundbreaking in this short book, but there are some clever tips about how to get rid of stuff (for example, that it might be an idea to keep a small part of a big object for the emotional value). I also liked the chapter on gifts, in which the author discusses whether it's your duty to keep a present you don't actually want.
That said, I'm not sure I learned anything that's particularly useful in my situation right now.
That said, I'm not sure I learned anything that's particularly useful in my situation right now.
November 22, 2017
While I am not ever going to be a minimalist, this book: Minimalist Living: Decluttering for Joy, Health and Creativity, gave me the push I needed to weed out at least some of the accumulation. I like the way she has in giving ideas and suggestions. Offering ways and more help if you are needing another bit of encouragement to keep going. There are sections I went back and reread when I hit a rough path in my clearing, so I could screw up the courage to just say go!
February 6, 2017
I need to quit reading books on minimalism and decluttering because I do this naturally. This book had some good ideas but nothing terribly innovative.
November 28, 2018
Minimalist Living: Decluttering for Joy, Health, and Creativity
Have started going through things we don't use and haven't in the past 10 years-time to get rid of them.
Attacked the fabric pile and making winter quilts for the windows to help keep the high cost of electricity and heat down a bit more.
Have been saving up nautical prints for the past almost 19 years, time to use them. Every season I find myself going through clothes no longer worn and donating them.
Looking forward to other tips by reading this book.
Like the explanation the author gives on what's important in your life-not live by how others do.
Great ideas for getitng rid of sentimental and keepsake items-think i will take pictures of them then i will always have them.
Like the stories along the way from many others. Resources are listed at the end.
Have started going through things we don't use and haven't in the past 10 years-time to get rid of them.
Attacked the fabric pile and making winter quilts for the windows to help keep the high cost of electricity and heat down a bit more.
Have been saving up nautical prints for the past almost 19 years, time to use them. Every season I find myself going through clothes no longer worn and donating them.
Looking forward to other tips by reading this book.
Like the explanation the author gives on what's important in your life-not live by how others do.
Great ideas for getitng rid of sentimental and keepsake items-think i will take pictures of them then i will always have them.
Like the stories along the way from many others. Resources are listed at the end.
April 8, 2019
A freebie from Amazon, this pre-dates the Marie Kondo marketing freight train by a year or so. It's basically the same sort of concept: most of us have more than we need or want and it's basically causing us more stress than pleasure. Hill doesn't go into all that "sparking joy" nonsense. She's just practical and easy-going without all the saccharine marketing hype or cloying cutesy nonsense.
Still, this could have gone into one good, long magazine article, thus acting on its own minimalism theme.
In all honesty, I probably wouldn't have bothered with it had it not been free and I not been eyeballing a certain closet where the house elves seem to be collecting random, forgotten objects.
Still, this could have gone into one good, long magazine article, thus acting on its own minimalism theme.
In all honesty, I probably wouldn't have bothered with it had it not been free and I not been eyeballing a certain closet where the house elves seem to be collecting random, forgotten objects.
June 22, 2014
This is a great book for those of us looking to live a more minimalist lifestyle. I recommend this to folks who are new to the ideas behind decluttering and the process that goes along with that including both the act and the emotional aspects associated with releasing our belongings.
This is a book both about the how-to and the underlying issues that can lead to having too much stuff in our lives.
The author makes every attempt to give this book away via Amazon so I suggest following her blog (which covers a wider range of relevant topics than simply decluttering) and wait until you can get it for free on your device. I like free. :)
This is a book both about the how-to and the underlying issues that can lead to having too much stuff in our lives.
The author makes every attempt to give this book away via Amazon so I suggest following her blog (which covers a wider range of relevant topics than simply decluttering) and wait until you can get it for free on your device. I like free. :)
November 17, 2017
Well-written and logical
All your question on minimalism can be answered with this book (or most of them). Every chapter follows on in a logical manner from the next. So, if you have a question that leaves an impression on your mind in chapter 1, chapter 2 will begin by immediately addressing that question. I truly enjoy books that have a logical flow.
If you feel that minimalism of the physical space you occupy is too extreme, this book will still be suitable for you, because it also places emphasis on minimalism of the mind.
It really is suitable for everyone, and I definitely recommend it. A great piece of work!
All your question on minimalism can be answered with this book (or most of them). Every chapter follows on in a logical manner from the next. So, if you have a question that leaves an impression on your mind in chapter 1, chapter 2 will begin by immediately addressing that question. I truly enjoy books that have a logical flow.
If you feel that minimalism of the physical space you occupy is too extreme, this book will still be suitable for you, because it also places emphasis on minimalism of the mind.
It really is suitable for everyone, and I definitely recommend it. A great piece of work!
April 1, 2025
Short, clear and simple. Nothing ground-breaking but that's the beauty of this book. It's more about the "why" than the "how"
December 25, 2017
Easy to read book but clearly stirs my thoughts in how decluttering can help me become a happier person by saving time, money and even the much annoying heartfelt emotions. One my favourite line from the book relates to our thoughts, whether we choose to dwell in negativity or to move on in a short space of time. The book is a good motivator in making me start seeing how I can benefit from less things and thoughts and get on with my life!
March 22, 2017
I don't think I'll ever call myself a minimalist but I am decluttering my stuff and life so I'm reading more books about it. This one was free on Amazon Kindle and it's a really good read, they talk about Minimalism in an easy way.
It's not 'you can only own 25 things' or 'you have to do this and that to be a true minimalist'. And i like that, it's easy and gives you great tips and ideas.
It's not 'you can only own 25 things' or 'you have to do this and that to be a true minimalist'. And i like that, it's easy and gives you great tips and ideas.
September 7, 2016
I like the spiritual aspect of decluttering, the rest is nothing new.
May 28, 2021
a great read infused with kindness and reminders about purpose. good quotes to apply also.
for me, it was very worthwhile. it was simple yes, but do we need complex? isn’t that the point of living, having less to BE more?
if you haven’t read much yet on minimalism, pick this up. if you’ve already read articles or books, try and START before looking to this book or another writing on minimalism.
my main takeaways were:
- the 30s and 40s most items were handmade or bought and carefully maintained to be used for years. post WWII we have gotten away from that.
- “we are psychologically affected by our superstores and that affects our buying habits”
- identify PURPOSE for each item you have. either joyful or functional and ideally both. (or useful, meaningful, or pleasurable)
- options are overrated and overwhelming.
- be intentional about the life you are creating and what you’re letting in.
- there is a Cost to keeping too much stuff. “time has financial value, and it also has value to your happiness and quality of life.”?
- renting a storage unit is a terrible idea. living spaces are already much larger than historically.
- find a place for Everything!
- Refuse! before you reduce reuse recycle!
- in the end, we won’t dwell on what things we had, rather what we did, who we were, and who we loved.
for me, it was very worthwhile. it was simple yes, but do we need complex? isn’t that the point of living, having less to BE more?
if you haven’t read much yet on minimalism, pick this up. if you’ve already read articles or books, try and START before looking to this book or another writing on minimalism.
my main takeaways were:
- the 30s and 40s most items were handmade or bought and carefully maintained to be used for years. post WWII we have gotten away from that.
- “we are psychologically affected by our superstores and that affects our buying habits”
- identify PURPOSE for each item you have. either joyful or functional and ideally both. (or useful, meaningful, or pleasurable)
- options are overrated and overwhelming.
- be intentional about the life you are creating and what you’re letting in.
- there is a Cost to keeping too much stuff. “time has financial value, and it also has value to your happiness and quality of life.”?
- renting a storage unit is a terrible idea. living spaces are already much larger than historically.
- find a place for Everything!
- Refuse! before you reduce reuse recycle!
- in the end, we won’t dwell on what things we had, rather what we did, who we were, and who we loved.
March 15, 2019
I found this book very interesting even though I have read several books on clearing clutter. I did, as the author suggested, put the book down to begin (again) doing some clutter clearing. Then I went back to the book and read a bit more, which motivated me to go back to working on the clutter again, etc.
I have been working on clearing my clutter for nearly 10 years now. My goal is to organize everything I want to keep and make lists of things I am not keeping (so I won't go looking for something I have forgotten that I no longer have).
The author of this book understands the various reasons people allow clutter to build up and also understands how people differ in the methods they need to use to clear their clutter. She takes these differences into account when making her suggestions on how to help her readers clear their clutter.
My goal is not to leave gobs of things my kids won't want when I check out of this world. I want to leave an inventory of things they may want to keep, but I don't want to cause them to wade through things that I should have eliminated from my home.
I have been working on clearing my clutter for nearly 10 years now. My goal is to organize everything I want to keep and make lists of things I am not keeping (so I won't go looking for something I have forgotten that I no longer have).
The author of this book understands the various reasons people allow clutter to build up and also understands how people differ in the methods they need to use to clear their clutter. She takes these differences into account when making her suggestions on how to help her readers clear their clutter.
My goal is not to leave gobs of things my kids won't want when I check out of this world. I want to leave an inventory of things they may want to keep, but I don't want to cause them to wade through things that I should have eliminated from my home.
November 8, 2017
This is a short guide on how clutter and having an excess of anything can really impact your life, your joy, health, and creativity. This book is short and most readers will get through it in 2-3 hours. The reason why I'm giving it 3 stars, it's good but not great. I didn't really find anything new or innovative in this book when it comes to minimalism and how to actually minimize. Most of the information is very basic and straight-forward.
If you are completely new to minimalism, and the idea of it, it's a great place to start. It's also a great book for those who are skeptical about minimalism, it is filled with actual research findings on how minimalism improves your life or can improve your life. As someone who isn't new to Minimalism, I found this read to be a little too simple. However, the author provides a list of websites and blogs at the end of the book that readers may find helpful. That is where this book is the icing on the cake, the additional resources.
If you are completely new to minimalism, and the idea of it, it's a great place to start. It's also a great book for those who are skeptical about minimalism, it is filled with actual research findings on how minimalism improves your life or can improve your life. As someone who isn't new to Minimalism, I found this read to be a little too simple. However, the author provides a list of websites and blogs at the end of the book that readers may find helpful. That is where this book is the icing on the cake, the additional resources.
March 26, 2018
A personal approach
I enjoy the approach the author takes to this subject, which has become a popular phenomena as of late. Rather than being a strict, cookbook-like guide to doing specific tasks "the right way", the book takes a very personal, psychological, even spiritual look at how the reader can benefit from, think about, and ultimately begin the process of minimizing their worldly possessions. The topic is quite personal to the author, and the anecdotes she shares, along with excerpts and statistics from other writings, concretely communicate the drastic importance of a lesson you'd rather not learn the hard way. I count this book among my favorites in the category, along with Kondo's The Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up, and Sasaki's Goodbye, Things: The New Japanese Minimalism. I recommend one continue their reading after this book, as each author has a different approach, and minimalism is hardly one size fits all.
I enjoy the approach the author takes to this subject, which has become a popular phenomena as of late. Rather than being a strict, cookbook-like guide to doing specific tasks "the right way", the book takes a very personal, psychological, even spiritual look at how the reader can benefit from, think about, and ultimately begin the process of minimizing their worldly possessions. The topic is quite personal to the author, and the anecdotes she shares, along with excerpts and statistics from other writings, concretely communicate the drastic importance of a lesson you'd rather not learn the hard way. I count this book among my favorites in the category, along with Kondo's The Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up, and Sasaki's Goodbye, Things: The New Japanese Minimalism. I recommend one continue their reading after this book, as each author has a different approach, and minimalism is hardly one size fits all.
November 8, 2017
I don't know why I was expecting more from this book, but it fell just a bit short in my opinion. Sure, the author offered plenty of minimalist resources, made some excellent points, and provided a few good examples when it came to decluttering. Yet I found myself rolling my eyes at some of the New Age like vocabulary and ideas about what happens when you declutter your space and lead a minimalist lifestyle.
I mainly read this to bolster my online research on leading a minimalist lifestyle and how to start the decluttering process. I'll also admit that I got this Kindle book free through a Bookbub deal, so no harm, no foul. As a whole, the book has some great ideas but isn't terribly revolutionary.
I mainly read this to bolster my online research on leading a minimalist lifestyle and how to start the decluttering process. I'll also admit that I got this Kindle book free through a Bookbub deal, so no harm, no foul. As a whole, the book has some great ideas but isn't terribly revolutionary.
January 17, 2018
This is great starting point for anyone interested in minimalist living. It is a very short book but be prepared to be challenged and prompted to start the stripping away and decluttering process while reading. I had to pause halfway to think and write exactly the home I want to create. And made me pause reading reflect and consider exactly the life and home I am creating.
The book, short as it is and filled with fluffy stories, won't have an impact if the reader isn't ready to let go of stuff.
The book, short as it is and filled with fluffy stories, won't have an impact if the reader isn't ready to let go of stuff.
January 24, 2020
Good ideas for letting go of stuff!
After moving three relatives into assisted living and nursing care and having to help clean out and downsize them to their new homes, I realized that you can't take belongs with you even before you die. This book offers good questions to consider about why you keep stuff, the burden of keeping stuff , how to let go of stuff especially sentimental stuff, and the freedom and joy of having less. It offers doable suggestions and online resources. Definitely worth reading.
After moving three relatives into assisted living and nursing care and having to help clean out and downsize them to their new homes, I realized that you can't take belongs with you even before you die. This book offers good questions to consider about why you keep stuff, the burden of keeping stuff , how to let go of stuff especially sentimental stuff, and the freedom and joy of having less. It offers doable suggestions and online resources. Definitely worth reading.
August 29, 2020
Embracing minimalism
I have a long ways to go in this department...I think that the concept is good, but the idea that “maybe I will need that,” often compels me. I have three rooms in my house that I’m editing. This book had good tips on that process. Her tip on not consuming the news so we feel better? That was not one I will be implementing. I want to help society with my presence and my relationship to consumption. Part of helping society is knowing what is going on within it.
I have a long ways to go in this department...I think that the concept is good, but the idea that “maybe I will need that,” often compels me. I have three rooms in my house that I’m editing. This book had good tips on that process. Her tip on not consuming the news so we feel better? That was not one I will be implementing. I want to help society with my presence and my relationship to consumption. Part of helping society is knowing what is going on within it.
January 17, 2018
Some good points
The beginning of the book was encouraging to me and really got me thinking. I liked her decluttering tips and will be implementing some of them. The reason I give it a 3 star review is she really thinks you need to “declutter” you life not just belongings. Maybe I just don’t completely understand the minimalist mindset, but I was expecting it to be about physical possessions not my schedule.
The beginning of the book was encouraging to me and really got me thinking. I liked her decluttering tips and will be implementing some of them. The reason I give it a 3 star review is she really thinks you need to “declutter” you life not just belongings. Maybe I just don’t completely understand the minimalist mindset, but I was expecting it to be about physical possessions not my schedule.
November 15, 2018
I’ve read other minimalism books more focused on solely clutter and organizing specific ways. It was nice to read more about minimalism lifestyle about clutter in life of activities, people and so on... to take a look at that and decide what you want your life to look like... do you want more time to run and train for a marathon? Then declutter other time spent to focus on that and so on... quick read and good book!
December 28, 2022
Es bueno después de todo.
La autora presenta bien explicado el concepto de minimalismo partiendo de su estilo de vida nómada. Esboza correctamente el concepto entrado y arriesgándose en áreas de relaciones, trabajo y consumo. Igualmente promociona su estilo de vida aunque desde una perspectiva particular sin entrar en imposiciones. La parte espiritual la aborda correctamente pero sin bases doctrinales o de pensamiento concretas.
La autora presenta bien explicado el concepto de minimalismo partiendo de su estilo de vida nómada. Esboza correctamente el concepto entrado y arriesgándose en áreas de relaciones, trabajo y consumo. Igualmente promociona su estilo de vida aunque desde una perspectiva particular sin entrar en imposiciones. La parte espiritual la aborda correctamente pero sin bases doctrinales o de pensamiento concretas.
November 14, 2017
Inspiring me just to destress my life.
The book is well written and makes sense. Most of the people I know including myself have too much stress in their lives. If cleaning out the house can lessen the turmoil of life and open up the joys of being it is definitely worth the effort.
The book is well written and makes sense. Most of the people I know including myself have too much stress in their lives. If cleaning out the house can lessen the turmoil of life and open up the joys of being it is definitely worth the effort.
December 19, 2017
Although I am not a minimalist, I am a bachelor who decided it is time to clean out the house and make some room. This book gives some good guidance and will be a big help. Although a lot of it is plain common sense, there are times when we need to admit we are wasting a lot of space. Looking forward to putting this into effect.
May 28, 2018
Needed this book to motivate me!
I start decluttering and get so far and get discouraged. And then so quickly more stuff fills the spaces. I needed to be reminded of the big reasons to make changes, it’s not just getting a closet decluttered, it’s changing how I think of my life and my purpose. So, now to get busy and really make changes that last!
I start decluttering and get so far and get discouraged. And then so quickly more stuff fills the spaces. I needed to be reminded of the big reasons to make changes, it’s not just getting a closet decluttered, it’s changing how I think of my life and my purpose. So, now to get busy and really make changes that last!
June 1, 2018
I got a lot out of the first chapter. Specifically when the author talks about what IS/what ISNT minimalist living. I really enjoyed being able to see her interpretation and read how it was applied in her life. I'm going to follow her challenge of deciding what I can and can't live without and sell what I don't need anymore.
June 10, 2018
Great book for someone looking to learn about minimalism
I liked the ideas this book presented and the fact that she identifies that there is a spectrum for minimalist living. This book proves some great guidance for the first steps as well as how to keep going down the path. I also love the additional resources to continue the learning.
I liked the ideas this book presented and the fact that she identifies that there is a spectrum for minimalist living. This book proves some great guidance for the first steps as well as how to keep going down the path. I also love the additional resources to continue the learning.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews