“Clutter cleaning is about acquiring an ability to rely solely upon oneself to create an environment that is nurturing and supportive. It does not depend on someone else.” (Page ix)

I am having fun with this review. Instead of putting quotes from the book in my review, I am adding them using the goodreads add-a-quote feature. I don't know how well that will work for other readers, but I am having fun doing it for the first time. Now that I have put some in I see that Quotes are only for "notable people". Oops - Well, now I know.

This is a book that my wife has had for some years, which made it easy to read since she had highlighted the portions that were important to her. So, as I read, I could skim along until I came to something that she highlighted.

Here approach is different from [a:Marie Kondō|5589647|Marie Kondō|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1451520607p2/5589647.jpg]. Marie Kondō had great success with her approach to decluttering in Japan and abroad. However, I don't feel that this approach is any worse. It is worth looking at them both and finding what works for you.

One big difference is that Kondō stresses that it is a lifetime change and tells you exactly how to do it. Passoff's book tells you to use what works for you.

There are three sections in this book:
1. Getting Started (Chapters 1-3)
2. Learning Skills (Chapters 4-11)
3. Living Clutter Free (Chapters 12-14)

Learning Skills At a Glance (Between Part 2: Learning Skills & Part 3: Living Clutter Free)
1. Handle one item at a time
2. A path for everything & everything on a path
3. Don’t cover your tracks (keep cleaned areas cleaned)
4. Like-kind things, like-kind energies together
5. Take breaks
6. Leave no stone unturned
7. Dispose of things with some ceremony
8. Empty space always gets filled
9. Acknowledge the steps you have taken

Her website given in the chapter "The End" is now owned by someone else. Sigh, it would have been fun to visit. ( )

This book had a slightly different perspective on decluttering, and different takes help to keep me motivated. It is a gentler, wiser, more (dare I say) feminine approach to decluttering that is less into throwing out what you don't want, and more about how to select what you want to keep. She touches on other areas, as well as the physical stuff, to help one's life become clutter-free in finances, relationships, etc. The book is somewhat dated for electronics and computers, and she does go on about paperwork, but overall the content is still helpful. The book's useful concept is that all your possessions need to support your current and future goals, and that they are all moving forward with you so you don't want to be dragging a lot of useless stuff on your life's journey. Good image. ( )

This is a mainstay in my library that has survived numerous cullings. Again and again I return to it for support and inspiration. I am, myself, a hoarder by nature, constantly striving to keep my belongings culled and organized. Too many books concentrate on one aspect or the other, this one balances both. The author is experienced and kind, and writes to the reader in a businesslike but comfortable way. Strongly recommended, and I encourage you to buy a copy, so you can earmark, make notes, and reference it whenever you need a boost getting back to ground zero. ( )

Quick read and very good advice. We all have too many things! ( )

I liked many of these suggestions, but for me, she focused too much on organizing paperwork. If piles of papers are your problem - this book is perfect for you. ( )