Owning more things won't bring you happiness. In fact, the opposite is normally true. With this in mind, many people are opting to simplify their lives by becoming more intentional in their approach to their belongings – aka decluttering. They’re learning new techniques and habits to get rid of unnecessary items in order to let go of the past, fully enjoy the present, and make way for the future.

It seems natural to think of clutter as a matter of just having too many things, too little space, or not enough spare time to keep things in order – to think that clutter is a result of physical barriers. However, research shows that our physical clutter is actually just a physical manifestation of our mental processes and emotions. When you think about it, this makes sense. We know that we need to do something about the clutter, and yet it’s so overwhelming to get started! What’s more distressing is that clutter has been found to increase stress and decrease the ability to focus or be creative.

Everyone tends to collect things over time and it’s easy to let it get out of hand, but imagine how empowering it would feel to strip the clutter from your life and move forward unburdened!

This book will introduce you to the art of decluttering by demonstrating how the teachings of organizational gurus like Dominque Loreau, Marie Kondo, Cindy Glovinsky and Julie Morgenstern can be easily applied to your life.

First, I will help you mentally prepare for the process of decluttering and the emotional barriers you may face.

Then, I’ll introduce you to planning an optimal timeline of action and finding an appropriate approach to sorting.

Finally, I’ll leave you with tips to maintain your new decluttered lifestyle and I’ll share with you some of the many psychological and functional benefits you can expect from decluttering.

Footnotes have been added throughout the book with information and links for learning more about the experts, methods, and research mentioned in this introductory roadmap to simplicity through decluttering.

Tags: Clutter, Cleaning, Self-Help, Self-Improvement, Lifestyle, Clutter-Free, Easy, Tidying Up, Sorting, Reduce Stress, Happiness, Introduction, Minimalist Lifestyle, Minimalism, Materialism, Consumerism, Health, Intentional Living, Mindfulness, Zen, Mindset, Calm, Peace, Habit, Psychology, Positive Psychology, Mental Health, Accountability, Self-Compassion, Emotions, Simple, Simplicity, Home, Decorating, Organizational Experts, Methods, Techniques, Research, Less is More, Dominique Loreau, Marie Kondo, Cindy Glovinsky, Julie Morgenstern, Elizabeth Larkin, Clutter Checklist