The Joy of Less, A Minimalist Living Guide by Francine Jay

Excess things not only clutter our homes, they clutter our minds – making us too distracted or overwhelmed to think clearly and accomplish anything.ģ. It’s almost as if each possession is tied to us with a piece of rope, dragging behind us as we try to move around. Too much stuff can weigh on our spirits, and make us feel heavy and lethargic. In other cases, our stuff builds up to form a prison around us: have you ever avoided a social visit because your house was too messy for company?Ģ. We may even pass up promising jobs or other opportunities because of the hassle of moving it. So the more we have of it in our rooms, closets, drawers, basements, attics, and garages, the less nimble we become.

Let’s face it, stuff is cumbersome and difficult to transport. It’s long-term, it’s sustainable, and it courses through your veins even when you’re doing the 9-to-5, making mortgage payments, and putting a child or two to bed each night.Įxcess possessions have the power to enslave us in three ways:ġ.

The freedom I’m talking about runs much deeper. People often ask me, “What’s so great about being a minimalist?” I usually answer with one word: freedom.Īnd by freedom, I don’t necessarily mean ditching your house, ditching your job, ditching your responsibilities, and traveling the world with a backpack (though yes, I’ve done that). “Freedom is the oxygen of the soul.” – Moshe Dayan

The Joy of Less, a beautiful minimalism book, makes an ideal gift for any loved one on a mission to simplify their life.Editor’s Note: This is a guest post from Francine Jay of Miss Minimalist. Her advice has been featured widely in the media, including on CNN, BBC, Today, and in The New York Times, USA Today, The Chicago Tribune, The Guardian, The Financial Times, Forbes, The Huffington Post, Le Parisien, ELLE Espana, House Beautiful, Woman's World, Dr. Ready to sweep away the clutter? Just listen to this book, and you'll be on your way to a simpler, more streamlined, and more serene life.įrancine has helped hundreds of thousands of people declutter their homes and simplify their lives with her best-selling book, The Joy of Less. Part four helps you get your family on board and live more lightly and gracefully on the Earth.Part three goes room by room, outlining specific ways to tackle each one.Part two presents the Streamline method: 10 easy steps to rid your house of clutter.Part one provides an inspirational pep talk on the joys and rewards of paring down.

Having less stuff is the key to happiness: Do you ever feel overwhelmed, instead of overjoyed, by all your possessions? Do you secretly wish a gale force wind would blow the clutter from your home? If so, it's time to simplify your life! The Joy of Less is a fun, lighthearted guide to minimalist living: 'An inspiring read for anyone wanting to downsize, finally park the car in the garage, or just clear out a few closets.' (Rachel Jonat, )

The Joy of Less, A Minimalist Living Guide by Francine Jay