Clutter's Last Stand
 

by Don Aslett


One of the few books that I have read several times.

I highly recommend it to/for anyone that has accumulated too much "stuff" and it has become a burden instead of a blessing.

He has several other books out, too - mainly about housecleaning and maintenance. One of my favorite authors!

I try to avoid housecleaning and hire it out instead :D

I don't mind - too much - the actual "cleaning" part -

It's getting all the stuff put away so I CAN clean that I mind.

I think I need to check this author out. I have been doing some decluttering but I know I can use some new ideas.

Moving is a great way to get inspired to declutter.

He was my go-to author way back in the 80s. I read that book, plus others. He really helped with the emotional aspects, the psychology of decluttering, not just the how-to. I was very much stuck in the keeping of everything that had sentimental value. Don Aslett gave two pieces of wisdom that have stayed with me to this day:

1. Getting rid of the thing does not mean you're getting rid of the person who gave it to you, or the memory.
2. Take a picture of yourself with the object. Keep the picture and let the object go.

The hubs and I ask ourselves if we have any sentimental attachment to it. I came across a box of stuff this afternoon and got rid of what was given to me (80%) of the box. Donated to SAlvation Army. Little knicky knacks. Ugh!!

That's me as well. The putting away seems to take way longer than the actual cleaning part.

Which is something that the author, Don Aslett, is trying to point out.

I have read the books by Marie Kondo, and they have been a big help in deciding what to keep and so on. More importantly, I am more thoughtful in making my current purchases.