“Less is more.” - Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

If there is a legal limit as to how many books on simplifying and de-cluttering that one can read, I have probably exceeded it. I’ve been “simplifying” for over a decade now and I’m always on the prowl for some new information that will finally turn me into that streamlined, simplified, minimalist person that I’ve always dreamed of becoming. It’s no wonder Francine Jay’s new book The Joy of Less, A Minimalist Living Guide: How to Declutter, Organize, and Simplify Your Life is right up my alley!

I want to be that girl who can pack her bag for a trip overseas in 15 minutes because I have so few items in my boudoir. When people visit my home nothing would stroke my ego more than to have someone say “gee you own so little!” After reading this book and putting her practical yet inspiring advice into play, I may just become the person I have always fantasized about being. Yes, I know most normal people fantasize about lean bodies, lots of money, and satisfying careers. I admit it! I’m weird! But that’s a different topic and probably a different blog.

There are lots of books out there on living the minimalist life, but this book is different. It makes you want to run to your kitchen and start throwing out all those silver party trays you’ve had since you got married but never use. You suddenly feel inspired to get rid of your skinny clothes because the chances of fitting into a size 4 again are pretty slim (yes, pun intended!) I for one could not wait to hit my make-up drawer. I thought I was down-sized with my eleven compacts of eye make-up, five mascaras, 6 tubes of lipstick and various odds n ends that I haven’t touched in years much less put on my face. It was so liberating to throw out all those beauty supplies that I will never get around to using. And of course as the author reminds us, most make-up is not very sanitary after a year as it’s a cesspool for bacteria. Yuk!

The whole premise of this book is that having less stuff is the key to happiness. I couldn’t agree more. The thing I like most about this book is it doesn’t just tell you to start purging your possessions willy-nilly but it poses questions to ask yourself about everything that you own. The reader decides what gives their life value not the author. She guides you through the process and you come up with the answers.

Contrary to what the status quo would have us believe, having a lot of material possessions does not make us rich. Most of us have way too much stuff but not enough time to enjoy it all. This book is about the power of minimalist living. It’s about getting rid of the excess so we can make room for new experiences and the things we truly love. I told you it was right up my alley! Her musings on how to handle gifts and sentimental items is especially valuable. She reminds us that gifts are symbols of the giver’s love. It’s the intention of the giver that matters not the gift. Relish the intention and if you don’t need it or want it, pass that gift along to someone else who can use it.

I can’t pinpoint exactly what it was about this book that inspired me to go even deeper in my simplifying journey, but it did. Maybe it’s the fact that the author takes the subject seriously but not in a judgmental way. We’ve all read those books that make you feel like a loser because you can’t just tear through your house like a Kansas tornado and rid yourself of all the excess in one quick swoop. This book is supportive and kind. Francine Jay is likeable and you wish she could personally visit your home and help you go through all your junk. But since she probably can’t visit each of us personally, her book is the next best thing.

Her book is on Amazon and you can even download it on Kindle. For those of you who don’t know, Amazon has a free Kindle you can download onto your computer. It’s pretty nifty. Also, check out Francine’s blog Miss Minimalist by clicking here.