Find Joy with Less, Win a Book
We’ve long been fans of Francine Jay, the writer behind Miss Minimalist and the “One Less Gift Certificate.” Jay just released a new book entitled “The Joy of Less: A Minimalist Guide to Declutter, Organize, and Simplify” and we wanted to spread the good word. While applicable to all levels of minimalists, we found the book especially useful for those just getting started or perhaps looking to reach the next level of less-ness. In particular, she introduces reader to her “STREAMLINE” method of paring down. Streamline is an acronym:
- S Start over
- T Trash, Treasure, or Transfer
- R Reason for each item
- E Everything in its place
- A All surfaces clear
- M Modules
- L Limits
- I If one comes in, one goes out N Narrow it down
- E Everyday maintenance
In her clear prose, she expands on each of these topics and gives practical instructions on tackling big messes.
Many who start the process of decluttering are greeted by a pall of doom. Too often, their focus is on the hardship of getting rid of stuff: the emotional challenges of letting go of stuff we have strong emotional bonds with, the toil of purging. Jay does a good job of stressing the liberation one gets on the other side: the peace, ease and freedom of having fewer things to deal with. She even says that removing can get a bit addictive. She writes:
What I expected to be a tedious and rather onerous task turned out to be exhilarating. I was instantly addicted. I decluttered in the morning; I decluttered in the evening; I decluttered on the weekends; I decluttered in my dreams (really!). When I wasn’t actually decluttering, I was planning what I could declutter next. It’s as if I could feel the physical weight being lifted from my shoulders. After I’d been particularly productive, I’d twirl around in my newly empty space with a huge grin on my face.”
If you’d like to experience the joy of less firsthand, we are giving away a hardcopy of The Joy of Less. Leave a comment below if you’d like to be entered (you can also leave a comment without being entered by saying “do not enter”). We will draw a name at random (our commenting system takes your email address, so please do not leave your name or email). Drawing will close end of day Saturday April 30 2016.