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Lighter Living: Declutter. Organize. Simplify.
Clearing clutter is much more than cleaning out a closet crammed with things or getting rid of the contents of boxes piled in your basement, attic, or storage unit. Most of us have unfinished business that might make us feel like we walk around dragging a heavy ball with a chain connected to our ankle. When you declutter and possibly downsize, you can free yourself of weighty matters that tie you down physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Lighter Living explains why you might want to simplify your home and your life. It shows you how to declutter and then organize what you keep. Finally, you are given a vision for lifelong decluttering and how it can lead to well-being and peace of mind.
Lighter Living explains why you might want to simplify your home and your life. It shows you how to declutter and then organize what you keep. Finally, you are given a vision for lifelong decluttering and how it can lead to well-being and peace of mind.
- GenresNonfictionSelf Help
154 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 25, 2019
About the author
Lisa J. Shultz
15 books90 followersAward winning author. Writes to connect, inspire and empower. Addicted to reading! Loves to share authentic life experience in her books.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 24, 2019
Thank you.
I have read many books on decluttering. Those books did nothing to help me. In fact most of them pissed me off. This book, is different. I liked the digging deeper. It wasn’t just about tossing it out. It was also about, possibly why you can’t let go, acknowledging everybody is different, and so is every reason. There are parts of this book that opened my eyes, in a way that was not judgmental. I have a better understanding of what stuff needs to leave my house. I know what makes me happy, and it’s not walking into my house, and now I truly get it. Thank you.
I have read many books on decluttering. Those books did nothing to help me. In fact most of them pissed me off. This book, is different. I liked the digging deeper. It wasn’t just about tossing it out. It was also about, possibly why you can’t let go, acknowledging everybody is different, and so is every reason. There are parts of this book that opened my eyes, in a way that was not judgmental. I have a better understanding of what stuff needs to leave my house. I know what makes me happy, and it’s not walking into my house, and now I truly get it. Thank you.
October 22, 2019
It fit my situation
This book came along at a time when I am downsizing my house of my brothers poccessions. Previous to his passing this house contained many poccessions of my parents that I'm still clearing away (It was a multigenerational house). And I have to consider at the age of 65 what kind of mess I'm leaving behind for family to clean up. Sometimes it's overwhelming but I think this book is going to motivate me to get back to work.
This book came along at a time when I am downsizing my house of my brothers poccessions. Previous to his passing this house contained many poccessions of my parents that I'm still clearing away (It was a multigenerational house). And I have to consider at the age of 65 what kind of mess I'm leaving behind for family to clean up. Sometimes it's overwhelming but I think this book is going to motivate me to get back to work.
September 27, 2019
This has been so timely for my upcoming move. I think what struck a cord with me the most is the aspect about grief and mementos: so essentially, Lisa's deeper principles. It’s hard to let go, but clinging onto things that are gone only hurts us. Lisa presents a model for grieving as much as anything else, and that’s been invaluable to me.
I love how she interweaves the wisdom she's learned from so many authors who all come at this from different directions, and that she suggests making exceptions when it’s appropriate. I feel like that’s vital.
I love how she interweaves the wisdom she's learned from so many authors who all come at this from different directions, and that she suggests making exceptions when it’s appropriate. I feel like that’s vital.
September 24, 2019
As the author of this book, I am super excited to share Lighter Living with the world. I feel better and better when I let go of what feels heavy, whether that is physical stuff or baggage from the past, emotional or mental turmoil and so forth. The benefits of releasing burdensome things has inspired me to share my journey in an easy to read book. I hope you like it. Please let me know what parts you found most valuable! Cheers, Lisa
January 14, 2020
This gem of a book is so simple but so profound. Well written, easy to read and engaging. It is so timely to not only me personally but to everyone who is considering a more conscious way of living. I will now look at every item I presently own or am ready to purchase as I ask the questions included in this book, "Is it true to my intentions?" and "Do I use it?" I also enjoyed the concepts of emotional clutter that Lisa points out and remedies to release these emotional blocks.
I also totally agree and have joked with my husband many times that I don't wish on our children what we had to go through when we emptied out his parents' house. Overall, excellent book that is a quick but thought provoking read.
I also totally agree and have joked with my husband many times that I don't wish on our children what we had to go through when we emptied out his parents' house. Overall, excellent book that is a quick but thought provoking read.
January 13, 2020
Extraordinary
I have read numerous books on this topic many mentioned in this book. I struggle with possessions and just recently sold 3 homes I owned .I never rented them so the homes and condo were used infrequently . All had furnishings and clothes. Needless to say I thought this was the way I needed to present myself. Now I struggle with letting go of stuff . I don't have a child I can leave the so called treasures to so I am donating items still in boxes clothes with tags kitchen appliances never used. Swedish death cleaning started just as I turned 70. This book was the one that really made the most sense and meaning to the journey I am undertaking.
I have read numerous books on this topic many mentioned in this book. I struggle with possessions and just recently sold 3 homes I owned .I never rented them so the homes and condo were used infrequently . All had furnishings and clothes. Needless to say I thought this was the way I needed to present myself. Now I struggle with letting go of stuff . I don't have a child I can leave the so called treasures to so I am donating items still in boxes clothes with tags kitchen appliances never used. Swedish death cleaning started just as I turned 70. This book was the one that really made the most sense and meaning to the journey I am undertaking.
March 8, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this very commonsensical, easy-to-read and digest book on decluttering that was far more spiritual than expected. The advice is non-judgmental and meets the reader where they live without commanding or demeaning. It leaves room for all levels of organization both in the home, the mind, and emotionally. The links at the end added concrete ways to immediately stop junk mail both physical and electronic which I immediately took advantage of. Here’s a quote I enjoyed: “Moreover, when you’re not chasing status symbols or keeping up with the Joneses, you gain time and energy for more fulfilling pursuits.”
February 9, 2020
Very Nice
This is a very good book for starting your journey. I would recommend reading this before any others if someone was just starting, because she is so honest about the reality that different things work for different people, and literally states that you should only follow her advice of it works for you, and to do the same with other books on decluttering.
I don't have the same spirituality, but her measured way of writing was really refreshing.
This is a very good book for starting your journey. I would recommend reading this before any others if someone was just starting, because she is so honest about the reality that different things work for different people, and literally states that you should only follow her advice of it works for you, and to do the same with other books on decluttering.
I don't have the same spirituality, but her measured way of writing was really refreshing.
October 19, 2019
Lighter Living is an approachable, easy to read book that covers so many important topics related to minimalism. It provided the push that I needed to really tackle some of the projects that I had looming over my head. I can already feel the benefits of re-focusing on simplicity and what matters most to me in life. Very worthwhile read for anyone at any age and stage.
July 7, 2021
This book came at a perfect time, when I moved into a new home in a new state and could start from scratch. I wanted a more minimalist life and this book inspired me to think before every purchase and addition to the house to see if I needed it. Great book, lovingly written by the author. I gave it as Christmas gifts to my older relatives. Maybe its thoughtful presentation of decluttering will inspire some of them to lighten their homes.
December 27, 2019
I think this might be one of the best books I've read about minimalism and decluttering. The book includes a lot of solid, useful ideas for decluttering and downsizing. Not a huge amount of ridiculous scenarios or suggestions (I'm looking at you, Kondo.) This author also seems to have a grasp on the knowledge that every idea isn't going to blend with every lifestyle. I appreciate that.
April 19, 2021
This is a pretty straightforward "why" + "how to" of de-cluttering one's home and living more simply. It's a quick, helpful read if you just need a little push to rethink your possessions and make some changes. Shultz won't have you talking to your socks like Marie Kondo, but her advice is useful if you're in the position to hear it.
Her own reflections on her experience of cleaning out three different family homes that were crammed full of superfluous "stuff" were refreshingly honest and challenging. It's essentially an earnest plea to take seriously the burdens that we create for ourselves and our family members who will come after us when we fail to take responsibility for what we own.
Her own reflections on her experience of cleaning out three different family homes that were crammed full of superfluous "stuff" were refreshingly honest and challenging. It's essentially an earnest plea to take seriously the burdens that we create for ourselves and our family members who will come after us when we fail to take responsibility for what we own.
November 12, 2024
My thanks to Lisa for keeping this book simple and also for reading 20+ books on the concepts of decluttering and living lighter so that I could just learn from her and not read them all myself.
I found this book more validating than inspiring by the time I read it, but I had known of the book and Lisa for a few years so she had already inspired when I attended a talk she gave on the book. In fact, during that talk, she shared a story of finding a meaningful home for some heirloom china and that did inspire me to do the same with some heirloom dolls. That resulted in a little family roadtrip that is still talked about and cherished perhaps more than the dolls!
There is a part of the book where Lisa's young adult share their thoughts on this theme and that was unexpectedly insightful for me. Their contribution is so appreciated!
I found this book more validating than inspiring by the time I read it, but I had known of the book and Lisa for a few years so she had already inspired when I attended a talk she gave on the book. In fact, during that talk, she shared a story of finding a meaningful home for some heirloom china and that did inspire me to do the same with some heirloom dolls. That resulted in a little family roadtrip that is still talked about and cherished perhaps more than the dolls!
There is a part of the book where Lisa's young adult share their thoughts on this theme and that was unexpectedly insightful for me. Their contribution is so appreciated!
October 13, 2021
Very helpful
I picked up this book as a supplement to my KonMari cleaning project and found it refreshing and easy to read. It resonated with me because I had also gone through the experience of cleaning out my parents’ house with 40 years of accumulated belongings, some of which I am still dealing with 13 years later. It’s time to let it go.
I picked up this book as a supplement to my KonMari cleaning project and found it refreshing and easy to read. It resonated with me because I had also gone through the experience of cleaning out my parents’ house with 40 years of accumulated belongings, some of which I am still dealing with 13 years later. It’s time to let it go.
October 22, 2021
Pretty good overview and insight
A general look at decluttering, not a super specific guru type system, not a minimalist or rule oriented plan…some helpful tips, things to explore and gathering of different ideas and possibilities. Enjoyable read.
A general look at decluttering, not a super specific guru type system, not a minimalist or rule oriented plan…some helpful tips, things to explore and gathering of different ideas and possibilities. Enjoyable read.
February 24, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. It is a cross between a memoir and a practical how-to guide.
My favorite bit of advice:
Stuff can both paralyze and control you.
And that pretty well sums it up. Whatever you own owns you.
My favorite bit of advice:
Stuff can both paralyze and control you.
And that pretty well sums it up. Whatever you own owns you.
October 22, 2023
great book
This book has been a good motivational read
Goes into all aspects of deep clearing of clutter . Clutter affects all parts of like such as mental health and spirituality.
This book has been a good motivational read
Goes into all aspects of deep clearing of clutter . Clutter affects all parts of like such as mental health and spirituality.
March 4, 2024
With wisdom and clarity, this book gives simple steps to making life calmer and easier to navigate. It's easy to read and allows you to take what will work for you no matter where you are in the decluttering process.
May 25, 2020
More a memoir than a how to.
November 27, 2022
There’s not much new in here for me
April 14, 2022
Redundant, boring, and the only insight is when she copied inspiration quotes from other cleaning books.
October 21, 2019
Shultz’s book is informative, refreshing, and often very funny. I read it in a day and found it incredibly easy to digest given the rut I have felt in. I was refreshed by the open-minded yet unique foundation this book builds upon compared to (what to me has feel like) its rigid, boxed-in counterparts. I was overjoyed to see consideration for many different types of people, incomes, and geography.
The content is new, relavent, and personal, and also draws together the best of minimalism teachings out there. Over the course of the book, I came to trust this author as a leading authority on the topic. Her decades-spanning experience speaks for itself and is revealed humbly and succinctly as the book progresses.
Just as I was hoping, the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of belongings are all tied together. I finished reading feeling like I had received a comprehensive restoration of spirit and gusto in a way that other books of its genre have fallen short for me.
I’ve come a long way in my own minimizing, yet I closed the book ready to tackle the remainder of my decluttering, feeling as light as the buoyant weight of the book itself.
This book is my new go-to book recommendation for anyone looking for the most well-rounded source on decluttering.
The content is new, relavent, and personal, and also draws together the best of minimalism teachings out there. Over the course of the book, I came to trust this author as a leading authority on the topic. Her decades-spanning experience speaks for itself and is revealed humbly and succinctly as the book progresses.
Just as I was hoping, the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of belongings are all tied together. I finished reading feeling like I had received a comprehensive restoration of spirit and gusto in a way that other books of its genre have fallen short for me.
I’ve come a long way in my own minimizing, yet I closed the book ready to tackle the remainder of my decluttering, feeling as light as the buoyant weight of the book itself.
This book is my new go-to book recommendation for anyone looking for the most well-rounded source on decluttering.
October 21, 2019
I doubt that it will be considered a good book among the people who have already implemented minimalism since it does not have anything new to add. Plus it doesn't convince one to start with minimalistic life either. Forgettable.
August 9, 2024
Very good book about organization that helps one feel better about less clutter. Written by a friend.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews