5 books that changed how we think about stuff
TL;DR
Clutter creeps up on all of us, but these five books offer fresh perspectives on letting go and making space for what actually matters–whether you're doing a full home reset or just tackling one drawer.
- Marie Kondo's The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up flips the script from "what should I toss?" to "does this still spark joy?"
- Peter Walsh's Let It Go is a practical guide for downsizing sentimental belongings.
- Margareta Magnusson's The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning takes a light-hearted, humorous approach to decluttering.
- Fumio Sasaki's Goodbye, Things follows a man who trimmed his possessions to just 150 items.
- Joshua Becker's The More of Less makes the case that owning less isn't just about a tidy home–it's about unlocking your potential and making room for the life you actually want to live.
Clutter has a way of creeping up on all of us. Between packed schedules, maintaining relationships, and the busyness of everyday life, it’s easy for items to pile up before we even notice. Whether you got a little too excited at a garage sale or have a growing collection of hotel toiletries, you’re not alone.
If you’re feeling inspired (and emotionally ready) to start fresh, we’ve got some good reads that offer insight into the psychology of letting go, the beauty of an empty space, and everything that could be waiting for you on the other side of decluttering.
Here are five books that might change the way you think about clutter, and maybe even the way you use your space:
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing
by Marie Kondo
“Does this spark joy?” has become a familiar question in homes around the world, and it all started with this book. Kondo gave millions of people permission to let go of belongings they’d been guilt-tripping themselves about keeping for years.
If you find yourself asking, “What if I need this someday?”, Kondo encourages a different question: “Does it still earn a place in your life?” Sometimes, making room for what matters most means letting go of what no longer serves you.
Let It Go: Downsizing Your Way to a Richer, Happier Life
by Peter Walsh
If you’re navigating selling a family home or sorting through a lifetime’s worth of accumulated clutter, Walsh is here to walk you through it. Drawing on his experience downsizing his childhood home after his parents passed away, Walsh explores why we become attached to sentimental belongings and how to let go with compassion.
Give this book a read for useful tips and practical takeaways on downsizing–it just might surprise you.
The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter
by Margareta Magnusson
Don’t let the name put you off–this short and sweet guide adds some much-needed humour and a light-hearted approach to decluttering. Magnusson encourages readers to make space not just for themselves, but for the people they’ll one day leave behind, all while reminding us that memories don’t live in our belongings.
Along the way, she shares stories from her own life with plenty of wit, charm, and practical wisdom.
Goodbye, Things: The New Japanese Minimalism
by Fumio Sasaki
Unlike many authors in the decluttering space, Fumio Sasaki isn’t a professional organizer or lifestyle expert–he’s just a regular guy. That’s what makes this book so compelling. Through his humble, relatable story, Sasaki shares how he went from living with constant clutter to embracing minimalism and owning just 150 items.
Beyond offering tips on how to simplify your home, his journey shows us how transforming your space brings freedom, focus, and a new sense of gratitude for everyday life.
The More of Less: Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own
by Joshua Becker
Okay, we know having less clutter is beneficial…but why? Becker empowers the reader with the knowledge that by owning less, you have room to live more. Minimalism isn’t just about having a clean house to impress your friends; it’s about making space for your potential. After the weight of clutter is gone, what are you capable of achieving?
This is definitely a message we can get behind.
We hope these books inspire you to look at your belongings a little differently. Whether you’re ready for a full home reset or simply clearing out one drawer, every small step creates a little more room for what truly matters.
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