I have to admit that when I first opened this book, my first response was to roll my eyes and sigh. I’ve lived in my house for 22 years, and downsizing to a place any smaller would pretty much mean moving into a cracker box. This house is not only my starter home, it will most likely be my ender home. It is only 1012 square feet. I’ve raised 3 children in this house, and prayed for more space on many occasions. Downsizing has never entered my mind.
However, when I saw the books subtitle, “Living Well in a Smaller Space”, I have to admit I was intrigued. Perhaps I could get some tips on improving the small space that I already live in. With my children older, and only 1 at home (with another here as she transitions), perhaps it is time for me to see this house through different eyes and make some changes. Living in a place for so long, it is very easy to just get used to a certain amount of clutter or overlook things that would probably stick out like a sore thumb to other people.
When I began reading this book, I truly could not put it down. Each page is filled with wonderful ideas and lots of ah-ha moments. One of the most important things I learned is that the smaller your space, the more important it is to get rid of clutter. Deep down I knew this. Deep down I realize that I’m supposed to actually see the counter in my kitchen, and that I’m probably not going to look at the 2003 Halloween Issue of Family Circle magazine. And how far does the IRS go back? From the looks of my paperwork, I’m planning on getting audited from way back when.
Anyway, clutter is something that seems to overtake my house like rapidly growing kudzu. I may rid myself of it for a day…but the next day, it’s back. This book gives some wonderful ideas for eliminating clutter and keeping it away. There are ideas on what to keep and what to get rid of, as well as tips on how to give a small space the illusion of being a larger space. The issue of storage is discussed and there are several suggestions for making use of hidden storage, which is a really great idea.
The book seems to sum it up nicely in the end with reminding us of that old adage…”use it or lose it.” If you haven’t used something in a year, you most likely are never going to use it. Throw it away, give it away, or sell it. (Boy, do I need to roll up my sleeves and get busy!)
This is a great book for anyone, whether moving to a smaller space or currently living in a smaller space. Chock full of wonderful ideas as well as actual photographs you will definitely feel inspired to de-clutter and make the space you live in more livable.
I read this book at the perfect time, because I am having lots of company for Thanksgiving and I have been stressing out more than just a little, but I have already incorporated many of the tips from the book into de-cluttering. Right now I can actually see my kitchen counters as well as my dining table (which seems to be everyone’s favorite catch all around here). Now I just need to work on my desk and my bedroom and my bathroom and…well…you get the idea…
