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 · 4,329 ratings  · 324 reviews

Start your review of Simplify: 7 Guiding Principles to Help Anyone Declutter Their Home and Life

Oct 21, 2012 Hilary rated it liked it

Nice, quick read. Primer for the blog.

Favorite Quotes:

"Minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of anything that distracts us from it."

"Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." — William Morris

"Clutter is anything that is disorganized. The motto in our house is, "Everything has a home.""

"Clutter is too much stuff in too small a space. This takes many forms: too many clothes in one drawer, too many items

Nice, quick read. Primer for the blog.

Favorite Quotes:

"Minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of anything that distracts us from it."

"Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." — William Morris

"Clutter is anything that is disorganized. The motto in our house is, "Everything has a home.""

"Clutter is too much stuff in too small a space. This takes many forms: too many clothes in one drawer, too many items in a bathroom cabinet, too many knick-knacks on one shelf, or too much furniture in one room."

"Learn to enjoy things without owning them. Ownership is nothing, access is everything. Visit a library, a park, or a museum."

"The attractiveness of minimalism (to date, only two men have outright determined that they would never get rid of their stuff) seems so universal that I can't help think that this is the way life is meant to be lived. When a soul hears the invitation, it responds favorably, just like ours. We were never meant to live life accumulating stuff. We were meant to live simply enjoying the experiences of life, the people of life, and the journey of life - not the things of life."

...more

Jan 08, 2017 Faye rated it really liked it

My favourite quote from this very small book:

"There is a life of simplicity that is calling out to you. It is inviting you to live the life you were born to live, not the life your neighbor is trying to achieve. It is inviting you to value the things that you want to value, not the values of billboards and advertisements. It is inviting you to remove the distractions in your life that are keeping you from truly living."

4/5 stars

My favourite quote from this very small book:

"There is a life of simplicity that is calling out to you. It is inviting you to live the life you were born to live, not the life your neighbor is trying to achieve. It is inviting you to value the things that you want to value, not the values of billboards and advertisements. It is inviting you to remove the distractions in your life that are keeping you from truly living."

4/5 stars

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Dec 30, 2011 Brian Haddad rated it it was amazing

Personally, the tone of this book got a little too preachy for me at times, but that didn't distract from the message. I have always sought to simplify my life, striving for what I call elegant simplicity. The thoughts, ideas and methods described in this book were very helpful and ofttimes even insightful. I really enjoyed it and highly recommend it to anyone seeking a little more simplicity and peace in our cluttered world. Personally, the tone of this book got a little too preachy for me at times, but that didn't distract from the message. I have always sought to simplify my life, striving for what I call elegant simplicity. The thoughts, ideas and methods described in this book were very helpful and ofttimes even insightful. I really enjoyed it and highly recommend it to anyone seeking a little more simplicity and peace in our cluttered world. ...more

I read a book couple of years ago titles:"The life changing magic of tiding up". The essence of that book was to keep the things that spark a joy within us and get rid off everything else.

Some shades of this idea was the core of this book. Although not a deep, well written book, it had a profound insight for me:

If you only keep the things you love in your home, that's home you will love to live in

I read a book couple of years ago titles:"The life changing magic of tiding up". The essence of that book was to keep the things that spark a joy within us and get rid off everything else.

Some shades of this idea was the core of this book. Although not a deep, well written book, it had a profound insight for me:

If you only keep the things you love in your home, that's home you will love to live in

...more

Jun 12, 2021 Kris rated it really liked it

Short little pamphlet with advice on starting rational minimalism. If you sign up to receive email updates from Becker's blog, you'll receive a free copy of the ebook. While it's all good advice, it doesn't get down into the nitty gritty, such as the actual questions to ask yourself as you are sorting specific items in your home. There's nothing here that you can't get from watching his free Youtube videos. Short little pamphlet with advice on starting rational minimalism. If you sign up to receive email updates from Becker's blog, you'll receive a free copy of the ebook. While it's all good advice, it doesn't get down into the nitty gritty, such as the actual questions to ask yourself as you are sorting specific items in your home. There's nothing here that you can't get from watching his free Youtube videos. ...more

Dec 18, 2017 Amy rated it it was amazing

One of the best books on minimalism that I've read so far. One of the best books on minimalism that I've read so far. ...more

Sep 12, 2017 Aarti Patel rated it it was amazing

This book is neat, tidy, uncluttered, and pure in its message. With two babies, clutter can become a bigger problem by the day. I found this book and immediately went to work with the author's easy techniques. Namely, 1) everything at home should have a home; 2) if an area such as a cupboard or a drawer is already jam packed with stuff, that's a problem and that space needs help; 3) if we're just staring at a possession and know deep down we'll never touch it again, it should probably move out s This book is neat, tidy, uncluttered, and pure in its message. With two babies, clutter can become a bigger problem by the day. I found this book and immediately went to work with the author's easy techniques. Namely, 1) everything at home should have a home; 2) if an area such as a cupboard or a drawer is already jam packed with stuff, that's a problem and that space needs help; 3) if we're just staring at a possession and know deep down we'll never touch it again, it should probably move out somehow (by selling it, donating it, etc.). I love how the author tells you to calm down, and handle decluttering in manageable, even enjoyable chunks. My whole family, minus the babies unfortunately, have gotten into the action. The babies are on an opposite mission, but they'll learn sometime... far down the road. I like the stress relieving feeling of enjoying a house with visible floors, walls, counters, and space. I also like being able to find stuff when I need it. Stuff isn't bad, but too much useless and irrelevant stuff can be. ...more

Feb 15, 2019 Darin Shreves rated it it was amazing

This is book #2 of my ongoing effort to read the 5 personal finance books that blogger Chris Reining recommends to everyone, and I liked this one much more than the first. This is a great resource on minimalism. I write "resource" there intentionally because to call this a "book" is a touch generous: It is more like a an extended series of blog posts. But that's a good thing. The writing is simple and actionable, making the case for the author's brand of rational minimalism clearly and persuasiv This is book #2 of my ongoing effort to read the 5 personal finance books that blogger Chris Reining recommends to everyone, and I liked this one much more than the first. This is a great resource on minimalism. I write "resource" there intentionally because to call this a "book" is a touch generous: It is more like a an extended series of blog posts. But that's a good thing. The writing is simple and actionable, making the case for the author's brand of rational minimalism clearly and persuasively. Now that I've read this, I'm eager to start implementing the ideas presented here in my own life.

As an aside, this was the first time I've read a book using an e-reader (the iPad Kindle app), so that was fun. I was really impressed with the Kindle app's interface and features - for instance, very cool that it can track and publish my notes and highlighting, enabling them to serve as both a personal reference and public resource. I'll be looking for opportunities to use it again.

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I try to read this once a year. It always remotivates me to get my home in order. I would call myself a realistic minimalist, but I tend to let stuff build up in places I can't see (cabinets, closets, under the sink...) This book gives me the push to clean them out and feel refreshed.
I did the wardrobe experiment this year, turning all my hangers backwards and when I wore the item I turned the hanger the other way. At the end of the year I had a trash bag full of clothes I didn't wear to donate I try to read this once a year. It always remotivates me to get my home in order. I would call myself a realistic minimalist, but I tend to let stuff build up in places I can't see (cabinets, closets, under the sink...) This book gives me the push to clean them out and feel refreshed.
I did the wardrobe experiment this year, turning all my hangers backwards and when I wore the item I turned the hanger the other way. At the end of the year I had a trash bag full of clothes I didn't wear to donate. Pretty freeing. :) ...more

Joshua Becker is a gentle writer and I am so happy I decided to investigate more on Minimalism. This Guide helped me to review my relationship with stuff, prioritizing what matters most. Highly recommend.

4.5 stars

I recently read and thoroughly enjoyed Simplify by Joshua Becker. It was short, concise and helpful. I found it to be both inspiring without feeling extreme, but also instructive without feeling overwhelming. It's a nice little resource and timely as we head into the holiday season.

Simplify is a book full of simple, practical ways to declutter your home and your life. It didn't have any new to me information, but it was a great reminder and a good kick in the pants. Simplify is a book full of simple, practical ways to declutter your home and your life. It didn't have any new to me information, but it was a great reminder and a good kick in the pants. ...more

Jan 04, 2012 Darla rated it really liked it

Dang it! I started a review then hit the wrong button & lost it! Anyway, good, basic, quick read regarding the hows & whys of implementing "rational minimalism." Some gems about stuff & clutter that are worth mulling over.

I greatly appreciated Becker's lack of zealotry when stating his case for a change in mentality that would leave a smaller "footprint," as it were. I look at the environmental impact of making such changes as a positive, but far from my primary reason for doing so. Truthfully,

Dang it! I started a review then hit the wrong button & lost it! Anyway, good, basic, quick read regarding the hows & whys of implementing "rational minimalism." Some gems about stuff & clutter that are worth mulling over.

I greatly appreciated Becker's lack of zealotry when stating his case for a change in mentality that would leave a smaller "footprint," as it were. I look at the environmental impact of making such changes as a positive, but far from my primary reason for doing so. Truthfully, I find all of the earth worship these days irritating, at times irrational, and often so over blown as to render the earth worshipers comical. I much prefer taking the tack of Stewardship when trying to encourage others to take care of our home.

As a $3 eBook, this was worth the time and the money- a nice jump start towards a better, more "minimalized" future.

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Excellent Introduction to Minimalism

As a "rational minimalist", Joshua Becker manages to present the idea of a simplified life in a manful way that anyone can relate to. As a regular reader of his website, becomingminimalist.com, there wasn't really any new information here, nor do I need "convincing" of a simple lifestyle. It's easy to read this book and say, "duh, this stuff is obvious" but that's kind of the point. These ideas are obvious when pointed out to us, but easy to forget in practice

Excellent Introduction to Minimalism

As a "rational minimalist", Joshua Becker manages to present the idea of a simplified life in a manful way that anyone can relate to. As a regular reader of his website, becomingminimalist.com, there wasn't really any new information here, nor do I need "convincing" of a simple lifestyle. It's easy to read this book and say, "duh, this stuff is obvious" but that's kind of the point. These ideas are obvious when pointed out to us, but easy to forget in practice. Joshua's story provides a glimpse of these ideas in practice, making this book a must-read for anyone new to the subject of minimalism.

If you're not new to the subject, there's not a lot this book can offer you, but it's still a brief, entertaining review of the basics and may still be worth your time.

...more

Nov 15, 2015 Lauren rated it it was amazing

What a quick, lovely read. I've been interested in minimalism for a long while now, and as I'm preparing for some big, upcoming life changes, now is as good a time as any to delve in.

Becker outlines the seven principles that helped him and his wife develop their own flavor of "rational minimalism" and it is refreshing to see this lifestyle from a perspective that isn't all about "100 items or less."

I'm excited to adapt these ideas into my own life and see where it takes me!

What a quick, lovely read. I've been interested in minimalism for a long while now, and as I'm preparing for some big, upcoming life changes, now is as good a time as any to delve in.

Becker outlines the seven principles that helped him and his wife develop their own flavor of "rational minimalism" and it is refreshing to see this lifestyle from a perspective that isn't all about "100 items or less."

I'm excited to adapt these ideas into my own life and see where it takes me!

...more

Aug 23, 2014 Kevin Orth rated it did not like it

Very simple, not particularly inspirational or insightful. It's short and and easy but there are other books out there on the same topic that take a far deeper, more philosophical, analytical, and inspirational look at voluntary simplicity/minimalism. Very simple, not particularly inspirational or insightful. It's short and and easy but there are other books out there on the same topic that take a far deeper, more philosophical, analytical, and inspirational look at voluntary simplicity/minimalism. ...more

Sep 11, 2020 Saswati Roy rated it really liked it

Even if you are distantly aspiring to get rid of your physical and emotional clutter, and to be a minimalist, then Joshua Becker has a good collection of books for you. 'Simplify' is what I read.
Here is my favorite quote - "the more stuff you own, the more your stuff owns you "
One more- "stop trying to impress others with your stuff and start trying to impress them with your life"
I'm looking forward to read more books on minimalism. Do you have any suggestion? Even if you are distantly aspiring to get rid of your physical and emotional clutter, and to be a minimalist, then Joshua Becker has a good collection of books for you. 'Simplify' is what I read.
Here is my favorite quote - "the more stuff you own, the more your stuff owns you "
One more- "stop trying to impress others with your stuff and start trying to impress them with your life"
I'm looking forward to read more books on minimalism. Do you have any suggestion? ...more

Dec 31, 2020 Tracy Smith rated it really liked it

Since the New Year is upon us I decided I needed to declutter. Ironically a Joshua Becker ad showed up on my Facebook, promoting this book, so I thought "Why not?". This book is a great book for the first 2/3rd's of the book, but I wasn't crazy about the last part, as I felt it was more about promoting his website and his course. I guess I can't fault him on that though. Overall, I can see this book as helpful and plan on referring to those first 2/3rd's, as I start my decluttering journey. Since the New Year is upon us I decided I needed to declutter. Ironically a Joshua Becker ad showed up on my Facebook, promoting this book, so I thought "Why not?". This book is a great book for the first 2/3rd's of the book, but I wasn't crazy about the last part, as I felt it was more about promoting his website and his course. I guess I can't fault him on that though. Overall, I can see this book as helpful and plan on referring to those first 2/3rd's, as I start my decluttering journey. ...more

Jan 09, 2018 Kirby rated it liked it

I didn't realize this was such a short book! I like to re-energize my enthusiasm for minimalism every once in a while and this tiny book was more like a beginners guide than anything new or inspiring for me.

Rational Minimalism

I've been interested in minimalism for years, but it felt extreme until I read this author's approach. Can't wait to get started and achieve the simplicity I'm looking for in 2021.

Jun 06, 2018 Julia rated it it was amazing

A great introduction to rational minimalism. Encouraging, inspiring, and full of practical suggestions. I will read this again when I need to reboot.

Jul 20, 2016 Kristal rated it really liked it

Read this short book in one sitting. I've always been a bit minimalist but wanted to learn more about it. This book is very encouraging and found myself saying "AMEN!" at many parts. I really like the author's definition of minimalism: "it is the intentional promotion of things we most value and the removal of anything that distracts us from it". I was reading about a different book on tidying up and the author of that book promoted getting rid of anything that didn't "spark joy" (does your klee Read this short book in one sitting. I've always been a bit minimalist but wanted to learn more about it. This book is very encouraging and found myself saying "AMEN!" at many parts. I really like the author's definition of minimalism: "it is the intentional promotion of things we most value and the removal of anything that distracts us from it". I was reading about a different book on tidying up and the author of that book promoted getting rid of anything that didn't "spark joy" (does your kleenex spark joy? No?). I instead really like Becker's idea of the rational minimalist- that things need to be beautiful or functional. No new age-y BS about making inanimate objects feel good about themselves.

With all this being said, I really enjoyed this short book but it's already showing its age in spite of only being 6 years old. For example, it talked about downgrading your cable tv (being a millennial I have never subscribed to cable tv and never plan to), or decluttering your desktop (I do have one but its only used for a small percentage of my online activity- decluttering the iPhone or tablet would be better). It would be good to upgrade this a tad.

...more

Feb 11, 2014 Reema rated it it was amazing

[Not really a review, just my thoughts] I loved this book and finished it in one sitting. I have been following the author's blog for a while and I am someone who is convinced about 'rational minimalism'. So, coming from there, this book acts like a motivator. I don't know if this book can convert someone who is not already sold on the idea of minimalism. I was so inspired that I gave away over 100 books in the process of reading his blog [and I have always been a book-hoarder]. Moreover, neithe [Not really a review, just my thoughts] I loved this book and finished it in one sitting. I have been following the author's blog for a while and I am someone who is convinced about 'rational minimalism'. So, coming from there, this book acts like a motivator. I don't know if this book can convert someone who is not already sold on the idea of minimalism. I was so inspired that I gave away over 100 books in the process of reading his blog [and I have always been a book-hoarder]. Moreover, neither my husband nor I are too materialistic. And our lifestyle aligns with this philosophy beautifully. I would recommend this simple book that talks about practical ways to declutter, to anyone who believes that he needs to declutter sooner than later or someone who thinks he does not have time for things he loves doing or people he loves. Go declutter. Your Home and your life, and make time for what really matters. ...more

Aug 22, 2015 Sean Goh rated it really liked it

Rational Minimalism:
It is the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of anything that distracts us from it.
It doesn't mean you have to live like a spartan.

[I] can predict what the emotional response is going to be in the life of somebody who has never seen life outside of the established, consumer-driven, American culture where I live. They will inevitably have three emotions at some point during the trip:
1. They will be shocked that people with so little can be so joy

Rational Minimalism:
It is the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of anything that distracts us from it.
It doesn't mean you have to live like a spartan.

[I] can predict what the emotional response is going to be in the life of somebody who has never seen life outside of the established, consumer-driven, American culture where I live. They will inevitably have three emotions at some point during the trip:
1. They will be shocked that people with so little can be so joyful.
2. They will wish that they enjoyed life as much as the people they meet.
3. They will say that they are blessed to live in America and own so many possessions
The more reflective ones will then realise the absurdity of statement 3 following statement 1 and 2.

On prioritising important things:
With incredible depth of insight, he noted that important things are polite; they don't clamour for our attention. They just wait patiently for us to act.

...more

Dec 18, 2014 Hope rated it really liked it

"The best things in life aren't things."

If you've heard Joshua Becker's story or have read his blog, you'll be familiar with minimalism: the philosophy that people need a lot less than they have. His mantra is, We were never meant to live life accumulating stuff. We were meant to live life simply enjoying the experiences of life, the people of life, and the journey of life – not the things of life.

Simplify is not your average book about de-cluttering (although that plays a part). It's about cha

"The best things in life aren't things."

If you've heard Joshua Becker's story or have read his blog, you'll be familiar with minimalism: the philosophy that people need a lot less than they have. His mantra is, We were never meant to live life accumulating stuff. We were meant to live life simply enjoying the experiences of life, the people of life, and the journey of life – not the things of life.

Simplify is not your average book about de-cluttering (although that plays a part). It's about changing your attitude toward your possessions. It's about purposeful living that isn't influenced by TV commercials, peer pressure or "keeping up with the Joneses." Minimalism is the intentional promotion of things we most value and the removal of anything that distracts us from it.

...more

May 25, 2012 Jennifer Jung rated it it was amazing

Incredibly fast read that I got for free off of Amazon and loved! This book gives a few of the basic steps needed to simplify your life when it comes to stuff. It's a great starting point if you're considering a minimalist lifestyle and a good refresher if you need more ambition to get rid of the extra stuff cluttering up your life and home. I like that this book isn't sensationalized and the author and his family are in no way extreme in their pursuit of simplicity. Incredibly fast read that I got for free off of Amazon and loved! This book gives a few of the basic steps needed to simplify your life when it comes to stuff. It's a great starting point if you're considering a minimalist lifestyle and a good refresher if you need more ambition to get rid of the extra stuff cluttering up your life and home. I like that this book isn't sensationalized and the author and his family are in no way extreme in their pursuit of simplicity. ...more

Dec 04, 2011 Karen rated it really liked it

"The more stuff you own, the more your stuff owns you."

I purchased the 99 cent kindle edition and certainly got my money's worth. Unlike some, the author isn't trying to limit himself to 100 things or any number, but rather eliminating the excess and putting more focus on what's really important. A quick read, this is a good intro to rational minimalism.

"The more stuff you own, the more your stuff owns you."

I purchased the 99 cent kindle edition and certainly got my money's worth. Unlike some, the author isn't trying to limit himself to 100 things or any number, but rather eliminating the excess and putting more focus on what's really important. A quick read, this is a good intro to rational minimalism.

...more

Jun 17, 2015 Relyn rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: everyone

Recommended to Relyn by: I love Joshua Becker's blog.

Oh, my, I do love Joshua Becker. I mean, like a seventh grade fan girl. I love his work, his point of view, his passionate commitment to family and wise, intentional living. This book was helpful, inspiring, and thought-provoking - a must read. It is well worth the $2.99 Kindle price.

Mar 31, 2013 Kelli rated it it was ok

Very short ebook that really isn't telling me anything I don't already know. I read it in an hour or so. I spent all of today purging though, so if nothing else, it inspired me. Very short ebook that really isn't telling me anything I don't already know. I read it in an hour or so. I spent all of today purging though, so if nothing else, it inspired me. ...more

Joshua Becker is the Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling author of The Minimalist Home, The More of Less, Clutterfree with Kids and Simplify.

He is the Founder and Editor of Becoming Minimalist, a website dedicated to intentional living visited by over 2 million readers every month with a social media following of over 2 million.

His blog was named by SUCCESS Magazine as one of the top

Joshua Becker is the Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling author of The Minimalist Home, The More of Less, Clutterfree with Kids and Simplify.

He is the Founder and Editor of Becoming Minimalist, a website dedicated to intentional living visited by over 2 million readers every month with a social media following of over 2 million.

His blog was named by SUCCESS Magazine as one of the top ten personal development websites on the Internet and his writing has been featured in publications all around the world.

He is also the co-creator of Simplify Media, the parent company of Simplify Magazine and Simple Money Magazine.

Joshua and his young family were introduced to minimalism twelve years ago during a short conversation with their neighbor. Since then, Joshua's story and writing have inspired millions around the world to find more life by owning fewer possessions. Today, based on his thoughtful and intentional approach to minimalism, he is one of the leading voices in the modern simplicity movement.

He is also the Founder of The Hope Effect, a nonprofit organization changing how the world cares for orphans. Currently, he lives in Peoria, AZ with his wife and two teenage kids.

His online course, Uncluttered, has helped over 45,000 people declutter their homes and live a more intentional life because of it.

His app, Clutterfree, is the only app to create a personalized, room-by-room decluttering to-do list for an individual's unique home.

And his YouTube channel has over 100,000 subscribers.

...more

News & Interviews

As dedicated readers already know, some of the best and most innovative stories on the shelves come from the constantly evolving realm of...

"Minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of anything that distracts us from it." — 44 likes

"We were never meant to live life accumulating stuff. We were meant to live simply enjoying the experiences of life, the people of life, and the journey of life - not the things of life." — 21 likes

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