Review: Others have said the same about this book: It's different, practical and not preachy
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 03 12, 2014
Every concept that comes along (and this one started in the 60's) has its fanatics.  It's there way or you're a commie over-consumer pig. Some you can see or hear ranting on late night TV or from books in the self-help section of your book store. Parker-Hill is more 'everyone has their comfort level, and most of us are uncomfortable with the clutter we have.'  She is too young, one would think to have written a book for grandparents on decluttering for the sake of their children who have to clean out the home when they're gone.  But she learned to live with much less when her home burned down leaving only the family and dog and dispensing with all the stuff in the house.That experience taught them all about the truly important things in life. The friends, neighbors and family who helped them immediately with life essentials, that pictures are wonderful, memories are better. Her book is sprinkled with stories not only from her own experiences, but from others who have apparently contributed to her blog--an aunt who changed her life and sold her yankee business wardrobe when she moved to sunny Florida, or the 30-something dot.com millionaire, who used his new-found wealth to do what most other newly wealthy do, buy a big house and fill it up with all the best gadgets and furnishings.  He found he was spending too much time tending to the stuff, sold it or gave it up to pursue what he really wanted, travel and tend to personal relationships (sorry, he's married or hooked up already).Parker-Hill is doing similarly, living all around the world and taking jobs or leaving them as suits her  needs.  She proposes some radical ideas, like decluttering not only your digs, but also your mind--not letting negative thoughts in, replacing them with thoughts and ideas which make you happy.  Likewise with friends and relationships, where possible, and with your time, decluttering your day. It's a quick read, pleasantly presented, full of ideas you can use, and good reasons for using them. She clearly states you are the master of your life, and your idea of 'decluttering' is the one that counts.  Keep thoughts, ideas, relationships and things only as they serve you.  Don't let guilt or keeping up with the neighborhood, or ads push you to buy what you don't even know you need until you're told as much.  Do what makes you happy.  Work or concentrate in your free time on projects that fit your passions. Consider replacing your big screen TV with an easel and paints, or with whatever else makes you happier.And all the clothes in your closet?  If you only wear your favorite 20% of those clothes 80% of the time, give away or sell the rest.  Your favorite clothes will last longer and you'll bless someone else with the stuff that was collecting dust or moth holes at your place.