Clear the Clutter, Find Happiness by Donna Smallin is a practical and inspiring guide for anyone looking to declutter their home and, in turn, their life. With hundreds of time-saving, easy-to-follow tips, Smallin provides a simple approach to organizing that ensures you can make noticeable progress without feeling overwhelmed. The book’s most appealing feature is its focus on quick, one-minute tips that can fit into even the busiest schedules, making decluttering feel like a manageable, stress-free task.

Smallin’s techniques are grounded in the idea that a tidy home leads to a peaceful, more balanced life. She focuses on areas that will bring the most impact in the least amount of time, making this a great resource for both beginners and those who have struggled with clutter for years. The book is filled with actionable advice, practical steps, and motivational reminders that will help readers not only clear physical clutter but also clear mental clutter.

If you're looking to create a calm, organized space that promotes happiness and productivity, this book is an excellent guide. Whether you have a few minutes or an entire afternoon to dedicate to decluttering, Smallin’s approach is adaptable, making it easy to tackle the mess and start enjoying a refreshed environment.

It’s a must-read for anyone seeking peace of mind and a clearer, more serene living space.

Packed full of tips for tidying and organizing in small bites, perfect for people who need a little help with where to start and how to keep from getting overwhelmed.

Book Review: Clear the Clutter Find Happiness by Donna Smallin
Review by Dawn Thomas

288 Pages
Publisher: Storey Publishing
Release Date: December 26, 2016

Non-Fiction, Cleaning, How-to, Home Improvement

What a great book to read just in time for spring cleaning. Everyone has clutter in their life. There are many helpful tips I have started doing in my home. The author provides a Keep or Toss Quiz to evaluate items as you clean. One clutter area, paper piles, was written specifically for me. I have piles everywhere of things I want to read or need to type. When the dog walks by and the papers drift to the floor I have to pick them up and try to sort them out again. It would save so much time if I just did something with all the small pieces of paper.

This year, I decided to tackle the clutter in my house one spot at a time. She suggests taking one room at a time so you will not be overwhelmed. I used her trick of cleaning out a drawer at a time while watching television. It was so easy and did not feel like work at all. Another suggestion is to bring fun into cleaning. By cleaning for a specific time period, you earn a reward like reading a magazine or a chapter in a book.

She has tips to inspire yourself and time saving tips that are valuable. Some of the tips I have already done but others were new to me. I really like the “What are you waiting for?” prompts. She gives ideas of what you could be doing with your time while you are waiting for something else (i.e. waiting for hot water in the shower or tub, etc.). I really like the organize photographs project and may put that on my to-do list since I have several large boxes of unsorted photos. I also like the Plan a Purge calendar and will be using it for the rest of the year. She ends the book with an order, “Seek happiness: Pick a single tip from this book and do it right now!”

I had every intention of reading this book and writing an honest review but it expired before I had the chance. My apologies, If you like to resend it to me I would be happy to get it reviewed,