Scaling Down: Living Large in a Smaller Space

Being active in a simply living community I am always interested in buying books that discuss downsizing, decluttering, simple living. This book Scaling Down : Living Large in a Smaller Space by Judi Culbertson is helpful because unlike other books it gets inside the mind of the reader who wants to do something about all the stuff they have, but worry they will give away something they may need later, something that was a gift from someone, something that reminds them of something good, long ago, or a variety of other mind games 'stuff' evokes. Thus the author walks the reader thru a variety of situations and gets the reader to think outside the box, as well as think about whether they own the item or the item owns them. Along with the real, often long-term costs of holding on to things one never uses, likes or needs. There is a reason that businesses that are storage facilities for people who have to much stuff are amongst the fastest growing businesses in the United States. The author shows the reader how to get rid of things either by donating to a thrift store, yard sale, or Freecycle.com which is a national organization on the Internet. I loved her suggestion that old furs be donated to groups like PETA who can use them for educational purposes. The author also goes beyond getting rid of things and brings meaning to the saying that Less is More, she also tackles the prevention issue so that the reader doesn't get back into the mess they just got out of. The author does all this without making the reader feel like a loser or stupid for becoming a pack rat, hoarder, or procrastinator.

This is a great book, that is helping me make tough choices. I get overpowered cleaning out my storage room, garage or library. They present ideas that help me be more decisive. I am laughing as I read it and was jettisoning the "stuff" that I don't need (or really want) anymore. This is a practical, funny and resourceful help for a task we ALL need to face, but are unwilling to do so often. I recommend it!

To me, these gals have written a winner. They offer guidance for exactly what it takes to analyze, organize, process, and pare down-and feel great about it. Their writing style seems concise, personable, positive, and spontaneous. It is almost as there is a 10 ton dumpster in my front yard and they are in my living room helping me happily get rid of half the contents of my house. The book cites numerous interesting case examples covering almost every situation including one's own home, olderfamily members' homes, and friends' homes. It also addresses the hows and whys of having and holding on to so much stuff in the first place and various psychological thought processes involved in letting go of particular items yet keeping others. For me, an added bonus to reading the book is that I now have half of my Christmas list figured out. I will be giving this book to several relatives and friends as nice gift yet subtle hint. I found it to be an extremely helpful and energizing book and am definitely looking forward to reading their next book.

I have read every book I could find on home organization and "clutter-busting". This book is the first one that contained practical, truly helpful information. We are preparing for our second child and just finished a remodel so I really needed some workable tactics to get our home in order. I carried this book around the house with me, consulting it as I went from room to room trying to figure out what to do with an overwhelming accumulation of "stuff". It has taken a couple of months, but the recommendations I implemented from this book are now paying off. I know where everything is, I have made a lot fewer "necessary" purchases and the house is a lot easier to clean up on short notice! This book also has the gentle guidance you need when trying to cope with your emotional attachments to your possessions. This book isn't full of intimidating, glossy photos of perfectly organized rooms. Instead, it is full of information you will use on a daily basis to both clean up your space and keep it that way.

Wow a most excellent and helpful book. As you read it the authors seem to be in the same room with you speaking about their own and others experiences on how to eliminate much of lifes unnecesary accumulations. Their suggestions and hints are choice. Whether you are making a big move, buying a new home, moving into an apartment/condo, or just going through everything once your children have left home and are on their own, this book is for you. I highly recomend it. Thank you authors.