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What Your Clutter Is Trying to Tell You: Uncover the Message in the Mess and Reclaim Your Life
With a practical, warm, and welcoming approach, intuitive life and business coach Kerri Richardson guides you to accept your clutter as a natural manifestation of your mind, body, and spirit looking out for yourself. It is your soul calling out for you invest in self-care and to face the fears holding you back from being your best self. Richardson dives into the most common categories of physical clutter and provides efficient and effective steps for clearing the space for your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being to flourish. But more than house and home, Richardson encourages you to clear out the clutter of relationships and habits that have been occupying your time and energy for too long.
Actionable clutter-clearing activities provide the foundation of this achievable plan to maximize your house, home, and heart’s potential.
108 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2017
1,660 people are currently reading
1,227 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
November 3, 2017
This short book is better than therapy. Seriously. This easily readable book diagnosed my grief, fear and self-esteem issues faster than it took to read it. The flip side is that it wanted me to throw away just about everything in my house. And, the things I've been clinging to, were easily identified as underlying issues of my own problems. But, now I know why I've been hanging on to all these holiday cards! I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs to clean off their desk.
October 8, 2023
A short, but sweet, introduction to clutter. And not just the physical sort, but also mental and emotional clutter, online clutter, and relationship ‘clutter�. If you have an issue with hoarding, it’s probably infiltrating most areas of your life. But don’t panic, you can learn a lot about yourself from what you are hoarding. It provides clues as to what is going on in your mind. This book is written for Americans, so the suggestions for where to dispose of the clutter are not useful to me here in the UK, but that’s alright.
October 11, 2017
A quick read with an interesting take on types of clutter, why our stuff piles up, and what we can do about it. Definitely worth a look if you are battling obvious, physical clutter or if you aren't making the progress you would like in your life.
March 1, 2018
I can't resist reading a new Hay House book, and how could I possibly resist reading something from another Kerri? I have been following Kerri Richardson on Facebook for quite awhile and enjoy her clutter busting tips, her many live chats, and following her adventures of building a tiny house with her wife Melissa. I was very excited to get my hands on her new book.
What Your Clutter Is Trying To Tell You - Uncover The Message In The Mess And Reclaim Your Life arrived with a little over 100 pages, I thought hmm, this is slim, not your typical 250+ pages. But once I started reading, I realized something pretty spectacular, the book is clutter free! What could get across the point any clearer? When you read a book, especially self help, and the same message is repeated over and over again in slightly different ways, it can get very monotonous. You know the point could be wrapped up so much quicker. Well, Kerri did it! Kerri Richardson's book is filled with concrete steps to remove the clutter and get to the bottom of why it's there in the first place. She also provides her own personal stories and those from her clients too.
What Kerri reveals in What Your Clutter Is Trying To Telling You, is far more valuable than just removing items from your home. Clutter is a symptom, and Kerri helps get you to the cause. Her book is a deep dive into the multitude of ways clutter clogs your personal space and your head space. Her book provides an easy method to break down clutter clearing in more manageable chunks. It takes away the overwhelm and provides an enormous sense of accomplishment in a short time.
Thanks to Kerri I realized that clutter is more than just objects, it can be in other things that weigh us down (including weight itself). She made me look at why I was really holding on to the extra pounds. I thought I was sabotaging myself for upcoming events in my life. I would start the diet because "x" event was coming up in a few months, but instead of losing, I would gain. Through Kerri's guidance, it became clear that it was the events themselves that I was protecting myself from. I am empathic, shy and sensitive, and new situations and different energies are difficult for me. The extra padding puts a buffer between that. It's definitely helpful to know the "why" when you are trying to make a change.
Another clutter trap was my art supplies. I have always thought "I am an artist" even though I haven't practiced it in a long time. I had art supplies in my closet as far back as high school and many from college. I felt like I couldn't let them go since "I am an artist" has been my mantra for years. I even bought a whole new set of art supplies well over a year ago to inspire me to create again. But it's still sitting in the same closet. Kerri helped me examine this. Is this something I actually enjoy? Through simple exercises, I have come to realize that what I thought was a fear of doing this again, may actually be that it's just not for me right now. I don't have to be an artist. Why would I create that kind of pressure on myself? I was able to let go of the high school & college supplies, and a stinky college textbook (I just don't like old book smell) And the best part is, I didn't have the attachment to it all that I thought I would. It wasn't hard to let it go. I kept the newer supplies, and before I decide if I will let it go entirely, I will try it out again, but with no pressure. I know now that I don't have to do or be anything other than happy.
I am the queen of lists. Through Kerri Richardson's book and the "Action Time!" steps, I was able to see how the lists were keeping me from having any fun. The lists never ended. So I've clutter cleared those, pared things down to what I really need to remember to do, and added in fun things on my list! I was also able to let go of Christmas items that had no meaning (or I didn't like), along with releasing the guilt feelings that whisper that I have to keep every memory forever. I let go of items that held negative memories. Going through the bad memories was only difficult at the start of the process (Who wants to conjure up bad feelings?), once I started working on it, and got things out of the house, I felt free and clear. Everything holds energy, and avoiding them and having them in my home, was not healthy.
I let go of excessive wrapping paper, years old unfinished crafts (I have yet to remember what the googly eyes on rocks was all about), DVDs, kitchen items, school supplies, outdated food & medicine, clothing, computer cords, cookbooks, and more. Almost everything was donate or recycled. I paired down some of the school papers I've been keeping of my kids. Those memories are the hardest for me. I really felt like I needed to keep it all, but that was just something I put on myself, and now I am more able to let it go. I don't need to keep every single memory to remember their childhood or to honor them.
What Your Clutter Is Trying To Tell You shows the common causes of clutter, provides a resource list of where to donate or sell items, and even provides a section on turning clutter into cash! Kerri also points out so many additional types of clutter that may surprise you, but once sorted through and released from your life, will make a positive impact.
Kerri encourages us to look at what is coming in to our lives as the clutter leaves, and I just love that! This awareness paired with gratitude brings so much more goodness into our lives. Throughout the last month and a half of reading the book and letting go of physical, digital and mental clutter, so many blessings have arrived. I received an invitation from an Instagram friend to participate in goodness packs she was putting together. This resulted in a large order for my business of Kindness Cards and paper butterflies that will now be distributed around the U.K.! I also received an affiliate check from Hay House, a free life insurance policy, a new TV for my office (also free), and many other blessings of kindness and abundance. The best part is feeling lighter, a sense that good is flowing in my life, and I am putting more positive energy into the world as a result. This is an ongoing process, but one I feel confident and positive about thanks to Kerri Richardson and What Your Clutter is Trying To Tell You.
What Your Clutter Is Trying To Tell You - Uncover The Message In The Mess And Reclaim Your Life arrived with a little over 100 pages, I thought hmm, this is slim, not your typical 250+ pages. But once I started reading, I realized something pretty spectacular, the book is clutter free! What could get across the point any clearer? When you read a book, especially self help, and the same message is repeated over and over again in slightly different ways, it can get very monotonous. You know the point could be wrapped up so much quicker. Well, Kerri did it! Kerri Richardson's book is filled with concrete steps to remove the clutter and get to the bottom of why it's there in the first place. She also provides her own personal stories and those from her clients too.
What Kerri reveals in What Your Clutter Is Trying To Telling You, is far more valuable than just removing items from your home. Clutter is a symptom, and Kerri helps get you to the cause. Her book is a deep dive into the multitude of ways clutter clogs your personal space and your head space. Her book provides an easy method to break down clutter clearing in more manageable chunks. It takes away the overwhelm and provides an enormous sense of accomplishment in a short time.
Thanks to Kerri I realized that clutter is more than just objects, it can be in other things that weigh us down (including weight itself). She made me look at why I was really holding on to the extra pounds. I thought I was sabotaging myself for upcoming events in my life. I would start the diet because "x" event was coming up in a few months, but instead of losing, I would gain. Through Kerri's guidance, it became clear that it was the events themselves that I was protecting myself from. I am empathic, shy and sensitive, and new situations and different energies are difficult for me. The extra padding puts a buffer between that. It's definitely helpful to know the "why" when you are trying to make a change.
Another clutter trap was my art supplies. I have always thought "I am an artist" even though I haven't practiced it in a long time. I had art supplies in my closet as far back as high school and many from college. I felt like I couldn't let them go since "I am an artist" has been my mantra for years. I even bought a whole new set of art supplies well over a year ago to inspire me to create again. But it's still sitting in the same closet. Kerri helped me examine this. Is this something I actually enjoy? Through simple exercises, I have come to realize that what I thought was a fear of doing this again, may actually be that it's just not for me right now. I don't have to be an artist. Why would I create that kind of pressure on myself? I was able to let go of the high school & college supplies, and a stinky college textbook (I just don't like old book smell) And the best part is, I didn't have the attachment to it all that I thought I would. It wasn't hard to let it go. I kept the newer supplies, and before I decide if I will let it go entirely, I will try it out again, but with no pressure. I know now that I don't have to do or be anything other than happy.
I am the queen of lists. Through Kerri Richardson's book and the "Action Time!" steps, I was able to see how the lists were keeping me from having any fun. The lists never ended. So I've clutter cleared those, pared things down to what I really need to remember to do, and added in fun things on my list! I was also able to let go of Christmas items that had no meaning (or I didn't like), along with releasing the guilt feelings that whisper that I have to keep every memory forever. I let go of items that held negative memories. Going through the bad memories was only difficult at the start of the process (Who wants to conjure up bad feelings?), once I started working on it, and got things out of the house, I felt free and clear. Everything holds energy, and avoiding them and having them in my home, was not healthy.
I let go of excessive wrapping paper, years old unfinished crafts (I have yet to remember what the googly eyes on rocks was all about), DVDs, kitchen items, school supplies, outdated food & medicine, clothing, computer cords, cookbooks, and more. Almost everything was donate or recycled. I paired down some of the school papers I've been keeping of my kids. Those memories are the hardest for me. I really felt like I needed to keep it all, but that was just something I put on myself, and now I am more able to let it go. I don't need to keep every single memory to remember their childhood or to honor them.
What Your Clutter Is Trying To Tell You shows the common causes of clutter, provides a resource list of where to donate or sell items, and even provides a section on turning clutter into cash! Kerri also points out so many additional types of clutter that may surprise you, but once sorted through and released from your life, will make a positive impact.
Kerri encourages us to look at what is coming in to our lives as the clutter leaves, and I just love that! This awareness paired with gratitude brings so much more goodness into our lives. Throughout the last month and a half of reading the book and letting go of physical, digital and mental clutter, so many blessings have arrived. I received an invitation from an Instagram friend to participate in goodness packs she was putting together. This resulted in a large order for my business of Kindness Cards and paper butterflies that will now be distributed around the U.K.! I also received an affiliate check from Hay House, a free life insurance policy, a new TV for my office (also free), and many other blessings of kindness and abundance. The best part is feeling lighter, a sense that good is flowing in my life, and I am putting more positive energy into the world as a result. This is an ongoing process, but one I feel confident and positive about thanks to Kerri Richardson and What Your Clutter is Trying To Tell You.
September 23, 2022
I read this over a few weeks and worked through a couple of things.
Pretty sure I have been decluttering for 20 years now- since my kids were little and I was overwhelmed with the amount of stuff that needed to be looked after while also looking after them. I can recall taking boot loads of stuff to the op shop and yet here I am again!
This book gave me some insights into why I might be hanging on to certain things- in my case sentimental items!! And carting them around from place to place not even sure why they hold so much value to me. So I have knuckled down and purged even more from the darkest recesses and feel lighter and freer for it, while imagining what it might look like to live in a tiny home or a caravan instead of being tied down to so many many items that ultimately I can’t take with me to my final destination.
Lots of good nuggets of advice in this book if you are digging deeper into your clutter and why you might be hanging on to that craft project from 1990 when your eyes could actually see properly.
4 uncluttered stars from me
Pretty sure I have been decluttering for 20 years now- since my kids were little and I was overwhelmed with the amount of stuff that needed to be looked after while also looking after them. I can recall taking boot loads of stuff to the op shop and yet here I am again!
This book gave me some insights into why I might be hanging on to certain things- in my case sentimental items!! And carting them around from place to place not even sure why they hold so much value to me. So I have knuckled down and purged even more from the darkest recesses and feel lighter and freer for it, while imagining what it might look like to live in a tiny home or a caravan instead of being tied down to so many many items that ultimately I can’t take with me to my final destination.
Lots of good nuggets of advice in this book if you are digging deeper into your clutter and why you might be hanging on to that craft project from 1990 when your eyes could actually see properly.
4 uncluttered stars from me
August 13, 2019
I’m a bit of a clutter bug, mainly paper stuff and craft supplies. I hate it. I love the idea of minimalism, but have never made it happen. When I saw the title of this book it sounded like something that just might help me. I like to know why and dig deeper into what makes me do what I do. For some I think this book wouldn’t make a great connection, and obviously for others it is totally unneeded. But for ME, it hit the spot. It addressed more than just stuff, but also relationships, obligations, and other things that are cluttering our lives so that we are not living the life we want to. It’s not super long, just over 100 pages. Each chapter has some actions listed as the end to help with baby-stepping these new habits.
May 13, 2024
I mostly liked the deep dive questions. It also must have been useful because I managed to get started on decluttering before I finished.
January 21, 2020
I downloaded this as a sort of guide to help keep me focused on the task of cleaning out and organizing my attic. This book was more than just that and made me see all kinds of clutter in a different way. Great resource!
January 4, 2018
Interesting insights into what clutter really is and why I'm surrounded by it. There's a lot of food for thought here and hopefully some food for follow through as well.
July 25, 2022
Bit frustrating, this. I struggle with clutter and seem to be constantly decluttering. I was intrigued by the premise here - working out *why* clutter accumulates - and really enjoyed the part of the book that dealt with that. There were some interesting insights. But it doesn't go very deep - and then it abruptly becomes a standard decluttering guide. It's not a bad decluttering guide at all, and there are some good tips, but it's not what I came for.
January 23, 2022
I dream of getting a tiny house. That won't ever happen but I do hope to downsize sometime soon. This was on a Kindle deal so I jumped at it. It was okay. There wasn't anything really earth shattering.
January 15, 2020
Great tips to release clutter. Many I have heard and tried before but this motivated me to start again. I got rid of 2 bags of books and 4 bags of clothes. I got the most for the books than ever before, my husband took me out to a new place for lunch and I got a good laugh from the nurse at my appointment.
I like the list of resources for trading, selling and donating items at the end of the book, except for the plug for Goodwill, which I don't consider a "real" charity. The state heads make $500,000 to over a million dollars a year. The one in my neighborhood did some slippery rezoning to get a location, against the neighborhoods wishes.
I like the list of resources for trading, selling and donating items at the end of the book, except for the plug for Goodwill, which I don't consider a "real" charity. The state heads make $500,000 to over a million dollars a year. The one in my neighborhood did some slippery rezoning to get a location, against the neighborhoods wishes.
September 24, 2017
Interesting and short!!
Does not clutter your head with too many instructions. It was easy to read and follow and very importantly gives clear tips on how to get rid of clutter.
Does not clutter your head with too many instructions. It was easy to read and follow and very importantly gives clear tips on how to get rid of clutter.
January 4, 2019
Kerri Richardson writes a fantastic self-help book about how to uncover the truth behind your clutter. Overall, I think Richardson's book is a great read with some minor flaws.
I appreciate Richardson giving us a bit of background as to how and why she decluttered her home and life. I like that she provided real-life examples, as well as "Action Time!" techniques at the end of every chapter.
There is a minor mistake in the second chapter's title. The word "behind" is supposed to be capitalized. For the most part, everything in Richardson's book is grammatically correct and there are no spelling errors (that I could find).
I do find it confusing why the "inner critic" character is a she. I understand that it works for her inner critic to be female because Richardson is female, but who is to say that her male readers cannot use their inner critic as a male. I know for most it does not matter, but I think it should be addressed.
Also, she mentioned Goodwill in the sixth chapter in regards to letting go of items by donation. Goodwill is NOT a great charity to donate, and there is significant research to back that up.
Nevertheless, I recommend this book to readers who want to get to the heart of their clutter and, once and for all, tackle what we all may struggle with internally.
I appreciate Richardson giving us a bit of background as to how and why she decluttered her home and life. I like that she provided real-life examples, as well as "Action Time!" techniques at the end of every chapter.
There is a minor mistake in the second chapter's title. The word "behind" is supposed to be capitalized. For the most part, everything in Richardson's book is grammatically correct and there are no spelling errors (that I could find).
I do find it confusing why the "inner critic" character is a she. I understand that it works for her inner critic to be female because Richardson is female, but who is to say that her male readers cannot use their inner critic as a male. I know for most it does not matter, but I think it should be addressed.
Also, she mentioned Goodwill in the sixth chapter in regards to letting go of items by donation. Goodwill is NOT a great charity to donate, and there is significant research to back that up.
Nevertheless, I recommend this book to readers who want to get to the heart of their clutter and, once and for all, tackle what we all may struggle with internally.
November 21, 2021
This was a quick 100-page read, while I was laid up in bed sick. I especially appreciated the chapters on how emotional clutter connects to physical clutter and the need for communicating boundaries in order to let go of both types of clutter.
“Asking for help and support is a beautiful way to care for your sweet, vulnerable self� (p. 68)
� Kerri Richardson
Used: 33 (MPL library)
“Asking for help and support is a beautiful way to care for your sweet, vulnerable self� (p. 68)
� Kerri Richardson
Used: 33 (MPL library)
November 11, 2021
Didn't expect to enjoy this so much! Exactly like the title says. Quick read, but jammed packed with helpful points.
August 28, 2022
Good read for the positive "pop"-guru reader looking to change the "negative vibes" in their life by removing their clutter.
July 2, 2018
Every Bit of Clutter has an Energetic Connection
Every bit of clutter has an energetic connection. This is so important to get because every little pile of stuff that you come in contact with every day, no matter how many times a day is like a blockage of energy keeping you from living your best life.
I scored the Kindle version of this book through Hay House publications for $1.99 and it was money well spent. This short and concise guide merges the physical clutter of our lives with its deeper meaning and the energetic exchange in terms of the price we have to pay when we don’t tackle our clutter head on.
As a clutter-busting coach, lifestyle designer as well as a hardcore downsizer, preparing to live in a bona fide tiny house with no more than 200 square feet, Richardson feels uniquely qualified to offer advice in this niche.
She breaks things down into manageable chunks and I got the sense that it was OK not to go full on blitz on my piles of crap. I could parse it out into bite size sessions and know that I was taking solid steps to clearing energy on an ongoing basis. This alone was so useful because the mental beating on a daily basis I was giving myself over not having all of my clutter dealt with already had been for years, taking its toll. Living with an even bigger clutter bug than I am, has caused so much ongoing resentment that I was tapping my brains out just to clear it out on a daily basis.
After reading this book, I began to look at “stuff� differently. I no longer coveted things. Even those small pick-me-up purchases were put under intense scrutiny after looking at a myriad of my knick-knacky crap burrowed away in drawers, on shelves or hidden away in boxes and piled under the ping pong table in the basement. When I thought about sending hard earned cash on silly, nonsense items while neglecting to fund my Roth IRA or emergency account, I realized that I had turned a corner. I finally got the connection.
Richardson tells us that our clutter is useful. It is trying hard to send us important messages and clues about what we need to address in our lives and that we can actually work with our clutter to unearth these messages and move forward in abundance. I found these messages infinitely comforting as I stopped beating myself up for having clutter to begin with, being terrified to let go of certain items, and for having an all or nothing mindset to clearing space.
This is an action taking book so take the first step and own a copy. Then get to work.
BRB Rating: Own It.
Every bit of clutter has an energetic connection. This is so important to get because every little pile of stuff that you come in contact with every day, no matter how many times a day is like a blockage of energy keeping you from living your best life.
I scored the Kindle version of this book through Hay House publications for $1.99 and it was money well spent. This short and concise guide merges the physical clutter of our lives with its deeper meaning and the energetic exchange in terms of the price we have to pay when we don’t tackle our clutter head on.
As a clutter-busting coach, lifestyle designer as well as a hardcore downsizer, preparing to live in a bona fide tiny house with no more than 200 square feet, Richardson feels uniquely qualified to offer advice in this niche.
She breaks things down into manageable chunks and I got the sense that it was OK not to go full on blitz on my piles of crap. I could parse it out into bite size sessions and know that I was taking solid steps to clearing energy on an ongoing basis. This alone was so useful because the mental beating on a daily basis I was giving myself over not having all of my clutter dealt with already had been for years, taking its toll. Living with an even bigger clutter bug than I am, has caused so much ongoing resentment that I was tapping my brains out just to clear it out on a daily basis.
After reading this book, I began to look at “stuff� differently. I no longer coveted things. Even those small pick-me-up purchases were put under intense scrutiny after looking at a myriad of my knick-knacky crap burrowed away in drawers, on shelves or hidden away in boxes and piled under the ping pong table in the basement. When I thought about sending hard earned cash on silly, nonsense items while neglecting to fund my Roth IRA or emergency account, I realized that I had turned a corner. I finally got the connection.
Richardson tells us that our clutter is useful. It is trying hard to send us important messages and clues about what we need to address in our lives and that we can actually work with our clutter to unearth these messages and move forward in abundance. I found these messages infinitely comforting as I stopped beating myself up for having clutter to begin with, being terrified to let go of certain items, and for having an all or nothing mindset to clearing space.
This is an action taking book so take the first step and own a copy. Then get to work.
BRB Rating: Own It.
June 11, 2018
What Your Clutter is Trying to Tell You by Kerri L. Richardson
'Uncover the message in your mess and reclaim your life'
As a confirmed packrat- I know I have a problem. Maybe its a natural inclination or maybe it was growing up with parents who saved string, rubber bands, paper bags, jam jars etc. My house is full of stuff. As a writer words are my resource but my office is filled with paper clutter- which I might need 'someday'.
Through its eight chapters, the book explores our clutter problem is clutter 'monster or messenger'? Chapter two talks about resistance to dealing with clutter( guilty!) then what' if your clutter could talk?'
'Common causes of clutter' are explored in chapter four, while in five the question is asked 'is your clutter a handy distraction?' The book offers practical solutions, and suggestions as well as handy quizzes to discover what your clutter is trying to tell you.
The book is a definite call to action � the question now is am I motivate enough to act?
'Uncover the message in your mess and reclaim your life'
As a confirmed packrat- I know I have a problem. Maybe its a natural inclination or maybe it was growing up with parents who saved string, rubber bands, paper bags, jam jars etc. My house is full of stuff. As a writer words are my resource but my office is filled with paper clutter- which I might need 'someday'.
Through its eight chapters, the book explores our clutter problem is clutter 'monster or messenger'? Chapter two talks about resistance to dealing with clutter( guilty!) then what' if your clutter could talk?'
'Common causes of clutter' are explored in chapter four, while in five the question is asked 'is your clutter a handy distraction?' The book offers practical solutions, and suggestions as well as handy quizzes to discover what your clutter is trying to tell you.
The book is a definite call to action � the question now is am I motivate enough to act?
July 16, 2018
I did wait 40 years for a clutter-solving approach like this!!!!!
This book will help you create fresh space in your home or work place by FIRST creating fresh space inside your brain. And that fresh space inside your brain is the one factor that will allow you to solve all your clutter issues in a way that you never imagined possible. Kerri's concept of "your clutter talking to you" is not just nice metaphorical proposition. It's something factual. UNDERSTANDING all the types of clutter surrounding you, and especially UNDERSTANDING how all those types of clutter became what they are today, you will be able to initiate a process of uncluttering that will be inmensely pleasurable, satisfactory, effective and productive. If you tell me that you don't need this book I don't believe you. So, lie to me if you wish, but, for goodness sake, don't lie to yourself and get this book, and finally get to know yourself better and at the same time solve all your clutter issues in a better way too.
This book will help you create fresh space in your home or work place by FIRST creating fresh space inside your brain. And that fresh space inside your brain is the one factor that will allow you to solve all your clutter issues in a way that you never imagined possible. Kerri's concept of "your clutter talking to you" is not just nice metaphorical proposition. It's something factual. UNDERSTANDING all the types of clutter surrounding you, and especially UNDERSTANDING how all those types of clutter became what they are today, you will be able to initiate a process of uncluttering that will be inmensely pleasurable, satisfactory, effective and productive. If you tell me that you don't need this book I don't believe you. So, lie to me if you wish, but, for goodness sake, don't lie to yourself and get this book, and finally get to know yourself better and at the same time solve all your clutter issues in a better way too.
September 2, 2018
What your clutter is trying to tell you
I am still working my way through this book but I have to say it is the kick up the backside that I desperately needed. My husband died after a long illness 9 months ago my whole life for 10 years before his death was giving him 100% of my time and care. After his death I became utterly depressed and could not tell you what on earth I have been doing time just disappeared. My home has deteriorated into an absolute tip, my mind has been foggy, there has seemed to be no purpose to anything . This book has opened my eyes to the fact that fear has been holding me prisoner and that I can move on. I will never forget my husband and the life we shared but I deserve to be happy and have a clean uncluttered home living how I have been doing is not healthy . Thank you for the inspiration and giving me the insight into what was holding me in this place. Already I am making progress and feel a lot better about myself. Thank you
I am still working my way through this book but I have to say it is the kick up the backside that I desperately needed. My husband died after a long illness 9 months ago my whole life for 10 years before his death was giving him 100% of my time and care. After his death I became utterly depressed and could not tell you what on earth I have been doing time just disappeared. My home has deteriorated into an absolute tip, my mind has been foggy, there has seemed to be no purpose to anything . This book has opened my eyes to the fact that fear has been holding me prisoner and that I can move on. I will never forget my husband and the life we shared but I deserve to be happy and have a clean uncluttered home living how I have been doing is not healthy . Thank you for the inspiration and giving me the insight into what was holding me in this place. Already I am making progress and feel a lot better about myself. Thank you
December 4, 2017
Great book, highly recommend for those who are struggling with mental, physical, and/or emotional clutter and finally want to learn how to tackle it. The author does a superb job of instructing the reader how to analyze their feelings about the clutter and what they are subconsciously doing to prevent their own growth. Very informational book, and it has exercises to do that make decluttering not as overwhelming! I will for sure be referring to this book again in the future.
June 19, 2018
I read this in one evening, skimming some parts. I didn’t really find anything in it that I didn’t already know. Also, I thought there would be more on the actual subject in the title, but there was a good bit of “how to� declutter. I have been on a purging mission for a while, with a lot of success, but a few areas still get cluttered (mail, things that don’t quite have a place so they all end up in a basket) but I didn’t relate to any of her reasons for clutter building up.
April 2, 2019
Let's face it. A book about getting rid of clutter is not new. The way author Kerri Richardson lays it out though is. In fact, it is a very different sort of book. While it does flirt with the self-help genre, it is done so with love. Perhaps that is what makes it such a refreshing read. It is written and administered with love; the 1 Corinthians sort of love wherein love is patient and love is kind. Richardson is both of those. Rather than bludgeoning the reader with discouragement and guilt, she makes no assumptions and instead uses her own testimonies to layout the situation as well as those of her clients.
For instance, there is the story of Mark, who purchased a custom-tailored tuxedo to attend a fru fru event with his longtime girlfriend. That night a situation of unfaithfulness came to light and the relationship dissolved. Mark kept the tuxedo (likely because of the initial price) even though the sight of it turned his stomach with reminders of betrayal and lies. Kerri springs off that scenario to talk about how we can have emotional clutter that keeps us from truly significant opportunities in life.
Perhaps what is best though is Kerri's use of "Action Time" at the end of chapters. These are exercises of affirmation and empowerment that may seem silly at first but really help a reader get to the root of a clutter issue. They are solid, well thought out, and yet still quite encouraging.
What Your Clutter Is Trying To Tell You is not groundbreaking but it does help the reader break new ground. (Did that make any sense?) Kerri is clearly exceptional in her field and shows why walking the walk is every bit as important as talking the talk.
For instance, there is the story of Mark, who purchased a custom-tailored tuxedo to attend a fru fru event with his longtime girlfriend. That night a situation of unfaithfulness came to light and the relationship dissolved. Mark kept the tuxedo (likely because of the initial price) even though the sight of it turned his stomach with reminders of betrayal and lies. Kerri springs off that scenario to talk about how we can have emotional clutter that keeps us from truly significant opportunities in life.
Perhaps what is best though is Kerri's use of "Action Time" at the end of chapters. These are exercises of affirmation and empowerment that may seem silly at first but really help a reader get to the root of a clutter issue. They are solid, well thought out, and yet still quite encouraging.
What Your Clutter Is Trying To Tell You is not groundbreaking but it does help the reader break new ground. (Did that make any sense?) Kerri is clearly exceptional in her field and shows why walking the walk is every bit as important as talking the talk.
March 20, 2019
Not as much about the mechanics of clearing clutter, though there is plenty of that woven in, but more about the defining clutter in our lives, physical and emotional and why we might be hanging on to stuff.
"You want to feel positive and supported instead of criticized or judged. that's the difference between an item that's clutter and one that's a treasured belonging."
"Keeping anything, including books, out of any kind of obligation takes up important energy in your life that could be aligned with your goals and values."
"Whatever you allow to happen will continue."
"We've established that clutter is anything that gets in the way of living a life you love."
"Debt, grudges, stacks of books, overflowing dressers, your inner critic, excess weight, too many shoes or kitchen gadgets, unhealthy relationships, oh the list goes on and on."
"What if your desk is clear and you still can't get yourself to finish the book you're writing? What an you blame it on then?"
"As soon as I organize my supplies, I'll be able to work on my art."
"When you don't let people know your needs or you allow them to treat you in a disrespectful way, your frustration or substitution protection can show up as clutter."
"When you keep things out of guilt, you're keeping much more than just that item, you're keeping a whole lot of energetic and emotional baggage with it."
This is a quick read and just might help you understand how we use clutter as protection and avoidance. Plus you can get some tips on how to work through it all.
"You want to feel positive and supported instead of criticized or judged. that's the difference between an item that's clutter and one that's a treasured belonging."
"Keeping anything, including books, out of any kind of obligation takes up important energy in your life that could be aligned with your goals and values."
"Whatever you allow to happen will continue."
"We've established that clutter is anything that gets in the way of living a life you love."
"Debt, grudges, stacks of books, overflowing dressers, your inner critic, excess weight, too many shoes or kitchen gadgets, unhealthy relationships, oh the list goes on and on."
"What if your desk is clear and you still can't get yourself to finish the book you're writing? What an you blame it on then?"
"As soon as I organize my supplies, I'll be able to work on my art."
"When you don't let people know your needs or you allow them to treat you in a disrespectful way, your frustration or substitution protection can show up as clutter."
"When you keep things out of guilt, you're keeping much more than just that item, you're keeping a whole lot of energetic and emotional baggage with it."
This is a quick read and just might help you understand how we use clutter as protection and avoidance. Plus you can get some tips on how to work through it all.
July 7, 2020
After reading The Life changing magic of tidying up, I wanted to read deeper books on decluttering. Reading the description of what is your clutter trying to tell you, I felt that this book will have answers to the questions I had in mind. I won’t consider this as a mind opening book except for the concept of boundary setting. From the culture I come from, boundary setting is the rudest thing you can ever do. But this is what I needed to hear. This one concept made the book a good read for me. The other good points in the book is the way Richardson points out how the physical clutter you hold is related to the mental beliefs you hold. The book has action points for each chapter to make you do the thinking. Rest of the book is just okay. It is short and easy. I was half expecting Richardson to write a story on his journey of moving from 2000 sq ft to 230 sq ft but that story has not been discussed in detail.
Complete Review -
Complete Review -
February 8, 2022
This book is not really what it says on the tin. I read it to completion just because it is short, but honestly, it isn’t worth it.
The author leans heavily on the woo-woo belief that “universe will sort everything out if you let it�, sort of like with manifestation. Sure, it might work for some people, but journaling isn’t something that fits everyone, nor is getting rid of some excess books going to make the person realize their true purpose in life (some yes, everyone as the author puts it no).
The book focuses more on the mindsets that are limiting and that can be perceived as clutter, rather than physical clutter. Reading it for practical tips isn’t really useful, as every tip has been repeated over and over and over again (donate to charities or people who need it, sell your things, work in small chunks of time or select parts of the room, etc.).
Given the other reviews I expected much more. Too much “babying� of the reader, without practical tips on storage or how to not clutter up your space once you declutter, at least not a lot of them.
The author leans heavily on the woo-woo belief that “universe will sort everything out if you let it�, sort of like with manifestation. Sure, it might work for some people, but journaling isn’t something that fits everyone, nor is getting rid of some excess books going to make the person realize their true purpose in life (some yes, everyone as the author puts it no).
The book focuses more on the mindsets that are limiting and that can be perceived as clutter, rather than physical clutter. Reading it for practical tips isn’t really useful, as every tip has been repeated over and over and over again (donate to charities or people who need it, sell your things, work in small chunks of time or select parts of the room, etc.).
Given the other reviews I expected much more. Too much “babying� of the reader, without practical tips on storage or how to not clutter up your space once you declutter, at least not a lot of them.
December 14, 2017
I have read a lot of books about getting rid of clutter and tidying up. If this was the first book of that focus that I had read, I would have found it more valuable. That being said, it is perfect for the beginner who is just starting the de-cluttering journey. It is well written and covers more than just the stuff that fills the spaces of our homes. It addresses mental and emotional clutter and other realms besides physical junk. The author talks about the message and energy of our stuff that when addressed, can transform your life. It has a great resource list in the back for places and websites to unload your stuff.
May 1, 2018
I expected this book, being quite slim, to be a fairly no-nonsense step-by-step guide to decluttering, and why you should do it. In fairness, it is almost exactly that, but I was mildly surprised at the psychological introspection that Richardson encouraged. There were relatively interesting concepts to think about and apply, many, though, I was ultimately familiar with from other methods such as ‘KonMari�. Overall, despite its compactness, I felt as though the principles may have been just as effectively communicated through an article, as it felt like some points were rather drawn out. My reaction, in summary, is probably best described as a shoulder shrug.
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