Customer Reviews

30 Days to a Simpler Life

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In the introduction to this book, the authors describe the five types of simplifiers: the Serene Simplifier, The Comfort-Seeking Simplifier, The Downshifted Simplifier, the Elegant Simplifier, and the Organized Simplifier.

I consider myself in alignment the most with the Downshifted Simplifier: "...she was inspired to downscale by the bestseller Your Money Or Your Life by Joe Dominguez and Vicky Robin. 'I read it and then cut up six credit cards,' she said, 'and I no longer watch the shopping channel.'

"The downshifter takes good care of the few things she owns. Her tactics for saving money include bartering, buying foods in bulk, and making her own skin care products." etc. There is more to this description, including reference to the Tightwad Gazette. So the authors DO recognize this type of simplifier in the introduction- but much of the rest of the book seems to be in opposition to this type of simplifier. There is a lot of pressure on the reader to BUY BUY BUY their way to 'simplification'. They tell you to hire someone to hook up your new VCR for you. Hire housecleaners and errand runners. Install state-of-the-art closet organization systems. Install more built-in cabinets. What about just getting rid of stuff so you don't need those built in cabinets? What about taking the time to learn how to hook up your own VCR? "Consider a television in your kitchen." To their merit, they do tell you to take the TV out of the bedroom.

I realize that this kind of advice will appeal to some people and that's fine, but it was not the kind of simplification advice I was looking for. There was some good advice peppered throughout, but I'd say that I only found six out of thirty chapters of the book helpful or inspirational, because much of the rest just had lists of new ways for you to spend your hard-earned cash.

This book breaks simplification of one's life into literally thirty days, almost like a diet book. That is its greatest merit. It appears to be guided more toward women, and toward women with families, than the rest of us. Perhaps those women buy most of these books!

Having said that, the information contained is applicable to all of us. I found myself gleaning ideas and concepts from the book, rather than following it verbatim. However, I loaned it to my sister (who is a working mom) and she followed the steps to her satisfaction! So, this book is useful on more than one level.

Don't purchase this book expecting some deep philosophical or religious discussion of simplification. That is for others to do (see my review of "Choosing Simplicity" by Linda Pierce. This is for someone who may not have the time or inclination for that type of writing, but simply wants some practical help cleaning up the messy corners of their daily life.

This book saved me! I had too much stuff! My 2005 New years resolution was to get rid of so many things. I held on to a train case I never used because my favorite aunt gave it to me. I carried it around for years everytime I moved, and I never used it. I had a closet full of yarn ( I knit and crochet) I gave it away. I only kept a few cashmere skeins. This books covers every room of your home, and even organizing your photos! I almost took an online course from todo-list, but saved myself the $75.00 fee. This is a comprehensive book, and it is organized by daily projects that take an hour a day to do. (sometimes much less time)If you want to make your household run smoothly, and find your things (keys,etc..) get this book!

I've checked out and read a lot of books on living a simpler, more organized life. This is the one I wanted to buy and keep. It's straightforward, clear, helpful - and covers a wide range of topics: philosophy of simplifying, wardrobe, decorating, cooking, traveling, home office, kitchen and closet organization, and more. I've gone back to it again and again for inspiration and ideas.

Other reviewers remarked that this isn't "Your Money or Your Life". That's true; the books serve different purposes.

This also isn't a "save the earth" book, although its suggestions about challenging materialism and living with less certainly would benefit the environment.

The authors aren't zealots, they've just written an excellent book full of practical suggestions, and provided food for thought for those wanting a simpler life.

The books message is just what the author's intended it to be "simple" but effective. "30 DAYS TO A SIMPLER LIFE" not only tells you how to unclutter your closets, etc., but gives you meaningful tips on how to unclutter your mind and truly make life simpler. The author's philosophy on simplicity for a better lifestyle gives the reader valuable insight on "letting go" to lead a simpler, less stressful life.

This book is a must read in addition to making a wonderful gift for friends. It is one that you will want to keep for your personal library to reference the author's guide to related books, newsletters, and websites related to simpler living

Beverly Olsen

I thought this book was fabulous. The ideas and suggestions seemed written just for me. After I read the chapter on kitchens to my husband, we totally cleaned out and reorganized our kitchen the same day. One of my favorite themes from this book is: Surround yourself with things (clothes, furniture, dishes) that you love. If you don't love something, let it go. Sounds simple, but it's very powerful!

In the book, they mention that if you're looking for a better method of cleaning your house, a good book to try is Speed Cleaning. I purchased it (through Amazon.com, of course!!) and I don't think my house has ever been cleaner.

I've read similar books (i.e. How To Avoid Housework by Paula Jung - which was also great) but this one has really motivated me to change. With their easy suggestions and helpful ideas, it has been SIMPLE to do little things every day to simplify my life. Thanks, Connie and Cris!!

This is a great book. It made me very serene. I spent sleepless nights uncluttering. My life now seems much simpler, although I just had my second kid and I am a working mother. I realized that I had much more stuff than I needed. I had more shoes than time to wear them. I have also stopped shopping compulsively, realizing how much money I was throwing away.

I used to be a neatnik. Over the years as I got busier, and sloppier, at least in my eyes. I've always believed that what you don't use over a two year period should be given away, sold or throw out.

More recently, with several major moves, I let go of almost everything I owned, not knowing beforehand what a liberating feeling awaited me. Now my valuables can be counted on my fingers with some to spare. My home and personal life had become simple and uncluttered. Or so I thought.

Then I read "30 Days to a Simpler Life" by Connie Cox and Cris Evatt and learned even more ways to simply or enjoy the few possessions I cherish. Finding this book was like finding a friend in whom to confide. Only this book was the friend telling me its secrets.

Like everyone else, my life has gotten busier and busier. I don't have time to rummage for things lost in clutter. In this book I found ways to further streamline my life and the advice is sound. Not only have these tips and information validated a lot of my thinking but also provided me additional ways to simplify and in a few areas I'd never considered.

I highly recommend this readable book to both those who need to get a handle on their lives and to those who wish to be better at it. Like its teachings, the facts are simple, uncluttered and sensible.

When I first sat down to read this book, I grabbed a notepad and began
making lists of ways it suggests to get more organized. Then as I got into the book, I realized that little boxes were provided for making checklists of things to do. What a great idea!

I love the authors' quote about "how much money is spent on our bodies and how little is spent on our souls." A great reminder about what's really important in life!

This book is a primer for organizing and tidying up clutter both in the
mind and the environment. Cris and Connie present hundreds of tips in a concise style. They don't mince words or waste your time. I organized my photography work area using the principles from this book.

I began my quest of simplification with an evening searching for books on the topic. I came across "30 Days to a Simpler Life" and several others which I eventually ended up sending back. This one, however, was the keeper. It is truly of the best books I've read... not necessarily because it taught me any great universal truths I've never heard of, but more because it allowed me to find what I needed within to turn my life around. And I truly believe that the authors intended it for this very purpose. Since purchasing the book nearly a year ago, my life and house have done a 180. Identifying with the "Downshifted Simplifier", I took to heart all of the advice given on the topic of minimalism. My friends and family came to my apartment and wondered what happened. They loved the change! And most of all, I love the change. Thank you Connie Cox and Cris Evatt for writing a book that simply "hit the spot"!