Making Space, Clutter Free

July 1, 2019

Founder of Los Angeles's premier organizing and decluttering company dClutterfly, McCubbin writes this work to assist people with clearing out the clutter that prevents them from experiencing a home that is restful, peaceful, and shareable. There is an emotional underpinning to cluttering, says the author. Thus, she conceives of the concept of "clutter blocks," or various attitudes that derail people in their striving for tidiness. These include storing fantasy stuff for a fantasy life, holding on to the good old days, and being trapped with other people's junk. McCubbin explores each of these issues, then provides room-by-room strategies for getting rid of the mess and keeping one's space neat. VERDICT While many books concentrate on either the emotional aspects of clutter or tips for getting rid of it, McCubbin interweaves both, resulting in highly practical guidance.

Copyright 2019 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from May 15, 2019
Though organizing expert McCubbin touches a bit on the emotions surrounding the accumulation of stuff, this isn't another Kondo-clone, because she dives into the heart of why decluttering is so difficult. Like selling a house, stuff-riddance is laden with one or more of seven emotional blocks, like feeling that our stuff connects us to our past, or that we're trapped by other people's stuff. Wisely, McCubbin doesn't chastise; instead, she shares client stories that allow people to relate, get comfortable, and perhaps start thinking about lightening their loads. Particularly helpful are McCubbin's room-by-room lists of what to watch for (form and function, repurposed and double-duty furniture, adjusting adjustable shelves in the kitchen) and her five questions to ask about each and every item: Do I use it semi-regularly? Is it making me money? Will I buy it again or borrow it? Do I have a place to store it? Do I love it? Besides her eminently practical and understanding advice, the memorable testimonials will stick with readers, such as a soon-to-be divorc�e's insistence that, "I'll use it if it kills me." A panacea for those who believe they can't cope with stuff.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)