Today I have some exciting news to share with you: my second book has been published!
It’s called The Joy of Less, A Minimalist Living Guide: How to Declutter, Organize, and Simplify Your Life.
Here’s a look at the front and back covers:
As most of you know, I started this blog after I moved to the UK—a relocation that involved selling most of my possessions, and starting my minimalist life anew.
Before that, however, I was in the same position as many of you: I had too much stuff, and wanted to pare down. My things weighed on me like hundreds of little anchors, draining me of my time, my money, and my energy.
So one day I made a decision: I stopped buying things, and started to declutter. And to my delight, what I’d expected to be a rather onerous task was absolutely exhilarating! I decluttered in the morning, in the evening, on the weekends, and in my dreams. When I wasn’t actually decluttering, I was planning what I could declutter next.
The entire process was an amazing time in my life: with each passing day, I felt a little bit lighter, a little more serene, a little more free. The less stuff I was burdened with, the more possibilities life seemed to hold.
I began to sing the praises of minimalist living to anyone who would listen, and was surprised at the positive response I received. I discovered that a great many people wanted to declutter their homes and simplify their lives—but for the most part, just didn’t know where to start.
That’s why I wrote The Joy of Less. The book is part philosophy, part pep talk, part practical advice—basically, everything you need to know to purge the clutter from your life.
Part One is all about inspiration. The quotes, stories, and exercises in this section help you develop a minimalist mindset—making it much easier to let your excess stuff go, and keep new stuff from coming in the door.
Part Two outlines the STREAMLINE method: ten sure-fire techniques to rid your house of clutter, and keep it that way. These steps are my “secret weapon” for achieving, and maintaining, a minimalist home—and I’m so thrilled to finally share them!
Part Three shows you how to give each room in your house a minimalist makeover. Each chapter tackles a different room: living room, bedroom, home office, kitchen/dining room, bathroom, and storage spaces (garage, attic, and basement). There’s also a whole chapter on creating a minimalist wardrobe, and another one dealing with gifts, heirlooms, and sentimental items.
Part Four takes this minimalist philosophy beyond the house. In this section, you’ll learn how to declutter your schedule, and reclaim your time as you did your space. You’ll also discover the far-reaching benefits of living lightly and gracefully on the Earth, and see how saving space in your closets can help save the planet.
Want a sneak peek? Click here to read the Table of Contents and the Introduction (or see the Contents below).
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I assure you that the book is not a collection of blog posts, but rather a comprehensive manual for minimalist living. The vast majority of material has not appeared on the blog, and will provide you with plenty of new reading on the subject!
I’d be so honored, and grateful, if any of you decide to purchase the book. If you’d like to do so, it’s available on Amazon.com:
The Joy of Less, A Minimalist Living Guide: How to Declutter, Organize, and Simplify Your Life
For those of you downsizing your book collections (or outside the US), it’s also available on Kindle:
You don’t need to own a Kindle reader; simply download the free software to your PC, Mac, iPhone, iPod Touch, Blackberry, etc.
Thank you so much for letting me share this with you today. I love to write, but I’m somewhat shy when it comes to selling and promoting my work.
However, I’m very excited about the book, as it sums up all of my thoughts, ideas, and experiences with minimalist living. Furthermore, I feel like you’re all my family—and thought that some of you might be upset if I didn’t tell you about it. :-)
I really appreciate your support of my blog, and hope you’ll read my book!
Hi,
I love coming onto your site. Lots of great tips and fabulous photos.
Congratulations on your new book, it sounds great.
I was just wondering if it will be available on Amazon UK.
Thanks for all you do.
Thanks, Charms! I expect the book to be available on Amazon UK in approx. 6-8 weeks.
I’ll be ordering this when i’m back from vacation. Very much looking forward to it!
I appreciate that, Chris! :-)
Well done Francine! I’ll be sure to look out for this although I am trying to cut down on my book purchases. Perhaps this will be my first-ever electronic book buy!
Thanks, Jens! A book on minimalism would be a fitting first ebook purchase. ;-)
Congratulations on writing another book, Francine! What a great, simple, and minimalist design. I believe many of your readers (including myself) will benefit from The Joy of Less.
It’s not just the books we read that are transformational, it is what we DO with the ideas, philosophies, concepts, and tips shared in books that make the lasting difference in our lives.
You are making a positive difference in many lives, Francine, continue the fantastic work!! :)
I really appreciate your kind words, Nina! My intention was to write the book *I* wished I had when I began my minimalist journey — and if it helps even one person, it’ll be well worth the time and effort.
Absolutely!! :)
Congrats,Francine!
Thanks, Gil!
Congratulations! I have been reading your blog for a while now and really love what you have to say. You inspire me to keep going on my own minimalist path. I will definitely buy your book!!
Sandy, I’m so happy to hear this — thank you!
Congratulations and thank you! I love reading your blog and I downloaded the Kindle version after reading the sneak peek. I can’t wait to read the book. I have been slowly downsizing over the years and have finally gotten really serious about it lately. What great freedom! (Now if I could just convince my husband to do the same. He’s better than he used to be, but still saves waaayyy too much stuff.) Every time I take a load to Goodwill I honestly can’t remember what’s in there, but it feels great to have more space. Keep up the good work.
Linda, I really appreciate your support, and hope you like the book — you may have to lend it to your husband. ;-) Keep up the decluttering, and enjoy the wonderful freedom!
I finished it last night and LOVED it! I’m sure I will refer back to it many times. The only diappointing part was being finished with it – I wanted to keep reading. Thank you!
Wow, what a lovely thing to say, Linda — thank you very much! :-)
Congratulations on the publication of another book! I can’t wait to read it. Reading your blog brings me a great deal of inspiration and joy. Coincidentally, today is my birthday, so I am heading over to amazon.com to purchase a kindle copy of your book for myself as a gift! I can’t think of anything I’d rather have, except for the company of my family and friends.
Ada, I’m touched that you would buy my book as a birthday gift for yourself — that is *so* sweet. Thank you very much, and Happy Birthday!
Francine, congratulations on your book. I don’t have the money right now but I hope to before too long and then will buy it. It looks like a great book. Will tell others about it.
I appreciate that, Deb J! Of course, you could ask your local library to order it. :-)
Bought it! Used the Amazon ‘KINDLE to PC’ option (a free download). So far this is awesome! Thank you Francine. This is a must read for anyone on the minimalist path, no matter what ‘part’ of the path their journey is on! Now I must get back to reading your book!
Annie, I’m very grateful for your support, and so glad you’re enjoying the book!
Congratulations on the new book! Very very awesome. :)
Thank you, Tammy! :-)
I love the cover of your book. Congrats! on getting it out.
I’m curious if you’ve ever written a blog post about moving to the UK. If so, I’d love to have a link to it so I could read it. If not, I encourage you to write one.
I’m glad you like the cover, Victoria — I was really pleased with how it came out.
Last fall, I wrote a series of blog posts about my UK move. Here are some links:
My Minimalist Story, Part 1: A Clean Slate
My Minimalist Story, Part 2: The Great Unraveling
My Minimalist Story, Part 3: My Life in a Duffel Bag
My Minimalist Story, Part 4: Our Dirty Secret
My Minimalist Story, Part 5: Starting Over
If you click on “My Story” under Categories on the right hand side, you’ll see them all consolidated there. :-)
Yes!!!! Perfect timing, I’m going on vacation to Hawaii tomorrow, so now I have something to read on my looooong flight. I’m going to grab the Kindle edition right now….
You rock Francine!
Thank you, HK — you’ve been such a great supporter of my work, and I really appreciate it. Have a fabulous vacation!
Congratulations, Francine! Looking forward to reading your book!
Thanks so much, Mia — I hope you enjoy it! (BTW, I may visit Berlin in the fall, and would love to meet up.)
I’d love to see you here, Francine! Keep me posted about your trip!
Looking good! I will encourage my local public library to purchase this. Go libraries!
Please do, hestden — libraries rock! :-)
I downloaded and read the sample on Kindle and it looks great! I LOVE the cover design. Looking forward to reading the whole book! I always get great ideas from your website so I know it will be super helpful.
Thank you, Sheri — so glad you like the cover, and hope you enjoy the book!
I just discovered your blog last week.
Up until now, I felt alone in loving the simplicity of bare walls and lots of space in my home.
I downloaded the Kindle version of your book yesterday, and I’m almost done. It a great read, full of helpful advice and inspiration.
Phyllis, you are definitely not alone. :-)
Thanks so much for buying my book, and saying such nice things about it!
OMG!! I didn’t know there were the Kindle apps…I downloaded the Kindle for PC and then your book. So excited!! Didn’t actually want a Kindle (don’t need another device), so the app was perfect. Looking forward to reading your book.
I really appreciate your support, Ann! The Kindle apps are great, aren’t they? I read almost everything on my PC or iPod (I don’t have a Kindle either).
Congratulations! I have ordered the book and look forward to receiving it some time in August (I ordered from the UK). Keep up the good work! Having recently helped a friend declutter her house it struck me with renewed force how much I dont want stuff cluttering up my life.
Thank you so much, Frances — your support means a lot to me. :-) I hope it doesn’t take too long to arrive!
Congratulations, dear!! That’s awesome. I think I’m gonna buy it -don’t have Kindle but I can always pass on the book after reading it to a friend who is also into decluttering :)
Thank you, Cat’s Meow! Passing it on is a great (and very minimalist) idea. :-)
Tried to order the Kindle version for my Blackberry but there’s no support for this platform outside America, and I am loathe to be tethered to my PC to read it. Guess I’ll have to wait for Amazon.co.uk to stock it after all. Sigh.
Jens, I’m sorry Kindle for Blackberry is unavailable in the UK — I hope that changes soon!
I bought the book over Kindle, and have been reading it. It’s FANTASTIC so far! I’ve read countless organizing books, and this one actually has some new material. I like the structure of it, and the philosophy behind it. I was so inspired I got up at 7 am on Sunday to start purging my closet and drawers. I sent three giant trash bags full of clothes, shoes and accessories out the door. Now when I open my closet and dresser, everything fits, looks good on me, and requires little thought on how to make it work. It all works! I just needed that little push to get this done. I’ve done many mini-purges over the years, but this was a huge one. My closet has about 1/3 of what it did in it, and my dresser drawers are clean and organized. I can’t wait to tackle other rooms. There is a lot of great advice, and new approaches for looking at decluttering. Thank you for writing this book. It’s wonderful!
Thank you so much, Jennifer — your comment made my day! I’m thrilled to receive such a lovely review of my book, and glad it inspired you to declutter. Reading such words makes the time and effort all worthwhile. :-)
Congratulations to your ebook!
I believe it is full of interesting thoughts.
I am now quite busy with reading lot of e-books, but I will definitely bookmark your book into my Evernote, why? The table of content,introduction (+ the front cover) persuaded me to read it :)
Thanks for your work in advance!
Regards,
Jan
Thank you, Jan — I appreciate that!
I just downloaded the kindle version for my iPod touch–first electronic book for me too. I love your writing and will be reading it tonight. Thank-you for writing the book!
Beth, thanks so much for buying my book! I’m honored to be your first e-author. :-)
Any chance this will be coming out on the Barnes and Noble Nook anytime soon?
Hi Sarah! I expect it to be available for the Nook sometime in the fall.
I need encouragement. I am theoretically on board with the minimalist lifestyle. I am definately moving towards mimimalism. I have one problem though. I plan to sell one of my two cars in about 2 weeks. I feel sad at the though of parting with one of them. I guess that I felt as though it was somewhat of a status symbol to have both. I truly want to decrease my carbon footprint and bills by getting rid of one of the cars. Do you ever feel sad or trepidatious when getting rid of one of your possessions? Any encouragement that you could give me would be so helpful. My friends are really know help. They are all pretty matrialistic and consumer oriented. Thanks in advance : )
Hi Rose! DH and I are down to one car, and we will have a *party* when we can get rid of that one!
Just think of all the hassles and expenses you won’t have to deal with anymore: gas, insurance, maintenance, repairs, etc. And you’ll still have one car, so you won’t need to worry about major changes in your lifestyle.
Living a minimalist lifestyle is all about having ENOUGH. And if one car is enough to meet your needs, there’s no reason in the world to own two.
To be honest, ditching such an expensive and high-maintenance possession would make me feel fantastic! :-)
Another first-time Kindle-to-PC downloader here! So far so inspiring, I had to stop reading and come and tell you. I really look forward to reading the rest of your book and most of all acting upon it! I’m already raring to go. :D
That’s so sweet of you, Michelle — I’m happy to hear that you’ve found it inspiring!
I’m glad you (and so many others) are trying out the Kindle apps; I think they’re a great alternative to owning physical books.
I’m just reading the bedroom section now, and I’m startled to see (well, it looks like it!) that you’ve actually been in my bedroom! The shame…. ;) I so look forward to seing the results of with this.
LOL, Michelle — hope to hear about your bedroom’s minimalist makeover in the near future! ;-)
Thank you! I read your book last week and loved it! There is so much valuable information in it! I started today with my bedroom closet. I kept remembering your words and kept going. I did it and the bedroom (which I am going to use as a yoga room too–don’t have a mattress and box spring–just a futon) is next! My closet looks so good! I cant’ believe it but I am only using half of the rods to hang clothes on. I feel like a real minimalist–ok maybe a beginner but I’m into it now. ( :
Beth, I’m thrilled to hear this! I really appreciate your kind words, and your new minimalist closet sounds fabulous.
Hmm…perhaps I should ask my readers for “before” and “after” photos. That could be a fun feature!
Today I ordered your book and I cant wait!
I have already cleaned out my kids closets, anything thats not loved and worn has gone to charity. Some to my horror, not even worn!
My wardrobe is next, I am going to wait till the delicious book arrives and quietly devour it.
Go Francine, great work!!!!
Thanks so much for ordering my book, Sara!
I hope you like the wardrobe chapter — as you’ll see, decluttering my closet is one of my favorite minimalist activities. :-)
Hi Francine,
Thank you! I’ve got pictures. That would be fun! If I didn’t have to go to work tomorrow I’d keep going. I’d love to see everyone’s before and afters! ( :
Oh, how cool that you have pictures, Beth! I’d love to kick-start the feature with your streamlined closet; if you’re interested, email me your pics and I’ll post them. :-)
Just ordered the Kindle version and I’m greatly looking forward to digging into it!
Thank you, Tradd; I’m so grateful for your support!
I’m really interested in your book, but as a minimalist, I’m wondering… Have you considered releasing it as an e-book?
I’d prefer not to have another physical object! ;)
Spoken like a true minimalist, Genisis. :-)
Yes, my book is available in Kindle format:
The Joy of Less, A Minimalist Living Guide: How to Declutter, Organize, and Simplify Your Life (Kindle Edition)
It can be read on a PC, Mac, iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Blackberry, or Android (no need for a Kindle reader). Simply download the free Kindle software from Amazon, and you’re good to go!
I have just finished the first section of your book and found the philosophy to be very refreshing and much-needed — even though I’ve read lots of decluttering books in the past! I am going to try reading that section aloud to my family, one chapter at a time at the dinner table, in hopes of getting them to buy into the minimalist concept.
Julie, I’m glad you liked the philosophy — I had such fun writing that section!
Those minimalist concepts have profoundly influenced my life, and I’m so happy to be able to share them. The blog format is too piecemeal to do them justice, so it was great to be able to consolidate them in the book.
Here’s hoping for a positive response from your family!
Thank you Francine! I will take you up on that and email some pics of my minimalist closet tonight. How cool! ( :
Thanks so much for the photos, Beth! I’m excited to feature your closet (and kitchen!) in my first Minimalist Makeover post:
Minimalist Makeover: Beth’s Closet and Kitchen
I found your post from Freshly Pressed (WordPress), and I’m amazed!! I’ve posted your book release on my magazine: Faces In The Crowd – http://gregkurraschii.wordpress.com/
I’ll be back! – Greg
Thank you, Greg — I appreciate your support!
Hi MM! It’s been so great discovering your blog. I’ve been moving toward wanting to be more minimalist, esp after moving 2x and now back to my old room. I’ve always been a packrat (because I never know when I’ll need something right?) and what I’m struggling with right now is where to start. The more I’m reading, the more I see people who have “arrived” and I’m still shoving beneath a tower of STUFF. I’d like to get to the point of where everything I own is in my room, but ahhh, my stuff is scattered everywhere! I know I can do it, when I travel overseas I’ve gone from doing two suit cases (ugh) to just a carry on. Any suggestions so the task doesn’t feel so daunting? Thanks so much xoxox
Hi Mschristini! The first step of my STREAMLINE method is “Start Over” — in your case, take *everything* out of your room, and put back *only* what you want to keep. It’s just like packing, actually; but instead of carefully choosing what to put in your carryon, you’re carefully choosing what to put in your room — and anything that doesn’t make the cut, goes! :-)
Will your book be available on the sony ebook website? I prefer to buy electronic books now!
Hi Web! I hope that my book will eventually be available for the Sony reader; but as of yet, I don’t have a date.
Yes, more electronic formats! I would love to buy this – for my iPad. Will you have it available on iBooks soon? Please?!
I come from a family of bibliophiles, so the idea of digitizing my library is a radical concept. I would like to start with your book :)
Thanks,
Amy
Thanks, Amy! Due to formatting requirements, I’m not sure when it’ll be available on iBooks. However, you can read Kindle books on your iPad with this free app from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=kcp_ipad_mkt_lnd?docId=1000490441
Downloaded the Kindle app and then your book. Thanks for the instructions! I’ve started reorganizing my garage into a staging area this weekend. I’m really excited! My goal is to migrate everything out there and only allow the necessary and wonderful items back in. Then have a big ol’ garage sale. Let’s see if I can do it in 4-6 weeks!
Amy, thanks so much for downloading my book; I’m glad you’re able to read it on your iPad.
How exciting that you’re “Starting Over” in a BIG way — I love to hear that! :-) I hope you have a very successful declutter and garage sale. I’m trying to get a “Minimalist Makeover” series underway; so if you’d like to share your experience (or photos!), just let me know. :-)
Hello!
Just read your book on my Kindle and love it. You did not address the problem of only one person of a couple wanting to downsize. Me and my husband are newly retired so now have time to really dig through our “stuff” (we have only been married to each other for ten years). Problem is, only one of us (that would be me) wants to throw anything away. As soon as I clean off a shelf, for example, he can’t wait to put something of his on it. Got any suggestions on how to deal with this issue and still stay married?
Thanks,
Jane
Thanks for buying my book, Jane; I’m glad you liked it!
That’s definitely a tough issue. Is there any way you can get your husband to read the book? It may be a good way to start a dialogue with him, and help him understand why *you* want to pare down (and the advantages of doing so).
Oftentimes, leading by example works. Hopefully, once your husband sees how lovely an uncluttered space is (and how happy it makes you), he’ll slowly follow suit.
If that doesn’t work, I recommend imposing some limits. Have a defined space (like a room, shelf, drawer, or closet) where you can put your stuff (which can be as empty as you want), and a defined space where he can put his stuff. That will at least keep his stuff from taking over your newly-decluttered areas!
Thanks for your reply. He will leave my clean space alone if I ask him to and gently move his stuff. No, there’s not much chance he will read the book (remember something about the location of snowballs?). He is cooperative about hauling boxes of stuff away for me. Perhaps this is the best it gets for the time being.
Thanks,
Jane
Congratulations on your book, i’m really looking forward in getting one or requesting one from our local library. I’m deeply inspired reading your blogs and it slowly transformed me to follow a simple and minimalist life. I’m taking baby steps in decluterring my condo, starting from our basement storage and I was shocked with how much things we accumulated for the past 5 years, and they were just laying there w/ no purpose at all. I collected 8 big bags of clothes,toys and other stuff and donated them t salavation army, and I felt so relieved and very happy indeed it felt like a big burden is lifted upon my shoulder… Thanks a lot and I’m so glad I discovered this site:)
Thanks, Jonnah — and way to go on the decluttering!
I’ve just started my journey towards a more minimalist life but I think this book will be a huge help.
Love your blog and I am recommending it and the book to loads of friends!
Thank you so much, Rachel; I really appreciate that!