🧹📦🏡 “Uncluttered: Shaping Your Home & Heart for What Matters Most” (2024) 🏡 📦🧹 – Book Review

MY REVIEW

 

Paperback: 250 pages 

Publisher: ScrivInspire/Scrivenings Press (June 11, 2024) 

Language: English 

ISBN-10: 1649173938

ISBN-13: 978-1649173935

⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information 

 

“In a world where chaos reigns and clutter overwhelms, discover the profound connection between orderliness, faith, and inner peace.
 
 When organizing gurus like Marie Kondo and The Home Edit talk about orderly living, people listen! From Container Store junkies who love labels and color-coded files to homeowners who struggle with too much stuff, fans of these experts often consider their teaching sacred knowledge.
 
 But is that the only help available?
 
 Thankfully, for Christians, the Bible is a wealth of organizing principles waiting to be mined.
 
In Uncluttered: Shaping Your Heart & Home for What Matters Most, professional organizers and authors Liana George and Angie Hyche delve into the timeless wisdom of God's orderliness, revealing how it extends far beyond mere tidiness. Through poignant personal anecdotes, Scripture, and practical advice, this four-week devotional invites readers to embrace the beauty of simplicity.
 
From decluttering your physical space to clearing your mind, each day offers a transformative insight and actionable step towards a more serene existence. Whether you're a seasoned organizer or a clutter connoisseur seeking solace, Uncluttered provides a roadmap to a life of harmony, purpose, and joy. And ultimately, making room for what matters most.”

 

Thank you in advance to the authors for providing a complimentary review copy. A positive review was not requested nor required, and all words are my own.

 

This book came to me at an interesting time in my life. As soon as I knew that Liana George was a part of this, I definitely had to read it. After all, her Hopeful Hearts series was based on someone like Marie Kondo – a professional organizer. While I have the entire series, I’ve only read the last book. Though, I am hoping to get the other two books read … someday.

 

Prior to publishing, George sent out an email asking readers to vote on the cover. I voted on this cover. And, how could I not? How cute is it? That cute little house with the hearts above it.  It’s always great to be part of the process – whether it is voting on a cover or reading and reviewing a book.

 

I do want to start off with another disclaimer …

 

I am not into non-fiction books. That just isn’t my genre. I also don’t go for the self-help ones either. Not that I have anything against them or the authors.

 

The problem is that there are so many different ways of doing things as … SURPRISE … we’re all different. I say it like that because on social media, there always seems to be SOME influencer that thinks their way is the 100% foolproof way of doing something – fitness, dieting, even living 🙄😒 And, we’re all so very different 😉

 

That “different” thing isn’t bad at all. After all, who wants a Stepford Wives/Husbands/Kids bunch roaming about?? 😬😳

 

Even when it comes to decluttering, we’re all so different – financially, and even mentally. Each situation requires a specialized approach. After all, just because an Orthopedic surgeon is a surgeon – would we really want him to take our gallbladder out? No. We’d go to a surgeon who is specialized in that field. Hence why there are physicians called “specialists”.

 

Getting back to this book …

 

To be blunt – some of us LOVE stuff. There are some who don’t, so they don’t understand the people who do. And, even between the “stuff-lovers”, there are limits, preferences, and differences. I love my stuff, but not near on the level my mother does.

 

My decluttering journey has been a long time coming – and very much needed. And, no, I wasn’t always “cluttered”. There was a short time, where I have been living for 16+ years (and another place before that), when the home wasn’t cluttered. Which is interesting, because one question asked is “who would you be without the clutter”? Same person I am now. I used to read, write, and crochet. I still do. But, less often.

 

Sadly, when one has to give up a storage unit – the stuff has to go somewhere. It ended up in a lot of rooms in our townhome (even the living room and dining room), having a garage was a blessing (until a rule change).

 

But, it isn’t just me in my home. I have, and currently, live with my mother who has some issues. Mental illness plays a huge factor in clutter and hoarding. It isn’t easy to get someone over and past that. It’s almost like battling addiction – they have to acknowledge they have a problem, ask for help, accept the help. Some never get past the “acknowledge the problem” stage.

 

I had tried between 2010 (when we gave up our storage unit) to about 2022, to encourage my mom to help me declutter. That failed on a lot of levels. I did everything right, and I did everything wrong.

 

By the end of 2022, my mother was bedbound after a surgery. And, her vision was declining due to glaucoma and cataracts. She turned 73 in July 2024. But, as a result of her ailing health, the upkeep of the house (and her care) fell upon me. That didn’t help the clutter situation either 🫣

 

Even way before that, our living situation resulted in CHAOS – can’t have anyone over syndrome. Funny how that acronym is so perfect for clutter too. That is one of the many situations discussed in this book.

 

In February of this year (2024), the clutter almost landed us into homelessness when an inspection by management ended up revealing how we’d been living. Even now, I’m still trying to declutter though I’ve had some setbacks – mostly medical. So, it’s been on a pause until I can get some health issues sorted.

 

However, when I started to declutter – either trashing stuff or putting some stuff into storage – it was a GREAT feeling. I really felt better 🤩

 

Each time I found something I hadn’t seen in YEARS, it was a feeling of triumph. I’m a collector. I won’t deny it – I get it from my mother. I like pens – promotional pens, souvenir pens, and for a time each doctor’s visit netted a huge bag of medical pens (until it became illegal for some reason). Bic Stick pens, any pens. Even the fancy ones sold at Staples (though they’re cheaper on Amazon). They are practical as most can be refilled and reused.

 

Between 2000-2020, I also collected NASCAR goodies (diecast cars/trucks; stickers; keychains), tumblers, journals, stuffies, and of course … BOOKS (it’s not hoarding if it’s books, right?? 🤷🏻‍♀️🤭).

 

Some stuff has declined in being collected over the past few years though. I still get a stuffie for Valentine’s Day and Easter – maybe one for my birthday. The NASCAR stuff declined because most of my favorite drivers retired. Tumblers? I cut that off cold turkey. But, if there is a cute Starbucks or Vera Bradley one … I might be tempted. Also – Christmas ornaments. I do try to limit it to one per year though. That isn’t easy.

 

That is another thing the authors discuss – selfish gift-giving, especially at Christmas. Do we give an item because it’s something we’d like and presume others would? Hyche mentions what her husband asks for each Christmas – an Amazon gift card – can’t blame him, I’d want one too. Yet, her dilemma was her own expectations and not feeling the gift was good enough.

 

From the time I got this book back in May, I would often peruse it while I was in my decluttering mode. A lot of the stuff contained here in this book was quite relevant. Some of it felt quite personal, relatable.

 

The authors alternate their narrative to introduce readers to the chapter. It is a 28-day devotional, though it doesn’t have to be gone through in 28 days. One can take even longer if they’d like. I personally, due to the contents, wouldn’t try to shorten it however.  

 

Each of the 28 chapters begin with:

 

🗓️ Day (where the narrative and relevant bible passages are)

🙏🏻 Prayer

📦 Now Unclutter It (exercise)

✏️ Reflections writing (exercise)

 

One likely wouldn’t think that the bible would be relevant when it comes to keeping our homes clean and clutter free, but it is. Which, if you think about it, it does make sense. After all, it is in chapter 1 where Liana George starts readers off with how orderly God is. That is a moving chapter and quite inspirational right off. It sets the tone and stage for the book.

 

In Chapter 2, it is Angie Hyche who brings up the idea of being a good steward (custodian). This is because out belongings don’t really belong to us – we have them as long as we do, and as long as we care for them. Makes sense. We; as stewards/custodians; are to care for them either by not just watching over them, but using them or giving them to others who can make better use of them if we can’t.

 

In this – I feel for people – 100%. It isn’t easy giving something away, especially of sentimental or personal value. In Hyche’s case – it was family quilts.

 

It was that chapter that really motivated me into having a dreaded, but much needed deep conversation with my mother about either letting things go, or using them as part of the decluttering process. This is where she and I had divergent viewpoints on, something I knew heading into the conversation. And, given her mental stability, I had to be cautious in approaching it.    

 

While I’ve always used my stuff (mostly office supplies), she has held on to them, basically “collecting” them. Even collecting more than she was using. I would use my items, then replace them. When it came time for the Back2School sales – she’d get more stuff despite not really needing it – it was on sale, and there was the “what if”. At one point – she had nearly triple the stock I did. That was until she stopped going to the sales.

 

I finally took charge and began integrating stuff. It also saved money.

 

For example – no need for me to buy pencils when there are a few dozen in the house. I use a LOT of pencils taking notes for my book reviews. When I’d run out, I’d have to buy more as opposed to using what was in the house. You’d think because she didn’t use them, she’d give me some. No. I was usually told “it’s okay, just buy yourself some”. But, then she’d also add “oh, get me some too”. It wasn’t like I took her stuff away arbitrarily – but, she can no longer use it. It was either let me use it and integrate with my stock – or put yet another box of stuff in storage then find money to buy more stock for me.

 

And, as the authors also bring up – we can’t take it with us. There is a mention of a lack of moving trucks and storage facilities at cemeteries. When we’re gone – our family has to sort through the rubble while navigating grief. It makes sense; at this point; to either give it away, or start using on it.

 

Another aspect of that mindset to hold on to something (even if we don’t plan to or can’t use it) is the “what if I need it” mindset. That’s also addressed in the book. It can happen – even with those Amazon boxes – “what if I NEED a box THAT size??” One helpful tip from the book – calculate the odds of actually needing the item.

 

The authors also talk about warning signs that we should declutter. One was not being able to find something, buying an identical item to replace it – which costs more money. Yes, this even happened in our home – many times.

 

In using a “use it or lose it” example – George brings up food. She baked something, wasn’t in the mood for it, by the time she did want it – it was rancid. That led to a lot of waste in our house as well. Something wasn’t finished, or we had a lot leftover. Someone wanted it, but days later, it remained un-eaten. And, in some cases – the item went bad so no one could eat it. I cut that out too. I ended up setting a limit for leftovers. Has it worked? Yes. It ensures items are eaten, and also reduces the clutter in the fridge.

 

The book doesn’t just discuss the physical aspect of decluttering. Other ways of being/feeling cluttered were mentioned – even mentally. One relatable example – cell phone addiction leading up to neglecting one’s home. Sadly, another aspect I witnessed in my home (not on my end). While cell phones/computers connect us, in another way, they disconnect us horribly from those around us. It isn’t just cell phones and computers though. It can also be video games. Digital distractions and addictions are just as cluttering as our physical environment.

 

Much of what I’ve stated in this review is why the devotional was SO relevant to me. This was one of the rare self-help books that seemingly spoke to me, almost on a personal level. I absolutely LOVED how relevant and helpful this book was. While I didn’t write in the REFLECTIONS part, I did find the book quite reflective. And, I took a lot of mental notes.

 

For me, this isn’t a one and done read. It’s a workbook that I am keeping close to me, especially when I’m well enough to get back to decluttering. And, I would suggest others keep it close by as well. Keep one’s home and mind decluttered is an ongoing process.

 

Even though this is a faith-based organizational devotional, the authors take light-hearted and even humorous turns in conveying how important a clutter-free life is – physically, mentally, and spiritually.  

 

 

RATING:  

 

5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads  

 

5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub  

 

5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html;update https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2022/07/what-goes-into-my-reviews-2022-edition.html) 

 

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

 

Liana George is a sought-after speaker, blogger, and author. Before pursuing a career in writing, she was a professional organizer and is the former owner of By George Organizing Solutions in Houston. Her debut novel, Perfectly Arranged, Book One in the Hopeful Heart Series, was released in October 2021 from Scrivenings Press. When she’s not putting things in order or scribbling away, you can find her reading, traveling, or watching tennis. Visit her website at: https://lianageorge.com.

 

She can be found on the following social media accounts:

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LianaGWriter

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lianaygeorge/

 

Twitter/X: https://x.com/LianaGWriter

 

Angie Hyche is a certified professional organizer (CPO®), author, speaker, and the owner of Shipshape Solutions in Kingsport, Tennessee. She is passionate about helping people declutter and simplify their lives so they can focus on what's most important and spend time doing what they love. 

 

Angie and her husband Eric live in a small loft in downtown Kingsport. In 2019, they were thrilled to shed approximately 75% of their belongings in order to simplify their own lives.

 

Her first book, Unholy Mess: What the Bible Says about Clutter, a self-help and Christian living book that explores the connection between Christianity and organizing, was published on Amazon in December of 2020. In the book, she shares how her experiences working with clients and her own life experiences helped her see the far-reaching consequences of clutter. She learned that clutter goes much deeper and broader than just physical belongings. Angie openly shares her personal journey of clearing her schedule clutter (a packed calendar and to-do list) and attention clutter (smartphone addiction and a lack of focus). Readers will find both biblical inspiration and practical tools that can help them achieve a personal transformation. 

 

Angie is partnering with author and former professional organizer Liana George for a podcast called Uncluttered: Shaping Your Heart & Home for What Matters Most, which launched in January 2023 on YouTube, Apple podcasts, and all major podcast platforms. Their book of the same title (Uncluttered: Shaping Your Heart & Home for What Matters Most) was published in June 2024 by Scrivenings Press. The Uncluttered book is a 28-day devotional that provides biblical inspiration and practical strategies to help readers bring peace and order to their lives and to make room for what matters most. 

 

When she’s not organizing or writing, you’ll find Angie on a hiking or bicycle trail with her husband, visiting her two adult daughters Emma and Lydia, or performing in community theatre. Visit her website: https://shipshape.solutions/.

 

 

She can be found on the following social media accounts:

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shipshape.solutions

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shipshapesolutions_/

 

 

 

 

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