Make space for happiness How to stop attracting clutter and start magnetizing the life you want

McCubbin, a decluttering expert and owner of the organizing company, dClutterfly, moves upstream to search for the origins of clutter in her thoughtful, most recent book, following Making Space, Clutter Free (2019). She contends that shopping and acquiring things are masking very real needs that, in turn, become clutter magnets. Shopping can be a way to interact with others (connection); the right possessions can temporarily spark self-esteem (self-confidence); labor-saving items promise relief (free time). Mementos show affection (love); past honors prove worthiness (self-respect); piles of unused art supplies display talent (purpose); and stacks of books (even unread) speak of intelligence (wisdom). But the resulting clutter actually distracts us from these pursuits by keeping us occupied sorting, displaying, cleaning, and organizing. This isn't the usual step-by-step decluttering manual. It is, instead, a revealing look at why all this stuff is there in the first place. In a world filled with offsite storage, bursting landfills, and constant online purchases, McCubbin offers common-sense strategies to head clutter off at the pass. The author's media appearances are sure to spark interest.

McCubbin (Making Space), founder of the L.A. company dClutterfly, helps readers identify emotional reasons behind the urge to overbuy in this approachable, thoughtful book. She shares the seven "Emotional Clutter Magnets"--feelings people hope to attract, including self-confidence, free time, and true connection--that people try to solve by buying and stuffing their lives with material excess. McCubbin's tips are relatable, concise, and bolstered by personal anecdotes. She acknowledges the role marketing plays in one's purchases and includes timely reflections on the shifting role of home and clutter due to COVID. She offers achievable goals for moving to a place of what she calls "healthy acquisition"--making informed decisions about purchases that enhance one's life and attract what people are truly seeking. McCubbin's advice is accessible and will appeal to a variety of readers, particularly those looking for the initial motivation to declutter. Readers looking to take next steps in their decluttering journeys may also enjoy Matt Paxton's Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff. VERDICT An empowering, accessible guide to decluttering for emotional fulfillment.--Kate Bellody