The Best Minimalism Books (and the worst)

Ever stood in front of your overflowing closet, hands on your hips, and thought, “Do I really need all this stuff?” You’re not alone. Welcome to my world. The world where less is more. Yes, the world of minimalism! 

Minimalism isn’t just about decluttering your closet or owning less. It’s about freedom – from attachment, from possessions, from the incessant need to buy, buy, buy. Trust me, I’ve been there. 

How did I go from a clutter-bug to a happy minimalist, you ask? The answer is simple: books. Yes, good old-fashioned books. Not just any books, but the best of the best, the crème de la crème of minimalism books. 

But it’s not all sunshine and roses in the literary world of minimalism. There are some real stinkers out there–books that promise the moon, but deliver a measly pebble. To save you from falling into the trap, I have also included a list of the worst minimalism books. Consider it a public service. 

So are you ready to dive in? Let’s embark on this journey together. Who knows, you might just find your next favorite read, or, you know, a book to avoid like the plague.

Best Books On Minimalism

Ever find yourself staring at a mountain of stuff you don’t really need? Sure, we’ve all been there. That’s when the siren song of minimalism begins to play. But where do you start? By reading up on it, of course! Here are some of the best books on minimalism that will guide you on your journey to a simpler, more fulfilling life. 

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo 

Unless you’ve been living under a rock – and a very cluttered one at that – you’ve probably heard of Marie Kondo and her revolutionary KonMari method. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to embrace minimalism. Kondo’s approach is simple, yet profound. She guides you in determining which items ‘spark joy’ and which ones don’t. Those that don’t make the cut? Thank them for their service and send them packing. It’s less of a how-to guide and more of a philosophical journey into why we keep the things we do. In 2019, the top-selling book on Amazon in the decluttering category was ‘The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up’ by Marie Kondo.

Goodbye, Things: The New Japanese Minimalism by Fumio Sasaki 

Fumio Sasaki’s book is a deep dive into the mindset of minimalism. His personal journey from maximalist to minimalist is both enlightening and inspiring. He provides practical tips and insights into how to let go of the things you don’t need and focus on what truly matters. His mantra? “Less is more.” And he truly lives by it. 

Minimalism: Live a Meaningful Life by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus 

Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, known as ‘The Minimalists,’ offer a holistic approach to minimalism in this book. They address not just physical clutter, but also the emotional and mental clutter that often plagues our lives. The book outlines five values – health, relationships, passions, growth, and contribution – that can lead to a more purposeful and minimalist life. 

So, there you have it. Three of the best books on minimalism. They’ll make you laugh, cry, and most importantly, they’ll make you think about your stuff in a whole new way. Ready to take the leap into a clutter-free life? Go on, dive in. I promise you won’t regret it.

The Best Minimalism Books for Entrepreneurs and Business Owners

Entrepreneurs and business owners, have you ever felt overwhelmed by the clutter of ideas, decisions, and to-dos in your mind? It’s like trying to find a needle in a haystack, isn’t it? Well, this is where the beauty of minimalism comes in. A streamlined, clear vision can do wonders for your business. And these books? They’re the best guides on the market for helping you achieve just that. So, buckle up folks, because we’re about to dive into the world of minimalism and business. 

Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown 

Essentialism is not about getting more done in less time. It’s about getting only the right things done. McKeown makes a compelling case for achieving more by doing less. He teaches us to filter out the noise and focus on what truly matters. As entrepreneurs, it’s easy to drown in a sea of tasks and responsibilities. But with McKeown’s guidance, you can swim with purpose and direction. 

Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport 

Ever found yourself checking emails when you should be focusing on that big pitch? Join the club. Newport’s Deep Work is a game-changer. He defines deep work as the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task. It’s about working smarter, not harder. And in the fast-paced world of business, who wouldn’t want that? 

So, there you have it, my fellow entrepreneurs. Three books, three life-changing perspectives on minimalism. Whether it’s focusing on what’s essential, decluttering your business or delving into deep work, these books have got you covered. Remember, it’s not about having less. It’s about making room for more: more value, more time, and more success.

Minimalism books that focus on decluttering and organizing your home

Alas, dear reader, let’s set sail on an uncharted course. Let’s dive into the ocean of books that glorify the minimalistic lifestyle with a focus on decluttering and organizing your home. In a survey, 54% of Americans said they feel overwhelmed by clutter and don’t know where to start. So, prepare yourself to be amazed by these gems. 

The Less Is More Garden: Big Ideas for Designing Your Small Yard by Susan Morrison 

The Less Is More Garden: Big Ideas for Designing Your Small Yard by Susan Morrison, takes an intriguing twist on the minimalism concept by applying it to our outdoor spaces. You see, minimalism isn’t confined to the boundaries of your walls! 

• Why it’s Great: This book offers practical tips and strategies to design a small yard with a minimalist approach. It’s a spectacular read for those looking to bring simplicity and serenity to their green spaces.
• Something to Consider: If you don’t have a green thumb or an outdoor space, this book might not be as useful to you. Still, it’s a delightful read!

“Make a big impact with small yard designs!”

The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter by Margareta Magnusson 

The title might sound a bit morbid, my dear reader, but The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter by Margareta Magnusson is actually about a traditional Swedish practice of decluttering. 

• Why it’s Great: Magnusson, with her wit and wisdom, provides an insightful guide on how to declutter your home, focusing on keeping only the things that hold the most sentimental value.
• Something to Consider: The concept of “death cleaning” might be a tad too intense for some. But as they say, don’t judge a book by its cover (or title, in this case).

“Keep only those things that tell your story.”

New Minimalism: Decluttering and Design for Sustainable, Intentional Living by Cary Telander Fortin and Kyle Louise Quilici 

The third treasure on this list, New Minimalism: Decluttering and Design for Sustainable, Intentional Living by Cary Telander Fortin and Kyle Louise Quilici, is a holistic guide on how to declutter your home and your life. 

• Why it’s Great: It presents a fresh perspective on minimalism, combining decluttering with sustainable and intentional living. It’s not just about having less—it’s about having better.
• Something to Consider: This book takes a deep dive into minimalism, so it might be a bit overwhelming for beginners. But hey, who doesn’t love a good challenge?

“Sustainability and intentionality are the new cornerstones of minimalism.”

Best Books on Zero Waste

Let’s dive into the world of zero waste, where less is definitely more. And what better way to dive into this world than by reading some of the best books on the topic? Each of these books offers unique insights, practical tips, and inspiring stories that will help you embark on your journey towards a more sustainable lifestyle. 

Zero Waste Home by Bea Johnson 

First on our list is the queen of the zero waste movement herself, Bea Johnson. This book might as well be considered the bible of zero waste living. 

“Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rot (and only in that order) is my family’s secret to reducing our annual trash to a jar since 2008.”

In her book, Bea outlines her 5 Rs of zero waste living that have helped her family reduce their annual trash to a single jar since 2008. Imagine that! 

The Zero Waste Lifestyle: Live Well by Throwing Away Less by Amy Korst 

Next up is another thought-provoking book by Amy Korst. She takes you through a year-long journey of trying to create as little waste as possible, making it potential eye-opener for many. 

“It started as a challenge but quickly became a lifestyle. Once you see the amount of waste you can easily cut out of your life, you can’t unsee it.”

The Zero-Waste Chef: Plant-Forward Recipes and Tips for a Sustainable Kitchen and Planet” by Anne-Marie Bonneau 

Finally, for those of you who love to cook, we have a gem by Anne-Marie Bonneau. This book is a treasure trove of plant-forward recipes and tips for maintaining a zero-waste kitchen. It’s time to chop those veggies and save the planet! 

“We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly.”

So there you have it! Three brilliant books that will make you rethink your lifestyle and motivate you to reduce waste. Remember, becoming zero waste doesn’t happen overnight, but every small change makes a difference. Happy reading and happy reducing! 

Minimalism books that focus on decluttering and organizing your mind

Now that we’ve whetted your appetite with the tantalizing taste of minimalism, let’s dive deeper into the books that go beyond just decluttering your physical space. Brace yourself for a crash course in decluttering the mind, simplifying your thoughts, and finding that inner zen! So, without further ado, let’s plunge into the world of mental minimalism. 

Calm the Chaos Journal: A Daily Practice for a More Peaceful Life by Nicola Ries Taggart 

When we say declutter, we don’t just mean your overstuffed closet or that drawer you can’t close. Your mind needs a good clear-out too, and this book is here to guide you through it. A journal may not be a conventional ‘book’, but who said we’re playing by the rules? 

• Why it rocks: This journal is an interactive guide that prompts you to self-reflect, helping you to streamline your thoughts and focus on what truly matters.
• Why you might not dig it: If you’re not into self-reflection or writing your thoughts down, this might not be your cup of tea.

In the wise words of author Nicola Ries Taggart, “Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.”

Declutter Your Mind: How to Stop Worrying, Relieve Anxiety, and Eliminate Negative Thinking by S.J. Scott and Barrie Davenport 

Ever felt like your mind was a browser with 100 open tabs? If you nodded so vigorously you almost gave yourself whiplash, then this book is a must-read. ‘Declutter Your Mind’ teaches you techniques to cut through the mental noise and focus on what really matters. 

• Why it rocks: It’s practical and easy to follow with plenty of actionable tips to help you calm your mind and reduce stress.
• Why you might not dig it: If you prefer a more narrative-driven book, this one’s straightforward, almost textbook-like approach might not appeal.

S.J. Scott and Barrie Davenport remind us, “The mind is just like a muscle – the more you exercise it, the stronger it gets and the more it can expand.”

The Minimalist Way: Minimalism Strategies to Declutter Your Life and Make Room for Joy’ by Erica Layne 

If your mind feels like it’s always running a marathon, then ‘The Minimalist Way’ might just be the rest stop you need. Layne breaks down the art of minimalism into practical steps, making it easy for even the most scatter-brained among us. 

• Why it rocks: The book offers a holistic approach to minimalism, helping you declutter not just your physical surroundings, but also your mental and emotional space.
• Why you might not dig it: If you’re looking for a deep, philosophical exploration of minimalism, you might find this one a bit too light and practical.

Erica Layne puts it simply: “Minimalism isn’t about removing things you love. It’s about removing the things that distract you from the things you love.”

Best Minimalism Books on Simplicity

Is life looking a little cluttered? Feeling like you’re being buried under a mountain of “stuff”? You’re not alone. I’ve been there, my friend. When it comes to paring down the non-essentials and focusing on what truly matters, nothing beats a good book on minimalism. So, let’s dive right in and discover some of the best books which will guide you on your simplicity journey. 

The Joy of Less by Francine Jay 

Next up is The Joy of Less by Francine Jay. This book is a comprehensive guide on how to declutter your home, simplify your life, and free up space for the things that truly matter. It’s all about finding joy in simplicity. 

“Minimalism isn’t about removing things you love. It’s about removing the things that distract you from the things you love.”

• Why read it: Jay’s approach is practical, easy to follow and full of valuable tips. It’s a must-read for any aspiring minimalist.
• Best for: Readers seeking a pragmatic approach to minimalism.

The More of Less by Joshua Becker 

Rounding out our list is The More of Less by Joshua Becker. Becker presents a radical concept: the more stuff we get rid of, the more freedom we find. This book is a thoughtful exploration of what it means to live a life of purpose, with less. 

“Your possessions are not an end unto themselves. They are the means to an end. And that end is living a focused, purposeful life.”

• Why read it: Becker’s book is a thought-provoking exploration of minimalism, with a strong focus on intentionality.
• Best for: Readers interested in a philosophical take on minimalism.

So there you have it, folks! A neatly trimmed list of the best minimalism books about simplicity. Each book brings its unique perspective, yet they all share a common theme: life can be better with less. Now, go on and start decluttering. Your minimalist journey awaits!

Minimalism books for parents and families

Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids by Kim John Payne 

Let’s face it, parents. We’re all guilty of buying too many toys for our kids, right? But what if there was a better way? This is where “Simplicity Parenting” comes in. 

• Title: Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids
• Author: Kim John Payne
• Publication Date: August 25, 2009

“A manifesto for protecting the grace of childhood, Simplicity Parenting is an eloquent guide to bringing new rhythms to bear on the lifelong art of raising children.”

Clutterfree with Kids: Change your thinking. Discover new habits. Free your home by Joshua Becker 

Ever tripped over a rogue toy car and thought, “there’s got to be a better way?” Well, Joshua Becker might just be your minimalist messiah. “Clutterfree with Kids” is a great read for parents wanting to embrace minimalism. 

• Title: Clutterfree with Kids: Change your thinking. Discover new habits. Free your home
• Author: Joshua Becker
• Publication Date: January 24, 2014

“Clutterfree with Kids is a wonderful guide that any parent will find both practical and inspirational.”

Minimalist Parenting: Enjoy Modern Family Life More by Doing Less by Christine K. Koh and Asha Dornfest 

Ever feel like you’re on a never-ending merry-go-round of chores, errands, and soccer games? Yeah, me too. “Minimalist Parenting” might just be the ticket to hop off the ride and enjoy the view. 

“Minimalist Parenting fills you with the courage to define family values your way.”

The Worst Minimalism Books to Avoid

Now, it’s time to turn our attention to the dark side of the minimalism book spectrum. You know, those books that promise to transform your cluttered life into a Zen-like paradise, only to leave you feeling more confused and overwhelmed than when you started? Let’s dive into it, shall we? 

I hate to rain on anyone’s parade, but not every book on minimalism is a gem. We’ve got some stone-cold stinkers out there, folks. But fear not, I’m here to give you the lowdown on which books to avoid like a pair of neon pink parachute pants at a thrift store. Shall we? 

The Clutter of Minimalism by Max Hoarder

The Clutter of Minimalism by Max Hoarder is a prime example of what not to do when writing a book on minimalism. It’s like Hoarder took all his clutter, stuffed it into a book, and called it a day. The irony isn’t lost on me, folks. His approach to minimalism is as clear as mud, and you’ll find yourself more likely to trip over his convoluted ideas than find a clear path to a less cluttered lifestyle. 

Minimalism for Millionaires by Richie Rich

Next up on the chopping block is Minimalism for Millionaires by Richie Rich. Now, unless you’re a Silicon Valley tycoon or an oil baron, this book isn’t for you. It’s minimalism for the 1%, showcasing extreme examples of minimal living that would require a Scrooge McDuck level of wealth to achieve. It’s about as relatable as an alien from Mars. 

Everything You Don’t Need by Imma Hoard

And finally, we have Everything You Don’t Need by Imma Hoard. This book could have been a winner, but it falls short by focusing on the extreme end of minimalism, suggesting you get rid of absolutely everything. By the end, you are left wondering if you should even keep your toothbrush. Talk about throwing the baby out with the bathwater! 

So there you have it, folks. The minimalist book world isn’t all roses and sunshine. There are some real duds out there. But don’t let these bad apples spoil the whole bunch. There are plenty of wonderful books that can guide you on your journey to a more simplified, intentional life. Just steer clear of these ones, and you’ll be golden.