Bestselling simplicity maven Gretchen Rubin has created a practical collection of mottos, models and memorable aphorisms to help us get down to basics and pursue happiness in serene surroundings.

“Do I need it? Do I love it? Do I use it?” These are the questions that can help us begin the traumatic task of decluttering. If the answer to all three is not “yes,” then you should get rid of it. And if you decide to keep it, you then must decide “Where does it belong.” Remember that when you buy something, you will have to set it up and figure out how to use it. Will it really save time? If you’re in doubt as to the need to organize a space, take a picture of it; take an “after” picture, too, as it will boost your morale. In fact, Rubin asserts, organizing and getting rid of unwanted, unneeded junk is a process that makes us happy. And not only that: it helps us think. It’s inherently empowering. As she recounts, a friend once told her that after she cleaned her refrigerator, she realized, “Now I know I can switch careers.”

"Those who begin their acquaintance with [Rubin's] work by using this handy, immediately accessible manual will doubtless want to delve further into her wisdom."

Rubin’s small, uncluttered volume (no dust jacket!) offers a myriad of ways to approach and obliterate your clutter. She has identified certain phenomena, such as “broken windows” --- using the model of law enforcement, if you allow a certain amount of clutter to accumulate, it makes it easier for masses of junk to creep in. There are “clutter magnets” --- a certain table or desktop seems to attract all the things you want to ignore, but feel you must keep. If you decide to take things to the thrift store --- eventually --- make a “waiting room” for them, out of sight; otherwise they just add to the clutter. Don’t stockpile. Have a short routine every day for dealing with coats, dishes, junk mail. Engage in self-examination: What are your “clutter peeves”? Are you clinging to an old identity? Are you an overbuyer? And once you have decluttered your environment, simply enjoy the sensation of inner calm that results.

Rubin has written before on related subjects --- THE HAPPINESS PROJECT, BETTER THAN BEFORE, THE FOUR TENDENCIES --- garnering readership and recognition, including #1 New York Times bestselling author. Those who begin their acquaintance with her work by using this handy, immediately accessible manual will doubtless want to delve further into her wisdom. This will give them a chance to follow a piece of Rubin’s advice offered herein: “Do it now, or decide when you’ll do it.”