Mind Over Clutter by Nicola Lewis Summary

Mind Over Clutter provides a sustainable, room-by-room approach to decluttering that emphasizes mental well-being alongside physical tidiness. Nicola Lewis combines practical organization strategies with eco-friendly cleaning recipes and upcycling tips, focusing on creating lasting habits rather than temporary fixes. The book also explores how external order fosters internal calm, making it a holistic guide for transforming chaotic spaces into peaceful environments.

This book is ideal for individuals overwhelmed by clutter, eco-conscious readers seeking sustainable cleaning solutions, or anyone struggling to maintain tidiness after trying methods like Marie Kondo’s. It’s particularly valuable for those aiming to align their living spaces with mental clarity and emotional balance.

Yes, for its actionable, room-specific plans and emphasis on mindset shifts over quick fixes. Unlike generic decluttering guides, Lewis provides eco-friendly cleaning recipes, donation strategies, and tips for maintaining progress long-term. The blend of practicality and psychological insights makes it a standout resource.

1. Mindful ownership: Assess emotional attachments to possessions.
2. Sustainable systems: Use eco-friendly cleaning products and upcycle items.
3. Room-by-room execution: Tackle clutter systematically.
4. Maintenance habits: Develop routines to preserve tidiness.

While both emphasize tidying’s mental benefits, Lewis prioritizes sustainability and gradual habit-building over Kondo’s “spark joy” philosophy. Mind Over Clutter includes eco-cleaning recipes, upcycling guides, and explicit strategies for maintaining order—areas Kondo’s method doesn’t deeply address.

Lewis shares homemade cleaning solutions (e.g., vinegar-based disinfectants) and advocates upcycling old items into functional decor. She also provides guidance on responsibly donating unwanted goods to reduce landfill waste.

The book encourages readers to ask: Does this item serve my current life? rather than focusing solely on sentimental value. Lewis suggests gradual detachment techniques, like photographing meaningful items before donating them.

Yes, it includes strategies for maximizing tight spaces through vertical storage, multi-functional furniture, and compartmentalization. Lewis emphasizes “zoning” areas by purpose to avoid clutter accumulation.

A former professional organizer and founder of This Girl Can Organise, Lewis has helped clients transform homes for over a decade. Her methods blend hands-on experience with insights into how clutter impacts mental health.

Key maintenance strategies include:

• Daily 10-minute “clutter sweeps”
• Seasonal donation rituals
• “One in, one out” rules for new purchases

These habits prevent rebound clutter and reinforce mindful consumption.

Lewis recommends categorizing keepsakes into “display,” “archive,” and “release” groups. She advises digitizing photos/letters and repurposing inherited items into functional pieces (e.g., transforming fabric into quilts).

The “Decluttering to Go” section offers packing checklists, inventory templates, and tips for downsizing belongings pre-move. Lewis stresses that lighter moves reduce stress and logistical costs.

“Don’t wait for a better today, make today better.” This encapsulates Lewis’s proactive approach to incremental progress over perfectionism.