Simplifying? Spend Some Time with these 5 Authors/Bloggers

You know that saying "You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with"?  Well, if a goal of yours is to live a simpler, more minimal & clutterfree life, surround yourself with these 5 authors/bloggers.  (In addition to yours truly, Neat Doctor of course! ;)  Read their books (think eBooks or library rentals for those going after minimalism), follow them on Facebook, check out their You Tube Channels and podcasts as well.  I love watching them on You Tube while I fold laundry.  It gives me focus and motivation to keep up our simplicity efforts.

1)  Joshua Becker of Becoming Minimalist:
I had the privilege of meeting Joshua at a book signing a few weeks ago.  Such a down to earth & inspiring guy - I love his wife & kids too!  So relatable to other families pursuing minimalism. His book "Clutterfree with Kids" and his course "Uncluttered" are 2 of my favorite resources.  I also have a favorite YouTube video of his from Ignite Phoenix:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ou3ynsiQ4J4




2)  The Minimalists, Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus
These 2 were the keynote speakers at the 2015 NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers) Conference.  I was thrilled to be a speaker at that same conference and have to admit was a little star struck!  If you have not had the chance to see their documentary "Minimalism," make it a point to see it. I love Ryan's experience of doing a "packing party."

http://www.theminimalists.com/

3)  Peter Walsh
Peter was one of the first Professional Organizers I followed before I dove into the industry myself.  I remember being at The Container Store in Orange County, CA and stumbled upon him filming an episode of "Clean Sweep."  So fun!   A few years later I am quoted on page 24 of his book "Lighten Up." His tips are very practical.  Every January he has a 31 Days to Getting Organized Challenge - but you don't have to start in January - you can view those challenges anytime!



4)  Marie Kondo
Marie Kondo is quite the simplicity phenom these days!  Her best selling book, "The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up" offers some new perspectives and methods to the decluttering process.  "Does this spark joy" is becoming a popular question!  She also has a 2nd book out "Spark Joy."



5)  Courtney Carver
Courtney is my style inspiration.  Creator or Project 333, a capsule wardrobe philosophy, she takes the simplicity of fashion to new levels.  I am currently frequently referencing her material because, honestly, this is one of the hardest areas for me to simplify!  When something is a challenge, keep at it and keep being a great student of your inspirations.



May I also give a mention to Leo Babauta, author of Zen Habits.  He has some wonderfully inspirational YouTube videos, like this one here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMyN9w_PR3c