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• 

  moocher on 20/12/2016 - 10:30

  +5

  I have borrowed this book from the library, and I didn't finish reading it. Some principles are sound - such as being willing to discard things before you clean. However, I found some methods too extreme for me - such as tearing out pages of books you want to keep and discarding the books (ouch). And how 'stressed' your socks get when you roll the pairs into balls - you have to fold them in a certain way.

  • 

    INFIDEL on 20/12/2016 - 10:39

    +2

    I've practiced tearing pages from books. It seems so wrong that it is liberating. Best done when travelling to shed the extra weight as the usual option of storage is not so easy.

    Travelling light (I only fly on holidays with 7kg luggage) is a good discipline to teach decluttering and knowing what you really need.

    Never read this book, but have practiced decluttering - mainly for others. It's good to challenge our ingrained beliefs and practices.

    • 

      elliebargain on 20/12/2016 - 10:53

      +1

      I don't know if I could ever tear pages out of books, or throw out photos - Luckily most of mine are digital and I've scanned most of the physical photos.

      I read the ebook version and I like it, but I also have to admit I still ball my socks up and when donating clothes, I didn't hold each one and thank it… I sort of "thanked" the whole pile as a group… Still in the process of minimising my wardrobe. I love the idea of capsule wardrobes and loving everything in your closest, rather than spending ages trying to pick out what to wear, and trying on half your closet. It's a process to sure.

      • 

        INFIDEL on 20/12/2016 - 11:10

        +1

        Start with a book that has little emotional attachment. But better to pass the book on.

        A suggestion I came across was to photograph what is precious to you, but you are passing on.

        I've studied with Zen Masters - it's all very Zen. But I have an enormous pile of clutter…

        Most of the clutter is kept, just in case it is needed. Storage space is dedicated to it. TH as expensive real estate and shelving wasted! (eg thousands of parts for equipment I sometimes repair.) When I looked for a specialised GPS module the other day - it had not made it's way to the right storage box as it didn't fit any existing category, so took many hours to find. Buying a new part would have been easier. Many times it doesn't make sense to store items that may never be used.

      • 

        elliebargain on 20/12/2016 - 11:20

        +1

        @Infidel: Ooooh Zen Masters. That sounds cool!

        Something that really helped me with deciding what to donate was the 20/20 rule from The Minimalists :http://www.theminimalists.com/jic/

        However, not sure how well that would work for things like your specialised GPS module (which might be more expensive than $20 AND take longer than 20 minutes to replace/get shipped in). Especially if you are repairing equipment, its so hard to know what parts you will need. My SO has so many packets of stuff from bunnings/jaycar ect when he just needed one screw/nail/part of a certain size, but they come in packs of 20. Seems so wasteful to just throw them out, and I doubt they would get reused if they got put in a donation bin. We need some kind of "free parts swap" thing that people could go to locally, but alas sorting everything to be found easily would be the tricky bit.

      • 

        INFIDEL on 20/12/2016 - 11:40

        +1

        @elliebargain:
        20/20 decision making rule for decluttering - interesting.

        The difficulty in decision making and old habits result in most of us giving up & keeping too much or throwing out what would best be kept. Will have a read - your example gave a good idea of how to apply it.

        (I did not know if the module would ever be used, and it turned out it wasn't as it was the wrong model. Now to decide what to do with it…)

        Moving clutter on to others or stored in recycling centres & charity shops sounds like a good idea - but often creates clutter for others to deal with. A dilemma.

        Dilemmas are interesting as long as they're not yours. Sat with a UK PR consultant at an island resort in Malaysia developing novel ideas. One I developed was a help line service to resolve dilemmas. Staffed by philosophers, Zen Masters and thinkers it would be a paid service. Hasn't taken off… But I've previousky provided a similar service to a Minister of Government and other well paying clients.

  • 

    banana365 on 20/12/2016 - 14:40

    +1

    tearing out pages of books

    <goes and curls up in the corner and whimpers>

    I still get a bit pissed off whenever I remember a school friend of mine ripping a page out of a book I was reading and that was 30 years ago! If you don't want a book, give it away or leave it somewhere for someone to find. Have a look at www.bookcrossing.com for a good way of doing this.

  • 

    mickeyjuiceman on 21/12/2016 - 11:06

    Yep, she's a loon. Some sensible stuff utterly ruined by all of the ridiculous woo. It's anti-vaxxer-level woo.

• 

  INFIDEL on 20/12/2016 - 10:34

  +8

  Decluttering for OzBargainers… a little oxymoronic😯

  Most of us grab any freebie going & would have stacks of unused items from deals cluttering our homes. Every time I try to declutter my place, I find boxes of goodies from deals I've forgotten about. And then the next delivery arrives…

  Decluttering other people's places is so much easier than your own. There's no emotional attachment to the objects. I've been brought in as a paid consultant to declutter - an interesting experience. My former business was in advising different ways of thinking.

  Staying with families in Japan, it is amazing how uncluttered and organised living in small spaces forces people to become, until it is a national mindset. Even those sleeping in parks neatly organise their shoes and few belongings. So not surprising that this regimine comes from Japan

  • 

    elliebargain on 20/12/2016 - 11:06

    Oooh I would love to go to Japan! My SO always mentions it when we talk about minimalism and life goals, ect… It seems like it would be very inspiring. Did living there change the way you live now?

    Now that I think about it, two of my other favourite stores (Uniqlo and now Muji) come from there. Although I probably only shop there once or twice a year - the way they've positioned themselves in the market is not exactly "fast fashion" (which is a good thing). I'm trying to par my wardrobe down to a capsule wardrobe, similar to my SO (he has a drawer of plain uniqlo shirts in different colours, paired with either jeans, chinos, or chino shorts and one of his two pairs of sneakers or dessert boots. Obviously he has some nice button downs and a suit if he needs to dress up, but he can get dressed in one minute, whilst I can try on half my wardrobe and feel like nothing matches/fits right - so definitely trying to get better there).

    I love ozbargain - but I always force myself to think really hard about whether I really NEED something on ozbargain, or will be very likely to use it in future - because its much easier to simply not buy something and bring it into your house, then buy it and have to declutter it later (as well as losing the money from the purchase).

    Obviously easier said than done (and easier still for me, as many of the bargain aren't targeted to my areas of interest). You're so right that it's easier to declutter for someone else :P

    • 

      INFIDEL on 20/12/2016 - 11:29

      +4

      A good first post. And it makes people think, rather than just consume.

      But on OzBargain, thinking too long about a deal… and the deal may be gone.

      I have travelled to Japan many times for enjoyment, but never lived there. I sit around my home in one of my Yukata (cotton kimono style gown) and miss not being in Japan. I especially love the hospitality and simpler life of the countryside and small islands.

      Japan has many contrasts - people are mainly polite, but you may never get to know anyone at a deeper level. (Samurai houses had a formal front which everyone saw, but an informal back only for family & close friends. I become a friend with farmer over many visits - when I sat in his kitchen to eat, but have never sat in the formal dining room reserved for guests.) It is a land of fantastic old wooden buildings, beside concrete monstrosities.

      In the Edo period, the capital moved to Tokyo - forcing a large number of people into small barrack like houses with little privacy. It seems this changed the thinking to cope with such confined spaces & proximity.

  • 

    sparkles on 20/12/2016 - 11:46

    +1

    True, I recently help clean out someone else's place. When you can't place a monetary or sentimental value on items it is so much easier to cart them off to the op shop than it is with your own stuff. It becomes just stuff, instead of something that holds some magical intrinsic value only you can appreciate.

    I have so many clothes that don't fit and it is a really dilemma indeed. I do sell some stuff, but even then it is still problematic.

    I seen it suggested that you should wait 30 days before buying anything unless it is needed immediately for a pressing reason. If you still want it after that time you should go ahead, otherwise it proves you didn't really even need/genuinely want it in the first place. This philosophy goes against all OzBargaining principles though, which is buy it THIS INSTANT while it's cheap.

    • 

      INFIDEL on 20/12/2016 - 12:03

      +1

      Yes, I know I‘ll fit my old clothes… one day😀

      Waiting to buy is an old money saving trick. (Credit cards have the effect of separating the time & effort taken earning from the act of buying. Some suggest only to buy with cash & studies have shown decreased spending.) Hadn't thought of it as a way to stop clutter.
      But this is OzBargain where we can't wait long or the deal will be gone. I use procrastination to avoid the temptation to impulsively buy😯

      Another way to deal with existing clutter is to box them up (date, label with content type & take photo of contents - also write photo file number on box. Maybe keep photos on seoarate USB stick with boxes.). Decide how long to keep (3, 6 months but not too long) & mark on box. If you haven't opened box by chosen date - it's gone - don't even open it or you start the decision making process again. (Remember when I bought/wore this, and how much it cost… How could I throw this out??)

      • 

        elliebargain on 20/12/2016 - 12:24

        Great tip! I love that :D I've tried to do this and probably stuff up that last bit (don't open the box again!).

        I hang my newly washed clothes up at the front of my wardrobe, and after 3/6/12 months, I can easily tell which clothes I haven't worn (they are right at the back). It gets to the point that I try to wear the clothes at the back to "save" them, but if I haven't worn them after a year (all four seasons), I likely will never wear them again, and they usually get donated. Doing this often makes me less likely to impulse buy clothing when sales are on (thanks ozbargain!) but it still hurts when I realise I have never worn that dress from asos I got on sale, and I could have saved that money to travel instead. Ouch.

      • 

        Diji1 on 20/12/2016 - 13:51

        Credit cards have the effect of separating the time & effort taken earning from the act of buying. Some suggest only to buy with cash & studies have shown decreased spending.

        Cards also remove the physical loss that occurs when you exchange money.

      • 

        INFIDEL on 20/12/2016 - 14:21

        +1

        @elliebargain:
        We all make mistahkes - don't be hard on yourself. As being critical of yourself may have no benefit, I prefer to have a laugh & move on. Of course I will try not to repeat the mistake, but know I will.

        A big mistake is opening the box - don't do it! All the emotion & memories flood back, stopping us from the unemotional task of just discarding the box.

        I recently found an unopened carton of clothes bought in a Colorado store liquidation sale (OzBargain deal) in 2010. (Realy need to declutter.)
        A failed purchase or a lucky find? Being heavily discounted guys shorts, polos, pants and I'm still the same size - I think it was a lucky find. New clothes😀

• 

  jv on 20/12/2016 - 10:34

  -1

  How much does it normally cost?

  • 

    elliebargain on 20/12/2016 - 10:45

    +2

    The cheapest I can find for a physical copy is $14.22 from fishpond.com

    Should I put that price as RRP in the title?

    • 

      INFIDEL on 20/12/2016 - 10:47

      Thanks. Always a good idea.

      • 

        elliebargain on 20/12/2016 - 10:53

        +1

        Done :D

  • 

    moocher on 20/12/2016 - 10:47

    +1

    $14-15

• 

  boo hoo on 20/12/2016 - 10:55

  to my wife -Merry Christmas.

  better than a new power tool.

  • 

    jv on 20/12/2016 - 11:11

    +2

    to my wife -Merry

    How is Merry these days?

• 

  dm01 on 20/12/2016 - 11:57

  +1

  Signed up…says my copy is coming :)

  Thanks OP!

  • 

    elliebargain on 20/12/2016 - 11:58

    No worries :) Hope you like it!

• 

  swiggity swag on 20/12/2016 - 12:02

  +2

  I'll just add it to the shelf of books I never read.

  • 

    INFIDEL on 20/12/2016 - 12:06

    +1

    And declutter the shelf sometime, maybe…

  • 

    elliebargain on 20/12/2016 - 12:07

    +1

    Oh no :( Maybe you could pass it on to someone who might like it?

• 

  Gotchacha on 20/12/2016 - 12:13

  +1

  I've lived with Japanese families and I often wish I had the discipline and mindset to follow their example. They have everything they need (comfortable and often high-tech), but nothing more. Everything seems so much simpler. I always come back from Japan thinking I'm going to transform my life, but just starting is too overwhelming. I've wanted to read this book for a while - thanks OP.

  • 

    INFIDEL on 20/12/2016 - 12:27

    +2

    It's a wonderful experience. Very different to here. But go out hiking or fishing etc with the locals & they spend up big on their specialist area

    Another explanation may be that many older Japanese simply are very frugal - so only spend what is essential. Mention something costing ¥0 (free) and their eyes light up.

    Similarly, the old way was to leave the meal table still feeling a little hungry. It's still practiced by many elderly in Okinawa - one of the few areas of the world with the highest proportion of people over 100.

  • 

    elliebargain on 20/12/2016 - 12:33

    +1

    Aw you're welcome, I hope you find value in it.

    I find it overwhelming sometimes too. Dying to go to Japan! Marie Kondo's method is pretty full-on, but inspiring. If you feel too overwhelmed or don't have the time to do her method exactly, maybe try just one little thing. I cleaned out my sock drawer whilst watching a Christmas movie this weekend. It was a full-sized drawer overflowing with socks that were uncomfortable/old and didn't match. It took about half an hour and feels great when I open that drawer and can pull out a comfortable pair of matching socks :(

    Sometimes it can be sort of like a strict diet - effective, but the all or nothing approach can put people off even trying.

    Even if the book helps you with not bringing in more clutter in the first place, I recon that's a pretty good start :)

    • 

      INFIDEL on 20/12/2016 - 14:40

      Culturally, many Australians like to think of themselves as descended from the larrikin, the non-conformist, the rule breaker. In reality, compared with many cultures - we are a very rule confirming mob.
      We rebel against being told what to do.

      But discipline does remove the need to think & make decisions. It can be freeing, as I found rising before sunrise with monks. (I broke too many rules & was asked to leave - bloody Aussies)

      The old Devo song Freedom of Choice
      "Freedom of choice
      Is what you got
      Freedom from choice
      Is what you want"

      So worth a try. Decluttering is a mindset to help make often difficult decisions. Adopt what works. Make it your own & do it with a good sense of adventure & humour😯

• 

  rekabkram on 20/12/2016 - 12:14

  +3

  Isn't a physical copy of the book counter intuitive?

  Here's a slab of 200+ pages telling you not to hold on to things that you don't need, seems like the perfect use of an ebook.

  • 

    INFIDEL on 20/12/2016 - 12:31

    +2

    Yes, so pass it on when finished😯
    Hopefully the person receiving it doesn't take it as an insult about the state of their home.

    • 

      rekabkram on 20/12/2016 - 14:04

      +1

      To avoid any reason they won't take offence then just to be sure you should leave a scathing review on a piece of paper just inside the cover.

      'Floors could be properly vacuumed and mopped for all we know, but given the dilliberate layer of rubbish scattered across the floor one cannot truely be sure. 1.3/10'

• 

  TheDukeOfNukem on 20/12/2016 - 12:16

  I'd give the book a go, but it would just end up being thrown in the pile of random shit that is my house.

• 

  nuchalis on 20/12/2016 - 12:24

  +2

  De-cluttering is great, but this lady is kinda crazy… IMHO the book is more entertaining than useful, like that weird auntie you only see every third Christmas and you just go "yeah, sure, innnnteresting, huh!" and then everyone breathes a sigh of relief and has a sensible chuckle when she leaves :)

  • 

    INFIDEL on 20/12/2016 - 12:48

    +2

    It's probably cultural. But this is Oz😯

    In my experience many Japanese people take ideas like this very seriously, and expect those advising them to take it even more seriously.

    I once (& only once) added soy sauce to my bowl of rice in Japan. I was in a remote area, having breakfast at a Shrine with younger Japanese. They gasped in unison, which told me my simple act was a great social indiscretion. There was no way it could be undone & I could not ask what I had done wrong. The monk and I had a good chat later.

• 

  odb on 20/12/2016 - 12:24

  +1

  Sign up to ME bank, get kondos book, rip out the contents page and bin the book. Just joking!

  Yeah I find it's better not to buy stuff, most people have too much stuff. But really, buying stuff you like is just a hobby. If you wish to use your time on this or that it's up to you. Plenty of worse things to be tied up in.

  Cannot imagine creating a minimalist wardrobe though. I find clothes the best area to not go minimalist in. I'm a guy but I appreciate attractive male and females garments.

  • 

    INFIDEL on 20/12/2016 - 12:55

    +1

    Watched a program (probably SBS The Feed) on minimalist wardrobes. Japanese guy had only 1 set of same clothes. Saved him time deciding what to buy, wear, & store. It's interesting - but unlikely to be taken up by almost anyone.

    Same as my practice of travelling light (only carry on about 7kg) for a month holiday. Women tell me they could never do that, and most guys wouldn't. But it frees up travel & I know what I really need.

    • 

      elliebargain on 20/12/2016 - 13:11

      7kg for a month is impressive! I'm going to Europe for the first time next year, for a month. I have a very generous baggage allowance so I will probably check-in my main luggage and just bring my hand-bag (with a light change of clothes onto the plane), but I still don't want to bring a super heavy bag and have to schlep it around every 3 days, up stairs in Cinque Terre and down cobblestone streets.

      Any tips for packing light? Just pack what you'd need for a week and wash clothes? I REALLY do want to pack light, but also I don't want to go for a romantic dinner in Paris and only have my hiking boots/daypack to wear.

      And odb, you're right, there are much worse things to be tied up in. Everyone has a different level of "stuff" they are comfortable with, and different things that make them happy :)

      • 

        INFIDEL on 20/12/2016 - 13:45

        +1

        My first trip to UK, my luggage weighed 25kg. I kept having to store it and protect it. I learnt from that trip.

        It depends on season(s), length, activities, level of comfort & fashionability required, of travel. Travelling in summer for short period in hot places requires few clothes, whereas skiing will require a lot more.

        Style of accommodation & availability of laundry or washing area also affect what to take.
        I sometimes take a tent (total still under 10kg) - especially in Japan, which presents other problems, but I can stay almost anywhere outside of cities & change my plans.

        Clothes washed overnight can be worn the next day (I generally take 3 of every type of main clothes - 1 worn, 1 in wash, 1 for tomorrow).

        A lot of things (clothes, toothpaste, towel, etc) can be purchased after arrival. My towel is a face cloth!

        Most women take a lot more than guys (cosmetics, hair dryer, a range of clothes for different occasions, etc). It's finding what suits you, which may take many trips (I've been travelling for years, up to 9 months a year).

        I had a backpack (10kg carry on) when I hit Paris for a week. But no smaller bag. I am lucky & found a small day pack a few minutes later. I'm always finding lots of useful items & give them away to homeless before coming home.

        Maybe convince your SO to buy you something in Paris to wear for the romantic night. What a wonderful souvenir & memory. (Winter Coat is my favourite Paul Kelly song about the memory of being bought special clothes when travelling.)

        Enjoy your travels - it's a great experience😯

      • 

        elliebargain on 20/12/2016 - 14:21

        +1

        @Infidel: Thanks for the advice! So true that a lot of things can be purchased there! I try to only take the toiletries I am really fussy about (ie. face products), but most of the time hotels/hostels/airbnb's all supply basics like shampoo/ conditioner and body wash. Plus I would love to come home with some nice European soap, no need to bring it over from Australia.

        I brought just over 20kg of luggage over two bags for a three week trip through Canada last year (even bringing an umbrella - the thing everyone uses as an example of what not to bring - I didn't pull it out once - using my waterproof jacket when it rained). Also brought my hair straightener AND curler as well as products I only use occasionally at home anyway (hair oils, face masks - What was I thinking?!?) - I never used any of them - too busy actually experiencing the places, which is the whole point. I brought maybe three different jumpers and two coats. I looked fashionable and wore all of them over the trip, but I really only needed one jumper and one coat and my back would have thanked me ;) So yeah, wanting to learn from my mistakes :)

        That's a lovely idea to give things away before you come home! Thanks again for the advice. With better planning I'm sure I can pack lighter this time around :D

      • 

        dm01 on 20/12/2016 - 14:37

        +2

        Hi Ellie, I found this article a couple of years ago and it had some really good tips

      • 

        elliebargain on 20/12/2016 - 14:51

        @dm01: Thanks! just had a read and it is very helpful :)

      • 

        INFIDEL on 20/12/2016 - 15:05

        @elliebargain:
        As in that useful blog, it's always much easier for the less fashion conscious traveller (like myself)😀

        Yes, toiletries in hotels (any accommodation in Japan) are supplied. But specialist products & medication will need to be taken with you.

        I've seen female backpackers walking the 6 day Overland Track in Tassie with hair straighteners & no where to plug them in!

        If you base yourself in 1 place and venture out for day or 2 away at a time, luggage becomes less of an issue when there. That's my preferred travel style now - get to know a smaller region very well & visit again. Only requires taking a small bag travelling out from your base.

        Based in Osaka this year, it was easy to travel by train qquickly to neighbouring locales within the region.
        Between journeys, I studied Rakugo (traditional storytelling dating back 400 years) but in English. (My language skills are terrible, but it doesn't stop me travelling.) It's the advantage of being based - picking up on the local culture at a deeper level.

        Take as much as makes you comfortable & helps you enjoy your travels. (As you know, Umbrellas are cheap & available everywhere. I still have an unused travel one.)

        There are many ways to travel.

      • 

        elliebargain on 20/12/2016 - 15:46

        @Infidel: I like the idea of basing yourself in one place and getting to know it well, rather than flitting around every day or so (and spending most of your time travelling rather than experiencing the destination).

        After my last big trip (where we would arrive between 5-8pm, and have to pack up and leave straight after breakfast the next day to get to our next destination), I decided no more overnighters!

        My SO travelled around Europe for three months a few years ago, and he was much like you, wanting to do longer stays at a "base" and feeling relieved when he got somewhere he could stay for a week rather than a couple of nights. But unfortunately we are only going for one month, not three, so we compromised and will spend a minimum 3 nights in each place (longer in some - like Paris and London). Ideally I'd want longer, but there's always next time :) Hopefully our jobs will let us become more flexible in the future.

        I've read everywhere that slow-travel is the way to go, but sometimes I'd read sort of condescending articles about people spending months in a tiny village in Europe. Whilst that would be an amazing experience, it's not exactly realistic for people who only have a short amount of time, or who might be trying to start a side-hussle so they can go travel, but can't totally quit their stable, full-time job yet. I read so many forums with people posting their itineraries and saying they've booked flights and have two weeks, and they want to visit these three places, and every comment is "you should spend at least a full week visiting each place! And add this place in too". IDK.

        I still think it's good advice and for people who think they will actually have a good time stopping at 30 places over a month.

        Anyway you're right, there are many ways to travel :)

        Studying Rakugo would be really interesting.

      • 

        INFIDEL on 20/12/2016 - 17:23

        +1

        @elliebargain:
        It's like most things in life - find what suits you (and your loved ones). That was what my business did - finding the right fit (for already very successful clients). Now I try to find that for myself.

        For those who have money - it may be easier to take time off, splash a load of cash, recuperate, come back refreshed (from places like a villa in Tuscany). Those without much money usually have more time, but must work or travel frugally. Most aren't lucky to have both time & money.

        I have travelled a lot in last 10+ years - initially 3 month trips in Europe or Asia - moving on most days, stopping in a major place for a week. It was tiring. I met a lot of people, but knew no one.

        Travelling most of the year without working - is a skill. Many of the things I do require little money, but time & good timing (to arrive for a festival I didn't know about). Research about where you're travelling (without knowing everything which would spoil the surprise).

        I arrived in Myanmar (Burma) knowing little more than a few local authors work during a time of censorship. I found the first International Writers Festival was about to start - but was sold out. I popped into the British Embassy & scored tickets for all 3 days. Censorshop was only lifted as I arrived. What an introduction to a country that celebrates writing. Later volunteered in a poor village. Everywhere is a different experience, if you're open for it. Money is not that necessary.

        I was on a local bus in Mainz, Germany - telling a traveller all the interesting archaeological sites (its my thing) I had visited or stumbled upon. A local woman came up to me and wanted to know how long I had lived in her city to know all this… 1 night! She learnt a lot from overhearing my excited conversation. So short stays can be great - you don't have time to see the flaws😯

        Recently, I stayed in the same cheap Osaka hotel as 2.5 years ago - the staff screamed my name & rushed to greet me. They remembered me. Leaving was far harder after I really got to know people. I miss them.

        I watched Rakugo being taught by my teacher to a Japanese man. My Sensei relentlessly drilled the poor student, correcting minor errors.
        When teaching me, I was told how good I was… I had performed on Japanese TV! I then realised I knew nothing.
        It was a hard lesson in Japanese ways. I was but another ignorant tourist. I was like a child being applauded for my cute performance - not my ability. I may never perform again - only out of respect for the talented Japanese artists. I don't think he knew how much he had taught me.

        Some people love resorts or packaged holidays. I like something deeper and often random. Everyone is different. And we change with experience (& age). So find your own ways.

      • 

        elliebargain on 21/12/2016 - 17:33

        @Infidel: Wow, you've certainly had some incredible experiences! I guess it come down to priorities, and being brave enough to leave full-time work if you need to :)

        I have some friends and family who quite like the all-inclusive holidays or cruises, and I'm sure they're great for relaxing, but I feel relaxed enough at home and am lucky enough to live by a beach (albeit a relatively cold one) anyway, so they don't really appeal to me. My Mum and Dad with three young kids loves those kinds of holidays though (they are already highly stressed - I think they would have a break-down if they tried to take all three kids on an adventure!)

        Definitely to each their own :)

      • 

        INFIDEL on 21/12/2016 - 20:08

        @elliebargain:
        Over time our priorities, health, wealth change. So do our tastes and wants from our re-creation time.

        Although I am happy roughing it by hitchhiking & pitching a little tent by a remote mountain stream on my travels, I could do with a week or 2 of pure indulgence right now😀

        Walking the Overland Track in Tassie I'd be critical of those staying in nice warm huts with food served up to them with a selected local wine…

        Then I went up Mt Ossa (highest in TAS, but easy) with one of their guides. I had it all wrong. The enthusiastic and knowledgeable guy showed me things I had never seen before including tiny alpine flowers I probably had trodden on in my ignorance. Had a wonderful breakfast in the hut after the paying customers had moved on with another guide. [I was walking in those mountains for a glorious 12 days. People referred to me as a "Trackie" (outdoors person who works on the remote mountain tracks) - I had blended in so well.] It's wonderful being wrong & learning from the experience😯

        My simple goal is to live a memorable life (for me at least). OzBargain is a simple distraction between trips.

        Most people work to live, some are crazy & live to work. I never saw much reason to work & have been lucky in my life. So I created a business to help people understand what they wanted from life & they achieved it. Being paid so much to be with interesting successful people - & learn from them! That was very satisfying & financially rewarding.
        That's the secret I see in many people - do what you love & know (but don't destroy the spirit by prostituting it). The Tassie guide would do what he was doing whether paid or not - he was very good, so people wanted his service. But bills still need to be paid.

        Your deal led on to interesting discussions, which continued today with people I met. Thanks for a stimulating topic and deal.
        Feel free to PM me. This is all very "off topic" which is not appreciated in deals.

• 

  nismo on 20/12/2016 - 12:32

  +6

  In the interest of decluttering I have NOT signed up for this book! Thanks anyway.

  Ps. My wife already has a copy of the original Japanese version

• 

  atlinus on 20/12/2016 - 12:35

  only 500 books until supply last 22-Dec

• 

  frewer on 20/12/2016 - 12:43

  +4

  Here the audio version of it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFhJrnWmEsE

  • 

    elliebargain on 20/12/2016 - 12:44

    Awesome! Bookmarked! Thanks for sharing :)

    • 

      frewer on 20/12/2016 - 16:07

      You're most welcomed :)

• 

  RocketSwitch on 20/12/2016 - 12:46

  +1

  Sweet, looks like a good book.

• 

  tanoshiiki on 20/12/2016 - 12:48

  +1

  Thanks. I was going to apply, but then realised getting this book would go against de-cluttering. I have seen a few videos and blog posts about the concepts, so I don't really need the book.

  • 

    elliebargain on 20/12/2016 - 12:51

    Nice! Way to go :D

• 

  haru on 20/12/2016 - 13:07

  +1

  Thanks, I already read from a library copy but this might be a good gift idea.

• 

  elliebargain on 20/12/2016 - 13:16

  This link has now been clicked almost 800 times, and the page said they only had 500 books to giveaway. Impossible to tell if every click actually ended up signing up, but should I edit the post?

  • 

    INFIDEL on 20/12/2016 - 13:26

    Or 500 was just a marketing ploy😯

    • 

      Diji1 on 20/12/2016 - 13:53

      Do you really need to ask?

  • 

    monkeymuffins on 20/12/2016 - 13:54

    +1

    "This offer has been so popular that the 500 available books have all gone."

    I guess that's that.

    • 

      elliebargain on 20/12/2016 - 13:56

      Cheers, marked as expired.

• 

  INFIDEL on 20/12/2016 - 13:25

  +1

  Book on clutter
  (if using real email)
  Causes inbox clutter

  Haiku was never my strong point😯

• 

  djk on 20/12/2016 - 17:49

  +1

  Yes they are all gone but you can still sign up for the tips emails.
  Not sure what it had to do with ME bank though as they weren't mentioned on the tips page.
  Great first post, keep it up!

• 

  grababargain on 24/01/2017 - 19:52

  Has anyone received their book? 5 weeks and I still have not received mine.

  • 

    elliebargain on 25/01/2017 - 08:52

    I haven't got mine yet either :( Maybe it will take them longer to send, as it's been ozbargained…

• 

  Bad Wolf on 27/01/2017 - 12:12

  +1

  Recieved my copy in today's post 😀

• 

  grababargain on 27/01/2017 - 17:44

  Received mine today too.

• 

  elliebargain on 27/01/2017 - 19:29

  Got mine today too :)

• 

  INFIDEL on 31/01/2017 - 21:46

  +1

  Received in Brisbane today😯

• 

  elliebargain on 01/02/2017 - 11:50

  +1

  I've KonMaried some of my drawers but I can't bring myself to not tuck my socks into each other. Now I feel guilty :( Marie Kondo says I am strangling them >_<

  • 

    INFIDEL on 01/02/2017 - 12:24

    +1

    Thanks for the book (deal)👍
    Yet to start reading…

    I worked as a staff trainer for my Uni while a student. The experience taught me not to push people when taking on new skills, to slowly move a step at a time from what they were already doing - recognising any benefits. And keeping a sense of humour - the new skill is not the most important thing in life.

    Start with those areas that will give greatest benefits for least effort, or small ones (maybe like socks) that can teach a basic principle. If you push against what you are comfortable with, you may give up. Decluttering can be an emotional experience.

    On the other hand, when working with already successful clients on a therapeutic basis in my business, pushing the person often taught them about their underlying habits & beliefs. It can bring up things you never knew about yourself, good or not so. I taught how to think differently - in their personal life & in their field. It changed their lives - for the better.

    I had earlier learnt from training with Monks in the Himalayas - having no space for anything personal, and not much choice in what to wear. Socks - I used to dream of having such a problem😀 It was challenging, but that was it's purpose - decluttering the mind as well as life. (Now being an OzBargainer, I failed the principle of non-attachment to worldly possessions. I'm still learning & laughing.)

    Enjoy the challenge - it's an interesting journey & may have greater benefits than just a decluttered socks drawer😯

    Looking forward to a good read & a few challenges my self…,
    (I tuck my socks together so I don't waste time finding pairs. I know a good lawyer to get me off the sock strangling charge😸)

• 

  thydzik on 08/02/2017 - 02:25

  +1

  received it to Perth last week, thanks