Messy Minimalism by Rachelle Crawford 🌿 | A Personal Review

Have you ever picked up a book and thought, “Finally! Someone gets it”? That’s exactly how I felt reading Messy Minimalism by Rachelle Crawford.

I’ve read plenty of minimalist books over the years, and many of them make minimalism sound… well, sterile. Everything is supposed to be neutral, picture-perfect, and curated like an Instagram flat lay. But Rachelle takes a totally different approach, and honestly, it’s refreshing.

This isn’t a guide to living in an all-white house with exactly four dishes and one succulent. It’s about real-life minimalism — the kind that works for you, your family, and your messy, imperfect, beautiful life.

First Impressions: Like Chatting With a Friend Over Coffee ☕

Rachelle writes like she’s sitting across the table from you, sipping a latte and nodding along as you confess the chaos hiding behind your closet doors.

She gets it.

She knows life isn’t perfect. She doesn’t expect you to KonMari your way into a sterile, empty home. Instead, she embraces what she calls “messy minimalism” — a version of minimalism that bends and flexes with your life rather than forcing you into rigid rules.

I felt like she gave me permission to be both intentional and imperfect at the same time. And let me tell you — that’s a relief.

Biggest Takeaways From Messy Minimalism ✨

This book isn’t just theory. It’s packed with practical, doable tips that help you declutter, simplify, and — my favorite part — give yourself grace in the process. Here are a few takeaways that really stuck with me:

1. Minimalism Isn’t About Less Stuff — It’s About More Intention

Rachelle doesn’t shame you for owning things. Instead, she encourages you to question why you keep what you keep.

Do you love it? Do you use it? Does it support the life you want?

If not, maybe it’s time to let it go — guilt-free.

2. Your Journey Doesn’t Have to Look Like Anyone Else’s

Forget those Pinterest-perfect minimalist homes with empty countertops and capsule wardrobes.

Messy Minimalism reminds you that your version of minimalism can look different, and that’s okay. Maybe you want a cozy, clutter-free home filled with books, plants, and warm blankets. Or maybe you prefer wide-open spaces and clean walls.

Minimalism doesn’t have a rulebook — you get to write your own.

3. Decluttering Shouldn’t Be a Full-Time Job

Rachelle gets real about burnout. You don’t have to spend your weekends buried in bins and donation piles. Instead, she shares small, simple routines to make decluttering a natural part of everyday life.

This was a game-changer for me. It’s about progress over perfection.

What I Loved Most 💛

I think what makes Messy Minimalism so special is how real it feels. Rachelle doesn’t hide the messy parts of life — she invites them in. Her voice is encouraging, funny, and relatable, like your best friend cheering you on while you finally tackle that junk drawer.

By the end, I didn’t feel pressured to “be more minimalist.” I felt empowered to live with more clarity and less stress — on my terms.

Who Should Read This 📚

Messy Minimalism is perfect if you’ve ever thought:

• “Minimalism sounds nice… but I have kids/pets/hobbies/clutter.”

• “I want a simpler life, but I’m overwhelmed by where to start.”

• “I’ve tried decluttering before, but I always burn out.”

Whether you’re brand-new to minimalism or you’ve tried and failed in the past, this book will feel like a warm hug and a gentle nudge forward.

Final Thoughts 🌿

If minimalism has ever felt intimidating, Messy Minimalism will change your mind. It’s not about achieving perfection or counting your possessions — it’s about finding freedom in simplicity without losing the parts of life that make you, you.

After reading it, I feel lighter. Not because I tossed every belonging I own, but because Rachelle helped me shift my perspective: minimalism isn’t about less for the sake of less — it’s about less so you can enjoy more.

I closed the last page thinking, “Okay. I can do this. My version. My pace.” And honestly, that’s the magic of this book.

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Uplifting, practical, and perfectly imperfect — Messy Minimalism is the book I didn’t know I needed.