Messy Minimalism: The Book I Didn't Know I Needed

Have you ever read a book and thought, “This is it! This is exactly what I needed to hear?” That’s how I felt about Messy Minimalism by Rachelle Crawford.

I’ve read countless books on minimalism, and while many are helpful, they often make the whole concept seem a little... well, sterile. You know the type—the ones that suggest living in an all-white, empty house with exactly four plates and a single succulent.

Rachelle’s approach is different, and it's so refreshing. This isn't a guide to living a curated, picture-perfect life for Instagram. It’s about real-life minimalism—the kind that works for you, your family, and your beautifully messy, imperfect life.

A Chat with a Friend Over Coffee ☕

Reading this book felt like sitting down with a friend. Rachelle writes with such warmth and honesty, as if she's sitting across from you, nodding in understanding as you admit to the chaos hiding in your closet.

She truly gets it. She knows life isn't perfect, and she doesn't expect you to KonMari your way into a pristine, empty home. Instead, she embraces what she calls "messy minimalism"—a flexible version of the lifestyle that bends to fit your life, rather than forcing you into rigid rules.

She gave me permission to be both intentional and imperfect at the same time. Honestly, that felt like a huge relief.

Key Takeaways That Stuck With Me ✨

Messy Minimalism isn't just theory; it's packed with practical, doable tips that help you declutter, simplify, and—my favorite part—give yourself grace throughout the process. Here are a few things that really resonated with me:

• Minimalism Is About More Intention, Not Just Less Stuff. Rachelle doesn't shame you for owning things. Instead, she encourages you to ask why you have something. Do you love it? Do you use it? Does it support the life you want to live? If the answer is no, it might be time to let it go, guilt-free.

• Your Journey Is Your Own. Forget those Pinterest-perfect minimalist homes with empty countertops. This book reminds you that your version of minimalism can look different from anyone else’s, and that’s perfectly fine. Maybe your version is a cozy, clutter-free home filled with books and warm blankets. Or maybe you prefer wide-open spaces. You get to write your own rulebook.

• Decluttering Shouldn't Feel Like a Full-Time Job. Rachelle understands burnout. You don't have to spend your weekends buried in donation piles. She shares simple, small routines to make decluttering a natural part of your daily life. It’s all about progress over perfection.

Why I Loved It So Much 💛

What makes this book so special is how incredibly real it is. Rachelle doesn't hide the messy parts of her own life; she invites them in. Her voice is encouraging, funny, and so relatable.

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

Who Needs to Read This Book? 📚

Messy Minimalism is perfect if you’ve ever thought:

• "Minimalism sounds great, but I have kids/pets/hobbies/a lot of stuff."

• "I want a simpler life, but I'm completely overwhelmed by where to start."

• "I’ve tried decluttering before, but I always get burned out."

Whether you’re new to the concept 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, this book 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 felt lighter. Not because I got rid of everything I own, but because Rachelle helped me shift my perspective: minimalism isn’t about having less for the sake of less. It’s about having less so you can enjoy more.

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

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

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