Spring cleaning is an annual rite of passage that also blessedly marks the end of winter. Our list, Audiobooks that Make Spring Cleaning Fun, performs consistently well, and given the pandemic boom around home improvement and decluttering, we decided to do a deep dive into which books our Scribd audience references for home improvement, which also overlaps with genres of personal growth, meditation and stress management, philosophy, and all things self-improvement.
Here, we take a good look at this popular category in the home and garden or home-improvement genre, and put together a list of the most read audiobooks and books of the year to date on Scribd.
10 most listened-to home improvement audiobooks on Scribd
“Decluttering at the Speed of Life” is a compassionate guide for those struggling to declutter. Rather than a one-size-fits-all method, White offers different strategies that address the most common hurdles for decluttering, including emotional ties to our possessions and the time constraints of daily life.
Declutter Like a Mother: A Guilt-Free, No-Stress Way by Allie Casazza
Who is busier than a mother? If Casazza can declutter and get organized, so can you. “Declutter Like a Mother” is a down-to-earth guide on restoring peace in your home, from making minimalism work for you to creating spaces your family can enjoy. Targeted to overwhelmed mothers but applicable for anyone, this book inspires action and teaches us how to have fewer things for a fuller life.
This book offers unconventional organizing advice for those of us who aren’t Type A — and don’t aspire to color coding our closets. White’s message is that decluttering can be easier than you think, and once you overcome that mental block, it’ll reward you with peace of mind (and less clutter).
The more you buy and consume, the more cluttered your thoughts and feelings can become. When it's all too much, embrace the freedom that comes with the KonMari Method and shed items that don’t bring you joy. The TV adaptation of this book, “Tidying Up With Marie Kondo,” blew up on Netflix in the beginning of 2019.
White’s perspective is so relatable and welcome to non-perfectionists, it’s no wonder she’s got 3 of the top ten books on this list. Here, she stresses the importance of cleaning and decluttering on a regular basis instead of all at once, which is definitely overwhelming. Her practical, no-nonsense approach is for anyone who eye rolls at the fantasy that is Marie Kondo.
In Swedish, there is a word for a type of extreme purging of one’s home that translates to “death cleaning.” While it sounds harsh, this charming and instructive guide filled with Scandinavian humor provides interesting insights on how to let go so you can focus on what truly matters.
Not taking herself too seriously, Cilley offers clear-eyed advice on how to manage chaos and clutter one step at a time. She’s developed approachable house-cleaning techniques for everyone. In the end, it’s about going from being out of control and panic-stricken if people are coming over to being able to invite friends over with a smile.
The More of Less by Joshua Becker
Like similar books, this one focuses on how great life can be after you’ve decluttered and taken control of your possessions instead of the other way around. It’s a treatise on how consumption is a lose-lose battle.
Jay’s STREAMLINE method is a long-term approach to decluttering, offering strategies that ensure your table stays clear and your closet organized for the long haul. Her no-nonsense tone is perfect for those who want to rediscover the “joy of less” without too much fuss.
Organizing your life is more than just tidying your home. Popular podcaster, social media influencer, and creator of “The Bliss Bean,” Naujalyte proposes four pillars to overhaul your lifestyle: “Planning, organization, productivity, and routines.” This approachable and easy read is perfect for busy schedules and organizational beginners. Feedback from Naujalyte’s real-world followers is included throughout for a plethora of perspectives.
5 most-read home, garden, and crafts related ebooks on Scribd
Gardening and growing your own fruits and vegetables is satisfying and rewarding for manys reasons: It can save you money, give you control over your food supply, and bring psychological benefits. This book can serve as a trusted resource for any gardening endeavor you embark on.
A Bitch in Time: 30 Snarcastic Stitches for You to Stab by Tara K. Reed, Roy W.P. Reed and Erin Bennett Reed
Putting a spin on traditional cross-stitching, this pattern book offers 30 modern and sassy patterns that range from beginner to expert.
This crocheting how-to offers a step-by-step guide to making ten different blankets as well as basic instruction for beginners.
Small Space Style: Because You Don’t Need to Live Large to Live Beautifully by Whitney Leigh Morris
There is an art and science behind living in small spaces and doing more with less space. From keeping clutter to a minimum to customizing storage and built-ins, Morris offers plenty of suggestions and real-life examples for inspiration.
Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible: 260 Exquisite Patterns by Hitomi Shida
Make hats, scarves, mittens, socks, you name it with a multitude of patterns for the experienced knitting enthusiast, as well as for beginners.
For more inspiring reading recommendations on cleaning and decluttering, check out the The Best Books to Help You Finally Organize Your Life list from our Scribd editors.
About the Author: Sarah Sung
Sarah is the Editorial Director at Scribd who obsesses over content strategy and brand building, and has written lifestyle content for AFAR, San Francisco Chronicle, and Under Armour. In her spare time she teaches indoor cycling and consumes podcasts, audiobooks, and ebooks at all times of the day and night. Traveling and dining out are always high on her to-do list
