Book Review – The More of Less
Image: The More of Less by Len Lantz (CC BY-NC-ND)
Synopsis: Len's Star Rating: 5 out of 10. A helpful book with ideas for downsizing the number of items you own.
BY LEN LANTZ, MD / 2.4.2026; No. 139
Disclaimer: Yes, I am a physician, but I’m not your doctor, and this article does not create a doctor-patient relationship. This article is for educational purposes and should not be seen as medical advice. You should consult with your physician before you rely on this information. This post also contains affiliate links. Please click this LINK for the full disclaimer.
Star Rating – 5 out of 10
Rating guide: 1 = horrible, 5 = average and 10 = wow
Author
Joshua Becker
About the author
Joshua Becker is a writer and speaker on the topics of minimalism and simplicity. He also offers a certification program (the Becker Method) for professional organizers and decluttering coaches. He is the founder of The Hope Effect, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming orphan care worldwide by providing family-based solutions. Joshua Becker earned his bachelor’s degree in banking and finance from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and his master’s degree in theological studies from Bethel Seminary. His blog, Becoming Minimalist, reaches over 2 million readers each month.
General description
The More of Less is a book about the rationale of owning fewer things and the steps to take to declutter your home. The book starts with Joshua Becker’s epiphany that he needed to downsize the number of things he and his family owned. Together, they were able to eliminate 60% of their possessions. The author continues his narrative on the myriad reasons for pursuing simplicity or a minimalistic approach to possessions, and he offers practical strategies for doing so.
Unique and most important aspects
The most helpful aspect of The More of Less is the variety of success stories that Joshua Becker shares about the experiences and outcomes of people who have decluttered their possessions or pursued a minimalist lifestyle. He also offers a reasonable number of strategies for decluttering one’s home.
While the author clearly lives out what he recommends to others, his passionate appeal to the reader can, at times, run the risk of moralizing. Additionally, I was surprised that the book contained frequent Christian references and stories about Jesus, as it was not billed as a Christian self-help resource.
Best quotes
“Minimalism is not necessarily the same as frugality.”
“Only after we intentionally break the cycle of accumulating more, more, more can we begin to discern the true causes of discontentment in our lives.”
“I sometimes talk about ‘rational minimalism’ or ‘strategic minimalism’ to get at what I mean. I don’t advocate getting rid of everything humanly possible. Instead, I encourage people to get rid of what isn’t necessary so they can better pursue their goals in life.”
“Organizing has its place. But it’s not the same as minimizing.”
“Because consumption never fully delivers on its promise of fulfillment or happiness.”
Who would enjoy this book?
Readers interested in stories and suggestions for decluttering their homes will likely enjoy The More of Less.
Who would not enjoy this book?
Readers who would be turned off by Christian references and stories are unlikely to enjoy The More of Less.
Conclusion
The More of Less presents the reader with helpful ideas for downsizing the number of items they own.
