Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff

Declutter, Downsize, and Move Forward with Your Life

By: Matt Paxton, Jordan Michael Smith

Narrated by: Matt Paxton

America’s top cleaning expert and star of the hit series Legacy List with Matt Paxton distills his fail-proof approach to decluttering and downsizing.


Your boxes of photos, family’s china, and even the kids' height charts aren’t just stuff; they’re attached to a lifetime of memories--and letting them go can be scary. With empathy, expertise, and humor, Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff helps you sift through years of clutter, let go of what no longer serves you, and identify the items worth keeping so that you can focus on living in the present.

For over 20 years, Matt Paxton has helped people from all walks of life who want to live more simply declutter and downsize. As a featured cleaner on Hoarders and host of the Emmy-nominated Legacy List with Matt Paxton on PBS, he has identified the psychological roadblocks that most organizational experts routinely miss but that prevent so many of us from lightening our material load. Using poignant stories from the thousands of individuals and families he has worked with, Paxton brings his signature insight to a necessary task.

Whether you’re tired of living with clutter, making space for a loved one, or moving to a smaller home or retirement community, this book is for you. Paxton’s unique, step-by-step process gives you the tools you need to get the job done.


* This audiobook includes a downloadable PDF of resources.

Incentive and inspiration to declutter

I listened to this book while culling through “treasures” I had collected for years. I have been able to get rid of things I haven’t used for years but felt disloyal for even thinking about donating. I will be listening to it again to keep the encouragement going. Thank you, Max Paxton!

wonderful 😀

Great book! He gives great advice and tips. Loved the stories with each family he worked with.

Matt is a lifesaver

I loved this comprehensive guide. Matt is a fantastic thinker and really knows his business! Amazing book!

good book!

love Matt Paxton! lots of personal stories and experiences shared in this book. it was nice to hear how to work through the decisions of purging. it also had resources.

Empathetic @ action-promoting

His narration was perfect. I listened while editing 50 years of possessions in preparation for an overseas move. I can't begin to describe the level of obstacles and emotional baggage in that one sentence. This book has been key to my progress, and even to helping my friends know just how they can help me the most. Instead of packing boxes, they have been listening to the stories while I pack them. :-) Thanks to the author for this compassionate map of how to get past my past self, to my future.