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I didn’t seek out The More of Less by Joshua Becker. It was gifted to me by another Realtor—someone who said it helped them better understand the emotional weight clients carry when preparing to sell. I smiled, said thank you, and tucked it away on a shelf. Life was busy, and honestly, the idea of reading a book about “decluttering” felt… exhausting.
Fast forward a few weeks, and I was on the phone with a client who was feeling overwhelmed. They were getting ready to list their home but were stuck—mentally and physically—on what to do with all the stuff. “What would you do?” they asked.
I paused.
I thought about our own house—our closets, drawers, the corners filled with things we no longer needed. And suddenly, that little blue book came rushing back to me.
I didn’t crack open the cover—I opened the Audible app. Joshua narrates the book himself, and it felt like sitting with a calm, steady friend. I figured I’d listen while folding laundry. But what started as a background listen became something much bigger. His words were honest, practical, emotional… and quietly transformational.
The book helped me see not just how clutter was affecting my clients—but how it was affecting me. It wasn’t about having less for the sake of it—it was about making space for what matters. It reminded me that homes are never just places to live. They’re places to be. And that starts with room to breathe.
8 Lessons for Homeowners (and Realtors) from The More of Less
1. We Don’t Own Our Things—They Own Us.
Everything we keep takes something from us—energy, time, space. The more I held onto, the more it held onto me. For sellers, this can feel like a mountain—but it’s one you can climb.
2. Minimalism Isn’t About Less Stuff—It’s About More Life.
This was a big shift for me. Minimalism isn’t cold or sterile—it’s freeing. It’s creating space for joy, connection, and clarity. Homes don’t need to be perfect—they need to feel peaceful.
3. Decluttering is Emotional, Not Just Physical.
We aren’t just sorting through objects. We’re sorting through identities, memories, and former versions of ourselves. And that takes compassion—especially when preparing a home for sale.
4. Comparison is a Thief with Many Faces.
Perfect Instagram kitchens and Pinterest-worthy mudrooms can trick us into thinking we need more. But the best homes are never the most filled—they’re the most intentional.
5. Letting Go Creates Room for What Matters.
Creating physical space gives way to emotional freedom. In real estate, homes that breathe allow buyers to see their own stories unfolding there. Space sells—but more importantly, it soothes.
6. Generosity Flows Best from Simplicity.
When we simplify, we open up. When we’re not buried in things, we’re more available to others—and to ourselves. Homes feel lighter. Life feels lighter.
7. You Don’t Have to Be Extreme to Be Intentional.
Minimalism isn’t all-or-nothing. You can start with a drawer, a cabinet, a corner. I didn’t overhaul my life overnight—I just started noticing what was adding value, and what wasn’t.
8. The Life You Want is Buried Under Everything You Don’t.
This line stayed with me. Whether you’re buying, selling, or staying, the space you crave may not come from a new zip code—it might come from uncovering what already exists under the clutter.
So, What Does This Have to Do with Real Estate?
Honestly? Everything.
Buying and selling are deeply emotional experiences. They’re about more than square footage and granite countertops. They’re about transitions, identity shifts, and what it takes to let go of one season before stepping into the next.
I see it all the time: sellers who feel paralyzed by their possessions. Buyers who feel pressure to “fill” a new home before even knowing how they want to live in it. People who want change—but feel burdened by the weight of their current space.
This book reminded me—and reminds my clients—that letting go isn’t about loss. It’s about creating room for something better. A clearer home. A fresher start. A future that reflects who you are now—not who you used to be.
And if you’re thinking of selling, staging, or even staying and simplifying, these lessons matter. Homes that are intentional show better, live better, and invite more meaningful living. A home with margin has magic.
Let’s Create That Space Together
At The Cobb Group, we believe real estate is about more than just listings and contracts. It’s about people, transitions, and helping you find the space to live the life you actually want.
We understand that preparing a home—mentally and physically—can feel overwhelming. That’s why we lead with both strategy and compassion. We’re not just here to guide you through real estate—we’re here to help you breathe through the process.
If you’re feeling stuck, if your home feels too full or your next step feels unclear, reach out. We’ll be gentle. We get it. And we’re ready to help you create a home—and a life—with a little more intention and a lot more peace.
Allison Cobb & The Cobb Group
Brokered by eXp Luxury Realty
www.thecobbgroup.com
Your move matters. Let’s make it meaningful.
Q&A: Real Questions Homeowners Are Asking (and Googling)
Q: What is the fastest way to declutter my home before selling?
A: Start small—but start. Focus on highly visible areas first: kitchen counters, bathroom surfaces, and main living spaces. Clear out what you no longer use or love. Buyers need to see the home’s features, not distractions. Need help prioritizing? That’s something I guide clients through every day.
Q: Does a minimalist home sell faster or for more money?
A: Typically, yes. Homes that feel open, calm, and intentional tend to show better, photograph better, and connect emotionally with buyers. You don’t need to go full minimalist—just thoughtful. A few strategic changes can lead to real results.
Q: How do I emotionally detach from my home when it’s time to sell?
A: It’s tough, and that’s okay. Letting go of a home is letting go of a chapter of your life. I always encourage my clients to focus on what they’re moving toward rather than what they’re leaving behind. We’ll help you navigate that process with care.
Q: What should I remove when staging my home?
A: Declutter surfaces, scale back on decor, store personal photos, and remove excess furniture that makes rooms feel smaller. The goal is to create a neutral, spacious, and welcoming environment. Let the home—not the stuff—shine.
Q: Can I sell and downsize at the same time?
A: Absolutely. Many of my clients are doing just that—selling a larger home and moving into something that feels more manageable, intentional, and peaceful. Whether you're dreaming of a cozy cottage or a condo near the coast, we’ll help you plan it all.
Q: I want to make a move but feel overwhelmed. Where do I start?
A: Start with a conversation. You don’t need to have it all figured out—that’s what we’re here for. Whether your move is months away or right around the corner, we’ll meet you where you are and help you move forward with confidence and clarity.
Written by Allison Cobb
The author assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or emissions in the content of this blog. The information provided on is an “as is” basis with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, or timeliness.
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