The Upside of Downsizing is a humorous look at the challenges and opportunities to be found in letting go of some of our material things. With personal insights, illustrations and photos, Vanessa Goodwyn shares her journey from a large home to a smaller abode, and how she and her husband disposed of a small mountain of "stuff" in the process.

TUOD offers useful tips, practical ideas and pointers that can be helpful to anyone interested in adopting the "Less is More" philosophy: retirees, widows and widowers, blended families and others hungry to declutter and downsize. At the end of each chapter, a workbook-style "Your Turn" section challenges the reader to apply the lessons to their own situation — or at least jot down some notes while ideas are fresh.

Vanessa's light-hearted style makes the journey enjoyable and you just might come away from this easy read with a some fresh ideas for lightening your own load.