Anne Lamott expresses skepticism towards the contemporary obsession with tidiness and minimalism, arguing that for a writer, a collection of notes and papers can serve as a source of inspiration. Rather than discarding everything in the name of cleanliness, she values the chaotic remnants of thought and creativity that clutter can represent.

She encourages individuals to hold onto their possessions, whether they are books or clothes, as they can signify personal history and growth. Ultimately, the choice to keep or discard these items rests with the individual, as it is their intrinsic value that matters most.