an author with a friendly voice and maybe a sense of humor
What's Your Favorite Organizing Book?
Have you read a really great book about getting organized? Or maybe one on simplifying or decluttering. Share your thoughts about the book here and help others decide which book they should read.
A long time popular book called Organizing From the Inside Out
by Julie Morgenstern emphasizes the importance of organizing based on your personality. Julie concedes that there is no mystery or magic involved in getting organized...it's a skill that anyone can learn. I couldn't agree more! Many times clients think they don't know how to get organized, but once we get started I often find that beneath all of the overload, there was once a system or clear attempt at organization. The problem often comes down to being too busy to keep up and/or having too much stuff.
Julie's systems take your natural habits and psychological needs and inclinations into consideration which enables you to develop a personalized plan - one that works with your personality and busy schedule, not one that feels awkward or forced.
The main points of Organizing From The Inside Out are conveniently offered in the form of a deck of 50 cards. Each card offers a new way of looking at the process of getting organized, complete with quick and easy-to-follow tips and ideas. The cards are a wonderful complement to the book and make it a snap to follow through on the suggestions offered in the book.
Both the cards and the book are inspiring, written with a touch of humor, and are presented in an engaging and articulate style.
If you have a teen (or know of one) who could benefit from learning some organizing skills, Julie Morgenstern and her daughter Jesse teamed up to co-author Organizing from the Inside Out For Teens
.Teens today are busier than ever with school, social life, sports, music and work, etc. Most organizing books are written for adults, sometimes addressing kids and teens in a brief chapter or two. In this book, teens learn how to "rearrange" their rooms, organize their school work and better manage their time. Loaded with teen-friendly quizzes, lists and resources, it's a one of a kind.
Inspirational summer read and unique gift idea for the hard-to-buy-for teenager.
You have most likely seen many of the ___________for Dummies" and "Everything For___________ Series. I've flipped through these in a variety of categories. My impression is usually the same...comprehensive, straightforward, general. If that's what you like, there's one for organizing in both of the above series. For something more personable, Organizing Plain and Simple
is a treasure. The author, Donna Smallin, goes to great lengths to simplify her steps for organizing and managing your family. To emphasize her goal to offer just the streamlined necessities, she recently published The One Minute OrganizerIt's a great gift idea for busy moms. Just like the book says, "Got a minute? That's all you need to bring a little organization to your hectic life." Reward... A minute of gratification!
This is a great reference tool if you just don't have the time right now for a complete organizational makeover.
Once while at a women's church function, I was complaining to other moms that I struggled with wanting to be organized while living with predominantly "keep everything" personalities. One mom suggested that I read Living Organized by Sandra Felton. This book led me to a whole different genre of organizing books written in one way or another with a Christian view. Living Organized
shows you how to encourage your family as a team and transform your home into one of order and dignity.
While reading Sandra Felton's book, I discovered another author, Debbie Williams. Debbie has written several Christian organizing books where she offers realistic organizing strategies. In Common Sense Organizing
you'll find help for getting your home, office, car, kids and your entire life in order. It's self-paced, which means you can pick it up and jump back in whenever you can carve out the time for a little organizing. If you decide on this one, I highly recommend her "15 Minute Challenge." Organizing within a time frame is very effective. Debbie insightfully addresses the fact that more and more people feel stretched beyond their limits. If you feel this way, this is the book for you. You'll discover an often overlooked approach to freeing up some time. Debbie writes with gentle humor and a Christian view.
Organizing Magazines
Stand in line at the grocery or discount store and you see lots of magazines and periodicals. Disregarding the unbelievable headlines, you will more than likely see any number of articles about getting organized. But, if you are looking for a magazine whose entire focus is on organizing and simplifying, try Real Simple Magazine
.
You'll find systems for reducing clutter, saving time, and reducing stress. Inspiring ideas about home, food, money, clothes, health, work, family, and holidays abound. Although Real Simple tends to focus on "designer-like" solutions, it is very easy to take their innovative ideas and incorporate them frugally.
That's it for now. I don't want to overwhelm you with too many choices when the goal is to just get started on your organizing. I will update this page periodically as new, quality organizing books are published. Use this handy Search Tool to help you find the best organizing books for you. Just copy and paste one of the above book titles (or another one you've heard about) into the box and click Search. Happy reading!
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