Organized Simplicity: Declutter Your Home

I recently read an article that said “get organized” was the second most popular New Year's Resolution (obviously losing weight was numero uno). There are so many organization tools, gadgets, books, workshops, “Professional Organizers,” and blogs that it can actually be overwhelming to decide which organizational path to choose!

I've mentioned before I prefer to read non-fiction books, and I usually stick to memoirs or books on personal growth (time management, productivity, etc.). Somehow I've managed to accumulate a few books on organization, and last year I took an online organizational workshop at Simplify 101. Each book or blog I read has similar ideas, yet a different approach. It's refreshing to hear different opinions on reaching the same goal: GET ORGANIZED!

Organized Simplicity: The Clutter-Free Approach to Intentional Living was split into two parts. The first part was philosophical, and the reader gets to know the author's background. Some her ideas made me think about how I spend my time. We work long hours to purchase stuff…and spend our free time maintaining our possessions. We want a big house, but that requires more time spent cleaning (and organizing!). It's funny how that works.

I enjoyed this chapters best since there were a few insightful ideas that I hadn't thought about. Or, she presented a new way to view a task or project.

One chapter I liked was her budgeting chapter. She shared a sample (but very realistic!) budget, and I was impressed with her way of “zero budgeting.” Every dollar had a place (bills, savings, spending), and it made a lot of sense. We basically budget spontaneously which doesn't do anyone any favors. I have high hopes for one day getting that under control, and I took notes in the margins with some ideas.

“A Home That Works” is a motivating chapter about figuring out what is a priority. The author kept mentioning how it is impossible to do everything you want to do–and do it well. I constantly tell myself that I can do anything I want, and I try to make everything a priority. Yet, that eventually burns me out and I take a long nap and realize that I really can't do everything.

There's a cute chapter about making a mission statement for your family, and when I asked my husband some of the brainstorming questions I realized we are far too spontaneous a family to have a mission statement! I like the idea of having something to reference when determining what to do, what to organize, who to socialize with. We value creativity and intelligence (apparently, this is what we narrowed it down to), and I say we are fun and spontaneous. We want to adventure! Because of this, some of my lofty ideals for organization or budget may just stay ideas. It would be nice to have a concrete budget or calendar, but try as I might, we are not naturally planners. I try, and I hope to improve this as the year continues.

The second part of the book is all about cleaning, organizing, and decluttering. IN TEN DAYS. Are you up for the challenge? While I might not follow her challenge properly, I did declutter and organize my son's room this weekend. I filled three boxes of clothing, baby stuff (I can't believe I was holding onto some of this stuff in his closet!), and toys. I hope to find a good home for them! One room down…many more to go.

The appendix had planner inserts and checklists for cleaning and budgeting. I was impressed with the references list. There were some blogs I hadn't heard of, and I've already added them to my reading list.

Overall, this is a good introductory book to someone looking for a guidebook to getting organized. There are a lot of other books on the market, but I enjoyed the style of this spiral hardcover book. Lots of room for notes!

Cleaning Books

Simply Clean: The Proven Method for Keeping Your Home Organized, Clean, and Beautiful in Just 10 Minutes a Day by Becky Rapinchuk

Becky Rapinchuk, the “Clean Mama,” understands that many people don’t have the time, organizational skills, or homemaking habits to maintain a constantly clean and decluttered living space. No matter how big your home or busy your schedule, the Simply Clean method can be customized to fit your life. It really is possible—in just ten minutes a day, you can create a cleaner, happier home.

The Home Edit: A Guide to Organizing and Realizing Your House Goals by Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin

From the home organizers who made their orderly eye candy the method that everyone swears by comes Joanna and Clea’s signature approach to decluttering. The Home Edit walks you through paring down your belongings in every room, arranging them in a stunning and easy-to-find way (hello, labels!), and maintaining the system so you don't need another do-over in six months. When you're done, you'll not only know exactly where to find things, but you'll also love the way it looks.