I picked up Clutter Rehab because it had an attractive cover, and in many ways this book is like a magazine article: organizing is a favorite women's magazine topic, this book is short, with numbered entries, and illustrated with attractive photos.
And, it must be said, if you're someone who avidly consumes organizing articles while you're at the hairdressers, you'll find that you've come across many of these tips before or are already using them: using a pot or vase to hold spatulas and other kitchen utensils is a method that makes them easy to see and easy to grab; using drawer organizers, closet organizers and under bed storage boxes are all popular and common ways to create more storage space or use the space you already have more efficiently (to store more stuff!).
What I appreciated about this book was the fact that it took some time to talk about root causes of clutter -- that is, how clutter accumulates -- with practical suggestions for tackling the problem of "stuff," whether they're papers, magazines, clothes, or sentimental items that are cluttering up our lives.
For instance, one cause of clutter are the sentimental keepsakes we hang on to because they represent a cherished memory or an important moment in our lives. This author suggested taking a photo of the item and then -- get rid of it! Still, I can imagine some sentiments are more powerful than the good advice to get rid of it.
What I loved best about her discussion about addressing clutter was her acknowledgement of the barriers to beating clutter and her very practical advice for coping with those obstacles. My three favorite tips: Tip No. 49, "Don't Look Up," which advises you to keep your head down while moving through a pile, or table, or closet, or room of clutter (literally -- stepping back and looking at all you have to do may make be so discouraging that you'll abandon the effort or never get starting in the first place, so just do one thing -- and then another -- and then another); Tip No. 62, "Embrace Plan B and Let Go of Perfectionism"; and Tip No. 99, "Focus!": don't let yourself be distracted by a trip down memory lane when you're sorting through clutter (if there are some old yearbooks that tempt you, set them aside and look at them after you've finished the task, using it as a reward).
Wittman has some innovative ideas, like abandoning sorting clothes by color for simply giving each family member a hamper and washing all their clothes as one load. No more struggling to match up socks. Wow!
And, yes, I've been inspired to throw some things out: historic preservation article reprints, old music scores, old computer software textbooks. I might even find some space for all of those darn books I bring home!
Laura Wittman writes that her passion for organization began when she had a new baby, experienced a job loss and suddenly found herself a work-from-home mom. In fact, many of her tips are about how to keep children's things organized, from their toothbrushes to their toys and there are plenty of new ideas for that, as well. If you're interested in learning more about her and her ideas, she has a website at orgjunkie.com.
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