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Organizing from the Inside Out. The foolproof system for organizing your home, your office, and your life
A primer for organizing every aspect one's life.
262 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
About the author
Julie Morgenstern
27 books155 followersJulie Morgenstern, dubbed the “queen of putting people’s lives in order” by USA Today, is an organizing and time management expert, business productivity consultant, and speaker. A New York Times bestselling author, Julie's five books are timeless reference guides that are insightful, reader-friendly and jam packed with innovative strategies. Each volume features techniques and observations culled from her 20 years of experience as a consultant to individuals and companies.
Julie’s company, Julie Morgenstern Enterprises, is dedicated to using her philosophies and methods to provide a wide range of practical solutions that transform the way people and companies function. They provide one-on-on coaching, productivity consulting and training to Fortune 500 companies, organizations and agencies around the globe.
A contributor to O, The Oprah Magazine from 2001-2007, Julie has also been featured in publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Time, Business Week, and Glamour and makes frequent appearances on national television and radio programs, including the Today Show, Rachel Ray, The Oprah Winfrey Show and NPR’s Fresh Air. Since 1989, she and her team have worked with clients such as American Express, GlaxoSmithKline, State Farm Insurance, The Miami Heat, the New York City Mayor’s office, Viacom/MTV and Hearst Magazines.
For more information, visit www.juliemorgenstern.com.
Julie’s company, Julie Morgenstern Enterprises, is dedicated to using her philosophies and methods to provide a wide range of practical solutions that transform the way people and companies function. They provide one-on-on coaching, productivity consulting and training to Fortune 500 companies, organizations and agencies around the globe.
A contributor to O, The Oprah Magazine from 2001-2007, Julie has also been featured in publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Time, Business Week, and Glamour and makes frequent appearances on national television and radio programs, including the Today Show, Rachel Ray, The Oprah Winfrey Show and NPR’s Fresh Air. Since 1989, she and her team have worked with clients such as American Express, GlaxoSmithKline, State Farm Insurance, The Miami Heat, the New York City Mayor’s office, Viacom/MTV and Hearst Magazines.
For more information, visit www.juliemorgenstern.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 311 reviews
May 3, 2022
Review originally published October 2004
Some go through life completely organized. Then there are some who have tried for years to get organized. Maybe you have looked through the pages of organizing catalogs or the aisles of hardware stores for the perfect answer to clutter. You have spent many dollars on baskets, racks, calendars, hooks, and cubby systems that you were sure would put your life in order.
Come in to the Holmen Library and check out Organizing from the Inside Out by Julie Morgenstern. This book is filled with the author’s organizing secrets.
Part 1 and Part 2 show you the “how to” of organizing that you never learned in school. Once you have mastered the fundamental principles, everything else will fall into place. Then go on to the chapters in parts 3 and 4 that deal with the problem areas in your home or office.
The author recommends starting small. This produces fast results for a limited investment of your time. In your home, try starting with the refrigerator (chapter 19), the bathroom (chapter 15), or one closet (chapter 17).
Hopefully you will learn how to get organized, stay organized, and bring out your own personal and professional best!
Find this book and other titles within our catalog.
Some go through life completely organized. Then there are some who have tried for years to get organized. Maybe you have looked through the pages of organizing catalogs or the aisles of hardware stores for the perfect answer to clutter. You have spent many dollars on baskets, racks, calendars, hooks, and cubby systems that you were sure would put your life in order.
Come in to the Holmen Library and check out Organizing from the Inside Out by Julie Morgenstern. This book is filled with the author’s organizing secrets.
Part 1 and Part 2 show you the “how to” of organizing that you never learned in school. Once you have mastered the fundamental principles, everything else will fall into place. Then go on to the chapters in parts 3 and 4 that deal with the problem areas in your home or office.
The author recommends starting small. This produces fast results for a limited investment of your time. In your home, try starting with the refrigerator (chapter 19), the bathroom (chapter 15), or one closet (chapter 17).
Hopefully you will learn how to get organized, stay organized, and bring out your own personal and professional best!
Find this book and other titles within our catalog.
March 12, 2013
Rating: 4 of 5
Something finally clicked for me while reading Organizing from the Inside Out. Over the last 10 years, after reading mountains of pages on organizing my life, this was the first author who helped me figure out where my once orderly and well-managed life went hinky.
Morgenstern advised to work with natural habits and tendencies instead of against them. For example, if I constantly have a pile of books beside my bed instead of the reading chair in the library, it's probably time to put a bookshelf close to or next to my bed rather than forcing myself or hoping I'll eventually keep all those books just in the library.
I appreciated Part One (Laying the Foundation) and Part Two (Secrets of a Professional Organizer) almost as much as the how-to, activity-focused Part Three (Applying What You've Learned) and Part Four (Tackling Time and Technology). Morgenstern included lots of examples which I always like to see in a how-to book. And I've already made several copies of Appendix A, "Organizing Your Project worksheet."
Projects/areas covered in detail (with examples for each step of her "program" as well as estimated time needed to complete the project) include:
* Handbags, briefcases
* Suitcases
* Traditional offices and filing systems
* Home offices
* Cubicle workstations
* Mobile offices
* Home information centers
* Attics, basements, garages
* Bathrooms
* Bedrooms
* Closets
* Kids' rooms
* Kitchens
* Living rooms
* Photographs
Pay attention to the book's title, though, as it truly does put a strong emphasis on pinpointing why your past attempts at implementing organization have failed or, in other cases, why you haven't ever even attempted to get organized. If delving into the reasons behind your actions and habits turns you off, then skip this book.
Something finally clicked for me while reading Organizing from the Inside Out. Over the last 10 years, after reading mountains of pages on organizing my life, this was the first author who helped me figure out where my once orderly and well-managed life went hinky.
Morgenstern advised to work with natural habits and tendencies instead of against them. For example, if I constantly have a pile of books beside my bed instead of the reading chair in the library, it's probably time to put a bookshelf close to or next to my bed rather than forcing myself or hoping I'll eventually keep all those books just in the library.
I appreciated Part One (Laying the Foundation) and Part Two (Secrets of a Professional Organizer) almost as much as the how-to, activity-focused Part Three (Applying What You've Learned) and Part Four (Tackling Time and Technology). Morgenstern included lots of examples which I always like to see in a how-to book. And I've already made several copies of Appendix A, "Organizing Your Project worksheet."
Projects/areas covered in detail (with examples for each step of her "program" as well as estimated time needed to complete the project) include:
* Handbags, briefcases
* Suitcases
* Traditional offices and filing systems
* Home offices
* Cubicle workstations
* Mobile offices
* Home information centers
* Attics, basements, garages
* Bathrooms
* Bedrooms
* Closets
* Kids' rooms
* Kitchens
* Living rooms
* Photographs
Pay attention to the book's title, though, as it truly does put a strong emphasis on pinpointing why your past attempts at implementing organization have failed or, in other cases, why you haven't ever even attempted to get organized. If delving into the reasons behind your actions and habits turns you off, then skip this book.
January 10, 2015
Totally useless for someone like me, because this book requires readers to do all this tedious essay-writing about how you *feel* about your messes and why you want them clean. Then when the organizing advice finally DOES come along (not until page 68!), it is just the tired old, "clean, sort, put into containers" drill. Readers looking for truly motivating and fresh, innovative ideas for organizing their home, paperwork, and lived would do better to read Deniece Schofield's Confessions of an Organized Homemaker: The Secrets of Uncluttering Your Home and Taking Control of Your Life
April 16, 2015
I enjoy organizing, so there wasn't necessarily a ton of new info in this book for me, but it has a detailed practical approach that I appreciate. Two of her main suggestions have helped me a lot in the past: don't buy containers etc until you've spent some time figuring out what your needs are, and find a way to organize to match your habits rather than trying to change your habits to match how your things are organized. The book contained time estimates for each project, and specific information for each individual area. Makes me want to get moved into my new house so I can start organizing!
April 10, 2019
I read this book on the recommendation of blogger, with the goal of getting inspired to organize my office at work. I am actually a fairly organized person, but a job change has led me to need new systems for keeping organized at work.
Morgenstern has a great philosophy and process for people to use to become organized and I basically got what I needed from this book in the first few chapters. I skimmed the rest to see if she had any major insights to offer, and I found lots of information that would be useful to me if I had a problem with disorganization in those areas (each chapter is dedicated to a different area - kitchen, closets, and so on).
Unfortunately, this book is really dated. The basics are valuable, and I think it would be worth updating to a new edition. But I imagine many readers are going to be deterred by the advice on organizing your living room by putting your "TV Guide" in a certain location, for an example. I'm pretty sure that people under 40 don't actually know what a "TV Guide" is!
Morgenstern has a great philosophy and process for people to use to become organized and I basically got what I needed from this book in the first few chapters. I skimmed the rest to see if she had any major insights to offer, and I found lots of information that would be useful to me if I had a problem with disorganization in those areas (each chapter is dedicated to a different area - kitchen, closets, and so on).
Unfortunately, this book is really dated. The basics are valuable, and I think it would be worth updating to a new edition. But I imagine many readers are going to be deterred by the advice on organizing your living room by putting your "TV Guide" in a certain location, for an example. I'm pretty sure that people under 40 don't actually know what a "TV Guide" is!
July 5, 2010
Most organizing books make me feel excited about getting rid of stuff, and then stuck when I actually try to do it.
This book makes a point that it's not about just getting rid of things, it's about understanding what is important to you. Then you organize your spaces to support what you love to do and see. Then it's much easier to get rid of the extraneous stuff because it's easier to see why it's not important. This makes so much more sense to me than directions to "simplify!".
This book makes a point that it's not about just getting rid of things, it's about understanding what is important to you. Then you organize your spaces to support what you love to do and see. Then it's much easier to get rid of the extraneous stuff because it's easier to see why it's not important. This makes so much more sense to me than directions to "simplify!".
June 5, 2011
So, I guess I can call myself "done" reading this book. It is a multi-layered text, that eventually becomes a practical "manual" style book of organization, so I read the majority of the book in detail, and then skimmed the specific chapters, with the intent to go over them with a fine tooth comb each time I need said chapter. So far, I have 'implemented' the "bedroom" chapter. It took two days, but I re-organized the room, right down to the furniture to give the room a more organic and logical flow. Its AWESOME. This text actually makes you feel excited about organizing. Its about letting go of the "shoulds" and focusing on how you as an individual think, and function, and then plays to your strengths. The author really establishes a tone of non-judgment to the disorganized reader and the book ends up leaving you feel empowered. Its not the kind of book you think of re-selling when its done with. I see this book being with me for many years to come, to be used as a reference.
April 26, 2014
Quick review for a quick read. This was a very helpful productivity guide as far as an organizational guide is concerned. I would say Morgenstern did a fine job of breaking down some of the barriers and identifications for people who don't have an organizing system, and she addresses specific steps to tackle spaces and places in one's life where people can improve on this. She moves into specifics on how to tackle organizing certain spaces, from workspaces to rooms at home, but there's also a nice time management section towards the end of the book to round the discussion out.
I honestly think her "Time Management from the Inside Out" was more practical to my needs, but I think anyone who needs a boost in helping to have their homes, workplaces and how to keep to that venture would do well to pick this up.
Overall score: 3.5/5 stars
I honestly think her "Time Management from the Inside Out" was more practical to my needs, but I think anyone who needs a boost in helping to have their homes, workplaces and how to keep to that venture would do well to pick this up.
Overall score: 3.5/5 stars
March 31, 2020
I gave five Stars because this book gave me information I’ve never read or thought of before! A couple of GREAT tips!
August 19, 2017
OK. Så här är det. Jag är bibliotekarie. Bibliotekarier älskar ordning och reda. Allt går att klassificera och kategorisera, var sak har sin plats, och gud hjälpe den som inte lägger tillbaka en pryttel där hen tog den. Jag menar, när jag pluggade hade vi en 8 v kurs i klassificering och SAB¹. Dessutom brukar mamma och pappa påminna mig om alla timmar jag som barn tillbringat med att sortera knapparna i knapplådan (ni vet, den där lådan med knappar som kan vara bra att ha om en är född under 1900-talets första hälft), hur jag ställde upp alla leksaksbilar i storleksordning eller om när jag sorterade gem på mammas jobb. Eller, just det brukar hon inte påminna mig om, det minns jag själv. Hrm.
Men alltså.
Jag gillar ordning och reda. Jag tror benhårt på strategin att om en alltid lägger tillbaka saker på deras plats kommer de aldrig att försvinna. Men det är ju det där med att leva som en lär…
Hela recensionen: http://ottosson.cc/ordning-och-reda-i...
Men alltså.
Jag gillar ordning och reda. Jag tror benhårt på strategin att om en alltid lägger tillbaka saker på deras plats kommer de aldrig att försvinna. Men det är ju det där med att leva som en lär…
Hela recensionen: http://ottosson.cc/ordning-och-reda-i...
May 17, 2020
In May 2020, the Organize 365 book reviews will focus on estate planning and home organizing. This week I review Organizing From the Inside Out by Julie Morgenstern.
This is the oldest organizing book I have in my personal library. Julie came out with this book back in 1998, but her principles stand the test of time. I read this book a few years before we adopted our two children, but I still remember Julie’s story of becoming a mom and feeling so disorganized.
She applied her professional organizing strategies to her personal life. She followed the steps of analyze, strategize, and then attack the problem. I could not wait to be a mother, and I knew I would organize our diaper bag exactly the same way. I love that Julie has developed a framework to create a solution that can be taught and replicated in different spaces and life situations.
Available May 19, 2020 watch my full review at https://youtu.be/S-E5GkQGBzM
This is the oldest organizing book I have in my personal library. Julie came out with this book back in 1998, but her principles stand the test of time. I read this book a few years before we adopted our two children, but I still remember Julie’s story of becoming a mom and feeling so disorganized.
She applied her professional organizing strategies to her personal life. She followed the steps of analyze, strategize, and then attack the problem. I could not wait to be a mother, and I knew I would organize our diaper bag exactly the same way. I love that Julie has developed a framework to create a solution that can be taught and replicated in different spaces and life situations.
Available May 19, 2020 watch my full review at https://youtu.be/S-E5GkQGBzM
February 25, 2008
One of my favorite things about this book is that the author helps you to recognize that you already have organizational systems in place, then she helps you to reach the next level and beyond. She keeps things simple and logical, and encourages the reader to personalize their own systems. The author avoids denigrating or discouraging the reader, instead of presuming that they are doomed to a life-time of desperate struggle against some innate and entrenched personality flaws, she gives clear and concise advice without some of the silly and time-wasting gimmicks I've seen in other such books. The author includes advice on how to stay motivated. I keep this book on hand as a reference. Sometimes, just seeing it on my shelf reminds me to get back on track.
July 10, 2007
Practical!!!!!! I would read a chapter and then act upon it. Just don't get anal about organization. The book is meant to enhance your life not rule your life.
November 3, 2012
A useful book, she has a good way of thinking your way out of the horders hell you may have gotten yourself into. However I found her later book "SHED" more useful for my personal situation.
February 27, 2019
It stands to reason that I wanted to improve organization that has been challenging me. I hoped this book would do it for me. Sorry to say, I’m already doing just about everything Julie suggests, with the exception of the purging parts. I seem to be rather hopeless when it comes to parting with things I clearly don’t need, and, as she points out, unless I can do this I’m not going to get too far. So once again, it’s on me! However, for those who have no idea how to go about organizing their lives, there is something here for everyone. Julie takes each area you may need to organize from your closet to photos to computer files and gives good outlines for tackling each area. It tends to get repetitive if you read all of them, but that only proves that mastering skills can apply to each area. I copied some charts for future use. 3 stars for me, 4 for newbies.
May 6, 2024
So far it’s all great advice. Straightforward, no gimmicks, not trying to sell you anything… I really liked it. Straightforward and easy to understand. Very useful. 4.4 stars
July 11, 2022
I thought this book had excellent ideas on how to organize. I liked her idea about labeling things and thinking of a space like a kindergarten classroom. I liked her idea of keeping a journal about what is currently working and what needs improvement. I liked her ideas about taking before/after pictures and finding ways to stay motivated such as listening to music while working. I also liked her suggestion on spending two to five hours a day working. That way you are not burnt out but it allows enough time to get a certain amount of work done. I liked how she mentioned in the beginning that she herself was not a born organizer-it was a skill she had to learn. I also liked the mention of the organizing organizations. I thought the book was very helpful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2014
Not bad considering that this book is somewhat dated (written in the late 90s) and some of the technology has changed since then.
I like the premise of working with how you think and what has worked for you in your life. Not everyone can use the cookie-cutter approach that is given in so many of these organization books. There are practical tips on how to organize, what to throw out (the no-brainer lists), and systems that work well.
Supplies recommended when starting on these projects include:
trash bags (big, heavy-duty)
empty boxes, labeled as give away, belongs elsewhere, needs repair
dusting supplies (cloths, sprays, broom,etc)
manila folders (to sort papers)
post-it notes
pencil/notepads (notes to yourself)
bankers boxes
beverages and snacks
No-brainer toss lists include things like:
ads/mailings
old magazines, articles
duplicates of documents
broken dishes
ugly serving pieces, dishes, glasses
excess plastic containers, jars, stemware, cups
Closet organizing list was nice:
1) List what you need places for: clothing-hanging/folded, coats, shoes, jewelry, toiletries, linens, luggage, holiday decor, files, books, collections, memorabilia, photos, records/CDs, sports equipment, games, hobby/crafts, gift wrapping, repairs, utility, dishes, groceries, cleaning supplies, stuff to go out (dry cleaning, mail, recycle, etc), other unique things for you
2) Room by room inventory: list room, storage unit, function, dividers needed
3) Sketch floor plan
I like the premise of working with how you think and what has worked for you in your life. Not everyone can use the cookie-cutter approach that is given in so many of these organization books. There are practical tips on how to organize, what to throw out (the no-brainer lists), and systems that work well.
Supplies recommended when starting on these projects include:
trash bags (big, heavy-duty)
empty boxes, labeled as give away, belongs elsewhere, needs repair
dusting supplies (cloths, sprays, broom,etc)
manila folders (to sort papers)
post-it notes
pencil/notepads (notes to yourself)
bankers boxes
beverages and snacks
No-brainer toss lists include things like:
ads/mailings
old magazines, articles
duplicates of documents
broken dishes
ugly serving pieces, dishes, glasses
excess plastic containers, jars, stemware, cups
Closet organizing list was nice:
1) List what you need places for: clothing-hanging/folded, coats, shoes, jewelry, toiletries, linens, luggage, holiday decor, files, books, collections, memorabilia, photos, records/CDs, sports equipment, games, hobby/crafts, gift wrapping, repairs, utility, dishes, groceries, cleaning supplies, stuff to go out (dry cleaning, mail, recycle, etc), other unique things for you
2) Room by room inventory: list room, storage unit, function, dividers needed
3) Sketch floor plan
October 26, 2010
I bought this book several years ago and have only recently actually read it from the beginning - instead of skipping to the specific chapters on organizing specific areas of the house. It offers some very helpful ideas that I'm going to use to keep my home and office work spaces from being referred to by others as 'black holes' and help me more easily retrieve the materials I need easily, yet live within the physical limitations of the space available.
The steps that I skipped before were the 'analyze' and 'strategize' steps - which hopefully hold the keys to longevity of the effects of my organizing efforts. Morgenstern offers several diagnostic tests that help guide the reader to methods that are applicable to the reader as well as consistent with the reader's personality, goals and activities. One size does not fit all.
There is a second edition available, which I'm sure addresses some of the items that are clearly outdated. The paper centric suggestions on handling email and voice mail (just print them out and file them).
The chapter on time management was later expanded into an entire book, using many of the principles that Morgenstern developed. I didn't find the chapter helpful - but it may be that I'm currently (happily temporarily) carrying an extra heavy workload because of a retirement that took some time to replace.
You can also find Morgenstern's ideas on her website. Well worth checking into if your work space feels inefficient.
The steps that I skipped before were the 'analyze' and 'strategize' steps - which hopefully hold the keys to longevity of the effects of my organizing efforts. Morgenstern offers several diagnostic tests that help guide the reader to methods that are applicable to the reader as well as consistent with the reader's personality, goals and activities. One size does not fit all.
There is a second edition available, which I'm sure addresses some of the items that are clearly outdated. The paper centric suggestions on handling email and voice mail (just print them out and file them).
The chapter on time management was later expanded into an entire book, using many of the principles that Morgenstern developed. I didn't find the chapter helpful - but it may be that I'm currently (happily temporarily) carrying an extra heavy workload because of a retirement that took some time to replace.
You can also find Morgenstern's ideas on her website. Well worth checking into if your work space feels inefficient.
April 2, 2013
This book was very useful for me. I read several organizational books this spring and this one was by far the best. Rather than falling back on cliches about unorganized people, Morgenstern cites several fresh psychological obstacles to clearing clutter. (I discovered I was a "Conquistador of Clutter".) The book is set up in several sections. The first section helps you understand the underlying causes of clutter/messiness. The second gives you the tools you need to plan how you will clear out your clutter and organize yourself. The third section gives examples from other people and goes through each area of your home and gives suggestions, possible lengths of time each section will take, and action steps to keep things clean. Some of the third section was useful for me, but most of it was skimmed over. If you work in an office setting, it may be much more useful for you. Overall, this book was very helpful for me in my quest for organization. I highly recommend it to anyone trying to get organized. My favorite organizing book is still Peter Walsh's "It's All Too Much", but this one is a close second.
July 15, 2015
This book offers a helpful strategy for organizing different spaces in your life, both at work and at home. The author outlines the strategy in the first parts of the book, then applies it to different types of spaces in the later parts. One thing that set this book apart from other organizing books I've read is the acknowledgement of the underlying reasons that people become and stay disorganized. (I would actually enjoy a whole book on that subject.) It also recognizes that there isn't necessarily a one-size-fits-all solution, but that we all can do what's best for ourselves as individuals. One criticism is that the "applying what you've learned" chapters get a bit repetitive if you read one after another. I could only look over different category groupings so many times, and my eyes started to glaze over at the lists of storage container recommendations in each chapter. I also think that some of the advice, like applying labels to every container and shelf, could be too much work to be consistent with, or could get out of hand too easily. Despite that, I could see this book being a helpful tool in helping anyone get organized.
April 30, 2016
I've gotta say, I liked this book. It made mu understand some of the things with organization I've always struggled with. These days, I've been reorganizing the whole house top to bottom because I feel like I need everything to be organized enough for me to function when the baby comes. And two of the easiest lessons are the ones that I use the most - don't underestimate how long a project will take. I've been slowly reorganizing the bedroom, and it's taken hours. The old me would have expected it to be done in just a few hours, then been frustrated and stressed out when all I had to show for it was my usual mess on the floor. And the other one - stop buying "magical organizational tools" that are totally wrong for the task. Sure, that little bin might be cute…but is it actually functional for the purpose I'm trying to buy it for?
I still might not be the most organized human being on the planet, and I'll never say that this comes naturally to me…but it is making me feel like I can accomplish more than just making a mess!
I still might not be the most organized human being on the planet, and I'll never say that this comes naturally to me…but it is making me feel like I can accomplish more than just making a mess!
February 26, 2010
To be fair, I did not read this book word for word; I ended up just leafing through it after the first section. I felt it was geared more towards organizing businesses than homes. Also, when it comes to home organization, you have to find the right fit for you. This just wasn't it for me. I think all that this book could have offered me I had already gotten out of reading House Works by Cynthia Townsend Ewer.
This book did open my eyes to one thing, however. I don't think organization is necessarily my problem--I can find my keys, I have a place for things, my paperwork is filed. The problem for which I am seeking a solution is how to have a less messy house when you have small children. If anyone has some advice or good books to recommend on that topic, please share!
This book did open my eyes to one thing, however. I don't think organization is necessarily my problem--I can find my keys, I have a place for things, my paperwork is filed. The problem for which I am seeking a solution is how to have a less messy house when you have small children. If anyone has some advice or good books to recommend on that topic, please share!
April 9, 2010
I am TOTALLY loving this book!!! AND I adore Julie Morgenstern. She makes absolute sense and her voice is fabulous! Not done, yet but getting there!
I ordered this book at the library and somehow I got a CD version. At first I was disappointed, I like "seeing" help books, feel like that helps me take notes. But I have loved hearing the author, Julie Morgenstern, read this aloud. She has a lovely voice and is very sharp and clear and you get to hear where she is coming from, in her voice.
I really like her philosophy, as well. "Stop and analyze your personality, first. Not all organizing ideas are for you." I especially like that she doesn't believe throwing everything away is a rule of thumb for all people. I LOVE THIS WOMAN!!!! Glory Hallelujah :)
I ordered this book at the library and somehow I got a CD version. At first I was disappointed, I like "seeing" help books, feel like that helps me take notes. But I have loved hearing the author, Julie Morgenstern, read this aloud. She has a lovely voice and is very sharp and clear and you get to hear where she is coming from, in her voice.
I really like her philosophy, as well. "Stop and analyze your personality, first. Not all organizing ideas are for you." I especially like that she doesn't believe throwing everything away is a rule of thumb for all people. I LOVE THIS WOMAN!!!! Glory Hallelujah :)
January 29, 2011
I read this book when I was getting started as a professional organizer.
One of the things I like about it is that it suggests various ways of organizing each area in the home. This can be very helpful when working with clients with different personalities and lifestyles than your own. It also includes time estimates for various organizing projects. Although this will naturally vary depending on the situation, it’s a useful guideline when you’re quoting on a job, especially when you’re new and haven’t worked with enough clients to come up with your own estimate.
In addition, there are a number of handy lists, such as suggested categories for household files.
One of the things I like about it is that it suggests various ways of organizing each area in the home. This can be very helpful when working with clients with different personalities and lifestyles than your own. It also includes time estimates for various organizing projects. Although this will naturally vary depending on the situation, it’s a useful guideline when you’re quoting on a job, especially when you’re new and haven’t worked with enough clients to come up with your own estimate.
In addition, there are a number of handy lists, such as suggested categories for household files.
March 22, 2012
The first thing I love about this book is that it gets you to identify why and how you use the spaces in your life before it gives tips on how to fix your problems.
For me, I care full-time for my 85-year-old Grandma with dementia who picks things up and puts them down and forgets where she put them straight away. She's been hoarding for 50 years. It takes time to train her to use new systems. The litmus test of the ideas in this book will be creating a space that works for me and Grandma as I organise a two-storey five-bedroom house.
I'm looking forward to the challenge and recommend other people test out the ideas in this book for their unique situations.
For me, I care full-time for my 85-year-old Grandma with dementia who picks things up and puts them down and forgets where she put them straight away. She's been hoarding for 50 years. It takes time to train her to use new systems. The litmus test of the ideas in this book will be creating a space that works for me and Grandma as I organise a two-storey five-bedroom house.
I'm looking forward to the challenge and recommend other people test out the ideas in this book for their unique situations.
September 21, 2016
If I intend to organize again, I should remember to hold hands with the chapters in this book as I analyze, strategize, and execute.
October 9, 2019
This is my second time reading this book. I love it. It's practical. Easy to apply to real life. Changed my life actually.
March 2, 2020
This book sat on my shelf for years, then one day when I was trying to parse through the books I own (as I do twice a year or so), I finally decided to read it or throw it out. I am so glad I didn’t throw it out.
It’s obviously dated and written for a certain kind of person (middle/upper class and business people) but the premises can apply to almost anyone. As someone who has tried Marie Kondo and found some valuable perspectives but always gotten entirely overwhelmed when attempting to carry it out, this book was the missing organizing piece in my life. The author encourages the reader to organize in a way that makes the most sense for them. Her advice helps you to not end up over your head in piles that you created but no longer have the energy to organize. It’s a system where you figure out what works for you. It’s mostly things like: if you tend to pile stuff in one area of the room, make that the designated place for that stuff. Wait to buy storage containers until you know what size you need based on the space it will live and volume of objects it will hold, and make sure it appeals to your tastes. Organize first in an area that will make the biggest impact, and therefore offer the most encouragement (such as the top of your dresser as opposed to the dresser drawers or your closet). This book helps the reader identify and offer solutions to issues they may be facing and points out factors to consider that may be impacting the way they feel about clutter. Also, it offers suggestions on how to organize when you live with other people.
The core of the book is parts 1 and 2, and that’s all you really need to read. Part 3 is useful as examples of how you might apply the principals in parts 1&2 to different areas of the house. Part 4 is about organizing your time but I haven’t read it as I’m less interested in that aspect of the book. Will update if I ever do.
I removed one star because it needs updated and it’s oriented towards a specific group of people. Still, I think almost anyone could find something of value in these pages.
It’s obviously dated and written for a certain kind of person (middle/upper class and business people) but the premises can apply to almost anyone. As someone who has tried Marie Kondo and found some valuable perspectives but always gotten entirely overwhelmed when attempting to carry it out, this book was the missing organizing piece in my life. The author encourages the reader to organize in a way that makes the most sense for them. Her advice helps you to not end up over your head in piles that you created but no longer have the energy to organize. It’s a system where you figure out what works for you. It’s mostly things like: if you tend to pile stuff in one area of the room, make that the designated place for that stuff. Wait to buy storage containers until you know what size you need based on the space it will live and volume of objects it will hold, and make sure it appeals to your tastes. Organize first in an area that will make the biggest impact, and therefore offer the most encouragement (such as the top of your dresser as opposed to the dresser drawers or your closet). This book helps the reader identify and offer solutions to issues they may be facing and points out factors to consider that may be impacting the way they feel about clutter. Also, it offers suggestions on how to organize when you live with other people.
The core of the book is parts 1 and 2, and that’s all you really need to read. Part 3 is useful as examples of how you might apply the principals in parts 1&2 to different areas of the house. Part 4 is about organizing your time but I haven’t read it as I’m less interested in that aspect of the book. Will update if I ever do.
I removed one star because it needs updated and it’s oriented towards a specific group of people. Still, I think almost anyone could find something of value in these pages.
March 25, 2018
Julie Morgenstern has written the bible of organizing. If you need help or love honing your systems, this is your reference book!
Morgenstern begins her organizing manual with her own history as a disorganized youth and how she discovered her patented techniques for organizing any space with her special "Analyze, Strategize, Attack" process. The majority of the book is full of space-by-space chapters where she puts her detailed process into action, giving suggestions and recommendations for every type of situation from your cupboard to a traveling office. There are even a couple sections about time and technology!
First, please keep in mind that this book is dense. There's a lot to take in if you read it from start to finish, so for the casual reader, I'd recommend reading the beginning section and the chapters for the space(s) you're working on. The best part is, you have a step-by-step process for each possible space with examples, guides, and common issues. Morgenstern basically covers it all, and I would *highly* recommend the chapter on time management to everyone.
My only complaint is that there isn't a modern edition! Even what was new and cutting edge in 2004 (a 1GB flash drive, oh my!) is almost obsolete 15 years later, and many of her suggestions should be taken with a grain of modern salt - unless you really do still have a VHS collection and a Rolodex!
I would highly recommend reading through once if you're seriously interested in organizing. I plan to use this as one of my go-to references for any space in future.
Morgenstern begins her organizing manual with her own history as a disorganized youth and how she discovered her patented techniques for organizing any space with her special "Analyze, Strategize, Attack" process. The majority of the book is full of space-by-space chapters where she puts her detailed process into action, giving suggestions and recommendations for every type of situation from your cupboard to a traveling office. There are even a couple sections about time and technology!
First, please keep in mind that this book is dense. There's a lot to take in if you read it from start to finish, so for the casual reader, I'd recommend reading the beginning section and the chapters for the space(s) you're working on. The best part is, you have a step-by-step process for each possible space with examples, guides, and common issues. Morgenstern basically covers it all, and I would *highly* recommend the chapter on time management to everyone.
My only complaint is that there isn't a modern edition! Even what was new and cutting edge in 2004 (a 1GB flash drive, oh my!) is almost obsolete 15 years later, and many of her suggestions should be taken with a grain of modern salt - unless you really do still have a VHS collection and a Rolodex!
I would highly recommend reading through once if you're seriously interested in organizing. I plan to use this as one of my go-to references for any space in future.
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