Organizing for the Rest of Us

by Dana K. White

[annieb123]

Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Organizing for the Rest of Us: 100 Realistic Strategies to Keep Any House Under Control is a well written and accessible guide to no-nonsense livable organizing strategies with understanding and allowances for personal hobbies and variations written by Dana K. White. Due out 11th Jan from Thomas Nelson, it's 224 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.

This is a collection of bite-sized techniques for decluttering and organizing our homes and keeping spaces clean and clutter-free. The author (a former self-confessed slob) has tested and refined the techniques and distilled the testing into what has worked for her, and importantly, why it has worked. Much of the information is self evident (frequent tasks need to be done frequently), but a fair bit wasn't obvious to me and makes a heck of a lot of sense (don't start decluttering with the junk drawer which nobody sees, do the entryway and open *visible* areas first then build on that momentum).

The book can be read front to back, or the tips and strategies can be plucked out and read as and when the reader needs a boost. The chapters are arranged thematically - but the chapter headings are so vague as to be almost useless when trying to find a specific bit of info. There is no index included in the pre-publication ARC provided for reviewers.

I liked that there's no "Kondo-ing" because there's no way in the world I'm ever going to be able to have 30 books or fewer in my house, and let's politely ignore the Everest sized stash of yarn and crafting supplies. The vibe of the book really *is* for regular people who do have too much stuff and she does a good job of explaining how to find a threshold readers can live with and operate inside.

The graphic look of the book is simple and breezy, there are some photos, but not many (most of them are before/after comparisons). The publisher is a Christian publishing house, but there is no overt messaging in the book. One odd thing which struck me about the book is trivial - but there's a gift bookplate inscribed on the front endpaper: A Gift For _______ From ______ and Date_____. I've been wondering who should gift this book and in what circumstances? Kids to a parent? Parents to a kid (moving out?), Mother-in-law to the not-fave daughter in law? Friends honestly worried about a hoarder friend or family member? I have to know!

Anyhow, just as stated on the cover, it does seem to be a book for the rest of us who are struggling with daily mess and clutter, relayed by the author who has, in her own words, been there herself.

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.