Regina Leeds

3.5 stars; made it 4 because it's rated way too low. Short, to the point, and actually motivated me to get up and do something in the middle of reading -- more than once!

A lot of it is aimed at people with children (I'd love to give it to some of my relatives...) and I'm fairly well organized in many areas (don't look at my books & papers), but it had lots of useful suggestions for anyone. I've certainly read most of the same information before, but it's sensibly presented and makes it show more sound actually do-able; after all, who hasn't got 8 minutes? show less

3.5 stars; made it 4 because it's rated way too low. Short, to the point, and actually motivated me to get up and do something in the middle of reading -- more than once!

A lot of it is aimed at people with children (I'd love to give it to some of my relatives...) and I'm fairly well organized in many areas (don't look at my books & papers), but it had lots of useful suggestions for anyone. I've certainly read most of the same information before, but it's sensibly presented and makes it show more sound actually do-able; after all, who hasn't got 8 minutes? show less

Three and a half stars for this methodical, helpful guide to organizing all aspects of the home. The underlying philosophy is gentle and supportive. I've used the steps so far this year (adapted to my situation of not having a spouse or children). I especially like the overarching assumption that this is going to take months, rather than a quick fix.

Note that I read the original edition, and there is an updated one now.

I like the author's overall plan. Instead of becoming an Organized Person in one fell swoop (and burning out in the process), Leeds has you tackle one area per month and breaks each month down into a week-by-week plan. Sometimes this is an area of your house, such as tackling the kitchen in January or the bathroom in April. Other times, you reorganize an area of activity: in August, learn to plan a move; in November, plan Thanksgiving dinner (and how to throw parties in show more general).

Unfortunately, I found Leeds' writing style annoying and "precious" (she's fond of visualizations; they don't call to me). Plus, I'm drowning in books and yarn; Leeds barely touched on organizing books and the only craft she really talks about is scrapbooking, so her suggestions weren't much help to me. But her overall plan of attack is good. show less