1000 Best Quick and Easy Organizing Secrets

by Jamie Novak

Overview

"Reading this book is like getting advice from a trusted friend. Jamie's non-judgmental, conversational style put me at ease immediately. I felt like she had popped by and we had chatted over a cup of coffee. The last thing that someone who is dealing with clutter needs is more guilt! Jamie makes it seem manageable to conquer clutter."—Judith Leblein, Host of EBTV "Conversations" and WCTC 1450AM Radio Personality

"The best part is you don't have to know anything to get started! Jamie covers everything from start to finish."—Ramona Creel, Owner of the award-winning www.OnlineOrganizing.com

"Chock-full of simple, easy-to-apply tips and ideas to help you get organized. This is a great organizing reference to read, refer to often, and enjoy!"—Maria Gracia, Author of Finally Organized, Finally Free (www.GetOrganizedNow.com)

"At last—an organizing book that strives for progress instead of perfection. Jamie Novak's 1001 Best Organizing Secrets is real help for real people. Jamie understands that your house doesn't have to be perfect, you just need to be able to find your car keys."—Lisa Earle McLeod, Syndicated columnist and author of Forget Perfect (Penguin/Putnam)

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781402241550
Publisher:	Sourcebooks
Publication date:	04/01/2006
Series:	1000 Best
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	448
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Jamie Novak is an expert Professional Organizer and Clutter Coach. She's been a featured organizer on HGTV's Mission: Organization, and hosts her own show, Sort It out with Jamie. She also authored A Busy Person's Guide to a Life You Love. Jamie is the founder of The Clutter Club, a free, nationwide association in which discussion groups run by professional organizers focus on how to clear clutter. You can visit www.JamieNovak.com to find one running near you or to find out about starting one.

In her own unique and nonjudgmental way, she has been helping busy people clear the clutter, live a life they can enjoy in a home they love, and reach their goals with a clearer head. Her approach is both easy and motivating; she is a natural, and her passion for organizing shines through. Jamie promises not to try to reinvent you; instead, she helps you find your style and work with it. Her goal is to share real ideas that really work!

Jamie's main office is in Scotch Plains, NJ, where she grew up and still lives. She has a second office in Los Angeles, CA, where she spends a portion of the year. If you'd like to share a success story or submit your favorite tip, view other free resources, get an answer to your biggest clutter challenge, or view current Clutter Contests, visit www.JamieNovak.com.

Jamie challenges you to organize from the outside in. Once you gain control over all your stuff then step back and watch what happens! To get your free copy of Jamie's latest Clutter Challenge or to find out more about her, visit her website.

Jamie Novak has over 20 years experience as a Professional Organizer and Clutter Coach. A featured organizer on HGTV's Mission Organization, she is also ivillage's Resident Organizer (3 million community members), and frequently appears on QVC. Novak also writes for Organize magazine, and is a spokesperson for companies such as Proctor and Gamble.

Table of Contents

Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

How to Use This Book

Part One: Setting up for Success

Chapter 1: Making the Plan

Chapter 2: Using Your Organizing Style to Your Advantage

Part Two: Understanding Clutter

Chapter 3: What Is Clutter?

Chapter 4: Reasons Why We Keep Clutter

Part Three: Getting Motivated

Chapter 5: What Is Clutter Costing You?

Chapter 6: Clearing Clutter All the Way to the Bank

Part Four: Dealing with Mental Clutter

Chapter 7: Mind Clearing Techniques

Part Five: Making the Most of Your Time

Chapter 8: Tips for Time Balance

Chapter 9: Your "To Do" List and Calendar Management

Part Six: Clutterproofing Essentials

Chapter 10: Professional Clutterproofing Strategies

Chapter 11: Handling Sensitive Clutter Challenges

Chapter 12: The Golden Rules of Storage

Part Seven: Room by Room: Applying the Tips in Your Home

Chapter 13: Entryway

Chapter 14: Kitchen

Chapter 15: Dining Room

Chapter 16: Family Room and Living Room

Chapter 17: Playroom

Chapter 18: Bedrooms

Chapter 19: Kid's Bedrooms

Chapter 20: Bathrooms

Chapter 21: Laundry and Utility Rooms

Chapter 22: Workshop and Tool Areas

Chapter 23: Gardening Center

Chapter 24: Craft Area

Chapter 25: Photographs

Chapter 26: Car

Part Eight: Applying the Tips to Papr, the Office, and the Computer

Chapter 27: No Fail Paper Solution

Chapter 28: More Paper Tips

Chapter 29: In the Home Office

Chapter 30: Computers

Chapter 31: At the Office

Chapter 32: Tips for the Home-Based Business

Part Nine: Storage Areas

Chapter 33: Attics and Basements

Chapter 34: Closets of All Kinds

Chapter 35: Garage

Chapter 36: Patio, Shed, and Pool

Part Ten: Financial Clutter

Chapter 37: Simplifying Your Financial Record Keeping

Chapter 38: Bill Paying Made Easy

Part Eleven: Family Clutter

Chapter 39: Children

Chapter 40: Parnter

Part Twelve: Maintaining All Your Hard Work

Chapter 41: Break Old Patterns with These New Rules

Part Thirteen: Success Is Just a Step Away

Part Fourteen: Simple Sevens for Success

A Note from the Author

Resources

Retention Schedule

Irreplacable Documents List

Clutter Clubs

Index

About the Author

Editorial Reviews

For those who just need to get rid of clutter or become more productive, not revamp their whole life, one of these books may be the ticket. Professional organizer Novack designed her guide for multitasking, overscheduled, just-saw-it-here-a-minute-ago people who need simple, straightforward instructions for de-cluttering. Although she addresses the whys and wherefores of the cluttering mentality, she cuts to the chase with practical tips to help straighten out rooms, financial records, office surfaces, and more. One can easily browse the book and pick out pertinent chapters. Guaranteed to circulate during its first week on the shelf; recommended for all libraries. A productivity expert, Stack (Leave the Office Earlier) applies her skills to the homefront. Through a series of quizzes and exercises, readers determine how certain personality traits may be getting in the way of using time effectively. She devotes a chapter each to eight pillars of personal productivity-plans, priorities, and pets-that support successful lives. While Stack's stance is valuable, her narrative is heavy on the verbiage. The time-stretched may become overwhelmed just browsing the book. Libraries with the budget for several books on organizing can purchase both Novak's and Stack's books. If one has to choose, Novak's is the more useful to its designated population. Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Library Journal