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Organize Your Life: Free Yourself from Clutter and Find More Personal Time
NEW FROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHORS OF ORGANIZE YOURSELF! ""Time is such a gift and with Organize Your Life I have found more of it! This book is never far from my kitchen table.""
— Trish McEvoy , founder of Trish McEvoy cosmetics and author of The Power of Makeup ""Ronni Eisenberg and Kate Kelly have done it again! Those who seek to organize their chaotic lives stand to profit greatly.""
— Stephanie Winston , author of Getting Organized ""How can I find time to do everything I need to do?"" ""How can I make more time just for me?"" If you ever ask yourself these questions, this is the book for you. Let time management and organizational expert Ronni Eisenberg show you how to make time for what's important to you! You'll discover eight simple steps to regain control of your life, learn how to plan and prioritize to save time, and get things done. Whether you're overwhelmed by things to do (errands, phone calls, picking up, or putting away) or things you have (clothing you never wear, piles of paperwork, overflowing closets, and stuffed storage boxes), this book is filled with easy tools and tips to get organized in every area of your life.
— Trish McEvoy , founder of Trish McEvoy cosmetics and author of The Power of Makeup ""Ronni Eisenberg and Kate Kelly have done it again! Those who seek to organize their chaotic lives stand to profit greatly.""
— Stephanie Winston , author of Getting Organized ""How can I find time to do everything I need to do?"" ""How can I make more time just for me?"" If you ever ask yourself these questions, this is the book for you. Let time management and organizational expert Ronni Eisenberg show you how to make time for what's important to you! You'll discover eight simple steps to regain control of your life, learn how to plan and prioritize to save time, and get things done. Whether you're overwhelmed by things to do (errands, phone calls, picking up, or putting away) or things you have (clothing you never wear, piles of paperwork, overflowing closets, and stuffed storage boxes), this book is filled with easy tools and tips to get organized in every area of your life.
260 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
8 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 23, 2018
Totally useless to me. If you’re extremely busy and need to cut corners to find extra time, this book may be for you. I’m looking for organizing advice for someone with zero handle on life. It’s not in this book.
March 20, 2013
This book is not for everyone. I originally picked this book up because I thought it might actually have some useful advice for the common person, but it doesn't. It puts you into a cookie cutter mold, and if you don't fit the shape, this book doesn't help you. This book gives you the impression that it doesn't even want to help you, because, quite frankly, you do not meet their qualifications.
What exactly do I mean? This book works under the premise that you have a 9-5, Monday - Friday job. It assumes you have a family, and if you have children, it assumes you have a spouse. All of the advice is geared towards people who fall into this category. At one point, the book even suggests that if household chores are simply bogging you down too much, hire a maid. Hire a nanny to help you with the kids so that you have more time for you. Who has that kind of money?
The people who really need help in making the most of their time are the ones who are actually struggling. The ones who are not covered by the topics presented in this book. Where is the advice for the single mother working two jobs while trying to raise her kids because there is no child support? Where's the advice for the single person trying to pay off student loans? Forget about having a family to help with their problems; that person doesn't have time to be focusing on finding a spouse to make a family with.
Let me put it to you this way; if you have a steady job, with steady hours, and enough money to pay a mortgage and hire a maid yet you still have the audacity to complain about how terrible your life is because you have people coming over for a dinner party and, oh my god, you absolutely don't know what to do with that pile of unpaid bills sitting out on the counter, I don't want to hear from you. The only person who wants to hear from you is the author of this book, so she can take your money while telling you simple common sense things that you want to hear. There are people with real problems out there, people who could actually benefit from finding more time for themselves so they can get out of whatever situation they're in. Why don't we try helping them for a change?
Oh, and while I have your attention: finding good chunks of time is like finding a good sex life. Little ones are all you're going to get, so you might as well make the most of them.
What exactly do I mean? This book works under the premise that you have a 9-5, Monday - Friday job. It assumes you have a family, and if you have children, it assumes you have a spouse. All of the advice is geared towards people who fall into this category. At one point, the book even suggests that if household chores are simply bogging you down too much, hire a maid. Hire a nanny to help you with the kids so that you have more time for you. Who has that kind of money?
The people who really need help in making the most of their time are the ones who are actually struggling. The ones who are not covered by the topics presented in this book. Where is the advice for the single mother working two jobs while trying to raise her kids because there is no child support? Where's the advice for the single person trying to pay off student loans? Forget about having a family to help with their problems; that person doesn't have time to be focusing on finding a spouse to make a family with.
Let me put it to you this way; if you have a steady job, with steady hours, and enough money to pay a mortgage and hire a maid yet you still have the audacity to complain about how terrible your life is because you have people coming over for a dinner party and, oh my god, you absolutely don't know what to do with that pile of unpaid bills sitting out on the counter, I don't want to hear from you. The only person who wants to hear from you is the author of this book, so she can take your money while telling you simple common sense things that you want to hear. There are people with real problems out there, people who could actually benefit from finding more time for themselves so they can get out of whatever situation they're in. Why don't we try helping them for a change?
Oh, and while I have your attention: finding good chunks of time is like finding a good sex life. Little ones are all you're going to get, so you might as well make the most of them.
September 24, 2016
Parts of this were good but a lot was outdated since it's 9 years old (PDAs, email joke chains, emphasis on paper systems vs apps or websites). I also got less out of it than I might have since I've already learned things from other organization books and I don't have kids yet. Still gleaned a couple good ideas though!
April 29, 2018
The first part that discusses principles of organizing your life is the best part. The rest points out specific actions that can be taken and are often repeated amongst various aspects of your life.
March 27, 2025
Very old book, not suitable for today’s life
July 17, 2013
Here's the deal: I'm a big mess. I didn't use to be - I used to get everything done and packed away in neat little boxes. But between dealing with multiple mental and physical illnesses, being a full-time student and a part-time employee, a live-in girlfriend and a live-away friend and family member, I can barely catch a breath before I have to jump back up and do something new. On top of that, we're moving in a week and I haven't started packing and I definitely don't want to carry my bad habits to our new home. I've looked at the mounds of "Mommy Planners" on Pinterest and thought I would browse the library for some help because I need a quick change before I move. Organize Your Life looked like it could be my lifesaver. It offers many helpful hints, some that I already employ and others that really helped to bridge the gap.
However, I quickly noticed there were some problems with the premise of the book. As one reviewer noted, the author pushes you into a cookie-cutter mold of a close-knit, nuclear family with a stable job and your own house. My life doesn't fit this model at all and so I had real difficulty trying to work around or dismiss many of her tips, such as "get family members to help out." Another issue is that the book is long-winded when it really could be simpler, and perhaps with some pictures to explain what the author is talking about. It took me several days to comb through this book when what I really needed was to get organized completely and quickly. Many unorganized people are also easily distracted or dealing with a lot, that's why they're not as organized as they could be. Finally, you may have to brace yourselves for some out-of-date recommendations, since many of the organizing tips she suggests could be taken care of with a quick app, although this author is better at projecting future possibilities than others.
TL;DR: When writing a book on organization, it's probably best to keep it simple and include as much media material as possible (aka Know your audience!).
However, I quickly noticed there were some problems with the premise of the book. As one reviewer noted, the author pushes you into a cookie-cutter mold of a close-knit, nuclear family with a stable job and your own house. My life doesn't fit this model at all and so I had real difficulty trying to work around or dismiss many of her tips, such as "get family members to help out." Another issue is that the book is long-winded when it really could be simpler, and perhaps with some pictures to explain what the author is talking about. It took me several days to comb through this book when what I really needed was to get organized completely and quickly. Many unorganized people are also easily distracted or dealing with a lot, that's why they're not as organized as they could be. Finally, you may have to brace yourselves for some out-of-date recommendations, since many of the organizing tips she suggests could be taken care of with a quick app, although this author is better at projecting future possibilities than others.
TL;DR: When writing a book on organization, it's probably best to keep it simple and include as much media material as possible (aka Know your audience!).
January 19, 2015
This really wasn't the book for me. I ended up skimming a good portion, or just looking at the bullet points. Much of it is common sense and already done in my house. It did seem geared toward a specific set of people married/cohabiting adults who work outside the home a normal type of job. I am married, with children (too small to help with anything), and work from home and don't have "projects" like the jobs that the author seems to be sticking with so much of that didn't relate to my work. I didn't really feel like I got a lot out of this, what good points I did find were things that I already know/employ at home. There were some odd emphasis pieces in this book, like the idea of cutting time in the morning if your goal is to read the paper-possibly a sign of the times although this book isn't that old-but I have found that those who want that to be a habit, already do, and those that don't well don't. There was this focus on what to do during waiting times and how to fill it up (while in traffic/commute to work, waiting at Dr.'s appointments, etc.) that had nothing to do with organization or clutter so didn't make sense as to why it was in the book.
I have found that most people who are trying to reduce clutter, organize their life, and/or find personal time are also trying to stay within budget or at the least don't have a ton of disposable income that can just be thrown around. For instance, if you see the skirt-buy it now, you won't find it again, and don't forget to buy a matching blouse so that you don't have a skirt that doesn't match anything in your closet at home. After all you can just return it-but don't return it during these times or you will be waiting too long-unless you brought your recommending reading and organization notebook. The truth is most people don't want to deal with returns so regardless of if they needed it they buy it and spend money. Granted, I know this book does not promise anywhere in it to save you money, but some of those suggestions are not realistic for most of us.
I have found that most people who are trying to reduce clutter, organize their life, and/or find personal time are also trying to stay within budget or at the least don't have a ton of disposable income that can just be thrown around. For instance, if you see the skirt-buy it now, you won't find it again, and don't forget to buy a matching blouse so that you don't have a skirt that doesn't match anything in your closet at home. After all you can just return it-but don't return it during these times or you will be waiting too long-unless you brought your recommending reading and organization notebook. The truth is most people don't want to deal with returns so regardless of if they needed it they buy it and spend money. Granted, I know this book does not promise anywhere in it to save you money, but some of those suggestions are not realistic for most of us.
January 13, 2009
I loved this book. There were lots of practical tips for organizing your home, your time, your life, your office, your family, and everything in between. The book was easy to read and had ideas that you could incorporate immediately, rather than some of the organization books that require a dozen steps before you can even start the organization process.
My one complaint about the book is that I sometimes had a hard time making it all the way through a chapter. I would get so motivated to go organize that I wouldn't finish the chapter.
Readers of organizational books will likely hear something they've heard before, but even if you've read a number of other organizational books, (including other books by Ronni Eisenberg), this one is definitely worth the time.
My one complaint about the book is that I sometimes had a hard time making it all the way through a chapter. I would get so motivated to go organize that I wouldn't finish the chapter.
Readers of organizational books will likely hear something they've heard before, but even if you've read a number of other organizational books, (including other books by Ronni Eisenberg), this one is definitely worth the time.
September 26, 2008
Okay. With some people it is alcohol; for others it is chocolate (not that I am immune to that one, by the way). For some it is cigarettes; for others it is shopping or shoes. For me, it is books on getting organized. You might think I would be perfectly organized after all of this, but you would be (sadly) mistaken. However, I love books about organization. It makes me feel more organized just reading them. Lest you think I am a complete mess, I assure you I am not. This is a good book. Even an normally organized person could pick up a few tips from it, such as how long to keep certain papers in the home office or how never to lose your keys again.
July 18, 2014
I really enjoyed the ideas presented by this book and I think I can incorporate them in my day-to-day activities. The style of writing was easy to read and easy to relate to, and I liked the mini stories of real-life experiences sprinkled throughout.
The only gripe I have about the book was the complete lack of an "ending". I felt like the book just stopped, but never actually ended. Especially considering the TYPE of book this is...I expected more. A summary of points would have been nice. Sample lists in an appendix would have been great. Additional resources would have been appreciated. I was left wanting.
The only gripe I have about the book was the complete lack of an "ending". I felt like the book just stopped, but never actually ended. Especially considering the TYPE of book this is...I expected more. A summary of points would have been nice. Sample lists in an appendix would have been great. Additional resources would have been appreciated. I was left wanting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2008
Eisenberg & Kelly offer really helpful advice for the organizationally-challenged, both at home and at work. My only complaint is their tendency to advocate just "tossing" things as opposed to finding new uses, donating, or recycling. Also, in the digital age, the topic of digital file storage as a means of dealing with all the "paper stacks" we collect was not mentioned as a possible suggestion, a huge oversight in my opinion.
September 9, 2014
Everybody I know would probably mock me endlessly for actually reading this book, but I'm obsessed with organizing tips/tricks/lists. As such books go, this one was interesting enough & easy to read. A lot of it wasn't really applicable to me & my life(style) as a single woman in my 20s. That's probably what most affected my rating - that & the fact that I can't really imagine rating a book about how to file paperwork as being on par with a novel or any kind of theoretical piece.
February 13, 2011
I picked up this book at the library on a whim and throughly enjoyed reading it! Even the highly organized can find tips to make things run a little smoother. It's always a good idea to review your current systems and make sure they are still working for you. I picked up a few good tips which I've already implemented and am enjoying the results.
May 29, 2009
Although this book seems to be geared more towards those in the workforce, it still had some great tips I have applied recently & are working quite well. But, there are other organization books I have read that I gleaned a lot more from.
October 23, 2009
I really enjoyed reading this book. It has motivated me to use some of the ideas presented. The real test of an organization book, to me, is if I am still motivated after a month or so. We'll see...
March 4, 2014
Some helpful suggestions and reminders but a lot of info that was unapplicable to the particular circumstances of my life, e.g., several chapters and paragraphs throughout the book having to do with office jobs. I'm looking for more of a home/family life organizing book.
Read
December 30, 2008I love books about organizing, though I spend more time reading them than really organizing. The book has many well-known tips, but it did inspire me to clean out my closet.
Read
August 2, 2011it is ALWAYS going to be a go back too kind of book!
December 13, 2011
Organizes the intangibles. Tips on how to conduct a meeting worked well for me. Also shopping, grooming, dressing, travel, managing email, planning a family vacation, and the like.
June 2, 2012
quick read; good tips even for the well- organized; I will be more diligent about not letting papers pile up and finishing tasks that take 30 seconds or less
November 5, 2012
Not much new info for me, but handy motivation to re-tackle the clutter and toss a lot of stuff I don't really use.
More for working people with kids/ family but useful nonetheless.
More for working people with kids/ family but useful nonetheless.
April 9, 2013
Some good ideas, but this book is a bit repetitive.
November 21, 2015
This was an incredibly thorough book. I gained a lot of insights and ideas on how to get a bit more organized! I definitely thought it was worth the read.
February 27, 2016
We've read several books on de-clutter and this was one.
July 23, 2016
Alright but not what I was looking for. This is more about habits and patterns.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews