How to Cheat at Organizing: Quick, Clutter-Clobbering Ways to Simplify Your Life

by Jeff Bredenberg

Can you really 'cheat' at organizing? Of course you can. How to Cheat at Organizing shows you how to take shortcuts every chance you get - to create just enough order to be happy with your life.

With his trademark wit and straightforward advice Jeff Bredenberg explains precisely how you can de-clutter everything from closets and offices to cooking and finances. All by following five core concepts that will keep your house - and your life - neatly organized. Beyond this core philosophy, you'll discover lots of great tips, detailed advice, and step-by-step instructions to make a wide range of life's difficult activities quick and easy.

You'll find out about the world's simplest weight loss diet (proven to be highly effective), how to slash the time you spend grocery shopping, and how to fill your house with hard working furniture.

And you'll discover a whole host of great new gadgets and devices that will free up more time to relax and enjoy the things that are really important to you.

Writing with a light touch and charming sense of humor, Jeff Bredenberg will have you smiling all the way to a simpler life.

Genres: Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2007

Reviews

[Anne White · Rating 2 out of 5]

Most of what's said here can be found in newer and better-written books. What saved it for me was the chapter on Collections. Finally, someone in this world of decluttering books admits that it's not a sin to collect things: you just have to keep them under control.

[adllto · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to think when I picked the book up in the library. A good practical cheating, aka shortcut, to getting things in some semblance of order. Overall disappointed because personally what I need is inspiration and motivation rather than another how to book which I've been reading for years. However 2 key ideas strike me. "Embrace technology" which I'm trying to do to reduce the media and physical books including reference materials. For example I have probably 6-10 dictionaries scattered through the apartment but I also have an internet connection. The second idea is the S4 technique which is Strip, scrap, sort, store. In practice this means take everything out, throw some away, sort into categories and then finally put it back. I suppose this is a practical application that everything should have its place or it becomes garbage.

[Renee · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was very disappointed in this book. I heard about it on the Peter Walsh show and I really like him and the guy sounded like he had some good tips. Well I would have been better off paying 1.99 for a Family Circle because it was the same ole same ole organizing tips. I cannot say I learned one thing new in this book.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be a really great book if I lived somewhere bigger than 2'x2' and lived with people who are more receptive to "Hey, let's rearrange things" ideas. Still, it's given me some ideas, some things to keep in mind, some things to look out for, and some things to dream about for the future.

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of great tips here. Cheap and easy to implement. I feel much better every time I walk into our closets & pantries.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent for its purpos. He cites specific examples for help as well as references people working in the field who do things a little differently. Definately worth the read.

[Marci · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly general tips on getting organized. I thought it would be more about how to organize your house, but it actually also includes tips for a home business and finances.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found some really good organizing tips in this book. (This was my new year's resolution). It also helped me get in the mindframe of doing things more efficiently.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had several good ideas ~ I'll see how good they are as I try them. Good read for first of the year organizing motivation!

[Relyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Blech. Talk about a book full of shtick and not much substance. Skip this one. Definitely.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Humorously written. I liked the first half better, but found things that will be usedful throughout. Nice.

[J Crossley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author presents quick and easy ways to organize and declutter your life.