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5 Days to a Clutter-Free House: Quick, Easy Ways To Clear Up Your Space by Sandra Felton
While most of us aren't hoarders we can all benefit from assessing and reducing the clutter in our homes--and then organizing what's left. Many things stop us from the sheer scope of the project, the tendency to lose momentum if the job takes too long, and the fact that we're always acquiring new clutter. But what if it really took only a week to de-clutter the whole house, and then you even had the weekend to relax and enjoy your new clutter-free space? Could it really be that simple?Organizing and time management experts Sandra Felton and Marsha Sims show how with the right game plan and a healthy dose of adrenaline, anyone can de-clutter their home in just five days. With this systematic, team-based approach, even the most overwhelming de-cluttering job becomes doable. The authors' enthusiasm and energy keep readers pushing forward to the goal, and their time-tested tips and habits help readers maintain their hard-won gains. The authors even show how to deal with common obstacles to achieving and keeping a clutter-free house, like filing, storage needs, health issues, space restrictions, the car, and even family sabotage!
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First published February 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
April 8, 2018
The most off-putting thing about this method is that you apparently can't do it on your own. Nope - you have to have a "team" of people willing to drop everything and pack up (then unpack) your house over the course of 5 days. It also fails to take into account organizing personalities (check out the clutterbug's organizing bugs description on YouTube - it's awesome!) so if you're not good at coordinating people, creating plans, carefully labeling boxes, bugging people to sort through your crap, or physical aspects like lifting heavy boxes, this system probably won't be your jam.
I also fail to see the benefit of hiding everything in boxes. My personal biggest issue with organization is that I don't know how many things I really have. Hiding them all away during this massive process seems counterproductive. The KonMari method, as an alternate, also has you pull out all of your stuff, but focuses on like items so you can see what you have and get rid of stuff right away. This 5 day method, on the other hand, has you packing up shit and spending effort hauling things around your house you might not have chosen to keep using a different method.
Overall, I think this specific organization method didn't provide any insights or tips for my current needs. The only people I'd recommend it to are those who are people capable of meticulous organization who (against all logic) somehow live in a home with zero organization in place... which screams oxymoron to me.
Side note: the book immediately makes a point to discriminate against men and justify why this book isn't for them. Sexism is not okay.
Second side note: Then the book takes a religious turn that (imo) has no practical place in a book about home organizing.
Niki's Note: pass on this one.
I also fail to see the benefit of hiding everything in boxes. My personal biggest issue with organization is that I don't know how many things I really have. Hiding them all away during this massive process seems counterproductive. The KonMari method, as an alternate, also has you pull out all of your stuff, but focuses on like items so you can see what you have and get rid of stuff right away. This 5 day method, on the other hand, has you packing up shit and spending effort hauling things around your house you might not have chosen to keep using a different method.
Overall, I think this specific organization method didn't provide any insights or tips for my current needs. The only people I'd recommend it to are those who are people capable of meticulous organization who (against all logic) somehow live in a home with zero organization in place... which screams oxymoron to me.
Side note: the book immediately makes a point to discriminate against men and justify why this book isn't for them. Sexism is not okay.
Second side note: Then the book takes a religious turn that (imo) has no practical place in a book about home organizing.
Niki's Note: pass on this one.
April 30, 2013
Initial reaction: I'll admit I personally did not care for this read very much. While I certainly don't mind reading religiously themed works, I honestly thought this would be more of an organization/productivity guide, and it meandered more than not. I think there are far better guides on this particular subject matter than this. For a "clutter-free" guide, this felt aptly cluttered.
Full review:
I don't think I've been as disappointed with a lifestyle change/organizational book as this one, in quite some time. The cover and title of this book should be noted with a flashing green neon sign screaming "FALSE ADVERTISING." (I actually created a shelf/tag on Goodreads as a result of reading this book.)
Here are a few things you need to know before reading. First, it's more of an "attitude change" type book, rather than a direct yet general tip-for-tip, pointer reference book for getting more organized and clearing clutter around the home. It's organized into sections, but those sections are a bit meandering and cluttered for the notes they seem to expand upon. It's also limiting in that it prescribes a very specific way to be organized, and that's not helpful to the multitude of reasons people have clutter.
Second, it assumes that the reader is female (because...what? Men don't want to read books about organization? Tell that to my father or some of the men in my life, they would beg to differ. They are already super organized, but they look for different approaches to maintain that. Men also look for ways to be better organizers even if it's not in "men's magazines". The book tries to address why they're writing for a female audience, but I didn't like the explanation - it's pretty sexist/gender assuming.)
Third, it's oriented more for the extremely disorganized person who can't separate themselves from their clutter (a hoarder), so people who may not be at that level may not identify here. And finally, this book's ideology is heavily noted with respect to Christian values, so if you are not deeply religious, or are not Christian, this may not be your cup of tea.
I'm not going to say that this book doesn't have its heart in the right place in some areas, because it does touch upon constructive aspects of defeating the negative imaging that's associated with disorganization on any level. Hoarding is both psychological as well as physical, and you can't deal with one aspect of it without dealing with the other. Even in lesser stages, that's also true - on the level of clutter being a mental and physical aspect to deal with. But there's not a "one-size-fits-all" solution to a multidimensional problem. If you want to address the clutter, you have to see what plays into that clutter, and that can vary by different individuals. I'll admit there's a point of construction in this book's "five day program", but I think it could've been more adaptive to different levels of disorganization.
Addressing those who have cluttered lifestyles as "messies" doesn't help the case either. A lot of this book feels like it's written in language that's meant to be lighthearted, but it comes across as fairly juvenile, unfortunately.
I think the ideology of working with a team isn't a horrible idea for maintaining organization, especially if you're sharing that responsibility with family. Or if you have a spouse who may be super organized and you're...well, not, then taking on the task together in a team effort and learning in the process can be constructive. The way this book makes it out, however - you'll have to somehow "recruit" a team to undertake some massive task - a la "Hoarders" or "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition". That's just not realistic. The thing about organization is that it can be a personal thing and you are the locus of control in being able to exert that. I did appreciate the affirmation that once a surface is clear, nothing else but appropriate/pertinent things should be in that space.
This book is more to the task of cheering the reader on in their efforts rather than being specific and direct with the advice. I'll admit it didn't really give me much to go on that other guides of its kind have given me. I would definitely recommend looking at other guides for organization that are more specific and less limiting than this.
Overall score: 1.5/5
Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher.
Full review:
I don't think I've been as disappointed with a lifestyle change/organizational book as this one, in quite some time. The cover and title of this book should be noted with a flashing green neon sign screaming "FALSE ADVERTISING." (I actually created a shelf/tag on Goodreads as a result of reading this book.)
Here are a few things you need to know before reading. First, it's more of an "attitude change" type book, rather than a direct yet general tip-for-tip, pointer reference book for getting more organized and clearing clutter around the home. It's organized into sections, but those sections are a bit meandering and cluttered for the notes they seem to expand upon. It's also limiting in that it prescribes a very specific way to be organized, and that's not helpful to the multitude of reasons people have clutter.
Second, it assumes that the reader is female (because...what? Men don't want to read books about organization? Tell that to my father or some of the men in my life, they would beg to differ. They are already super organized, but they look for different approaches to maintain that. Men also look for ways to be better organizers even if it's not in "men's magazines". The book tries to address why they're writing for a female audience, but I didn't like the explanation - it's pretty sexist/gender assuming.)
Third, it's oriented more for the extremely disorganized person who can't separate themselves from their clutter (a hoarder), so people who may not be at that level may not identify here. And finally, this book's ideology is heavily noted with respect to Christian values, so if you are not deeply religious, or are not Christian, this may not be your cup of tea.
I'm not going to say that this book doesn't have its heart in the right place in some areas, because it does touch upon constructive aspects of defeating the negative imaging that's associated with disorganization on any level. Hoarding is both psychological as well as physical, and you can't deal with one aspect of it without dealing with the other. Even in lesser stages, that's also true - on the level of clutter being a mental and physical aspect to deal with. But there's not a "one-size-fits-all" solution to a multidimensional problem. If you want to address the clutter, you have to see what plays into that clutter, and that can vary by different individuals. I'll admit there's a point of construction in this book's "five day program", but I think it could've been more adaptive to different levels of disorganization.
Addressing those who have cluttered lifestyles as "messies" doesn't help the case either. A lot of this book feels like it's written in language that's meant to be lighthearted, but it comes across as fairly juvenile, unfortunately.
I think the ideology of working with a team isn't a horrible idea for maintaining organization, especially if you're sharing that responsibility with family. Or if you have a spouse who may be super organized and you're...well, not, then taking on the task together in a team effort and learning in the process can be constructive. The way this book makes it out, however - you'll have to somehow "recruit" a team to undertake some massive task - a la "Hoarders" or "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition". That's just not realistic. The thing about organization is that it can be a personal thing and you are the locus of control in being able to exert that. I did appreciate the affirmation that once a surface is clear, nothing else but appropriate/pertinent things should be in that space.
This book is more to the task of cheering the reader on in their efforts rather than being specific and direct with the advice. I'll admit it didn't really give me much to go on that other guides of its kind have given me. I would definitely recommend looking at other guides for organization that are more specific and less limiting than this.
Overall score: 1.5/5
Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher.
February 2, 2018
I got 20% in, and I just couldn't get myself to continue on with it. My Hoopla borrow expired on it, and I'm not going to check it back out. It makes the assumption that if you're reading it that you're a woman, because of course women do all the cleaning, and that you're Christian and will enjoy all of the churchy nonsense in it.
Also, I didn't find anything of use in it. She spent a lot of time telling you that she was going to tell you what to do later, and her method really just seemed to boil down to... ask all your church friends over to your house and get them to help you clean your house.
Since that's not something that I'm going to do in the first place, even if I picked somewhere other than the church setting she assumes to pick people from, even though she said her principles can also be applied to a single person... it's not really useful in that manner, I don't think. And at any rate, there's nothing in that book that I can't find in a different, better book.
If there's even anything in this book, besides invite your friends over to do your housecleaning for you. I wouldn't know, because all she does is endlessly tell you that she's going to tell you what to do, soon! Eventually! Really!
Also, I didn't find anything of use in it. She spent a lot of time telling you that she was going to tell you what to do later, and her method really just seemed to boil down to... ask all your church friends over to your house and get them to help you clean your house.
Since that's not something that I'm going to do in the first place, even if I picked somewhere other than the church setting she assumes to pick people from, even though she said her principles can also be applied to a single person... it's not really useful in that manner, I don't think. And at any rate, there's nothing in that book that I can't find in a different, better book.
If there's even anything in this book, besides invite your friends over to do your housecleaning for you. I wouldn't know, because all she does is endlessly tell you that she's going to tell you what to do, soon! Eventually! Really!
May 29, 2015
I have always been big on being organized and neat; and I am always looking for new strategies to keep up with my busy life.
I requested this book, and it took me less than a day to read, so it is a quick read.
I am not a fan of this book.
First off, I am not religious in the traditional sense, so all of the bible verses and talking about God was kind of not my thing, and that is what this book is filled with.
This book really seems geared to people who have hardcore clutter (as in things piled from floor to ceiling with no floor space at all!), so if your just looking for some organizational tips, this one isn't for you.
However, if you are that cluttered up, and your religious, this book is for you. It is very motivational for someone who is religious.
I wont read this book again, and I can only think of one person that I would reccomend it to.
I requested this book, and it took me less than a day to read, so it is a quick read.
I am not a fan of this book.
First off, I am not religious in the traditional sense, so all of the bible verses and talking about God was kind of not my thing, and that is what this book is filled with.
This book really seems geared to people who have hardcore clutter (as in things piled from floor to ceiling with no floor space at all!), so if your just looking for some organizational tips, this one isn't for you.
However, if you are that cluttered up, and your religious, this book is for you. It is very motivational for someone who is religious.
I wont read this book again, and I can only think of one person that I would reccomend it to.
May 12, 2016
I think this book is intended for people who have a really serious clutter problem--like on the verge of hoarding. I don't really agree with the strategy given, but I guess it would work if you do have a serious problem. The basic strategy taught for how to manage clearing clutter is to literally pick up everything off your floors and put it all in boxes. Then clear off all your horizontal spaces (table tops, bookshelves, counters, etc.) and put all that stuff that doesn't belong there in boxes. Then empty all your cabinets and again put whatever doesn't belong there in boxes. Then you are to stack up your boxes somewhere in your house and you then have a clutter-free house in 5 days! Crazy.
Then as you have time, you open one box at a time to deal with its contents by either discarding or putting away each item in the box. This whole strategy sounded to me like packing up and moving out of a house. It's not a strategy I would ever implement. However, the second half of the book had a few more useful tips on organization, but nothing that was very revolutionary. In short, if you're looking to eliminate unnecessary items from your home and clear out things to become more organized, there are much better books out there than this one. However, if you do have a really serious clutter problem, you might just be able to benefit from this technique.
Then as you have time, you open one box at a time to deal with its contents by either discarding or putting away each item in the box. This whole strategy sounded to me like packing up and moving out of a house. It's not a strategy I would ever implement. However, the second half of the book had a few more useful tips on organization, but nothing that was very revolutionary. In short, if you're looking to eliminate unnecessary items from your home and clear out things to become more organized, there are much better books out there than this one. However, if you do have a really serious clutter problem, you might just be able to benefit from this technique.
January 13, 2018
Not a very practical plan. If you need your house "clean-looking" but not actually organized or clean, fine, but if you want to actually find a system of organization and calm, this book is NOT the one. It's also chock-full of bible verses, which I found just plain weird and distracting. Putting your mess into boxes is NOT organization (I know -- I tried it once b/c another book told me to.) What you end up with (I know, b/c I still have some) are boxes full of papers and old bills and adverts and magazines and articles you wanted to read before you could just bookmark them and clutter up your computer... What happens when you open those boxes is a bunch of recycling and finding the truly interesting clips online -- where you bookmark and forget about them, or better yet, send them to an app, where you still probably won't find the time to read them. If you are a hoarder, get help. If you aren't, you don't need or want this book. I'm not sure what she actually intended.
April 12, 2018
Not my favorite. I really liked the art of tidying up better. This one's main idea was to just put things in boxes. Which is not a bad start. But what then? I feel like if everything is in boxes, then you just will always be digging for your stuff. Which means that you will eventually hate how things are. Granted, you put things in boxes just until you can organize things. But I really don't think that putting the whole house in boxes in five days will make it easy to then organize everything afterward. Plus, they keep saying to go and buy more boxes. Boxes cost a lot of money. And to spend money on something that you then will unpack and not need...that just doesn't make sense to me. I think I would rather just read the Tidying Up book again...
January 17, 2021
This wasn't my first choice, it was only what was available at my library. Some of it wasn't particularly helpful for my situation. Ir involved a team and doing a lot if work, but i did pull some good ideas, too.
1. Sometimes it's okay to box up the clutter and go through it later. The biggest difference getween hiw I tend to do it and how she advocates it involves sorting and labling. I tend to be a catch-all stasher. By sorting out things by where they go seems would make things easier to deal with.
2. Group like with like. It seems intuitive, but it would simplify life considerably.
3. Just do it. This is the real reason I read books like this, to help find fresh motivation to keep after it.
1. Sometimes it's okay to box up the clutter and go through it later. The biggest difference getween hiw I tend to do it and how she advocates it involves sorting and labling. I tend to be a catch-all stasher. By sorting out things by where they go seems would make things easier to deal with.
2. Group like with like. It seems intuitive, but it would simplify life considerably.
3. Just do it. This is the real reason I read books like this, to help find fresh motivation to keep after it.
January 23, 2019
A skim, at best. If one is not inviting people in your house because of clutter, why would one invite friends over to put everything in boxes that have to be dealt with later on??
Lots of words telling the reader what she's going to tell you about later.....
Lots of words telling the reader what she's going to tell you about later.....
March 29, 2025
I've read this before and didn't follow through with the whole program. Maybe I will be motivated to get organized this time. I like the approach and the plan.
June 20, 2020
Stick with Marie Kondo. This book needs some decluttering itself, from the “team” aspect of decluttering to needless religious references. Not much in the way of helpful advice.
Read
October 22, 2018I did not finish this audio book. I like to listen to/read books about cleaning and organizing to pick up tips and keep myself motivated, but this was way beyond the scope I am looking for. It outlines how a person whose house is overflowing with misplaced possessions can call in several friends and take care of the problem in a few days.
So if that's you, this book might be a good choice. It's just a little more than I was looking for.
So if that's you, this book might be a good choice. It's just a little more than I was looking for.
January 24, 2023
Worst book ever. Their system takes up about two paragraphs. The rest is stories and platitudes. Also, you can keep everything and store it in hundreds of boxes ??? How is the declutterig ?
January 25, 2013
Title: 5 DAYS TO A CLUTTER-FREE HOUSE
Author: Sandra Felton and Marsha Sims
Publisher: Revell
February 2013
ISBN: 978-0-8007-2107-7
Genre: Self-Help
A clean, organized, and restful home is only 5 days away.
If you've picked up this book, you want to reduce the clutter in your home, organize what's left, and keep it that way. But does the sheer scope of the project give you an anxiety attack? Don't let fear stop you! Organizing and time management experts Sandra Felton and Marsha Sims show you how, with the right game plan and a healthy dose of adrenaline, you're just 5 days from your goal.
With their proven team-based approach, even the most overwhelming de-cluttering job becomes doable. Section one shows you how to de-clutter, with each day of the week focused on one reachable goal. Section two shows you how to cultivate time-tested habits that keep your house in the clean, well-ordered state you've just achieved. You'll even learn how to deal with common obstacles such as:
•filing
•storage needs
•health issues
•space restrictions
•the car
•even family sabotage!
So what are you waiting for? The home of your dreams is just a week away.
5 DAYS TO A CLUTTER-FREE HOUSE takes a unique approach to decluttering. She has divided the house up into areas, such as foot to knee, knee to waist, waist to neck, and neck to head (including up to the ceiling.) Then you go through and pick up the clutter in each of those areas, dividing them up into boxes. Such as stuff to possibly throw away, stuff to possibly donate, stuff to move to another room, etc. Then leave the boxes full of the stuff there until the house is uncluttered and you have time to deal with it.
The authors also suggest you have friends come in and help you with this decluttering process, so it isn’t so overwhelming for you. You could put one friend in the bedroom, one the kitchen, one the office, etc, and have them toss things in the appropriate boxes.
There are quizzes included in the book, do’s and don’t’s and other tips and inspirational sayings, as well as advice on how to declutter, how to organize, and how to keep the clutter gone.
This approach could work for some people and is certainly worth a try. Those who will box things up and then leave the boxes sitting there cluttering up the floor from infinity and beyond might consider taking longer than five days and putting things away, donating, or trashing as they finish a room, otherwise, they’ll never get done. Recommended for those who want to do a clean sweep eliminating clutter. $13.99. 224 pages.
Author: Sandra Felton and Marsha Sims
Publisher: Revell
February 2013
ISBN: 978-0-8007-2107-7
Genre: Self-Help
A clean, organized, and restful home is only 5 days away.
If you've picked up this book, you want to reduce the clutter in your home, organize what's left, and keep it that way. But does the sheer scope of the project give you an anxiety attack? Don't let fear stop you! Organizing and time management experts Sandra Felton and Marsha Sims show you how, with the right game plan and a healthy dose of adrenaline, you're just 5 days from your goal.
With their proven team-based approach, even the most overwhelming de-cluttering job becomes doable. Section one shows you how to de-clutter, with each day of the week focused on one reachable goal. Section two shows you how to cultivate time-tested habits that keep your house in the clean, well-ordered state you've just achieved. You'll even learn how to deal with common obstacles such as:
•filing
•storage needs
•health issues
•space restrictions
•the car
•even family sabotage!
So what are you waiting for? The home of your dreams is just a week away.
5 DAYS TO A CLUTTER-FREE HOUSE takes a unique approach to decluttering. She has divided the house up into areas, such as foot to knee, knee to waist, waist to neck, and neck to head (including up to the ceiling.) Then you go through and pick up the clutter in each of those areas, dividing them up into boxes. Such as stuff to possibly throw away, stuff to possibly donate, stuff to move to another room, etc. Then leave the boxes full of the stuff there until the house is uncluttered and you have time to deal with it.
The authors also suggest you have friends come in and help you with this decluttering process, so it isn’t so overwhelming for you. You could put one friend in the bedroom, one the kitchen, one the office, etc, and have them toss things in the appropriate boxes.
There are quizzes included in the book, do’s and don’t’s and other tips and inspirational sayings, as well as advice on how to declutter, how to organize, and how to keep the clutter gone.
This approach could work for some people and is certainly worth a try. Those who will box things up and then leave the boxes sitting there cluttering up the floor from infinity and beyond might consider taking longer than five days and putting things away, donating, or trashing as they finish a room, otherwise, they’ll never get done. Recommended for those who want to do a clean sweep eliminating clutter. $13.99. 224 pages.
April 11, 2020
This book is so bad on so many levels. I am not sure why I even finished it but finish it I did.
If you are a Christian, female and like to be referred to as a "Messie" than you may like this one.
This book is unrealistic and ridiculous. The entire strategy for decluttering your entire house is as follows:
Find a team of suckers, I mean nonjudgmental people who are willing to forfeit 5 days of their life to box up all your crap.
Buy boxes that must all match and be white in color.
Buy snacks and beverages for above mentioned suckers.
Don't interfere while suckers box up all of your clutter.
Shove all the matching boxes around the house and cover some of them with a decorative sheet.
Throw a party on the 5th day.
Spend the rest of your life emptying numerous white boxes. Ugh! No thanks. Pass on this one.
If you are a Christian, female and like to be referred to as a "Messie" than you may like this one.
This book is unrealistic and ridiculous. The entire strategy for decluttering your entire house is as follows:
Find a team of suckers, I mean nonjudgmental people who are willing to forfeit 5 days of their life to box up all your crap.
Buy boxes that must all match and be white in color.
Buy snacks and beverages for above mentioned suckers.
Don't interfere while suckers box up all of your clutter.
Shove all the matching boxes around the house and cover some of them with a decorative sheet.
Throw a party on the 5th day.
Spend the rest of your life emptying numerous white boxes. Ugh! No thanks. Pass on this one.
February 5, 2013
Authors Sandra Felton and Marsha Sims present some interesting strategies for getting unwanted clutter under control in this book. Although it is aimed at those who are overwhelmed by massive amounts of junk and trash in their homes, there are still some ideas that can be used by anyone wanting to become better organized. I really liked their five-day plan system and can see where it can work very easily.
I also enjoyed the tidbits that the authors include from people who have used their system and for whom it worked. There are also inspirational passages to encourage and enlighten readers that they are not alone in their want of a better life.
I highly recommend this book.
I also enjoyed the tidbits that the authors include from people who have used their system and for whom it worked. There are also inspirational passages to encourage and enlighten readers that they are not alone in their want of a better life.
I highly recommend this book.
January 2, 2018
I'm surprised this book bills itself as containing "Quick, Easy Ways to Clear Up Your Space", as it is full of useless generalizations that discuss how to hide clutter more than anything else. The author literally suggests spending five days putting your crap into boxes, then lining your home with the boxes full of clutter so that you don't have it sitting out. She provides no discussion of strategies for sorting through the boxes, and directs you to her impossible to use website constantly. That's the entire book. Now you don't have to read it.
I did not find it helpful to read, and am glad that I did not spend too much time on it.
I did not find it helpful to read, and am glad that I did not spend too much time on it.
September 1, 2013
this book is helpful to hoarders that want to enlist help of family and friends, since my cleanliness and clutter is not that severe this book was not helpful to me, as well as I like to keep my private stuff private and not invite everyone to go through my stuff the thought is mortifying. I have nothing against this book and believe that it could be a great resource for people that are truly at crisis point. But not for me.
dnf
December 9, 2020This book seems to suggest that Jesus wants me to be very tidy. Strangely, I do not find this argument compelling!
Read
August 4, 2021Not for me. NOT FOR ME. This organizational method is based in moving your clutter into boxes. That's already what I do. That doesn't make your house clutter-free, it makes it full of boxes.
June 9, 2020
Overall, this book just didn't deliver for me. I feel like it's targeted to a different clutter demographic than me. I know that these books often border on hoarders when it comes to the examples, and this book was no exception. The problem was that I never got a feel for any of the case studies they presented, and the bulk of the book was snippets of stories without any real value added.
The 5-day system seemed to be covered in about 3 pages with the rest of the book being filler. And I'm not sure that I buy into this system of cleaning and sorting into boxes. To me, that's not really decluttering because you're just moving the clutter from one surface to a box. The 5 days would be impressive if you were able to not only declutter but also go through all of the boxes, put away things, and then deal with them.
Based on what I've read in other books, I also feel like this system is a fail from the start. Having helpers is a great approach; the boxes are fine as an interim measure; but to then store the boxes in your home and to not make any hard decisions at all seems to be inviting the clutter back in but in a different format or space. I can't see anyone who loves their stuff - what they authors describe as basically the root of all clutter - using this method to effectively clean their home. The boxes are just as much clutter as the papers on the desk, and there's nothing that the authors could do to convince me otherwise, given that I have moved and had boxes against walls while we unpack for days. Using boxes to create a table? That sounds very much like something you would do when you're just starting out or you are a hoarder trying to hide your problem.
To me, the clutter can really only be dealt with effectively if it is removed immediately. Everything I have read (and agree with based on personal experience) says that you can't just put the stuff in a "garage sale" pile for a later date; you actually have to have the garage sale right away so that the clutter doesn't creep back into your home. And I have to agree.
The 5 days isn't really 5 days either if you take as many days as you want after everything is in boxes to go through and put away/dispose of the boxed stuff. So, that makes this a deceptive title and deceptive technique.
While I'm not a Kondo convert, I do agree with the principle that you identify a space for everything and then you put the things you love most into that storage space. Anything that should go in there but doesn't fit, you have to get rid of. If you just add more storage (a.k.a. boxes that sit around forever) you aren't dealing with the problem; you're just hiding it.
I will say that the three tips towards the end of the book (e.g. stow as you go) for maintaining are useful in that they are things that I can (and have tried to) teach my children so that they bring good habits with them to their own homes. But that was it for me.
The 5-day system seemed to be covered in about 3 pages with the rest of the book being filler. And I'm not sure that I buy into this system of cleaning and sorting into boxes. To me, that's not really decluttering because you're just moving the clutter from one surface to a box. The 5 days would be impressive if you were able to not only declutter but also go through all of the boxes, put away things, and then deal with them.
Based on what I've read in other books, I also feel like this system is a fail from the start. Having helpers is a great approach; the boxes are fine as an interim measure; but to then store the boxes in your home and to not make any hard decisions at all seems to be inviting the clutter back in but in a different format or space. I can't see anyone who loves their stuff - what they authors describe as basically the root of all clutter - using this method to effectively clean their home. The boxes are just as much clutter as the papers on the desk, and there's nothing that the authors could do to convince me otherwise, given that I have moved and had boxes against walls while we unpack for days. Using boxes to create a table? That sounds very much like something you would do when you're just starting out or you are a hoarder trying to hide your problem.
To me, the clutter can really only be dealt with effectively if it is removed immediately. Everything I have read (and agree with based on personal experience) says that you can't just put the stuff in a "garage sale" pile for a later date; you actually have to have the garage sale right away so that the clutter doesn't creep back into your home. And I have to agree.
The 5 days isn't really 5 days either if you take as many days as you want after everything is in boxes to go through and put away/dispose of the boxed stuff. So, that makes this a deceptive title and deceptive technique.
While I'm not a Kondo convert, I do agree with the principle that you identify a space for everything and then you put the things you love most into that storage space. Anything that should go in there but doesn't fit, you have to get rid of. If you just add more storage (a.k.a. boxes that sit around forever) you aren't dealing with the problem; you're just hiding it.
I will say that the three tips towards the end of the book (e.g. stow as you go) for maintaining are useful in that they are things that I can (and have tried to) teach my children so that they bring good habits with them to their own homes. But that was it for me.
January 1, 2020
The team approach was a really new organizational idea for me. From the title I was really curious on how exactly you could get organized in only 5 days, but their solution was to put it all in boxes! That is not the kind of organizing I was looking for, but it is an interesting idea as a dramatic method for those with serious problems. I am wondering a bit if that would work on my kids rooms. LOL... I would have a hard time with the team approach, but I've got plenty of kids and being our own team sounds like a great idea to tackle our basement that could use a reset. The book does take awhile to explain itself. It's like chapter 4 before it really gets into the boxing method (which is improved by items in the boxes already being sorted into categories and taken to where they need to go in the house). But trying to figure out what on earth they were doing also kept me reading it. I thought the psychology parts were good.
The visualization step and making a "stuff" map of your house at the beginning were probably my biggest nuggets. It doesn't do much good to "clean up" if you have no idea where to put some of your things in the first place. We've lived in this house for about 2 years now so I have a better idea where things work and where they don't. But an overall plan is not something I considered and I think would really help. For example I was considering getting a 6 foot bookcase to replace my 4 foot bookcase in my bedroom to help with the overflowing books. Now I'm wondering if those books even should be in my bedroom or better relocated to a different area of the house. So working on an overall plan is my first order of business. My dresser is a place that quickly gets lost under all the stuff I don't know what to do with. A lot of those things are mending projects so I need to create a dedicated mending place to deal with that. And papers to file so that is another area that needs some work. Finding places for projects in progress is a valid concern especially with kids' projects so I'm glad the book helped focus on those issues.
April 6, 2019
I am back to reading about cleaning my house. Why reading? Because as we clean out my fil's home to get it ready for sale, a lot of things are coming into my home and that leads to clutter in my home and I am feeling the strain. I don't like my home cluttered. I have lots of books and I have lots of yarn, but when I get to work with these items, they eventually leave when I am finished with them. I made socks for a daughter...one skein gone. I am making socks for another daughter, another skein will be gone. I am making a blanket for a baby (several skeins went), a blanket for a niece more skeins gone. It is a process for me. I read a book it leaves the house unless it is something that will be reread often (Harry Potter, etc) or I can buy it on Kindle (except for certain books - see Harry Potter, sometimes you just have to have the wonderful books).
Another thing mentioned in the book is that you need to have help, especially if you are living with others. They need to get on board and help clean the house. That just didn't seem to work well here. I cleaned house on Sunday and no sooner had I cleaned then my family came in made messes and walked away! So frustrating. I am looking forward to the day when my kids are grown and in their own homes with their own children and husbands (or spouses) and they get to clean up to see it disappear before their eyes. I still remember the time I cleaned a room to come back and find my daughters had dumped a huge can of Kool-aid on the floor (carpet) and add water. I cried.
Overall, the book helped and gave me some ideas, but I do think it is better suited to people who are single (divorced, widowed) or their family just cannot take the mess any longer either. My family hasn't hit that point!
Another thing mentioned in the book is that you need to have help, especially if you are living with others. They need to get on board and help clean the house. That just didn't seem to work well here. I cleaned house on Sunday and no sooner had I cleaned then my family came in made messes and walked away! So frustrating. I am looking forward to the day when my kids are grown and in their own homes with their own children and husbands (or spouses) and they get to clean up to see it disappear before their eyes. I still remember the time I cleaned a room to come back and find my daughters had dumped a huge can of Kool-aid on the floor (carpet) and add water. I cried.
Overall, the book helped and gave me some ideas, but I do think it is better suited to people who are single (divorced, widowed) or their family just cannot take the mess any longer either. My family hasn't hit that point!
January 3, 2020
At first I thought it wouldnt be relevant to me because it seemed "clutter" was an understatement to the mess they're trying to tackle. This is actually a good book if anyone has ever joked that your home looks like an episode of hoarders.
Also, 5 days is really not accurate. The kick start is 5 days. 5 days to hide the clutter in a box..... but it could easily take someone with a full time job a couple weeks to truly tackle the mess and complete the process by sorting the boxes. BUT the approach is a good one if you want to buckle down for a few weeks.
It also involves inviting helpers, hence why it seems a little more like a hoarders episode than just clutter. Friends or family. I see the benfits to having people on your side to keep you going when you lose steam, and to cheer you on. But I don't think I need or want a team of friends to come into my house and help me get rid of a few extra items.
The end of the book WAS more relevant to me.
Ways to get your family onboard with not creating new clutter.
Habits to get yourself and your kids started on to sustain your uncluttered life. And tips and tricks, like setting a timer to just pick up abandoned items for 15 mins a day to maintain your tidy home.
It can be useful. But if you were looking for decluttering, this is more of and un-hoarding approach. And won't be "done" in 5 days unless you maybe have the time to take a week off work for it.
But if you have a full work week of unclutterring, the mess is really more than just "clutter", in my mind.
Hope that helps you decide if you want to read the book :)
Also, 5 days is really not accurate. The kick start is 5 days. 5 days to hide the clutter in a box..... but it could easily take someone with a full time job a couple weeks to truly tackle the mess and complete the process by sorting the boxes. BUT the approach is a good one if you want to buckle down for a few weeks.
It also involves inviting helpers, hence why it seems a little more like a hoarders episode than just clutter. Friends or family. I see the benfits to having people on your side to keep you going when you lose steam, and to cheer you on. But I don't think I need or want a team of friends to come into my house and help me get rid of a few extra items.
The end of the book WAS more relevant to me.
Ways to get your family onboard with not creating new clutter.
Habits to get yourself and your kids started on to sustain your uncluttered life. And tips and tricks, like setting a timer to just pick up abandoned items for 15 mins a day to maintain your tidy home.
It can be useful. But if you were looking for decluttering, this is more of and un-hoarding approach. And won't be "done" in 5 days unless you maybe have the time to take a week off work for it.
But if you have a full work week of unclutterring, the mess is really more than just "clutter", in my mind.
Hope that helps you decide if you want to read the book :)
January 26, 2021
I truly wanted to like this book. I do like the method is a little different than most declutter type books. I have lightly used a method similar, it doesn't work for me. Basically she would like you to get a team together or on your own box up your home until it is how you want it. She literally wants you to put things in boxes. Toss obvious things. She has a body method...feet first (floor) then move your way up. Keep the boxes in the room they belong and eventually take it box by box. Use organizing methods, clean your house and just keep your home up.
Most people cannot find friends, acquaintances or hired help to help for 5 days. It is not doable. Most people work and if they do not often they have kids at home or are retired and likely do not have the energy for such a big job. Many people could not afford help...it just isn't easy. Doing it alone could take a month easily. Doing the task on your own is doable no matter how long it takes... What most people need is less stuff...way less stuff. Stop buying things you do not need. I just think the book is okay. I like that it happens quick but really it is fake clean, fake decluttered if you use this method.
Most people cannot find friends, acquaintances or hired help to help for 5 days. It is not doable. Most people work and if they do not often they have kids at home or are retired and likely do not have the energy for such a big job. Many people could not afford help...it just isn't easy. Doing it alone could take a month easily. Doing the task on your own is doable no matter how long it takes... What most people need is less stuff...way less stuff. Stop buying things you do not need. I just think the book is okay. I like that it happens quick but really it is fake clean, fake decluttered if you use this method.
May 9, 2020
This was okay, but honestly, most of the advice is so far from what I would ever do I can't say it was at all useful. If you have a "hoarders" situation, this book might be for you. I also think the "quick and easy" should be removed from the title. I got way more from both Marie Kondo and Martha Stewart. But again, if you need a huge overhaul, and you have people that will come over for a week and box all your shit up? This will work. Props for adding a Yoda quote!
Oh, also the list of questions to ask yourself such as - "Why am I keeping this? Do I have a Place for this? If I was looking for this and couldn't find it, would it matter?" etc.? Those were good. But really, this is a book for people who aren't looking to de-clutter, but who need serious hoarding help. Best of luck to them!
(edit: I forgot, has anyone ever actually used a used empty paper towel roll to find messy spaces? As an adult, hard pass. Great idea for little lil-kids though!)
Oh, also the list of questions to ask yourself such as - "Why am I keeping this? Do I have a Place for this? If I was looking for this and couldn't find it, would it matter?" etc.? Those were good. But really, this is a book for people who aren't looking to de-clutter, but who need serious hoarding help. Best of luck to them!
(edit: I forgot, has anyone ever actually used a used empty paper towel roll to find messy spaces? As an adult, hard pass. Great idea for little lil-kids though!)
April 14, 2023
Ummm mixed feelings…I found her tone preachy (and not just about bible quotes) and her plan might work well for empty nesters but I just don’t see it working for my crazy household. And I just don’t know anyone who has free time to dedicate 5 days to my house. I would have to hire someone…
I gave it a few stars because she breaks the clutter down vertically (floor to knee, knee to shoulder …) which is an interesting way to see it. And several of her antidotes were helpful in seeing how these ideas could work for several people.
And I like that she recognizes that messy people tend to be more creative and sentimental, but also makes brief comments about executive function, mild depression and many women’s undiagnosed ADHD. She also talked about how perfection can get in the way of improving things.
I gave it a few stars because she breaks the clutter down vertically (floor to knee, knee to shoulder …) which is an interesting way to see it. And several of her antidotes were helpful in seeing how these ideas could work for several people.
And I like that she recognizes that messy people tend to be more creative and sentimental, but also makes brief comments about executive function, mild depression and many women’s undiagnosed ADHD. She also talked about how perfection can get in the way of improving things.
January 5, 2019
Terrible book. I have no objection to the fact that it's Christian-themed, as most negative reviewers do, rather that it is extraordinarily unrealistic. I'm to find a team of people who will come help me box stuff up for 5 days straight? I can neither afford to pay anyone to do that, or presume to request friends with their own responsibilities drop everything to help me. And why? To box things up? That's not organizing, or dealing with the actual problem. This seems *highly* specific for an emergency hoarding situation where things need to suddenly look clean, or preparing for a sudden move. Skip and check out Don Aslett or Marie Kondo or Peter Walsh instead.
February 5, 2023
DNF. Not the book for me. The method presented involves using a team of people to help organize and it's about everyone putting and labeling things in boxes and stacking them in the rooms. That's where I was done. I really have no desire to enlist a team or have multiple boxes stacked everywhere.
This book is for you if:
1) You are in desperate need of getting a very cluttered house in order quickly,
2) Aren't overwhelmed by the thought of getting people to help or handling your possessions,
3) Don't mind labeled boxes being stacked in your house for you to go through,
4) Like an organization book that is religious based.
This book is for you if:
1) You are in desperate need of getting a very cluttered house in order quickly,
2) Aren't overwhelmed by the thought of getting people to help or handling your possessions,
3) Don't mind labeled boxes being stacked in your house for you to go through,
4) Like an organization book that is religious based.
January 18, 2025
I appreciated the decluttering method - each day has a different zone to clear surfaces on from the floor up. Box items destined for the same room together, then go through boxes and move into a yes no maybe box. Immediately put away.
The suggestions for staying decluttered afterwards or for getting your family on board with keeping things tidy I didn’t fully gel with. (specifically making something harder for someone to find if it isn’t put away) But I really appreciated the time management tips. There were also some habits that I remember being very effective for me in the past that I was reminded of which I appreciated. Left with a renewed desire to keep surfaces clear.
The suggestions for staying decluttered afterwards or for getting your family on board with keeping things tidy I didn’t fully gel with. (specifically making something harder for someone to find if it isn’t put away) But I really appreciated the time management tips. There were also some habits that I remember being very effective for me in the past that I was reminded of which I appreciated. Left with a renewed desire to keep surfaces clear.
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