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Get Organized the Clear & Simple Way: Reclaim Your Home, Your Office, Your Life
Thousands of professional organizers have been trained by Marla Dee, Founder of Clear & Simple. Now you can bring this seasoned expert's skills into your home for less than the cost of a consultation! Restore freedom, order, and clarity to your home, your office, and your life. Follow the unique Clear & Simple solution and find that organizing can be fun and ☩ The art of letting go . . . leave clutter behind ☩ See it, Map it, Do it . . . organizing systems for success ☩ S.T.A.C.K.S . . . guidelines to getting it done ☩ Paper systems . . . freedom from the piles ☩ Reclaim your home . . . create beauty, order, and serenity ☩ Stake your claim . . . create an office that empowers you ☩ Bring your car in from the cold . . . organize your garage, attic, and other storage areas ☩ Freedom from guilt . . . time strategies that work ☩ Simplify your life . . . finding peace amidst the chaos
Audio CD
First published January 3, 2007
24 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
June 10, 2020
I listened to the audio book. It has a lot of good information about becoming and staying organized. But it is too repetitive, and too much product advertising.
December 11, 2012
I love to regularly listen to books on being more organized since I am not the most organized of people - and I know how much time I waste due to my disorganization. I found this book helpful and am going to put a number of ideas to use
1. I bought a basket filebox to use as a portable file box. This will help with the inflow of information to be quickly able to file bills and other papers that require Action.
2. In fact, I like her whole approach to getting a handle on the paper piles. This is my biggest problem at the moment since I am doing a reasonable job staying on top of regular chores and cleaning.
3. I like her whole idea of envisaging the final product before you get started. I did this in the office/junk room and now have a spare bedroom/office that can be used.
4. I like her ideas of having a desk and organizing it. I know that part of the problem of staying organized was I didn't like my whole set-up for my desk area (a table and the bookshelves). Now I have my own desk with a drawer and storage area and it is working much better.
1. I bought a basket filebox to use as a portable file box. This will help with the inflow of information to be quickly able to file bills and other papers that require Action.
2. In fact, I like her whole approach to getting a handle on the paper piles. This is my biggest problem at the moment since I am doing a reasonable job staying on top of regular chores and cleaning.
3. I like her whole idea of envisaging the final product before you get started. I did this in the office/junk room and now have a spare bedroom/office that can be used.
4. I like her ideas of having a desk and organizing it. I know that part of the problem of staying organized was I didn't like my whole set-up for my desk area (a table and the bookshelves). Now I have my own desk with a drawer and storage area and it is working much better.
January 31, 2023
The first star is for the idea that mind-mapping can help with deep cleaning. Will try this. The second star is for this audiobook’s unflagging disposition. The cheerfulness is almost psychotic. I’d also add a half-star for discussions of technologies like palm pilots. (Nostalgic for me). Stars taken away for repetitiveness and shameless product placement.
December 30, 2010
Loved it. Of course I would now that my new favorite hobby is organizing. I have been implementing some of these ideas immediately but have plans to re read this. I liked the easy to remember ideas for getting organized. There were some simple things I can do NOW but also bigger things I can take step by step. I liked the mellow life approach and the focus on getting to basics. I learned a lot about paper clutter, containers, making your space enjoyable, and increasing happiness and productivity through taking care of what we live in. There is too much to even put in a review, but it was really great. It is only audio though- I guess each cd is a program that sums up a certain area of organizing. As a result, there is a lot of repetitive parts for introductions and names and titles and such (lots of advertising!). I have found myself seeing things differently, in a good way, and finding myself thinking more creatively thanks to clearing, organizing and better using my space.
May 3, 2014
This is the first non-fantasy book I've read that uses words like "earth plane" and "your shining" seriously. The book probably would have been about 50% shorter without all the information on positive affirmation and meditation (I don't necessarily need to center my chi before I clear a bookshelf) but I understand that if you are working with people who need serious help, like the author does, a lot of their issues begin with emotional or mental blocks. That aside, I found the book to have plenty of useful tips on organizing and decluttering. I'll put the STACKS--sort, toss, assign a place, contain, keep it up, simplify-- method into practice soon.
June 3, 2023
I have read a lot of organization books. And this one spoke to me. I have always felt like I couldn’t organize because it doesn’t come naturally to me, but Marla lays out clear and simple instructions to teach me. See it, Map it, Do it! S(sort), T(toss), A(assign a place), C(contain), K(keep it up), S(simplify) Loved the format, once I finished listening to it the first time I immediately started it again and began organizing! Closet done, and bathroom done! I particularly liked her idea to make your plans at your Bday. She also doubles as a life coach, felt so encouraged listening!
July 3, 2017
Some of the tips were nifty and I will try to incorporate them to get better organized.
February 24, 2017
I must confess that I didn't read it cover to cover, or rather didn't listen to it from start to finish. Parts were interesting and inspiring, esp. the first two CDs, but all in all it was a bit too New Age for an organizing book in my opinion. Also, Marla's reading was too slow and emotionally laden for my taste. I mean, it is non-fiction and it is mainly about decluttering for Pete's sake. I finally set the speed of the audiobook on 1.25 at which pace she sounded more normal and I could really listen. Anyway, I certainly did find some wisdom and good advice in this book and I'm going to use them, so all in all three stars :-)
January 15, 2012
Downloaded the audio version from the library. Once I got past the "New Age" spiritual approach and the author's overly chipper tone of voice, I found many of her techniques as insightful solutions to my ADD organization problems. One of her more interesting observations is that only 10% of the population are natural organizers. The other 90% will have difficulties that vary depending on if they have had the opportunity to learn the skill set.
July 28, 2015
Finally, after multiple organization books and videos--this book helped me "get it." I have put these princples to use in several places in my home with great results. I do wish it was available in print format too so I wouldn't have to fast forward and rewind to review--but otherwise it's been a life saver!
May 26, 2012
The lady knows what she talking about. I suggest listening to this with pad and pen in hand. Take notes. I would listen to this again.
March 3, 2018
Loads of good information on getting and staying organized. This system seems very adaptable and easily used by almost anyone.
The basic premise is see it - map it - do it. Really it's kind of common sense (and much like how performance improvement projects are done). First you must take the time to see what is going on - what's working or not and where the sticking points are. This step can be done in words or pictures. Then you plan it out - where do you want to go. Again photos or lists can help. Only after those steps are done do you actually take action. The 'do it' stage of organizing has its own acronym as well: STACKS. STACKS stands for sort-toss-assign-contain-keep it up-simplify. Again these steps should be done in order to get the most benefit.
Other tips / info to remember:
Select a statement that represents what you want from the organizing process. This is your source of inspiration.
Put the 3 most important actions for your day first.
Multitasking does not work for most people. If you are present in what you are doing, you will get it done quicker, more joyfully, and easier than if you are trying to do multiple things at once.
IRAFT - system for handling paperwork
Incoming ---->
Read --- Action --- File --- Toss
9 strategies (for keeping it up):
- Make your systems fit you and your life now
- Sort everything by how you use it
- Weed constantly
- Use the right containers and tools
- Label everything
- Keep it simple
- Decide to decide
- Get help when you need it
- Evaluate honestly and often
Do it now. If you can do something in 2 minutes or less, go on ahead and do it. This can alleviate 25% of the build-up.
3 guidelines for having integrity in your work:
- Always speak highly of your clients, co-creators, and support teams.
- Be on time at all times, no excuses.
- Do what you say you will do.
The website has other tips and links (although some are for sale, of course) - see clearsimple.com
The basic premise is see it - map it - do it. Really it's kind of common sense (and much like how performance improvement projects are done). First you must take the time to see what is going on - what's working or not and where the sticking points are. This step can be done in words or pictures. Then you plan it out - where do you want to go. Again photos or lists can help. Only after those steps are done do you actually take action. The 'do it' stage of organizing has its own acronym as well: STACKS. STACKS stands for sort-toss-assign-contain-keep it up-simplify. Again these steps should be done in order to get the most benefit.
Other tips / info to remember:
Select a statement that represents what you want from the organizing process. This is your source of inspiration.
Put the 3 most important actions for your day first.
Multitasking does not work for most people. If you are present in what you are doing, you will get it done quicker, more joyfully, and easier than if you are trying to do multiple things at once.
IRAFT - system for handling paperwork
Incoming ---->
Read --- Action --- File --- Toss
9 strategies (for keeping it up):
- Make your systems fit you and your life now
- Sort everything by how you use it
- Weed constantly
- Use the right containers and tools
- Label everything
- Keep it simple
- Decide to decide
- Get help when you need it
- Evaluate honestly and often
Do it now. If you can do something in 2 minutes or less, go on ahead and do it. This can alleviate 25% of the build-up.
3 guidelines for having integrity in your work:
- Always speak highly of your clients, co-creators, and support teams.
- Be on time at all times, no excuses.
- Do what you say you will do.
The website has other tips and links (although some are for sale, of course) - see clearsimple.com
August 4, 2019
This was a very good audio-book, but I did feel like having a regular book in hand might have been a better experience. Still, Marla Dee didn't just talk your ear off about organizing your stuff, but also threw in some more personalized stories about why people hold onto all the stuff they do.
Most useful was her discussion of the STACKS method (sort, toss, assign a home to things you love, containers with labels, keep it up, and simplify). She delves into each of these topics above and explains it all very well. She goes further into the toss step with the art of letting go, which delves even more deeply into why we are reluctant to let things go and how let go.
This is a very good organizational book, good enough that I was taking notes and am putting some of the lessons she gave into action. I definitely recommend this book if you need to organize your life.
Most useful was her discussion of the STACKS method (sort, toss, assign a home to things you love, containers with labels, keep it up, and simplify). She delves into each of these topics above and explains it all very well. She goes further into the toss step with the art of letting go, which delves even more deeply into why we are reluctant to let things go and how let go.
This is a very good organizational book, good enough that I was taking notes and am putting some of the lessons she gave into action. I definitely recommend this book if you need to organize your life.
August 4, 2020
There are some great ideas in this book, and there are some really terrible ones. For the most part, this is a cheater’s manual to housework — fine for daily maintenance, but also a plan for NEVER having a truly clean house. Literally never.
July 3, 2017
Seemed more like a really long commercial for other products and services.
June 18, 2018
I didn’t actually finish this. I have in on audio and it is confusing. Nothing I can recommend to my clients.
January 1, 2019
*I will update my review and shelves later.*
February 14, 2019
This book has a lot of information and covers a ton of stuff. I got some good pointers from it and will be referencing back to it.
Read
October 10, 2020Listened to half. Her system is too complicated for me.
April 28, 2021
I listened to the audio book. The narration was dreadful. A real snoozer. I gave up. Plus, the information was nothing new. Sorry.
May 19, 2021
My oldest sister has been listening to an audio book, but my library didn't have the same one so I listened to this one instead. It was okay, nothing fantastic, but a few takeaways!
October 30, 2021
A little self aggrandizing but had good tips
February 5, 2019
I found this to be the same as loads of other books about decluttering. Get boxes and label everything.
August 16, 2023
Mostly sensible advice, but some ideas might not work for certain people or situations (for example, taking everything out and putting in groups won't work with a hoarder). Didn't like the reminders to buy more stuff with website recommendations...
September 6, 2014
I heard the audio version of Marla Dee's "Get Organized the Clear and Simple Way". I confess her voice and the material made me a little too jittery to start sorting and stacking. Sometimes I listen to CD's before I fall asleep--maybe Learn French Like the Algerians speak it,Learn Spanish Like Fidel, Have Faith like Joel Osteen, or Joan Rivers' "I Hate Everyone starting With Myself". These CD's relax me. But I think Marla was making me jittery telling me all about how to get organized before I fall asleep. I think it just reminded me that I haven't tossed a calendar journal since l970. Sure, all my childhood diaries are still stacked along with 2,500 photos waiting to be sorted and then filed, tossed or placed in my "active" file. "Get real", I said to Marla, as I roused from my almost dozing state, "if you think I'm tossing one photo of my first little puppy, first husband, first house, first school--no, I want them all piled around staring at me, beckoning me to waste time looking at them and then moving them from drawer to drawer, box to basket, sometimes to an album and back again in a "stack". I have papers too--programs from trips in high school, university banners and every graduation and party invitation I've ever received. Now that I'm a grandmother, I'm not parting with any tattered papers that remind me of good times. I am sick and tired of listening to your monotonous voice at night drone on and on about how you live in 1200 sq. ft. with your daughter, a dog and a cat and every inch is so organized, you can find a gold medal from the l952 Olympics in a second or the hidden box of chocolates the minute the neighbors drop by to serve them. All those containers you suggested I buy cost as much as my mortgage, so I'll continue using all different kinds of shoe boxes for my storage. And what was that about my kitchen? You think I might not need my grandmother's rotary rusted eggbeater any longer or my mother's meat grinder won't be handy in a few years when I start grinding coconut for the fresh coconut cake I plan to make.
And did I hear you say at l2:30 am sell the silver that needs polishing Or what--polish it? I don't think so. No, I know why you've made me so jittery these last few days. I've even thought about taking up smoking when I hear your squeaky voice telling me to think about which of my worldly possessions matter to me--I'll tell you, Marla Dee, all of them do. And another thing. You're right about another thing. Marla Dee, you have 1200 sq. ft. of perfectly organized space. I could not get my chairs, throw pillows, rugs, books, baskets, souvenirs, pianos etcetera through the front door. No, your CD is definitely not the relaxing experience I was seeking.
Anyway, I misread the title--I thought it said "How to be Completely Orgasmic the Clear and Simple Way, so I'm sure you've helped and are helping lots of people, but I'm just not that interested in your subject.
Right now, I'm getting that box of chocolates you'd be saving for the neighbors and reading some of the magazines you'd have tossed five years ago. Tonight I'll be listening to some of my jazz CDs recorded fifteen years ago, if I can find them on some shelf, in some shoebox or maybe it's on one of the chairs here.
And did I hear you say at l2:30 am sell the silver that needs polishing Or what--polish it? I don't think so. No, I know why you've made me so jittery these last few days. I've even thought about taking up smoking when I hear your squeaky voice telling me to think about which of my worldly possessions matter to me--I'll tell you, Marla Dee, all of them do. And another thing. You're right about another thing. Marla Dee, you have 1200 sq. ft. of perfectly organized space. I could not get my chairs, throw pillows, rugs, books, baskets, souvenirs, pianos etcetera through the front door. No, your CD is definitely not the relaxing experience I was seeking.
Anyway, I misread the title--I thought it said "How to be Completely Orgasmic the Clear and Simple Way, so I'm sure you've helped and are helping lots of people, but I'm just not that interested in your subject.
Right now, I'm getting that box of chocolates you'd be saving for the neighbors and reading some of the magazines you'd have tossed five years ago. Tonight I'll be listening to some of my jazz CDs recorded fifteen years ago, if I can find them on some shelf, in some shoebox or maybe it's on one of the chairs here.
October 15, 2011
(3.5)
This was an interesting self-help book. It provides more than organizing the tangible clutter but also of mind and body. I was inspired and empowered to tackle my cluttered home.
I started with my kitchen sink and countertop and do I feel great! There really is something to a clean and uncluttered area. Oh, and I've been doing pretty good at maintaining it too! So I then undertook my kids' bedrooms. I had sent my kiddos to their grandma and spent the entire afternoon to declutter (got through one room and did the other the next day). At this point the general areas are clean and simplified. There are just things that were sorted to an organized pile to later then find a home. It was quite a workout and seriously overwhelming!! But it was a great start. ~Thanks Ms Dee!
In sum, a decluttered surrounding can bring about a happy life. I'm looking forward to being ecstatic!!
Jinky is Reading
This was an interesting self-help book. It provides more than organizing the tangible clutter but also of mind and body. I was inspired and empowered to tackle my cluttered home.
I started with my kitchen sink and countertop and do I feel great! There really is something to a clean and uncluttered area. Oh, and I've been doing pretty good at maintaining it too! So I then undertook my kids' bedrooms. I had sent my kiddos to their grandma and spent the entire afternoon to declutter (got through one room and did the other the next day). At this point the general areas are clean and simplified. There are just things that were sorted to an organized pile to later then find a home. It was quite a workout and seriously overwhelming!! But it was a great start. ~Thanks Ms Dee!
In sum, a decluttered surrounding can bring about a happy life. I'm looking forward to being ecstatic!!
Jinky is Reading
April 3, 2012
Kind of slow and repetitive, but broken down into topics so it's probably better if you consult the one or two topics you need the most help in, rather than listening all the way through. The audio is super chirpy, but there's helpful stuff to be gleaned/reminded of.
And it got my organizational gears moving to the point that I finally figured out a good system for my briefcase (tote bag): a folder for things I'm taking to work, a folder for things I'm taking home, a folder for things that need to get done somewhere in between the two, and a folder for things I'm carrying around with me.
And it got my organizational gears moving to the point that I finally figured out a good system for my briefcase (tote bag): a folder for things I'm taking to work, a folder for things I'm taking home, a folder for things that need to get done somewhere in between the two, and a folder for things I'm carrying around with me.
February 13, 2013
I listened to the Audio version of the book and while there were some helpful tips on organizing your home, I found the overall tone of the book disagreeable. In my opinion the book is likely aimed at different demographic than my own. I could not related to the lifestyle that is ennunciated by the author, for example, there is a lot of discussion about meditating. I don't meditate, I'm not interested in meditating and don't particularly want to hear about it. The reader voice also conveys smugness. Despite some of the useful advice, the book rubbed me the wrong way.
September 13, 2016
See it -- what do you see? what is stuff? why keeping? what's work & stuck? why are you stuck? who will it effect?
Map it -- what do you need? lists/drawings/mind map/journal, size of project
Do it -- stacks: sort with a designated area and label piles in separate boxes; toss - look at 1 box at a time when not tired - do I want to maintain this item?; assign a home - map how will use each thing; contain - organize where stored; keep it up; simplify - choose 1 small, 1 med and 1 large project, repeat
Book looks long but it repetitive.
Map it -- what do you need? lists/drawings/mind map/journal, size of project
Do it -- stacks: sort with a designated area and label piles in separate boxes; toss - look at 1 box at a time when not tired - do I want to maintain this item?; assign a home - map how will use each thing; contain - organize where stored; keep it up; simplify - choose 1 small, 1 med and 1 large project, repeat
Book looks long but it repetitive.
July 31, 2009
If you can stomach the tone... which I find rather off-putting, you might actually get some organizing done. Just hearing about all of these different organizing efforts was enough to get me in the right mindset.
So yeah... this audiobook was kind of useful.
And at least it's something one can listen to and kind of chuckle at. Hahaa, you've gotta love those self-help books! They're 50% helpful and 50% unintentional self-satire.
So yeah... this audiobook was kind of useful.
And at least it's something one can listen to and kind of chuckle at. Hahaa, you've gotta love those self-help books! They're 50% helpful and 50% unintentional self-satire.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews