Simply Organized! The Practical Way to Simplify Your Complicated Life

by Connie Cox, Cris Evatt

Two working women illustrate the keys to prioritizing activities, eliminating clutter, traveling light, relaxing routines, and simplifying life in order to gain control and achieve more pleasure in life, in an effective, inspiring guide. Original.

Genres: Self Help

125 pages, Paperback

First published March 28, 1988

Reviews

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very quick, basic read. The simplicity and brevity of the book appeal to me greatly. There are a few dated references and omissions you would expect from a book written in pre-home computer and internet days. I found it very inspiring.

One passage I'm ambivalent about: "Some people keep books around as tangible evidence of their intelligence. Unconsciously, they are saying to visitors, 'These books contain the subjects I know about. They aren't just books. They are me.'"

Gosh, she says it like there's something wrong with that.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marie Kondo may have read this book before writing her book. The first step to simplifying, this author writes on page 34, is to "First choose an area to simplify. Then sort your things into three piles. Take the items out one by one. Hold each item up and ask yourself, "How do I feel about this? Do I love it and use it? Am I ambivalent about it? Do I want to discard it?" Sound familiar, readers of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up??

This is not just your ordinary organization book. The author advises you on how to make systems for tasks you do regularly. If there is a system, there is order. There are tips on how to decorate minimally. She provides you with a six month bulk shopping system, several meal planning systems, as well as lists for babysitters and house-sitters. Plus a variety of expected organizing tips. Since this was written in the 1980's, there are dated references to Don Johnson and rolodexes, but overall, the advice is still relevant today.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was written in the 80's, so there is some dated references to Don Johnson :) But... I have put sticky notes in many of the pages as things I need to work on in my home. I'm always looking for new ideas to organize, declutter, and the such. It was a very quick read and informative. I like the section on making a "system" for everything you do. I have a system for many things, but need to add a few systems to my list to help me organize. I also need to teach everyone in my house the systems so I'm not the only one performing them :) I got this book off of paperbackswap... thanks to Kathy W.S. for that idea :)

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my life! I went from a slob to a neat freak in no time.