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New Order: A Decluttering Handbook for Creative Folks
For readers of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and The Power of Habit comes a revelatory, witty guide to a clearer home and a more creative mind.
Can a decluttered space fuel a creative mind? Heck yes, says organizing expert Fay Wolf, who has helped everyone from Hollywood celebrities to schoolteachers to work-from-home parents achieve a simpler, more fulfilling life. Here, Wolf outlines her basic rules for saying goodbye to the stuff crowding up your space and hello to new habits that free you up for the things you’re passionate about. And it can all be done in as little as a few minutes a day. Learn how to
create productive to-do lists • stem the flood of paper • downsize digital clutter and social media • arrange your space to spark creative juices • curb your desire to accumulate • collaborate and connect with others for support • embrace imperfection • keep up the momentum
Wolf also shares her favorite productivity apps and resources for donating your many, many items. From the outer clutter of your home to the inner clutter of your chatty mind, this handbook will help you make room for artistic inspiration and invite you to treat yourself to less.
Advance praise for New Order
“New Order seriously changed my life.”—Emily Deschanel
“Fay Wolf is some kind of superhero.”—Jesse Tyler Ferguson
“Wolf is a rare talent. Part therapist, part creative thinker, and part best friend, she’s the right messenger to heal a whole new generation’s organizational woes.” —Maxwell Ryan, founder, Apartment Therapy
From the Trade Paperback edition.
Can a decluttered space fuel a creative mind? Heck yes, says organizing expert Fay Wolf, who has helped everyone from Hollywood celebrities to schoolteachers to work-from-home parents achieve a simpler, more fulfilling life. Here, Wolf outlines her basic rules for saying goodbye to the stuff crowding up your space and hello to new habits that free you up for the things you’re passionate about. And it can all be done in as little as a few minutes a day. Learn how to
create productive to-do lists • stem the flood of paper • downsize digital clutter and social media • arrange your space to spark creative juices • curb your desire to accumulate • collaborate and connect with others for support • embrace imperfection • keep up the momentum
Wolf also shares her favorite productivity apps and resources for donating your many, many items. From the outer clutter of your home to the inner clutter of your chatty mind, this handbook will help you make room for artistic inspiration and invite you to treat yourself to less.
Advance praise for New Order
“New Order seriously changed my life.”—Emily Deschanel
“Fay Wolf is some kind of superhero.”—Jesse Tyler Ferguson
“Wolf is a rare talent. Part therapist, part creative thinker, and part best friend, she’s the right messenger to heal a whole new generation’s organizational woes.” —Maxwell Ryan, founder, Apartment Therapy
From the Trade Paperback edition.
201 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2016
161 people are currently reading
1494 people want to read
About the author
Fay Wolf
2 books10 followersFay Wolf is a professional organizer, musician, and artist. She has appeared as the organizing expert on OWN’s Home Made Simple, and is a regular contributor to Apartment Therapy—where her One-Minute Tip videos are some of the most viewed in the site’s history. Her creative work comes in many forms, including songs that have been heard on shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Pretty Little Liars. She lives in Los Angeles, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
December 29, 2015
This is perfect for those who have tried the "Konmari" method and found it a little silly or wanting. The strength of this is the section on "digital" clutter. She had many ideas that I will incorporate into my own digital files.
Update: December 28, 2015 - Today I purchased a couple of pretty blue plastic file boxes from Office Depot with the idea of taming the file monsters lurking in my closet. I like Wolf's idea of leaving off the tops so files are more easily accessed.
Update: December 28, 2015 - Today I purchased a couple of pretty blue plastic file boxes from Office Depot with the idea of taming the file monsters lurking in my closet. I like Wolf's idea of leaving off the tops so files are more easily accessed.
September 23, 2021
If you're new to books on decluttering, New Order is a good place to start. It's a quick read, the author is witty and fun, and everything is made very accessible for people of all levels of commitment and time availability. That said, if you've read other books on decluttering, it doesn't offer anything new, in my opinion, unless the other books you read were all too strict or stuffy and you're just looking for a more approachable take.
Read
January 25, 2016Go ahead and borrow this one, and if you love it, then buy it. It's a kinder, gentler Kondo-style book. At times Wolf is a little too buddy-buddy with the reader, but that will totally appeal to many. I did appreciate her "start where you are" advice, which eschews the idea you need things to take care of clutter in your life. The best part for me was her chapter on digital clutter; a lot of it was stuff I do already, but it was nice to know I'm not alone in getting sick of some things and needing to set boundaries on them (like, unsubscribe when a newsletter I don't care about shows up or hide people from my feeds, etc.).
January 16, 2024
~~~~~
Thought of the day: "Set timers [when organizing] ... when the time’s up gives me a huge sense of accomplishment and proves that I can make a lot of progress in a short amount of time.”
~~~~~
"Before you begin: Your first step is not to go to the store to buy organizing products. Resist, friend."
“Set timers. Timers are your new best friends… The ding when the time’s up gives me a huge sense of accomplishment and proves that I can make a lot of progress in a short amount of time.” Example: tomato-timer.com
“Screw perfection. Perfect is the archenemy of Better. Perfect is boring. Perfect is unattainable.”
“Scheduling creative tasks for specific times of day, and then treating them like real nonnegotiable appointments, is imperative for productivity.”
Some ideas:
- Choose ONE area to tackle: one closet, surface, or corner of your living room. Have a clear staging area. Set up sorting bins.
- Use Post-its (3”x3” Super Sticky) to quickly label new categories as they come up.
- Electronic to-do list apps like Todoist and Wunderlist. Set daily alerts to interact with to-do lists. OR one master paper notebook.
- Take photos of memorabilia items.
- Get off junk mail lists using companies like Catalog Choice and PaperKarma.
- Turn on an email auto-responder when working on a deadline or at 6pm every day.
- Just try a little harder.
- Lots of digital solutions listed…
► Conquering Chronic Disorganization by Judith Kolberg - personal & emotional organizating, creative
► Goodbye, Things: The New Japanese Minimalism by Fumio Sasaki - minimalism, decluttering, focus
► Organizing for the Rest of Us: 100 Realistic Strategies to Keep Any House Under Control by Dana K. White - decluttering, routines
► Clean Mama's Guide to a Peaceful Home: Effortless Systems and Joyful Rituals for a Calm, Cozy Home by Becky Rapinchuk - cleaning, rituals
► How to Be Organized in Spite of Yourself: Time and Space Management that Works with Your Personal Style by Sunny Schlenger - organizing personality types & strategies
Thought of the day: "Set timers [when organizing] ... when the time’s up gives me a huge sense of accomplishment and proves that I can make a lot of progress in a short amount of time.”
~~~~~
"Before you begin: Your first step is not to go to the store to buy organizing products. Resist, friend."
“Set timers. Timers are your new best friends… The ding when the time’s up gives me a huge sense of accomplishment and proves that I can make a lot of progress in a short amount of time.” Example: tomato-timer.com
“Screw perfection. Perfect is the archenemy of Better. Perfect is boring. Perfect is unattainable.”
“Scheduling creative tasks for specific times of day, and then treating them like real nonnegotiable appointments, is imperative for productivity.”
Some ideas:
- Choose ONE area to tackle: one closet, surface, or corner of your living room. Have a clear staging area. Set up sorting bins.
- Use Post-its (3”x3” Super Sticky) to quickly label new categories as they come up.
- Electronic to-do list apps like Todoist and Wunderlist. Set daily alerts to interact with to-do lists. OR one master paper notebook.
- Take photos of memorabilia items.
- Get off junk mail lists using companies like Catalog Choice and PaperKarma.
- Turn on an email auto-responder when working on a deadline or at 6pm every day.
- Just try a little harder.
- Lots of digital solutions listed…
► Conquering Chronic Disorganization by Judith Kolberg - personal & emotional organizating, creative
► Goodbye, Things: The New Japanese Minimalism by Fumio Sasaki - minimalism, decluttering, focus
► Organizing for the Rest of Us: 100 Realistic Strategies to Keep Any House Under Control by Dana K. White - decluttering, routines
► Clean Mama's Guide to a Peaceful Home: Effortless Systems and Joyful Rituals for a Calm, Cozy Home by Becky Rapinchuk - cleaning, rituals
► How to Be Organized in Spite of Yourself: Time and Space Management that Works with Your Personal Style by Sunny Schlenger - organizing personality types & strategies
January 24, 2016
Fay Wolf's book on decluttering is a good, easy read with lots of good advice on getting organized without too much pain. Lots of shortcuts and tips to save you time and money in the process of sorting and purging along the way. I think just about anyone can find helpful ideas in here. This was a useful Goodreads win.
May 30, 2019
4.25 stars
This book didn’t just focus on organizing from an organizing-alone perspective, it also brought in topics like mental health, pursuing your passions and overall happiness. I liked these connections; they made this book different than every run-of-the-mill organizing book that just provides pretty pictures and overly simple tips.
Wolf stressed the importance of getting rid of stuff, decluttering, actually DOING (not putting it off til later - getting it done NOW), some tips on working with others (business/favours), gave tips on digitalization that might make your life easier, and gave a bunch of resources for donating stuff and other services.
This was a breeze to read, so if you don't have much time, it is a good book to pick up. It was pretty good across the board. Below I have highlighted some of the best parts, and mentioned a few I didn't love.
Concepts/Quotes I Liked
The cover. I like how colourful it is! (Don't like the spacing of the words though)
"Questions to Keep in Mind
Would you miss it if it was gone?
Are you keeping it out of guilt?
Are you indifferent to it?
Would it make someone else happier than it makes you?
Is it ripped or broken? (And: Are you really gonna fix it?)
Would you rather have a better version of it?
Do you have multiples of the same item?
...Is it expired?
Have you used it in the past year? Do you want to use it again?
Have you worn it in the past year? Does it fit?...
Are you keeping it "just in case"?
...Does this thing represent your true self/ tell the truth of who you are? No. Get rid of it." (Wolf, 10).
“Photos are for special times, not all the times.” (Wolf, 69).
Say thank you to items that feel/felt special to you. “…even though it’s “just stuff,” the emotions embedded in material objects are real. There’s a healing and sense of closure that often happens in that moment of gratitude—and a strength-building, too.” (Wolf, 81).
Illustrations. In the books I’ve read, it’s rare to find illustrations and pictures in the book, but I think the illustrations added to it and broke up the text, and offered something photos didn’t. Good creative call.
"The Three Steps of Sorting
1. Pick up one item.
2. Make a decision.
3. Put it in a bin or pile." (Wolf, 8).
“On the fence about purging certain memorabilia items? Take a photo. Back up that photo. Let go of the item(s).” (Wolf, 14).
“For many of us, paper is taking up so much space in our homes and offices that it should be paying rent. What could you do with that space instead?” (Wolf, 31).
“Are you really gonna create that recipe binder you’ve always dreamed of? If so, grrreat. Get it done within 30 days or recycle all those printed out recipes and use your computer or iPad instead. Life’s too short for dawdling.” (Wolf, 42).
“Write down your wants on your to-do list.” (Wolf, 119).
What could be wise advice: “[C]onsider hiring a professional organizers. … As with personal trainers, people employ us because it works.” (Wolf, 141).
“Most organizations offer tax receipts, but some don’t. My recommendation: unless it’s a really valuable item, let it go regardless of what you get in monetary or tax-deduction form. The relief and freedom is your reward. Consider the people will benefit from your gifts. One person’s trash, after all, is another’s golden treasure.” (Wolf, 81).
This story: “WHEN PEOPLE SAY YES, SEND THANK-YOUS (in the actual mail)… After a friend of a friend gave me some free entrepreneurial advice, I sent her a $10 iTunes gift card with a thank-you note, even though there was a voice in my heading [sic] saying, “Ten bucks is so cheap. And she’ll think it’s weird that I’m even being so formal.” Instead, I got a gushing voicemail saying how thoughtful I was and how she knew just whose album she was going to buy. Every little bit counts.” (Wolf, 138-139).
START A CLUB. Make a decluttering club with your friends if you want to make it social or don’t have the money for a professional organizer. It has “a game plan and accountability, inspiration to meet your clutter related deadlines, and an excuse to hang out.” (Wolf, 141).
The summary at the end. I was impressed that the author had it there, although the summary could have been more expansive; I feel like it was missing some important points. All in all, great idea and I think having recaps at the ends of books like these (especially organizing books) is a wonderful and not-commonly-used feature.
Things I Didn't Like
"Choose one area to tackle: one closet, one surface, or one corner of your living room. Small steps to victory. ... but there's no "right place" to begin. Just start." (Wolf, 3).
>> I would kind of disagree; I see her point of just starting, but there is a more efficient and better way to break it down than just ‘pick a random place and start throwing out stuff’.
“You don’t have to fill up all of your space(s). For deep cabinets that stretch back into a black hole, try storing stuff only in the front. Got a lotta drawers? Be an outlaw. Leave one empty. Leave room to breeeeeathe.” (Wolf, 17).
>> I see the appeal of leaving one drawer or space open (to fill with stuff in the future), however this is pretty idealistic and I find it’s rare that people would have the room to even have one drawer free. Idealistically, it is a good idea, but realistically, it’s unlikely that would be possible.
Pictures should have been in colour! I did NOT like the black and white.
I don't agree with this - I love my desk with my cans of pens, office supplies, papers, etc. (Yes, it is messy sometimes, but it's better than having the necessities all tucked away). The desk in the picture looks so empty and sad!
(As you can see by the blandness of the picture, the b&w sucks)
Wolf recommends using 'anything' you find around the house to help with organizing. While I am 100% behind using things that would otherwise be garbage/recycling/unused (go environment!), I feel like this picture shows how it can look kind of out of place or like not the best solution.
“…do not dwell on which place to choose if it means those items are hanging around even a second longer. There’s no best place or right place. Just get it out. (As long as you respect each organization’s policies, of course).” (Wolf, 81).
>> Well, it could be argued there really is a better or right place – it’s better to give your stuff to people who need it the most rather than certain corporations, but it is good to get the stuff out.
Go digital instead of paper route – I’d have to disagree! Writing things down (physically writing them down) helps you remember them better; if you don’t want to be glued to your devices/phone all the time, this is really a bad idea. As someone who’s tried both, I see the benefits of both and I know different things work for different people. However, the author really only catered to those looking to move online.
Things That Could Have Been Improved
To Do List section. Very basic and simple, did not live up to promise. I was excited to see what Fay would talk about, but I was disappointed with the simplistic approach of “active vs reference” items and “calendar, email and to do list”. She obviously does not have expertise in good to do lists (paper ones at least) – her knowledge is limited to digital.
In conclusion, I definitely liked this book, it was a quick read, enjoyable and I wasn't rolling my eyes at some of the concepts or lack of content like in other books in this genre.
Would recommend to...
Anyone interested in organizing. Even pros might enjoy this short and light read.
People who want a bit of an easygoing, different, a little less structured approach to organizing/dealing with life.
This book didn’t just focus on organizing from an organizing-alone perspective, it also brought in topics like mental health, pursuing your passions and overall happiness. I liked these connections; they made this book different than every run-of-the-mill organizing book that just provides pretty pictures and overly simple tips.
Wolf stressed the importance of getting rid of stuff, decluttering, actually DOING (not putting it off til later - getting it done NOW), some tips on working with others (business/favours), gave tips on digitalization that might make your life easier, and gave a bunch of resources for donating stuff and other services.
This was a breeze to read, so if you don't have much time, it is a good book to pick up. It was pretty good across the board. Below I have highlighted some of the best parts, and mentioned a few I didn't love.
Concepts/Quotes I Liked
The cover. I like how colourful it is! (Don't like the spacing of the words though)
"Questions to Keep in Mind
Would you miss it if it was gone?
Are you keeping it out of guilt?
Are you indifferent to it?
Would it make someone else happier than it makes you?
Is it ripped or broken? (And: Are you really gonna fix it?)
Would you rather have a better version of it?
Do you have multiples of the same item?
...Is it expired?
Have you used it in the past year? Do you want to use it again?
Have you worn it in the past year? Does it fit?...
Are you keeping it "just in case"?
...Does this thing represent your true self/ tell the truth of who you are? No. Get rid of it." (Wolf, 10).
“Photos are for special times, not all the times.” (Wolf, 69).
Say thank you to items that feel/felt special to you. “…even though it’s “just stuff,” the emotions embedded in material objects are real. There’s a healing and sense of closure that often happens in that moment of gratitude—and a strength-building, too.” (Wolf, 81).
Illustrations. In the books I’ve read, it’s rare to find illustrations and pictures in the book, but I think the illustrations added to it and broke up the text, and offered something photos didn’t. Good creative call.
"The Three Steps of Sorting
1. Pick up one item.
2. Make a decision.
3. Put it in a bin or pile." (Wolf, 8).
“On the fence about purging certain memorabilia items? Take a photo. Back up that photo. Let go of the item(s).” (Wolf, 14).
“For many of us, paper is taking up so much space in our homes and offices that it should be paying rent. What could you do with that space instead?” (Wolf, 31).
“Are you really gonna create that recipe binder you’ve always dreamed of? If so, grrreat. Get it done within 30 days or recycle all those printed out recipes and use your computer or iPad instead. Life’s too short for dawdling.” (Wolf, 42).
“Write down your wants on your to-do list.” (Wolf, 119).
What could be wise advice: “[C]onsider hiring a professional organizers. … As with personal trainers, people employ us because it works.” (Wolf, 141).
“Most organizations offer tax receipts, but some don’t. My recommendation: unless it’s a really valuable item, let it go regardless of what you get in monetary or tax-deduction form. The relief and freedom is your reward. Consider the people will benefit from your gifts. One person’s trash, after all, is another’s golden treasure.” (Wolf, 81).
This story: “WHEN PEOPLE SAY YES, SEND THANK-YOUS (in the actual mail)… After a friend of a friend gave me some free entrepreneurial advice, I sent her a $10 iTunes gift card with a thank-you note, even though there was a voice in my heading [sic] saying, “Ten bucks is so cheap. And she’ll think it’s weird that I’m even being so formal.” Instead, I got a gushing voicemail saying how thoughtful I was and how she knew just whose album she was going to buy. Every little bit counts.” (Wolf, 138-139).
START A CLUB. Make a decluttering club with your friends if you want to make it social or don’t have the money for a professional organizer. It has “a game plan and accountability, inspiration to meet your clutter related deadlines, and an excuse to hang out.” (Wolf, 141).
The summary at the end. I was impressed that the author had it there, although the summary could have been more expansive; I feel like it was missing some important points. All in all, great idea and I think having recaps at the ends of books like these (especially organizing books) is a wonderful and not-commonly-used feature.
Things I Didn't Like
"Choose one area to tackle: one closet, one surface, or one corner of your living room. Small steps to victory. ... but there's no "right place" to begin. Just start." (Wolf, 3).
>> I would kind of disagree; I see her point of just starting, but there is a more efficient and better way to break it down than just ‘pick a random place and start throwing out stuff’.
“You don’t have to fill up all of your space(s). For deep cabinets that stretch back into a black hole, try storing stuff only in the front. Got a lotta drawers? Be an outlaw. Leave one empty. Leave room to breeeeeathe.” (Wolf, 17).
>> I see the appeal of leaving one drawer or space open (to fill with stuff in the future), however this is pretty idealistic and I find it’s rare that people would have the room to even have one drawer free. Idealistically, it is a good idea, but realistically, it’s unlikely that would be possible.
Pictures should have been in colour! I did NOT like the black and white.
I don't agree with this - I love my desk with my cans of pens, office supplies, papers, etc. (Yes, it is messy sometimes, but it's better than having the necessities all tucked away). The desk in the picture looks so empty and sad!
(As you can see by the blandness of the picture, the b&w sucks)
Wolf recommends using 'anything' you find around the house to help with organizing. While I am 100% behind using things that would otherwise be garbage/recycling/unused (go environment!), I feel like this picture shows how it can look kind of out of place or like not the best solution.
“…do not dwell on which place to choose if it means those items are hanging around even a second longer. There’s no best place or right place. Just get it out. (As long as you respect each organization’s policies, of course).” (Wolf, 81).
>> Well, it could be argued there really is a better or right place – it’s better to give your stuff to people who need it the most rather than certain corporations, but it is good to get the stuff out.
Go digital instead of paper route – I’d have to disagree! Writing things down (physically writing them down) helps you remember them better; if you don’t want to be glued to your devices/phone all the time, this is really a bad idea. As someone who’s tried both, I see the benefits of both and I know different things work for different people. However, the author really only catered to those looking to move online.
Things That Could Have Been Improved
To Do List section. Very basic and simple, did not live up to promise. I was excited to see what Fay would talk about, but I was disappointed with the simplistic approach of “active vs reference” items and “calendar, email and to do list”. She obviously does not have expertise in good to do lists (paper ones at least) – her knowledge is limited to digital.
In conclusion, I definitely liked this book, it was a quick read, enjoyable and I wasn't rolling my eyes at some of the concepts or lack of content like in other books in this genre.
Would recommend to...
Anyone interested in organizing. Even pros might enjoy this short and light read.
People who want a bit of an easygoing, different, a little less structured approach to organizing/dealing with life.
February 27, 2016
I enjoyed this book. It is simply written with a casual tone that makes it less daunting than the Konmari method (once I saw the illustrations on how to fold shirts, I closed the book). Some of the things suggested, I have done in the past and will reconnect with them. There is a strong emphasis on digital productivity tools, which I will give a try (well, more than one try to find a good fit for me) again.
Even if you aren't a creative person (or have creative aspirations), I think this book is useful for people that have a lot of different areas in their life that need taming.
Even if you aren't a creative person (or have creative aspirations), I think this book is useful for people that have a lot of different areas in their life that need taming.
February 15, 2016
Covers some of the same ground as Marie Kondo's Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up BUT goes much further into the digital side and how to grab control of your daily to-do lists to start being more productive. While Marie Kondo talks a lot about the physical spaces, New Order gives hands on advice for dealing with the barrage of digital and mental clutter that prevents us (creative types but also works for everyone) from doing what we really love. My favorite part? Wolf talks about limiting your social media and your availability on social media and by phone, something I am totally a fan of.
Also, her voice is actually fun to read, where I found Kondo's voice to be a bit agitating. Don't get me wrong, I am a huge fan of the Konmari method, and have made huge strides in my house based off of it, but this covers a different arena and the writing is more accessible. Also, she suggests the buddy-up method for accountability! Perfect.
Also, her voice is actually fun to read, where I found Kondo's voice to be a bit agitating. Don't get me wrong, I am a huge fan of the Konmari method, and have made huge strides in my house based off of it, but this covers a different arena and the writing is more accessible. Also, she suggests the buddy-up method for accountability! Perfect.
November 26, 2022
This book has a lot of links to online management tools, places to sell items, etc. -- so I'd expect this to be more of a website instead of an actual book.
There's not much in here as to methods etc--so for someone who is in overwhelm this book could be the best place to start because there's not a lot to remember. It's kind of the "just do it" of decluttering books. There's no special Kondo folding techniques, for instance.
There is a section on etiquette for collaborating artistically which is wonderful, but I don't know how it ended up in this book.
The best advice in here that's not a website link, in my opinion, is that 1) she tells you to not buy containers until you're done--to jury-rig something first; and 2) to just give away any item under $200 that you're really not going to spend the time to sell.
***Note: I have Re-checked this book out of the library in Nov. 2022.
There's not much in here as to methods etc--so for someone who is in overwhelm this book could be the best place to start because there's not a lot to remember. It's kind of the "just do it" of decluttering books. There's no special Kondo folding techniques, for instance.
There is a section on etiquette for collaborating artistically which is wonderful, but I don't know how it ended up in this book.
The best advice in here that's not a website link, in my opinion, is that 1) she tells you to not buy containers until you're done--to jury-rig something first; and 2) to just give away any item under $200 that you're really not going to spend the time to sell.
***Note: I have Re-checked this book out of the library in Nov. 2022.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2018
I read this one in one day. There were lots of great tips, some I already know and use and some I did not think of! I even signed up for her newsletter. I tried a "to-do" list app and hated it, so its gone. I am definitely an old-school pen and paper kind of gal, especially since those don't email me to remind me that I have an item on my calendar unaddressed for the third day in a row. Deleted! I do believe that being less cluttered is quite liberating, and I am a reforming child of pack rats. I just tend to do the big work before a move, which I am not intending to do any time soon. I will just have to pretend. I appreciate the forwardness of Ms. Wolf and her realistic view of my "I am going to have a garage sale this summer" pile, that has been there for a few summers now. If it isn't worth $20o and likely to sell for that much, just get rid of it. Okey dokey then!
October 26, 2016
My litmus test for an organizing book is how much it motivates me to go get organized. This book shifted about 3 pieces of paper and prompted me to unsubscribe to one e-newsletter -- not a great return on my reading investment. I did try some of her links for selling CDs, but at 50 cents a CD it's not worth my time.
And as many other reviewers have noted, the author's voice is very informal, hangin' with the BFFs, let's swear a little and misspell things ("have fuuuuun") to establish her down-to-earth creds. Yes, some will find that very appealing, but I found it offputting in a published book.
And as many other reviewers have noted, the author's voice is very informal, hangin' with the BFFs, let's swear a little and misspell things ("have fuuuuun") to establish her down-to-earth creds. Yes, some will find that very appealing, but I found it offputting in a published book.
December 14, 2017
Pros:
-Easy read
-Lots of resources
-Friendly tone
-Some comics and pictures
-Colorful Cover
-Some good tips
Cons:
-Odd square-shaped book
-Paragraphs/advice sometimes felt unnecessarily lengthy
-Information fairly general
Notes:
-Does not take you through each type of room and show you ways to organize. It's more of a general guide through the decluttering process, not the cleaning/reorganization by room like I expected. If that makes sense??
-Personally didn't feel like I learned much, but I like cleaning/organizing.
-Didn't get the sense that the book was geared toward anyone in particular, despite the title suggesting so
-Easy read
-Lots of resources
-Friendly tone
-Some comics and pictures
-Colorful Cover
-Some good tips
Cons:
-Odd square-shaped book
-Paragraphs/advice sometimes felt unnecessarily lengthy
-Information fairly general
Notes:
-Does not take you through each type of room and show you ways to organize. It's more of a general guide through the decluttering process, not the cleaning/reorganization by room like I expected. If that makes sense??
-Personally didn't feel like I learned much, but I like cleaning/organizing.
-Didn't get the sense that the book was geared toward anyone in particular, despite the title suggesting so
July 17, 2017
First, I must admit I am a sucker for any book that has the words “organization” or “declutter” in the title. This one begins with the typical advice about start small and sort into keep/donate/trash steps, but then if adds a lot of practical advice about dealing with digital clutter, social media, and email that I have not found in other books. Included is an extensive list of organizing apps, websites, and resources. As a final - and maybe quirky - note, I loved the size and shape of this book. Easy to hold and read through quickly.
July 13, 2016
This book covers EVERYTHING about new age organization. Clear, honest and direct, Fay Wolf provides actionable methods for how to get your life's clutter under control in order to lead a happier and more fulfilling existence (with less stuff). I'm pleased to say that I already practice a lot of these ideas, but my mother is another story! I'm buying this book for her.
January 5, 2018
I was a little misled by the title of this book - I thought it was a book for creative people who have creative clutter and how to sort that clutter (lots of supplies for hobbies etc), but alas it was not.
The writing style is very light hearted and the book is heavily geared to the American market, so if you live in the US, the lists in the book are rather bountiful.
The writing style is very light hearted and the book is heavily geared to the American market, so if you live in the US, the lists in the book are rather bountiful.
January 21, 2018
Read this book in under an hour. Great visual graphics and section breaks kept my attention. Best of all, no trips to the organizing store! I redid my file cabinet using only post-it notes. I also loved the author's tips on managing digital clutter. This book won't change your life, but you'll definitely find a tip or two.
August 26, 2019
Perhaps it got too much hype or I've read too many books on getting organized. However, my hopes were raised that this would be a different message especially tailored to the issues and needs of creative people. What a disappointment! Just another hum-ho doctrine on getting organized. Didn't learn much.
May 31, 2016
This got an extra star from me for the practical advice about social media, email and digital filing. The rest was lots of the same donate/relocate/trash steps as other books. She has a catchy conversational style but I could've done with less cussing.
July 16, 2019
I turned to Fay Wolf’s incredibly helpful new book when I had a pesky closet I just couldn’t make myself organize. Love her unique approach to assisting creatives like myself in getting one’s environment in better order, so more “flow” can be achieved in the creative process. 5/5
February 17, 2016
I really like this book. The author has a realistic view of what people can accomplish. Love that this deals with digital clutter and daily life goals as well.
November 28, 2016
Well, she's no Marie Kondo.
Read
September 2, 2023Some ideas work better as websites.
February 3, 2026
Short and sweet with some helpful tips.
September 29, 2017
4 stars for motivating me to get off my butt and go through my paperwork (again), utilize the to-do list on my iPhone, and analyze old habits in order to create new ones.
Wolf breaks down decluttering in a very simple way, so simple that she really doesn't spend that much time on it (this is a good thing.) She focuses more on our mental barriers to decluttering and organizing our lives, which I definitely struggle with.
She breaks things down into bite sized pieces of information. I never felt overwhelmed with what she recommended, and actually felt pretty motivated to carry out her instructions. She also promotes imperfection upfront, because imperfection is normal.
In contrast to the KonMarie method, Wolf suggests that we don't take everything out at once, because that tends to "create more 'holy shit' overwelm." She also suggests tackling one area at a time, instead of decluttering by category.
She touches on decluttering our social media & other tech-based connections, creating a proper to-do list, utilizing reminders, and rethinking networking. These topics were the ones I gained the most value from.
There are, of course, some suggestions I don't want to implement for myself. I don't see myself using wall files, clipboards, or magazine files for my paperwork because that just adds unnecessary crap to my home. That's ok though. They're just suggestions.
Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone who needs motivation to declutter and who wants to declutter more than their physical stuff. The book is geared towards creative types, like musicians, artists, and writers, but most of her tips are applicable to everyone.
Wolf breaks down decluttering in a very simple way, so simple that she really doesn't spend that much time on it (this is a good thing.) She focuses more on our mental barriers to decluttering and organizing our lives, which I definitely struggle with.
She breaks things down into bite sized pieces of information. I never felt overwhelmed with what she recommended, and actually felt pretty motivated to carry out her instructions. She also promotes imperfection upfront, because imperfection is normal.
In contrast to the KonMarie method, Wolf suggests that we don't take everything out at once, because that tends to "create more 'holy shit' overwelm." She also suggests tackling one area at a time, instead of decluttering by category.
She touches on decluttering our social media & other tech-based connections, creating a proper to-do list, utilizing reminders, and rethinking networking. These topics were the ones I gained the most value from.
There are, of course, some suggestions I don't want to implement for myself. I don't see myself using wall files, clipboards, or magazine files for my paperwork because that just adds unnecessary crap to my home. That's ok though. They're just suggestions.
Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone who needs motivation to declutter and who wants to declutter more than their physical stuff. The book is geared towards creative types, like musicians, artists, and writers, but most of her tips are applicable to everyone.
May 24, 2024
First of all, the title is misleading. The part about "for Creative Folks" is probably something added to try and interest creative types, especially visual artists who see the potential in everything to use in art. Two of my artist friends hold on to every thing, and I do mean THING, that crosses their paths because they are both visual artists in multiple mediums. So... keep in mind that this book is for anyone seeking information about decluttering, and that there's nothing special in it for "creative folks."
Overall, I liked the book. It's an easy read. However, the tone is definitely, "I'm a 20-something girl, and I'm going to talk to you like your BFF, curse words and all," so if you are offended by the F bomb and other "I'm trying to be hip" language, you may not like this book. I found quite of bit her tone to be annoying, but it's a short book.
The BEST part of the book is the inclusion of web sites and apps, as well as how to deal with digital clutter. This is something I've had to go searching for online. Of course, by the time this book was printed, something new is bound to be on the market. I've searched for "productivity apps" and I read lot of online sites.
If you're disorganized and looking for help, and you're under 35, you'll probably like the tone of this book and find it helpful. If you're organized and looking for tips, you'll probably like the digital portion.
Marie Kondo still rules in my book. Simple, elegant, and sincere.
Overall, I liked the book. It's an easy read. However, the tone is definitely, "I'm a 20-something girl, and I'm going to talk to you like your BFF, curse words and all," so if you are offended by the F bomb and other "I'm trying to be hip" language, you may not like this book. I found quite of bit her tone to be annoying, but it's a short book.
The BEST part of the book is the inclusion of web sites and apps, as well as how to deal with digital clutter. This is something I've had to go searching for online. Of course, by the time this book was printed, something new is bound to be on the market. I've searched for "productivity apps" and I read lot of online sites.
If you're disorganized and looking for help, and you're under 35, you'll probably like the tone of this book and find it helpful. If you're organized and looking for tips, you'll probably like the digital portion.
Marie Kondo still rules in my book. Simple, elegant, and sincere.
January 28, 2016
With humor and conversational vernacular, Fay Wolf has written a helpful book for those that need some guidance and assistance with clearing and organizing. It's full of great suggestions to help with your home and environment, but also with tidying your digital mess, as well as all that mental brain clutter we all collect. Overall, it gives some really nice recommendations to help all the little parts that make up life as a whole to become more efficient, tidy, and therefore a much more pleasant experience. I enjoyed this book and felt that it put forth a lot of sense and advice. I would definitely recommend this book to individuals endeavoring to clean and tidy up any portion of their daily lives, or even individuals who are thinking about it. It'll give them the motivation to go for it!
* I won a copy of New Order in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway and would like to show my appreciation to Goodreads; the publisher, Ballantine Books; and author, Fay Wolf, and provide my unbiased review. *
* I won a copy of New Order in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway and would like to show my appreciation to Goodreads; the publisher, Ballantine Books; and author, Fay Wolf, and provide my unbiased review. *
September 7, 2016
much less intimidating than the Kondo book currently gathering dust in my cabinet :)
also, much more practical as the edges are actually evening cut and easy to thumb through looking for an important passage (and the 'where to donate/recycle/etc" pages are all pink edged). For some reason someone thought it would be pretty to have a deckle (uncut) edge on the pages of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up which are impossible as a result to turn or skim through. How does that help me organize my life again?
In general this is a no-nonsense 'just-do-it' approach to organization and even starts with the admonishment "Do Not Go Out and Buy Organizing Supplies." I'm converting it from a library read to a to-buy if anything just for the pink pages. :) (cause they're both uber handy AND pretty)
also, much more practical as the edges are actually evening cut and easy to thumb through looking for an important passage (and the 'where to donate/recycle/etc" pages are all pink edged). For some reason someone thought it would be pretty to have a deckle (uncut) edge on the pages of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up which are impossible as a result to turn or skim through. How does that help me organize my life again?
In general this is a no-nonsense 'just-do-it' approach to organization and even starts with the admonishment "Do Not Go Out and Buy Organizing Supplies." I'm converting it from a library read to a to-buy if anything just for the pink pages. :) (cause they're both uber handy AND pretty)
May 14, 2016
Nice! If you've never read another book about home organization, this one offers all the time-honored advice, the classic four-bags-for-initial-sorting gambit, for example.
But maybe you've already read several books about home organization. (Maybe, like me, you can't resist reading every article and book on organization that crosses your path.) Well, this one may just help in some fresh ways. Its tone is that of a cheerful creative friend: Wolf knows from experience exactly how some good intentions falter, and this friend has specific pointers for keeping your organizational mission in gear.
Just a few specific things that make this book a useful guide: the advice to spend less money on prefab organizing tools and more attention and creativity. A really helpful chapter on how to manage computer "stuff." Happy mantras for self-encouragement.
I received this copy as a Goodreads giveaway-- and I'm glad I did!
But maybe you've already read several books about home organization. (Maybe, like me, you can't resist reading every article and book on organization that crosses your path.) Well, this one may just help in some fresh ways. Its tone is that of a cheerful creative friend: Wolf knows from experience exactly how some good intentions falter, and this friend has specific pointers for keeping your organizational mission in gear.
Just a few specific things that make this book a useful guide: the advice to spend less money on prefab organizing tools and more attention and creativity. A really helpful chapter on how to manage computer "stuff." Happy mantras for self-encouragement.
I received this copy as a Goodreads giveaway-- and I'm glad I did!
March 14, 2019
Let me start with, I like the Konmari method of pulling everything of a similar category out, keeping what you love (and use) and passing the rest along. It's fairly quick, simple and works for me. I was interested in this one because it is directed at creatives and I thought it might be good to help with the crafty stuff in my home.
While Wolf references Marie Kondo, among others, only the first maybe 1/3 of this book is about decluttering stuff. The rest does deal with digital clutter such as emails, but it's a lot about setting up reminders and lists and schedules. There are a ton of books that deal with decluttering and minimalism. Aside from the numerous lists of useful apps and websites, I didn't find a lot that really stood out for me here. It's a quick read and I'd suggest borrowing this one from your local library as I did. Our brains all work differently; maybe this will work for you.
While Wolf references Marie Kondo, among others, only the first maybe 1/3 of this book is about decluttering stuff. The rest does deal with digital clutter such as emails, but it's a lot about setting up reminders and lists and schedules. There are a ton of books that deal with decluttering and minimalism. Aside from the numerous lists of useful apps and websites, I didn't find a lot that really stood out for me here. It's a quick read and I'd suggest borrowing this one from your local library as I did. Our brains all work differently; maybe this will work for you.
February 23, 2016
This was a goodreads giveaway that I won.
This author presents a lot of specific resources to help you simplify your life, such as a list of donation centers and useful apps, and I really did like that part.
There are helpful drawings and diagrams as well to give a visual look at the process.
It gives great suggestions on ways to declutter your life. Some of the topics she tackles are ways to declutter "stuff" around your house, decrease paper, electronics, email, and become more organized.
However, I feel that it not really for me. As a creative person, I like to be surrounded by my creativity, and do that MY way. (not that I'm a horder, or my house is beyond messy even.)
But if you are looking for help, then I suggest this book.
I'm just one of those weird people who likes not having to have every little thing in order.
This author presents a lot of specific resources to help you simplify your life, such as a list of donation centers and useful apps, and I really did like that part.
There are helpful drawings and diagrams as well to give a visual look at the process.
It gives great suggestions on ways to declutter your life. Some of the topics she tackles are ways to declutter "stuff" around your house, decrease paper, electronics, email, and become more organized.
However, I feel that it not really for me. As a creative person, I like to be surrounded by my creativity, and do that MY way. (not that I'm a horder, or my house is beyond messy even.)
But if you are looking for help, then I suggest this book.
I'm just one of those weird people who likes not having to have every little thing in order.
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