Organizing Her Life: How my Journey can help you Declutter your Spaces and your Life

by Laura Souders

In Organizing Her Life, Laura Souders, Professional Organizer and motivational speaker, invites us into her personal journey, traveling through her struggles and triumphs, to create a meaningful life. She shares how small steps led her to big change that positively impacted her physical space as well as her life path.

Organizing Her Life is for people who want to improve their lives, without getting bogged down by reference books about organizing.

In Organizing Her Life you will:
• Learn Laura’s 4 Step System to organizing any space
• Discover ways to change your mindset about things you own
• Gather easy to use, applicable tips to organize
• Gain knowledge to help find your passion
• Be inspired to improve your life

"Organizing is about the stuff, but it is about much more than the physical things. It is actively, consciously creating your life." –Organizing Her Life
Learn how to transform not only the rooms in your home, but the spaces in your life, to have that calm, inspired existence we all desire.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Amazon, Ebooks, How To

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 5, 2018

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Admittedly, when I bought this book I thought it would give me room by room instructions for how to organize every space in my house. In a way it is that, but it is so much more. I have described this book to friends as a cross between a personal memoir and a de-cluttering self-help book. Laura's book is an inspiring story of the journey towards happiness and self-fulfillment by simplifying our surroundings and unburdening ourselves from all the things that weigh us down, not just the clutter in our homes, but the clutter in our day to day lives.

After a successful career as a teacher, Laura took the proverbial plunge towards her own self-fulfillment by leaving the classroom and her comfortable life in the 'burbs to buying an actual hoarded house and becoming her own boss with her home organizing business. It was delightfully suspenseful at times and Laura's writing style made me feel like I was reading through a good friend's personal journal ---relatable and very down-to-earth. A quick but compelling read, it left me feeling inspired to give careful consideration to the goals in my own life, how I spend my time both at work and home, and where to keep all those extra lids to the multiplying plastic food containers in my kitchen. (hint - toss them!). I highly recommend this book.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring read

This was not how I thought it would initially be. I thought it would help me get on with decluttering my home. It hasn't... However, what it does do is make you think about your life and where it's heading.
I don't think this book will help unless you have boundless supplies of energy like the author.
But it's written in the style of a memoir and it really does give you food for thought.
An enjoyable read, even though it wasn't as I expected.

[Deanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Useful

I found her tactics and suggestions useful. I look forward in seeing how I can apply some of these things in my own life.

[Pam Serbanic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura’s book is a GIFT to all of us for inspiration and motivation; it chronicles her life’s metamorphosis with outrageous, challenging and funny times. As one of her clients, Laura was a GIFT to my husband and I, what she did in her own life--in her book--she did for us. I came out of the hospital in a wheelchair unable to do anything. My husband and I had to sell our large home, it was too big and too much work for us to manage. Laura needed to prepare or stage it, downsize significantly, pack, move into a two-bedroom apartment, and unpack. We were facing a nearly impossible situation.

Stuff from our house needed to go everywhere; some with us and the rest to Goodwill; The Salvation Army; Habitat for Humanity; and book, paper, metal, electronics, etc. recycling; and the remaining contents to the auctioneer.

She also needed to prepare our new apartment, overseeing the new paint, new woodwork installation, new lighting fixtures, new tile floors and backsplash, new built-in bookcases, etc. and numerous other details.

Laura did it all and more!

She has worked with us for the past 18 months, our home sold, all the while she was writing her book. Coincidently, Laura moved us and her book was released, both occurred in the same week—pressure, stress, and anxiety much?

All of Laura’s past life experiences gave her the confidence and ability to take-charge on move day!

After we had moved and unpacked, I found myself looking for something she had unpacked and ask, “Where would Laura have put it”? I have realized that Laura crawled into my head, and identified what I want, what I need, and what my disabilities and limitations are. The question I now ask is, “Where would I put it”?

Laura is a “Professional Organizer”; moreover, for me she is, “Dr. Stuff-and-Psychology Organizer”!

I read Laura’s book after the project was nearly completed. Looking back to the beginning 18 months ago, I can see how her “Table of Contents” and her action steps at the end of each chapter, were her organization plan. Laura followed the organization plan she laid out in her book and, … “It Works”!

The successful completion of our project validates her book, Organizing Her Life!

God sent us a GIFT, Laura, to help us; she is my Angel, she brings joy to my life.

“…I will help you…” Isaiah 41:10. Miracles do happen.

[Hollie Rose · Rating 2 out of 5]

So… There's a good chance I'd like this woman a lot. I'm very proud of her for the way she stepped into her truth and made deep changes to her life no matter the fear she was facing. She hated teaching but kept on for years, believing that the money it brought was more important than just about anything else. Her story and mine have many similarities. Hating what we did, transitioning into a career in Personal Organizing. Focusing, in that career, on the need to declutter and simplify. One big difference, though I'd love to, and I hope and plan to, write a book someday, she has actually done so. Bravo Laura. Now the bad part of this review. Oh man. This book is awful. By that I mean she really Really REALLY could have used a couple good editors and not just dear friends to shepherd this book into reality. She says the same thing a hundred times. Sometimes with the exact same sentence less that a page apart. It's kind of disjointed and it rambles. Before I, the reader, had even known that she had chosen Organizing to make a real go of it, she's telling someone she's met about her business. It has a name and everything! Yet she hadn't told me about it at all! And then she's going along doing her own life and projects, when suddenly she'd telling me that her clients are few! What? She has clients? And her ideas on how to approach the process of organizing a space or a life are sprinkled throughout the book with very little rhyme or reason that I can discern. So yeah - a very worthy story about taking chances, downsizing for happiness and fulfillment, following one's dreams and inclinations, and the joy of organizing. Some of my favorite things. I just wish she'd taken a few more months to self-edit, paid for editors, or kept working on it till she could secure a traditional publisher. This could have been a great book in the canon of organizing books. Instead it's really repetitive in phrasing and just plain not good.

[Joan mooney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not impressed

I bought this book in hopes of finding something-anything that related to my particular life circumstances. I’m older, recently remarried, and dealing with combining the lives of 2 people with many duplicate household items. I live in a home far too small and very old. Tiny closets, Tiny rooms with multiple doors and windows, no storage, no garage. I have a passion for clothes, shoes, purses and make up. I now have no place to put these things. I resist getting rid of what little I have left of my past, and letting go of what Brings me joy is painful. Packing them away in bins is difficult because there is no where to store the bins. I was hoping this book might give me insight into what really does bring me joy and how to let go of excess even if it is important to me. It didn’t.
I felt I was reading the story of someone else’s life that in no way related to my issues. What suggestions/questions offered were limited and the same ones I’ve heard from every other source I’ve researched.
Perhaps for a younger person this story would be inspirational, but it didn’t inspire me or offer any new coping ideas. Perhaps I simply didn’t grasp the concept.
Sorry for a negative review. The book is fine, an interesting story of one woman’s journey. It just wasn’t what I needed.

[H.K. Rivers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read. Inspiring at moments. Frustrating at other times.

Quick and easy read. I guess I expected a bit more of a detailed outline of the decluttering process. Honestly there were moments for me where I felt disconnected from Laura financially. She writes about the struggle of changing her life and its financial toll, but has a daughter who studies abroad in France, kids with iPads and phones, in-laws with the space to house them and even a room inside their master bedroom, trips to acupuncture, etc. Downsizing from a 3,000 square ft house it was difficult for me to feel like this journey is actually possible for a typical American family. There seemed to be a safety net even when she was upset about possibly not paying all her bills. These things don't belittle the massive changes and accomplishments she made, but they did make them feel unrealistic for me. Worth the read, overall.

[Mary Nemanich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really gets you thinking!

This book had many ideas for organizing not just your stuff... but your life as well. You experienced the trials and tribulations that the author experienced while contemplating and then making a significant career change. You felt her emotions when things were not going well and when things eventually went very well. You learned about making decisions in the process of decluttering and/or downsizing... whether due to a need or a want. This was definitely one of the better decluttering books... it dealt a lot with finding motivation and making your own rules... for your own life.

[Kate Cooley · Rating 1 out of 5]

The only thing I liked about this book was the intrigue around the history of the house they brought, you never find out. Basically a women quits teaching, renovates a house and then becomes a professional organiser. If you're interested in that this is a good book for you, if not watch paint dry or maybe just read a different book.

[Carol · Rating 2 out of 5]

While this was a more interesting book to read than most books on decluttering or down-sizing, it was off-putting in many ways. This was definitely from the perspective of a very privileged family. They “downsized” into a 3-bedroom Victorian house, for starters. I guess that would be a shock to the system if you were used to living in a 3000 SF house with a two car garage and three closets on the master bedroom. Poor babies. She and her husband had to build a second bathroom in the new house to accommodate having 5 people in the house. Well, I have news for the author. Lots of people have large families with only one bathroom. That used to be standard. I my small house, built in 1945, we have one bathroom. At one point we had six people living here. It’s not that big a deal.

So much in the book seemed like rash decisions. Why in the world would you quit your teaching job BEFORE your husband finished student teaching a secured a job? Why would you buy your new house BEFORE you sold your old one? Why would you move mattresses in a rainstorm instead of waiting a day?

But I think it was the pervasive sense of entitlement that most grated for me. How financially strapped are you really of your daughter is taking a year abroad, the kids have all kinds of electronic gadgets, and you are stopping at Starbucks for lattes? And how nice that your in-laws let you move in with them and store all your stuff in their house. But that’s not available to most people. This was one of those books that had me rolling my eyes throughout.

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like many other reviewers, I discovered that this book wasn’t quite what I expected. I anticipated practical decluttering advice. Instead, we’re treated to the story of one person’s determination to get her life more in sync with her interest/talent. The book is nicely written and an easy read. That said, it’s a little slow going in places where she details events and decisions hour-by-hour. My guess is that the author kept a daily journal and drew on it heavily to create the book. I can’t say I learned anything new—I’ve read a bunch of decluttering books—BUT it was a pleasure to tag along on her journey from feeling trapped to taking the necessary steps to create a life that fits her. So many people simply sleepwalk their way through their lives—unable to muster the courage to break out of unhappy or unhealthy situations. I enjoyed seeing someone say ‘No!’ to the status quo and choose ‘Yes! You betcha!’ instead.

[Goth Gone Grey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Memoir with decluttering advice

This is a memoir about a family choosing to reclaim their life with some practical organizing tips at the close of each chapter. The writing is honest, showing insecurities, struggles, and finally triumph. It's a nice reminder of what's possible with determination, hard work, and a bit of lucky timing.

While not a traditional cleaning book, the advice included is sound without being too bossy or pushy. If you want a more organized space, use the advice. If you live in her neighborhood, schedule her to help.

An example of the writing:

"Life is short. Wishing things were different won’t change them. You need to make a plan for change to occur. Be an active participant in your life. The first step is to choose what you want to pursue."

[Stacie Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uncluttered my mind

I thought this book was just to help me organize my home. As I read, I sense of calmness and understanding became apparent. I did not realize that I had already begun organizing my material life and creating my very on “vision boards” with Pinterest. The author has done a commendable job of classifying and clarifying the cluttered mess that has been in my home and in my head. I would recommend this book to anyone who is feeling buried by life’s chaos. I am definitely going to be reading this book many more times in future! Many thanks to the author for living her own dream. Congratulations!!

[Veronica Chapa Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I loved how brave the writer is and how she knew her happiness in what she was doing with her life was not just going to benefit herself but her whole family. She dared to do what most people want to do but are too scared to do. I feel like her love and passion for life and family came out, but mostly what her determination not to stay stuck in a career that she didn’t love. I enjoyed going through the journey with her as she made over life and her home. Great tips to boot. Wish I could see before and after pictures of the home.

[Bridget Pertlicek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this a lot although it wasn’t what I was expecting at all. I thought it would be just another organizing book, but I liked the author’s personal story even better. She was a teacher who wasn’t happy in her work and it told the story of how she made a change to a new career as an organizer which is something she loved to do. It was at great cost to herself and her family’s lifestyle. I could really identify with her.

[Michele Wecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn't want a healthier life?

Felt the author spent too much time on her life at the beginning of the book, not moving along. Almost quit reading. Glad I didnt! As I progressed through the book, thoughtful organizing gems were revealed. It was easy to relate to what the author said, plan to apply it to my own life. I took photos of pages where I found information I needed for my board. Thx!

[Rebecca Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational

This was a quick, easy read...I couldn't put it down! I love to organize, and I too switched careers, although mine happened right before my kids were born which made it less difficult for sure. But the idea of choosing work that brings us fulfillment, not just money, is incredibly important, and I think that's the bigger picture of Laura's story. I hope it inspires many others and her business continues to grow!

[Carter Hemphill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found that the decluttering and organization tips to be similar to what you find in other books on this topic. What was interesting was her story of her career change from being a public school teacher and toward being a professional organizer. The risks and challenges her family faced during that transition was interesting and made it interesting to follow as a memoir (and less as an organization guide).

[Melody Strack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read

I loved the book! I too am at a crossroads in changing my career. I am not positive about the career choice, like Laura I am in the "find my passion" part of life. I also want to move. I currently live in a condo, bought a small house to rehab. I have been trying to decide which place I want to live.With Laura's book it became very clear which road to take, it gave me the clarity I needed to focus on my decision.
Thank you Laura, I loved your book.

[Donna Rodrigues · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eyes opened

I chose this rating because I thoroughly enjoyed the story plus all the interesting information. I also like the way it was broken down into different segments. I would most certainly recommend this book to my daughter because she has probably the most cluttered house of anyone I know.

[Mary Mac Kenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not what I expected.

I expected a good on how to line a crowed and fit did dividers. Instead I learned why clutter accumulates and how to change your life. The book is a fast read. The author focuses on the principles you can use to attack any life changing action be it big or small. I feel I got more from this book than the one I expected to read.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The hardship of a new direction.

I enjoyed the way the dream unfolded, the hardship and stepping out into the unknown but with people pitching in to help, and the joy of moving even when the rain seems to stop, and knowing that the hard work was all worth it in the end and the dream continues with joy behind it.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read. Very interesting life story about her choice to leave teaching and begin her own business while renovating a new home and creating a new lifestyle. That story was very interesting and inspiring but the book was extremely short on actual organizing tips and suggestions. I definitely would go for something a little more structured if you are looking to purge or organize

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational Reading

What an inspirational reading as I followed Laura through her journey of “Organizing Her Life” So impressed how she made some difficult decisions about her life and implemented a plan to find her passion. Plus I found motivation to start organizing my house with her very useful tips.

[Rose Mckenzie- Harrelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like 👍this book. I got a lot of great ideas from it. She writes very good 👍and she is easy to follow.

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to get rid of the clutter and learn to trust God.

[Grace · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh. Interesting story about how she figured out she didn't want to be a teacher and wanted to be a professional organiser, but at no point in time did I pick up any tips on decluttering. It was more of a personal journey, not an organisation book.

[Donna Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought this book w?would be boring but I actually couldn't put it down.

I starting reading this book thinking I would just get some organization tips. But it was much more than that. Kept me transfixed.

[Katelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I enjoyed Souders' memoir about changing her career from teacher to professional organizer. She also took on downsizing her house and cleaning out and remodeling a former horder's house. Organizing tips are interspersed throughout. Recommended to organizational buffs.

[Tessa Shaffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect easy read for anyone looking for a relatable story with inspiration and motivation woven in. Loved it!

[Jodi Sessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read. Loved it. Laura's journey really helped me evaluate things in my own life and prioritize what really matters.