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The Mindset of Organization: Take Back Your House One Phase at a Time
Have you bought and read more books on home organization than you can count?
Let me guess:
• Go paperless.
• Get rid of everything that doesn’t spark joy.
• Color coordinate your wardrobe.
Um, yeah. I print emails, keep kids’ school papers, and my wardrobe is anything that fits and isn’t too revealing.
And yet, I’m organized.
There really is no denying that as you move through the various stages of your life, your organizational needs and the demands on your time will change.
What phase of life are you in?
I am 44 and in the survival phase of life (40–55). I’d be more organized if I didn’t live in my car and spend every other minute working or taking care of the house.
Maybe you are in the accumulation phase of life (21–40). Every time you get an organizational system working, you add something new. A new spouse, a new baby, a new job, a new house . . . You’d be more organized if things would stop changing every three months.
What about the baby boomers (55+)? The kids are gone, but now you’re left with a house full of memories—and lots of stuff. What do you want? What do the kids want? And what about what’s left over?
Most organizational books on the market profess to have a one-size-fits-all solution to home organization.
This one does not.
I’m a former teacher, professional organizer, and productivity coach, and I know that organization is more than just 15-minute daily tasks or cute ways to use fun containers.
As a generation translator and problem solver, I have been able to help hundreds of women in Cincinnati, Ohio—and thousands of women around the world—get their homes organized and keep them that way.
Understanding which phase of life you are in will enable you to:
• Identify the unique organizational challenges you’ll face.
• Implement lasting organizational solutions.
• Acquire and develop the skills you need to get organized.
• Deal with the emotional clutter in your storage rooms.
This is the home organization book that will make the rest of the books in your collection make sense.
Let me guess:
• Go paperless.
• Get rid of everything that doesn’t spark joy.
• Color coordinate your wardrobe.
Um, yeah. I print emails, keep kids’ school papers, and my wardrobe is anything that fits and isn’t too revealing.
And yet, I’m organized.
There really is no denying that as you move through the various stages of your life, your organizational needs and the demands on your time will change.
What phase of life are you in?
I am 44 and in the survival phase of life (40–55). I’d be more organized if I didn’t live in my car and spend every other minute working or taking care of the house.
Maybe you are in the accumulation phase of life (21–40). Every time you get an organizational system working, you add something new. A new spouse, a new baby, a new job, a new house . . . You’d be more organized if things would stop changing every three months.
What about the baby boomers (55+)? The kids are gone, but now you’re left with a house full of memories—and lots of stuff. What do you want? What do the kids want? And what about what’s left over?
Most organizational books on the market profess to have a one-size-fits-all solution to home organization.
This one does not.
I’m a former teacher, professional organizer, and productivity coach, and I know that organization is more than just 15-minute daily tasks or cute ways to use fun containers.
As a generation translator and problem solver, I have been able to help hundreds of women in Cincinnati, Ohio—and thousands of women around the world—get their homes organized and keep them that way.
Understanding which phase of life you are in will enable you to:
• Identify the unique organizational challenges you’ll face.
• Implement lasting organizational solutions.
• Acquire and develop the skills you need to get organized.
• Deal with the emotional clutter in your storage rooms.
This is the home organization book that will make the rest of the books in your collection make sense.
209 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2021
432 people are currently reading
410 people want to read
About the author
Lisa K. Woodruff
2 books12 followersVariant name form used by
Lisa Woodruff
for her ADHD related works.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 12, 2016
Ehh...
There were some great tips, but there was a LOT of personal info and stories that didn't necessarily have an overall "lesson". Also - she hired a nanny, a house cleaner and a personal assistant?! And pays for someone to do her laundry? There's a bit of a disconnect between what she is financially capable of and what most people not making that kind of money can afford.
There were some great tips, but there was a LOT of personal info and stories that didn't necessarily have an overall "lesson". Also - she hired a nanny, a house cleaner and a personal assistant?! And pays for someone to do her laundry? There's a bit of a disconnect between what she is financially capable of and what most people not making that kind of money can afford.
November 29, 2016
This book was just ok. I liked how the author talked about the four different stages of life we go through and how those affect the way we organize. She gave some good tips, too. However, the book read more like her memoir. She talked about herself way too much. I understand telling a personal story to set up what you want to teach your audience, but I don't need to hear all the gory details about your life (I wonder if she is getting any kickbacks from Cymbalta). Plus, many of the stories didn't seem to have anything to do with her message. Another thing, some of her best advice was to hire people to do the things for you that you don't have time to do, like a personal assistant, a housecleaner, even someone to come do your laundry. Ummm...I don't have that kind of money, and I'm sure there are a lot of people out there that don't. I felt like the advice on organizing was very general, and then........you get to the end of the book that you bought only to realize it's an introduction to buy her online organization product to really learn how to organize your house. Big turnoff!!!
April 25, 2019
More aimed at moms
Virtually all of this was for Christian moms. I'm used to skipping a chapter or two about organizing kids' rooms or ignoring the constant references to being a busy mom, but pretty much this entire book is about that. When it's not, she tends to go on long, rambling digressions about her life until I started to wonder if I was reading a book on organizing or a biography. The only actionable advice she really gave was to pay for her program to clean your house. There was really only one system mentioned, and while it was a good one, one is a bit sparse for a book this length. I didn't hate it, but there are much better options out there.
Virtually all of this was for Christian moms. I'm used to skipping a chapter or two about organizing kids' rooms or ignoring the constant references to being a busy mom, but pretty much this entire book is about that. When it's not, she tends to go on long, rambling digressions about her life until I started to wonder if I was reading a book on organizing or a biography. The only actionable advice she really gave was to pay for her program to clean your house. There was really only one system mentioned, and while it was a good one, one is a bit sparse for a book this length. I didn't hate it, but there are much better options out there.
February 1, 2017
A personal and practical take on organizing at whatever stage of life we are in.
I have read dozens of organizing books; Julie Morgenstern, David Allen's "Getting Things Done" and the tidying up book, and Lisa Woodruff's "Mindset of Organization" fits right in with the big ones.
This book took on organizing at a personal level. It was a pleasure to read and is a well balanced mix with personal stories and practical ideas.
Over time we go through stuff and our organizing needs change.
Her recognition of the phases of life and how they relate to how we organize our stuff and our lives is spot on. Most organizing books don't even address this issue, but Lisa Woodruffs "Mindset of Organization" accepts it and accommodates it with solid ideas for the stage of life where we are accumulating stuff and the completely different stage where we are getting rid of stuff. She also takes into account how the needs of our people affect our actual lives.
I have read dozens of organizing books; Julie Morgenstern, David Allen's "Getting Things Done" and the tidying up book, and Lisa Woodruff's "Mindset of Organization" fits right in with the big ones.
This book took on organizing at a personal level. It was a pleasure to read and is a well balanced mix with personal stories and practical ideas.
Over time we go through stuff and our organizing needs change.
Her recognition of the phases of life and how they relate to how we organize our stuff and our lives is spot on. Most organizing books don't even address this issue, but Lisa Woodruffs "Mindset of Organization" accepts it and accommodates it with solid ideas for the stage of life where we are accumulating stuff and the completely different stage where we are getting rid of stuff. She also takes into account how the needs of our people affect our actual lives.
May 12, 2017
It's the best book I've read on home organization. Lisa brought up some great tips and explained in details how to implement them. Also, she explains why we accumulate stuff the way we do. The only thing I don't like because I've tried and totally doesn't work for me it's the Sunday Basket, that's why it's not a 5 stars book but 4. Besides that, I already enjoyed Lisa's podcast Organize 365 but after this book I became a fan.
February 19, 2018
A Few Good Ideas and Lots of Ramblings
I liked the idea of the adult phases of life. They make sense to me. But then I am Montessori trained and phases of life have always made sense to me. I also really liked the Sunday Basket and will be putting that into use. However I was looking for more practical advice and this felt more like a book to wet your whistle and sell you her 100 day program.
I liked the idea of the adult phases of life. They make sense to me. But then I am Montessori trained and phases of life have always made sense to me. I also really liked the Sunday Basket and will be putting that into use. However I was looking for more practical advice and this felt more like a book to wet your whistle and sell you her 100 day program.
June 23, 2018
A different take on getting organized...
A really useful and inspiring look at organizing through all of life’s stages. I love the author’s honesty and willingness to share her struggles. Having just ended the “sandwich generation” phase of life as both my parents have passed on, I could really empathize with her. Tons of useful tips and lots of really useful ways to think about clutter and organization. Recommend!
A really useful and inspiring look at organizing through all of life’s stages. I love the author’s honesty and willingness to share her struggles. Having just ended the “sandwich generation” phase of life as both my parents have passed on, I could really empathize with her. Tons of useful tips and lots of really useful ways to think about clutter and organization. Recommend!
December 30, 2018
Enjoyed being able to relate to author
Loved how Lisa shared her personal experience. It made the book relatable. Lots of helpful information. I also love that I'm not alone in the my house doesn't have a clear countertop! The book was great!
Loved how Lisa shared her personal experience. It made the book relatable. Lots of helpful information. I also love that I'm not alone in the my house doesn't have a clear countertop! The book was great!
March 7, 2017
It didn't bring me much, and I felt there was way too much talk about her life for that kind of book.
August 16, 2017
I waffled between a 2 and 3 star rating for this one. I decided to round up, but I wouldn't necessarily recommend it unless you are looking for a very light, not super specific book on organizing.
Positives: Her focus on different stages of life is really great. Identifying that I am in the accumulation stage (married, bought a house, baby...) helps me to remember that while I can still strive to keep things simple and organized, there are going to be a lot of new things coming in to help keep the house running and kiddos taken care of, and that's okay!
Negatives: This book read more like a memoir than a manual. So if you're looking for a plan to organize your house, you won't find it here. There are some good steps ideas, but not anything comprehensive. I didn't feel that the personal stories helped a whole lot, unless you totally identify with being a type A love to organize kind of person. I wonder if she may have more detailed plans on her website, she does briefly mention them in the back of the book.
Also, while she does recommend getting rid of a lot of stuff, I think it would have been helpful to highlight the importance of simplifying in general so that you don't continue to bring in a million unnecessary things.
Positives: Her focus on different stages of life is really great. Identifying that I am in the accumulation stage (married, bought a house, baby...) helps me to remember that while I can still strive to keep things simple and organized, there are going to be a lot of new things coming in to help keep the house running and kiddos taken care of, and that's okay!
Negatives: This book read more like a memoir than a manual. So if you're looking for a plan to organize your house, you won't find it here. There are some good steps ideas, but not anything comprehensive. I didn't feel that the personal stories helped a whole lot, unless you totally identify with being a type A love to organize kind of person. I wonder if she may have more detailed plans on her website, she does briefly mention them in the back of the book.
Also, while she does recommend getting rid of a lot of stuff, I think it would have been helpful to highlight the importance of simplifying in general so that you don't continue to bring in a million unnecessary things.
April 27, 2018
I've been listening to Lisa's podcasts for awhile now. I would say that at least 85% of this book was stuff she's talked about in her podcasts. Honestly I probably would have liked this book more if I had listened to the audiobook. I love listening to Lisa talk, she just makes you feel like you can get organized, she's so encouraging. While I was able to get that from the book it just wasn't the same. I gave it 3 stars because it wasn't new information if you're a podcast listener, but it was interesting and a great place to start if you need a boost of motivation. Also, the section for kids was great! I wish I would have read it when I was a teen.
November 29, 2022
Because my friend loaned me the books I thought I would go ahead and give this one a try even though the other one wasn’t for me.
I know everyone is different and maybe her organizational style and writing style isn’t for me.
What I really didn’t care for in this book though was a chapter on outsourcing. Great that you have been able to outsource many of your tasks like laundry, food, personal assistant, etc… but most of us reading this book or books like this know that option is there but for whatever reason it’s not a possibility in our households.
Nothing turns me off more in an organizational book when it suggests to outsource tasks/household chores.
I know everyone is different and maybe her organizational style and writing style isn’t for me.
What I really didn’t care for in this book though was a chapter on outsourcing. Great that you have been able to outsource many of your tasks like laundry, food, personal assistant, etc… but most of us reading this book or books like this know that option is there but for whatever reason it’s not a possibility in our households.
Nothing turns me off more in an organizational book when it suggests to outsource tasks/household chores.
March 20, 2022
Didn’t like all the stories from her childhood. The only thing it confirmed was that she’s a born-organized person and she is one who has no qualms about organizing stuff without asking anyone who owned the stuff for permission first. She shares that in the early part of the book. By the time you get to what feels like it is going to be the meat of the book, it ends abruptly with a link to her website for purchase of her program.
TLDR, not worth the kindle unlimited subscription for the pages read.
TLDR, not worth the kindle unlimited subscription for the pages read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2022
Lisa Woodruff first introduced me 7 years ago to the concept of professional organizers which prompted me to become one. This book definitely has a lot of her story in it which partly gave it a memoir feel - I thought sometimes it was too much and sometimes it was helpful because that made it relatable and gave examples. Also - this book will be most helpful and seems geared towards a working mother. That’s what she is, and that is her best audience. That being said, just about anyone could find a lot of it helpful. And it’s a read that goes quickly.
March 5, 2021
Great read!
I would recommend this book for anyone serious about getting organized (and staying organized), but unsure of where to start. The author does a great job of being real about clutter and how it affects our lives. She offers easy, practical advice to help anyone get started on their journey. So what are you waiting for??
I would recommend this book for anyone serious about getting organized (and staying organized), but unsure of where to start. The author does a great job of being real about clutter and how it affects our lives. She offers easy, practical advice to help anyone get started on their journey. So what are you waiting for??
October 28, 2021
Not a how to exactly but a good starting point
Lisa’s book is not just a giant sales pamphlet for her program… as previous reviewers have said; but it is also not a how to book.
Lisa shares some relatable stories to help you consider how you think about clutter, and some steps one can take to get started.
Lisa’s book is not just a giant sales pamphlet for her program… as previous reviewers have said; but it is also not a how to book.
Lisa shares some relatable stories to help you consider how you think about clutter, and some steps one can take to get started.
June 25, 2022
I really liked it once I got past my own reaction to "phases" of life, because I didn't fit clearly in pretyt much any of them. Once I let go of that, I was able to really listen to the book. I have absolutely loved seeing her develop as a writer. She's an awesome speaker! LOVE her Organize 365 Podcast! The change in mindset has been the most impactful to me.
October 11, 2019
Good tips
Yes it is common sense but if you are under a mountain of stuff and it's hard to find! Loved the breakdown and explanation of the different phases within your life and it affects your home. Helpful information
Yes it is common sense but if you are under a mountain of stuff and it's hard to find! Loved the breakdown and explanation of the different phases within your life and it affects your home. Helpful information
May 2, 2020
Quick read to help you take back your home
Easy & enjoyable book that helps you take action to not only declutter & organize you’re home but also maintain your more organized home through all the different seasons of your life.
Easy & enjoyable book that helps you take action to not only declutter & organize you’re home but also maintain your more organized home through all the different seasons of your life.
February 20, 2018
This book had some interesting ideas on the decision making process.
December 19, 2020
I love Lisa Woodruff's podcasts so much. It's fun to see her branch into writing a book.
July 17, 2021
Great read on organization
Good review of Lisa’s podcasts.
Enjoyed it. Reminds us on how to do it right. Good luck to your own organizing.
Good review of Lisa’s podcasts.
Enjoyed it. Reminds us on how to do it right. Good luck to your own organizing.
April 26, 2022
I liked it. Pretty much same info as all other "minimalist" reads. Just good to have a bunch of different perspectives. And, an easy read.
Nancy
Nancy
April 29, 2022
It was ok. I have heard all of these stories through her podcast.
January 22, 2023
This book had some good ideas and even though I do not need as much as she was writing about I could still take some of her ideas and make them work for me
January 13, 2021
Simple Organization Tips. OK. Nothing Earth shattering here.
September 19, 2016
Lisa doesn't sugarcoat it, it's hard work but worth it.
Great book! Lisa goes through not only how to get organized, but why and how you got disorganized. Loved it!
Great book! Lisa goes through not only how to get organized, but why and how you got disorganized. Loved it!
November 4, 2021
I read most of this book around this time last year and was enjoying it so much I actually brought it on vacation with me but left it on the plane. I was REALLY bummed out about it. I tried to "let it go" but as I'm still thinking about the disappointment of losing this book I purchased it again. It will be interesting to see what I garner from it the 2nd time around as well as see what stuck with me from the initial read.
September 21, 2016
I've read lots and lots of organization books lately, and this one has been the best by far! The author's tone is warm and non-judgemental, and the tips are both specific and realistic, which leaves you feeling motivated to start implementing them. If you're looking for some organisational and decluttering tips, this is the book to get.
August 27, 2016
I have always loved Lisa's advice on how to organize and this is just the best. It's no nonsense and right to the point, from the beginning she shows you how to look at organizing to be super efficient. I am so thankful for Lisa and this book!!! A+
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews