Getting Organized

by Stephanie Winston

A handy guide that has been helping people manage their daily lives since 1978 is revised and updated to apply the principles of organization to today's lifestyles.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Reference, Personal Development

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1978

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am pretty much anally organized and ran out of books to read at the lake and my friend had this book so I read it. It is from like 1978 or something? and they are so into pegboard! The book was actually funny since times have changed so much. I feel the author went way overboard in organization. It is not that difficult and some of the parts make it much harder then it needs to be.

[Magda · Rating 1 out of 5]

The first time I read this, over 10 years ago, I was convinced that if I only followed these rules (which seemed unattainable), I would "get organized."

Now that I am approaching actually being organized, most of this book is ridiculous. Nobody needs to alphabetize *everything* if another way of organizing would be better for that person. The only things I liked out of this book were the master-list/daily-list idea and a breakdown of cleaning tasks (daily, twice a week, weekly, and longer-term) ... neither of which seem to be exclusive to this book.

[Penny · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a professional organizer, I found a lot of the suggestions in this book far more complicated than necessary, and apt to make someone who is struggling with organizational challenges even more put off to doing anything about them. In addition, the technology section is woefully out of date - who uses PDAs any more? Nelson tries to cover way too much information in this book, including everything from a very complicated system of balancing your checkbook to finding good child care. It's overwhelming even for an organized person!

[Lagniappe · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read organization books - a lot of organization books. I don't think this one was one of the better ones. While the writing was clear and concise, I didn't really learn anything new, and the edition that I had was terribly dated (there's probably an updated version out there). I would suggest passing on this one.

[R · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't finish this but what I did I found helpful. I loved the section on creating to-do lists for work and setting priorities. I am more organized now when it comes to deadlines. I borrowed it from the library and I am going to take it out again soon so I can finish.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Financial section is well-spelled out.

[✨ Anna ✨ | ReadAllNight · Rating 1 out of 5]

Have the first edition from 1987 that I think was someone else's copy.

[Linda Fechter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This helpful book covers the basics of managing and organizing your time and home. It covers clothes & closets, kitchen, rooms in general, etc. For writers or anyone working at home, the chapter on organizing an office space is particularly helpful. I read this years and years ago and still have it on my bookshelf for reference. As an occasional housewife who loves to write, I find this a truly wonderful and helpful book!

[P Michael N · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good advice on how to get organised. The key finding I took from this is the idea that the sense of order is subjective - find whatever works for you, things don't have to be neat and tidy. Also that it's worth it to take the time to put things in order.

[Amy Bergsten · Rating 2 out of 5]

A few good pieces of advice, but so very dated.

[Tardisgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short Audiobook of about an hour, but definitely worh a listen. It has some very useful basic tips.

[Julie]

Good suggestions.

[Hope Irvin Marston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Because I have pack rat blood coursing through my veins, through the years I've read a number of books telling me how to clean up the backlash of stuff in my house. One of the first ideas that caught my attention in this book was early on when the author said, "There is no 'correct' order,no right way to do things." Order is not an end in itself, she says, but whatever helps me function effectively. Once I determine what I want to achieve, practical solutions will flow easily.

The first step toward taking things in hand is to define what my problem is. The author suggests starting with a notebook to keep a master list of everything I need to do instead of writing notes on little slips of paper here and there. To get started I need to organize what needs done and work on that which is most important for whatever reason.

The book is divided into areas which normally are the trouble spots. I read the entire book, but it covered many areas not pertinent to my lifestyle, it was liking reading the Britannica Book on How to Get Organized. Nevertheless I picked up some ideas, especially about making use of every bit of space in my four room house to it's best advantage.

This book was published in 1974, so you may not find it at your local library. (I found mine on my own shelves where it's been for who knows how long.) But if you need help badly, borrow it through InterLibraryLoan. Read it and then start hoeing out the trash.

Hope Irvin Marston, co-author of RISING FROM THE RUBBLE: THE RESTORATION OF BOLDT CASTLE.

[Lisa (Harmonybites) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Browsing through this book is a bit exhausting and depressing. Let's just say I have far to go before meeting the standards of this book of an organized life. But then if that were not the case, what would I need the book for? (Apparently the only area of my life where I have it together is, ironically, books.) There are sections on managing time, money and space. Very useful. I'm sure. Someday I'm going to have to manage my time better and use it.

[Frangipani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winston has finally updated her household organization classic for the 21st century. Some great concepts and ideas in this book, it can really get your house and life in order. But bear in mind that the author has no idea what it's like living with children so some bits in the book made me snort with laughter, LOL.

[Heather]

Recommended by Sarah Kirkish (SWE).

[Reuel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm already pretty organized, but it's always good to add a few extra tips.

[Kaethe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading books about getting organized is so much more fun than actually, you know, organizing.

[☔️ Stormy Day Reader]

Re-reading for the 4th time.

[Tikri /Letitia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. 'Yes, but -' I am still dis-organized.

[Lisa Christensen Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I plan to read this every year while I still have clutter to clear out. ;-)

[Dorothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little dated, but still has lots of useful information.

[Bookdoc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was life changing for me.