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Sidetracked Home Executives: from Pigpen to Paradise
Two sisters share the system of organising household chores that they created to make managing a home less time consuming and more efficient, in an updated handbook that explains how to reduce chaos and clutter and achieve organisation in the home.
188 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1979
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December 31, 2008
I discovered there's actually a name for people like me. People who lose track of time, or have no concept of time to begin with. People with good intentions and great enthusiasm but little follow-through. People who chronically procrastinate, can be extremely organized in some ways but suck at housekeeping, and are never on time.
I used to think that name was "loser". Or "lazy bum", or "complete failure as a mother". Now I know better. I am a SHE, a Sidetracked Home Executive.
I found this book on the Staff Picks shelf at the library. When I saw the subtitle: From Pigpen to Paradise, I had to give it a second look. Not that I live in a pigpen. Let's just say, when I tell the kids to pick up the floor, they ask me who's coming over. I hate clutter, and yet I live amid it constantly. Lest this reflect poorly on my mother, let me say that she is an excellent housekeeper, and she taught me well, and it's not her fault the Cleaning Gene passed me over.
As I read this book, I nodded vigorously at several sections. In some ways I'm extremely organized. I was a secretary for years, and I loved the job. I loved the order. My desk was extremely neat, my work always got done, I spell-checked my own documents without the aid of the computer because it misses stuff (if it's spelled wrong, but makes another legitimate word, then it flies under the radar). I'm organized, darn it! And while I often lack motivation or self-discipline in certain areas, I will spend hours working at things I really enjoy and care about. You can't be a music major without self-discipline. I have always always always kept a balanced checkbook, to the penny. I'm disciplined! So what's my problem?
I read the following paragraph, and the light dawned with such brilliance that I wanted to kiss the authors:
"A Sidetracked Home Executive (S.H.E.) is a special kind of person. A S.H.E. can never be one of the born-organized people, but a S.H.E. can learn much from her organized friends. A S.H.E. must realize her self-discipline is not missing; it is just dormant. What she does lack is direction. She suffers from what we call the IGAD disease (I've Got All Day). She has very little awareness of time, and neither had we."
When I read that to my husband, he just laughed and said, "and you're just coming to this realization now?" Hey, I always knew I was like that, I just didn't know why. Or what I could do about it. Because, as the authors of this book point out, the people who try to teach others how to be organized are, themselves, organized. Born organized. They have no concept of why we can't just do what they say, any more than we have a concept of how they just do things. But these ladies are self-proclaimed reformed slobs. They get it. They understand that some of us are housework-challenged, and they have a way to help us through it.
I'm not saying their system is a cure-all. After all, you still have to implement it. But at least it's a system, spelled out for the slow among us. It involves a LOT of 3x5 cards and dividers and color coding, and it all sounds very complicated and very dated. That's because the book was first published in 1977. But the latest edition was published in 2001, and contains instructions on using the computer to stay organized. I wondered why they even bothered to keep the old card file system in the book when they updated it, but the more I read, the more I felt that I was one of those people who might benefit from the cards.
I have clearly embraced the computer for many things, but even though I've tried keeping a calendar and to-do list on it, I always go back to my wall calendar and notepad. They just seem to work better for me. They're right where I need them to be, they don't have to be booted up or scrolled through. A card file would have a similar effect. It would be right where I needed it, and the physical act of writing in it would cement it in my mind. The mass of the cards would give me a more concrete idea of what I need to accomplish. It would be a more physically effective tool than random data in a computer. Plus, I get sidetracked by the computer. All. The. Time. I turn it on to do the bills, and two hours later I'm still reading blogs and playing Pathwords on Facebook, and haven't even logged into the bank website yet. A card file, well away from any electronics, would solve that problem, too.
So I think I might try it. Just on a small scale. It can't hurt, right? All I have to lose is a box of 3x5 cards and a couple of hours.
I used to think that name was "loser". Or "lazy bum", or "complete failure as a mother". Now I know better. I am a SHE, a Sidetracked Home Executive.
I found this book on the Staff Picks shelf at the library. When I saw the subtitle: From Pigpen to Paradise, I had to give it a second look. Not that I live in a pigpen. Let's just say, when I tell the kids to pick up the floor, they ask me who's coming over. I hate clutter, and yet I live amid it constantly. Lest this reflect poorly on my mother, let me say that she is an excellent housekeeper, and she taught me well, and it's not her fault the Cleaning Gene passed me over.
As I read this book, I nodded vigorously at several sections. In some ways I'm extremely organized. I was a secretary for years, and I loved the job. I loved the order. My desk was extremely neat, my work always got done, I spell-checked my own documents without the aid of the computer because it misses stuff (if it's spelled wrong, but makes another legitimate word, then it flies under the radar). I'm organized, darn it! And while I often lack motivation or self-discipline in certain areas, I will spend hours working at things I really enjoy and care about. You can't be a music major without self-discipline. I have always always always kept a balanced checkbook, to the penny. I'm disciplined! So what's my problem?
I read the following paragraph, and the light dawned with such brilliance that I wanted to kiss the authors:
"A Sidetracked Home Executive (S.H.E.) is a special kind of person. A S.H.E. can never be one of the born-organized people, but a S.H.E. can learn much from her organized friends. A S.H.E. must realize her self-discipline is not missing; it is just dormant. What she does lack is direction. She suffers from what we call the IGAD disease (I've Got All Day). She has very little awareness of time, and neither had we."
When I read that to my husband, he just laughed and said, "and you're just coming to this realization now?" Hey, I always knew I was like that, I just didn't know why. Or what I could do about it. Because, as the authors of this book point out, the people who try to teach others how to be organized are, themselves, organized. Born organized. They have no concept of why we can't just do what they say, any more than we have a concept of how they just do things. But these ladies are self-proclaimed reformed slobs. They get it. They understand that some of us are housework-challenged, and they have a way to help us through it.
I'm not saying their system is a cure-all. After all, you still have to implement it. But at least it's a system, spelled out for the slow among us. It involves a LOT of 3x5 cards and dividers and color coding, and it all sounds very complicated and very dated. That's because the book was first published in 1977. But the latest edition was published in 2001, and contains instructions on using the computer to stay organized. I wondered why they even bothered to keep the old card file system in the book when they updated it, but the more I read, the more I felt that I was one of those people who might benefit from the cards.
I have clearly embraced the computer for many things, but even though I've tried keeping a calendar and to-do list on it, I always go back to my wall calendar and notepad. They just seem to work better for me. They're right where I need them to be, they don't have to be booted up or scrolled through. A card file would have a similar effect. It would be right where I needed it, and the physical act of writing in it would cement it in my mind. The mass of the cards would give me a more concrete idea of what I need to accomplish. It would be a more physically effective tool than random data in a computer. Plus, I get sidetracked by the computer. All. The. Time. I turn it on to do the bills, and two hours later I'm still reading blogs and playing Pathwords on Facebook, and haven't even logged into the bank website yet. A card file, well away from any electronics, would solve that problem, too.
So I think I might try it. Just on a small scale. It can't hurt, right? All I have to lose is a box of 3x5 cards and a couple of hours.
April 16, 2008
After being a reader of the Flylady Flylady and hearing how this book changed her life and helped her out, I was amused several years later to find this book, well-worn and 1982 print among my mother's stack of books to get rid of. I decided it was worth the read.
This book outlines a filing card organizational system (ah the days before computers) to help the prepetually distracted keep on top of their housework and chores. It details ideas for how to categorize your chores (things that should be done daily, weekly, every two weeks, every month, every six months, every year), how to stay on top of monumental tasks, and how to get your family (for those who have families) involved in keeping the house clean.
The book also stresses the importance of enjoying life and keeping some time and space sacred for you.
I appreciated the balance struck in this book, and the knowledge that the authors were not "Born Organized" people, but instead were "Sidetracked Home Executives," who were finally fed up with what their lives had become. Not only were these women able to clean up their "act," but did so in a positive manner, striving to eliminate self-criticism and negativity as well.
This book outlines a filing card organizational system (ah the days before computers) to help the prepetually distracted keep on top of their housework and chores. It details ideas for how to categorize your chores (things that should be done daily, weekly, every two weeks, every month, every six months, every year), how to stay on top of monumental tasks, and how to get your family (for those who have families) involved in keeping the house clean.
The book also stresses the importance of enjoying life and keeping some time and space sacred for you.
I appreciated the balance struck in this book, and the knowledge that the authors were not "Born Organized" people, but instead were "Sidetracked Home Executives," who were finally fed up with what their lives had become. Not only were these women able to clean up their "act," but did so in a positive manner, striving to eliminate self-criticism and negativity as well.
April 7, 2010
I am, apparently, the epitome of a Sidetracked Home Executive. I was going through an old box of books that should have been donated eons ago when I came across this book and spent the next hour reading it instead of taking said box of books to be donated.
This book is laughably out of date and somewhat complicated in its card system. But the more I read the more I recognized a bit of myself. I am easily distracted only it is not by soaps it is by the internet. "I am just going to pop on the computer to look up one thing. Oh, but while I am here I will just pop onto facebook and goodreads, and oh, it has been a few days since I wrote a blog post or read my friends blogs. I should do that." And then before I know it I've lead myself down several rabbit trails, it is 4 in the afternoon, my house is a mess and I need to start dinner...
So, I guess I am a S.H.E. But I don't know about the card system. Just too out of date and cumbersome.
This book is laughably out of date and somewhat complicated in its card system. But the more I read the more I recognized a bit of myself. I am easily distracted only it is not by soaps it is by the internet. "I am just going to pop on the computer to look up one thing. Oh, but while I am here I will just pop onto facebook and goodreads, and oh, it has been a few days since I wrote a blog post or read my friends blogs. I should do that." And then before I know it I've lead myself down several rabbit trails, it is 4 in the afternoon, my house is a mess and I need to start dinner...
So, I guess I am a S.H.E. But I don't know about the card system. Just too out of date and cumbersome.
June 16, 2016
This is a useful book if:
- You enjoy adding to your repertoire of a variety of organizational systems.
- If you enjoy setting up a variety of systems of organization.
- If you have a passion for index cards.
- If you have gotten off track in keeping up your home and you need a boost.
- If you want an excuse to go to the office supply store instead of straightening your home. ;-)
This book has helped me twice, both times to recover from housework burnout and get back to my cottage keeping roots.
Once the reset happens, I find myself going back to paper and pen. Mainly because I end up complex-ifying the system to the point of insanity.
So I leave the index cards waiting for my next round of homemaker challenge (or panic, as the case may be).
But hey, isn't that what organizational systems are all about? Using them to our advantage to meet the need of the moment?
http://www.suzannebroadhurst.com/2016...
- You enjoy adding to your repertoire of a variety of organizational systems.
- If you enjoy setting up a variety of systems of organization.
- If you have a passion for index cards.
- If you have gotten off track in keeping up your home and you need a boost.
- If you want an excuse to go to the office supply store instead of straightening your home. ;-)
This book has helped me twice, both times to recover from housework burnout and get back to my cottage keeping roots.
Once the reset happens, I find myself going back to paper and pen. Mainly because I end up complex-ifying the system to the point of insanity.
So I leave the index cards waiting for my next round of homemaker challenge (or panic, as the case may be).
But hey, isn't that what organizational systems are all about? Using them to our advantage to meet the need of the moment?
http://www.suzannebroadhurst.com/2016...
September 4, 2025
This was a fun read as the authors are quite funny and I love organizing. I love the “analog” approach; however, for me it’s just the good old days. :) I don’t think I need their full proposed system at this stage in my life, but I sure liked their tips and felt motivated to do a refresh of my system.
December 27, 2019
Last updated in 2001 but originally penned in 1979, Sidetracked Home Executives had still somehow managed to be written in a timeless way—excusing mentions of some outdated items and modes of communication—which are just so damn quaint when read now. These two sisters have landed on a brilliant way to teach home management to the vast majority of parents/homeowners who end up overwhelmed and unable to find their compass.
September 8, 2024
This book is funny (I laughed out loud multiple times) and theoretically helpful (I’m going to try the card method, ask me in 6 months if it worked). However it ends with a very weird, cringe, pro-divorce segment I wasn’t expecting. The last two chapters felt totally unnecessary (and I’m pretty sure they were added a few years after initial publishing) and could be skipped.
July 19, 2022
Old school organization! Tasks on Index cards in a file box. But same rules apply - daily, weekly, and monthly tasks.
May 19, 2012
This is a good book, and inspired "Sink Reflections," which is, in my opinion, a better book for those struggling. I've found this a useful book and keep it on my bookshelf because it talks about habits. If you get into this method (which is a good one for stay at home Mom's) I recommend getting the Home Routines app or the Motivated Moms app for your mobile device to track everything. They recommend using Index cards in their system and it just isn't practical or necessary any more and I did use the index cards and also converted them to flip cards. If you get into routines, this will help you understand how and why this type of cleaning approach is helpful. If you're someone like me who reads book after book on home organizing and productivity - it is a must read but if you are desperate and need help now, I'd go with Sink Reflections first.
March 26, 2008
I picked up this book awhile ago because I'm neatness challenged. I read it through and was very entertained by these two "local girls make good," but didn't really do anything with the information.
About two months ago I realized that I was not willing to live with all of the clutter anymore, so I started with this book. I haven't implemented the card system that they show in the book, but have used their method of decluttering.
Fully 1/2 of everything in my house is 100% unnecessary, and has taken a trip to the goodwill or recycling. I can clean in half the time, and things stay neat, not just neat until an hour later when a pile of papers tips over, or I have to root through a drawer or closet searching for a misplaced item. Really, truly neat.
Thanks Pam and Peggy!
About two months ago I realized that I was not willing to live with all of the clutter anymore, so I started with this book. I haven't implemented the card system that they show in the book, but have used their method of decluttering.
Fully 1/2 of everything in my house is 100% unnecessary, and has taken a trip to the goodwill or recycling. I can clean in half the time, and things stay neat, not just neat until an hour later when a pile of papers tips over, or I have to root through a drawer or closet searching for a misplaced item. Really, truly neat.
Thanks Pam and Peggy!
August 21, 2024
I was surprised how readable and relatable a book on homemaking from 1977 was! It addresses so many issues that didn’t have names yet - adhd, executive dysfunction, etc. I’m going to try their straightforward system and see if it helps me get my house under control- it seems promising!
June 25, 2014
Funniest self-help book ever--just reading their story is a hoot! Some great ideas, but even better laughs!
October 17, 2025
I loved this book! 'The Slob Sisters Tell You How They Moved From Clutter and Chaos to Order - and How Easily You Can Do It Too!'.
Their cleaning method has been around for decades, and brings back good old fashioned analog organization (although their system works with computers too). I loved the anecdotes in this story of these 2 sisters - how they got started and how they turned organizing and cleaning into a successful business - 'Professional Home Executives'!
Read it, and you're on your way to getting your house in order!
Their cleaning method has been around for decades, and brings back good old fashioned analog organization (although their system works with computers too). I loved the anecdotes in this story of these 2 sisters - how they got started and how they turned organizing and cleaning into a successful business - 'Professional Home Executives'!
Read it, and you're on your way to getting your house in order!
August 5, 2021
Ummm. My first critique is on the last chapter. This book is on how to have a clean home, yes? But then the last chapter is all of the sudden a random assortment of bad, good, unbiblical, and unexpected marriage advice. One of the sisters got divorced shortly after her "organization journey", and tells her story and her reasons why. I'm not going to sit her and say she was wrong for getting divorced, because it sounds like there might have been some emotional abuse situations involved. But she doesn't actually say that, so I'm not going to say I support that decision either. Here are some quotes.
"I got married out of need. I needed someone to take care of me, someone I could lean on. I had very few opinions of my own."
"Don't get hung up on the spiritual meaning of the marriage ceremony if your reasons for getting married weren't spiritual."
"When I came face to face with what I was doing with my life, I realized I was compromising. I was being less than I could be, and I knew my capacity for happiness and success was far greater than I could express in the situation I had gotten myself into."
So, anyway. I don't feel the need to talk about that more. My biggest problem is that I didn't care. This is a book on a method of organizing your home and schedule, not a discussion on divorce and marriage. (The other sister went on to talk about her husband, and how their marriage had shifted over the years since they got married, etc. Irrelevant.)
Others may have found this section interesting or meaningful or helpful. I thought it was sad and out of place and distracting.
That said! The organization tips! Obviously, lots of them are out of date. They advise keeping addresses and birthdays and Christmas lists in your "card box", which is unnecessary with today's technology of calendars and contacts and list apps. I like the idea of a physical card system, mostly for helping kids learn good habits.
She did discuss having a "weekly schedule", where you have one day for heavy cleaning, one day for errands, one day "off", etc. I think that was my favorite idea and the only one I'll be putting in place in my life for now. Eventually I'd like to have a list of what chores get done on heavy cleaning days, etc. So I may use their chore lists in the back as a resource, but I also am not into the card system idea. Rubs me the wrong way. I want to have a system of some kind, cause I think it will make my life transitions easier, to a bigger house, to kids, etc. But this one is not for me.
"I got married out of need. I needed someone to take care of me, someone I could lean on. I had very few opinions of my own."
"Don't get hung up on the spiritual meaning of the marriage ceremony if your reasons for getting married weren't spiritual."
"When I came face to face with what I was doing with my life, I realized I was compromising. I was being less than I could be, and I knew my capacity for happiness and success was far greater than I could express in the situation I had gotten myself into."
So, anyway. I don't feel the need to talk about that more. My biggest problem is that I didn't care. This is a book on a method of organizing your home and schedule, not a discussion on divorce and marriage. (The other sister went on to talk about her husband, and how their marriage had shifted over the years since they got married, etc. Irrelevant.)
Others may have found this section interesting or meaningful or helpful. I thought it was sad and out of place and distracting.
That said! The organization tips! Obviously, lots of them are out of date. They advise keeping addresses and birthdays and Christmas lists in your "card box", which is unnecessary with today's technology of calendars and contacts and list apps. I like the idea of a physical card system, mostly for helping kids learn good habits.
She did discuss having a "weekly schedule", where you have one day for heavy cleaning, one day for errands, one day "off", etc. I think that was my favorite idea and the only one I'll be putting in place in my life for now. Eventually I'd like to have a list of what chores get done on heavy cleaning days, etc. So I may use their chore lists in the back as a resource, but I also am not into the card system idea. Rubs me the wrong way. I want to have a system of some kind, cause I think it will make my life transitions easier, to a bigger house, to kids, etc. But this one is not for me.
December 29, 2014
I read my mother-in-law's copy of this book long ago and was intrigued by the elaborate index card system they describe for staying on top of the housework. Although I never got around to actually implementing it then, now with a growing family, meals to be made, dog to be walked and still two full-time jobs, it's time to establish a System. Plus, I LOVE systems!
This updated version is great too. They discuss upgrading to a computer system over index cards and clarify the potential pitfalls with doing so (minesweeper...). Their software suggestion is a bit dated but principles still apply.
This updated version is great too. They discuss upgrading to a computer system over index cards and clarify the potential pitfalls with doing so (minesweeper...). Their software suggestion is a bit dated but principles still apply.
October 22, 2025
Nearly 50 years ago, in 1977, sisters Pam Young and Penny Jones were full-time harried homemakers with a combined six young kids, two frustrated husbands who apparently largely excused themselves from housework, and two chaotically messy homes. For a while, they tossed excuses between themselves of why they couldn't/didn't want to clean and organize, marveled at amazement and jealousy at their born-organized friends, wrote cringy poetry about their messiness, and kept getting sidetracked by seemingly everything decades before the dawn of the 24/7 news cycle and smartphones. One day, one of the sisters realized she could adapt a filing system from one her old jobs into a household management system, and voila, the sidetracked home executive system was born, leading to cries of joy that have resonated throughout the impeccably-polished marble halls of domesticity to modern-day tradwives and influencers who make tidiness part of their online brands.
I randomly stumbled on one such video a while ago and decided to track down the source material; I listened to an audiobook narration of the 2001 edition (apparently the last update), which extols the virtue of Lotus Notes for an online corollary to the traditional jumbo index card container version the sisters espouse. TL;DR: the system is basically Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity for household management -- make a list of everything you need to do create a clean, well-maintained home that you don't already do as a force of habit, decide how often each task needs to be performed (daily, weekly, monthly, annually, etc.), realistically determine how long each task will take, and create a rolling weekly schedule and tickler file to automate when you will do each task simply by pulling that day's predetermined task list and getting to work. It's logical and forces you to break down unwieldy projects into discrete chunks that you can chip away at initially, then maintain more easily after that. Later chapters in the book delve into how to integrate children (but strangely not husbands) into the system, as well as a similarly systematic approach to go through your entire house and declutter room-by-room.
Obviously this book is quite dated, and has been followed by literally hundreds of home organization books that make similarly dated assumptions and take on attitudes of their eras. But I do think this is worth a read/listen for those with both needs and interests in this area. Despite being the primary household executive of my home (by default; I'm the only human present, and my attempts at charging my cats rent and sticking little sponges and swiffer pads on their paws have been unsuccessful, so they remain little freeloading messmakers), and being sidetracked by many things all the time (not the least of which is a full-time job and often unpredictable schedule), homemaking is neither an interest nor a passion of mine. Still, I work well with routines and habits, especially when I do them automatically at the same time each day/week and don't have to think about them. So for fellow creatures of habit, it may be worthwhile to brainstorm household projects, break them down into bite-sized chunks, and schedule/automate them in some capacity, either following this system, GTD, or whatever else works for you.
My statistics:
Book 321 for 2025
Book 2247 cumulatively
I randomly stumbled on one such video a while ago and decided to track down the source material; I listened to an audiobook narration of the 2001 edition (apparently the last update), which extols the virtue of Lotus Notes for an online corollary to the traditional jumbo index card container version the sisters espouse. TL;DR: the system is basically Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity for household management -- make a list of everything you need to do create a clean, well-maintained home that you don't already do as a force of habit, decide how often each task needs to be performed (daily, weekly, monthly, annually, etc.), realistically determine how long each task will take, and create a rolling weekly schedule and tickler file to automate when you will do each task simply by pulling that day's predetermined task list and getting to work. It's logical and forces you to break down unwieldy projects into discrete chunks that you can chip away at initially, then maintain more easily after that. Later chapters in the book delve into how to integrate children (but strangely not husbands) into the system, as well as a similarly systematic approach to go through your entire house and declutter room-by-room.
Obviously this book is quite dated, and has been followed by literally hundreds of home organization books that make similarly dated assumptions and take on attitudes of their eras. But I do think this is worth a read/listen for those with both needs and interests in this area. Despite being the primary household executive of my home (by default; I'm the only human present, and my attempts at charging my cats rent and sticking little sponges and swiffer pads on their paws have been unsuccessful, so they remain little freeloading messmakers), and being sidetracked by many things all the time (not the least of which is a full-time job and often unpredictable schedule), homemaking is neither an interest nor a passion of mine. Still, I work well with routines and habits, especially when I do them automatically at the same time each day/week and don't have to think about them. So for fellow creatures of habit, it may be worthwhile to brainstorm household projects, break them down into bite-sized chunks, and schedule/automate them in some capacity, either following this system, GTD, or whatever else works for you.
My statistics:
Book 321 for 2025
Book 2247 cumulatively
April 28, 2022
This was a fun and quick read. I've been curious for a long time to read the source material that inspired The FlyLady. Even though in this computer age, their card system seems a bit dated. I may give it a try on a small scale and see if it clicks for me.
October 5, 2025
I liked this book because it was written right at the beginning of the digital age. They espouse an index card system of organization that is intriguing especially as I try to lean less on my phone. This system was the launching pad of the FlyLady, a home organization guru whose system I stopped and started for many years but always fatigued of because of the incessant emails full of empathy and purple puddles. Sorry.
February 22, 2022
Fun, silly and yet encouraging and practical to 'get your act together' at home life organization.. relatable for the stay at home or working mom!
May 17, 2020
I was looking for a book that would help me plan cleaning tasks in a daily, monthly, and yearly mode.
This book was perfect for that. I would love to rate it higher, actually. But the lengthy "humorous" stories interjected between the information I wanted was kinda painful to read. Just goofy. If you decide to pick up this book, you should be aware that it is very dated. Both ladies are SAHMs before that was even an acronym. Obviously in 2020, you don't need to create a physical card system. Duh. I'm not taking off points for that. I easily used the lists and timeline laid out by the authors to plug into my new reminder app. So, if you're looking for some in-depth guidance on what to do when for house cleaning, I highly recommend this book. (Just skim the other chapters.) P.S. Though I did really appreciate the part when they explain the different relationships with their husbands. That was sincere and touching.
This book was perfect for that. I would love to rate it higher, actually. But the lengthy "humorous" stories interjected between the information I wanted was kinda painful to read. Just goofy. If you decide to pick up this book, you should be aware that it is very dated. Both ladies are SAHMs before that was even an acronym. Obviously in 2020, you don't need to create a physical card system. Duh. I'm not taking off points for that. I easily used the lists and timeline laid out by the authors to plug into my new reminder app. So, if you're looking for some in-depth guidance on what to do when for house cleaning, I highly recommend this book. (Just skim the other chapters.) P.S. Though I did really appreciate the part when they explain the different relationships with their husbands. That was sincere and touching.
February 27, 2011
I really like this book. The authors were very entertaining and I could relate to them well. We'll see how their system works out for me. I'm starting it in March. Overall it had really good suggestions and ideas of how to declutter and organize your life. I especailly liked that it was written by someone who has been in my place and knows how I feel, rather then someone who is "born" organized. :)
October 20, 2020
Loved this one. I’ve always said I have cleaning ADD. I start to clean then see something else that needs cleaning and work on it then repeat all day. I’m exhausted from cleaning all day and my house is a wreck. If you’re the same then this book is for you and it’s such a funny and easy read. I’m going to try some of their method but not go full in because I’m just not that organized and I’d be setting myself up to fail.
November 9, 2024
Life changing! I implemented the system and my house has been clean since. BLESS THESE LADIES!
It was a quick read, but it's packed with information. You'll have to re-read certain sections many times to make sure you get it just right.
It was a quick read, but it's packed with information. You'll have to re-read certain sections many times to make sure you get it just right.
December 27, 2020
Brand New Housewife and Instant Mother of 2...being raised by a mother who did it all and taught me nothing about taking care of things. I remember looking around the house one day thinking someone should clean this up...and realizing it was me that was responsible to do something about this. This book was a God Send.
October 4, 2008
This book is so funny and full of good ideas. You don't have to follow their system to get something out of this book. I got lots of practical ideas and lots of laughs from reading it.
June 30, 2017
Good system for housework challenged
August 24, 2019
This is a very helpful book if you don’t know how to keep a house clean and you work best with visual reminders. The sisters outline an index card-based system for creating chore lists and assigning chores, including holidays, birthdays, and appointment management. It’s a little overwhelming in its description, but I can see how it will work. Some folks will be able to easily translate this for their favourite app/time management tool — I’ll be using the index cards. :-)
(Note: this book doesn’t teach you HOW to do the cleaning, but how to make them part of your schedule and lifestyle.)
The authors are self-described ‘reformed slobs’ and they describe a lot of behaviours I’ve struggled with, like starting a task and getting interrupted and completely forgetting to finish the task. They are encouraging and provide some timelines — this isn’t something you’re going to do in a weekend. It took them over 3 months to get their entire homes organized (including all closets, garage, attic, and basement), and I expect it will take me longer. They also include systems for skipping tasks and ways to easily reschedule but hold yourself accountable.
Their estimates for home maintenance worry me - it’s around 6 hours/week (after and during getting organized). I don’t want to spend that much time cleaning but I guess we’ll see.
They also describe the significant life changes they experienced as a result of this — being willing/able to say no to volunteer requests they didn’t want to do, writing a book and starting a business, and getting divorced (1 sister).
Very approachable tone and very encouraging. I will update the review as I go along to say how it’s working.
(Note: this book doesn’t teach you HOW to do the cleaning, but how to make them part of your schedule and lifestyle.)
The authors are self-described ‘reformed slobs’ and they describe a lot of behaviours I’ve struggled with, like starting a task and getting interrupted and completely forgetting to finish the task. They are encouraging and provide some timelines — this isn’t something you’re going to do in a weekend. It took them over 3 months to get their entire homes organized (including all closets, garage, attic, and basement), and I expect it will take me longer. They also include systems for skipping tasks and ways to easily reschedule but hold yourself accountable.
Their estimates for home maintenance worry me - it’s around 6 hours/week (after and during getting organized). I don’t want to spend that much time cleaning but I guess we’ll see.
They also describe the significant life changes they experienced as a result of this — being willing/able to say no to volunteer requests they didn’t want to do, writing a book and starting a business, and getting divorced (1 sister).
Very approachable tone and very encouraging. I will update the review as I go along to say how it’s working.
May 17, 2017
i think this is a great book...i am a naturally "sidetracked" or basically a very messy unorganized person and this system has actually been working for me...weird because I've tried different techniques before but never stuck with any of them for long...i have been using their system for more than a month now consistently and I still like it and still want to continue...also my husband is enjoying a clean home haha =)
the only thing I disliked about the book was how in the final chapter one of the ladies made it sound like she was promoting divorce if it would lead to your happiness etc...and I must say that if you are a Christian that is simply wrong. ...the Bible is clear about Gods feelings on divorce for anything other than marital unfaithfulness so doing it just to be happy? God never said that was ok...of course that is a Biblical standpoint for Christians...
but anyway aside from that the book is great...full of humor and wonderful advice and a organizational/cleaning system that actually works!
the only thing I disliked about the book was how in the final chapter one of the ladies made it sound like she was promoting divorce if it would lead to your happiness etc...and I must say that if you are a Christian that is simply wrong. ...the Bible is clear about Gods feelings on divorce for anything other than marital unfaithfulness so doing it just to be happy? God never said that was ok...of course that is a Biblical standpoint for Christians...
but anyway aside from that the book is great...full of humor and wonderful advice and a organizational/cleaning system that actually works!
December 16, 2023
Two sisters who created an small business out of productivity at home using a 3x5" card index - a definite precursor of the Hipster PDA and in line with the Memindex method from earlier in the century. Chapter 4 and subsequent portions, especially the appendix provide most of the direct system. The remainder of the book is justification for such a system and associated supporting detail.
No acknowledgement for where they pulled their system, so it seemingly would presumed to be self-devised.
In the context of 2023, the book could be said to be very similar to Tiago Forte's instantiation of GTD/productivity with PARA, etc., but geared toward homemakers. In reality it's following up on decades of use of card indexes for almost anything and everything.
While a bit gendered and a few sections that were a bit "Christian-y", but without being prostetylizing, the book was reasonably entertaining in the interstitial and had some pleasurable laughs about living life. Also contained a soupçon of philosophy I hadn't expected.
No acknowledgement for where they pulled their system, so it seemingly would presumed to be self-devised.
In the context of 2023, the book could be said to be very similar to Tiago Forte's instantiation of GTD/productivity with PARA, etc., but geared toward homemakers. In reality it's following up on decades of use of card indexes for almost anything and everything.
While a bit gendered and a few sections that were a bit "Christian-y", but without being prostetylizing, the book was reasonably entertaining in the interstitial and had some pleasurable laughs about living life. Also contained a soupçon of philosophy I hadn't expected.
January 6, 2024
I picked up this book after seeing a YouTuber recommending the index card planning system the authors teach.
What I loved:
*The blast from the past nostalgia (originally written in 1977, and I’m a child of the ‘70s)
*The sense of humour and relatable challenges of parenting / home keeping
*The focus on starting with yourself and making sure you have time to rest / enjoy your own life.
*That it’s okay if you can’t do it all (I definitely can’t).
I also liked that the authors shared their own stories and life experiences. The authors are positive and encouraging, and didn’t start off organised to perfection. They also don’t minimise how much time or effort it actually takes to run a home.
It is a good book and a system that appeals to me to manage the complex and repetitive tasks of home keeping and caring — especially as I personally want something offline and not to write the same thing 50 times when I can write it once on card and move on.
It is dated in some ways, but the core system looks like something that can work for me and I intend to adapt it to fit my own priorities and circumstances.
Note: the audible version includes a PDF and over on YouTube / Etsy examples can be found. Also, the audio groups multiple chapters together.
What I loved:
*The blast from the past nostalgia (originally written in 1977, and I’m a child of the ‘70s)
*The sense of humour and relatable challenges of parenting / home keeping
*The focus on starting with yourself and making sure you have time to rest / enjoy your own life.
*That it’s okay if you can’t do it all (I definitely can’t).
I also liked that the authors shared their own stories and life experiences. The authors are positive and encouraging, and didn’t start off organised to perfection. They also don’t minimise how much time or effort it actually takes to run a home.
It is a good book and a system that appeals to me to manage the complex and repetitive tasks of home keeping and caring — especially as I personally want something offline and not to write the same thing 50 times when I can write it once on card and move on.
It is dated in some ways, but the core system looks like something that can work for me and I intend to adapt it to fit my own priorities and circumstances.
Note: the audible version includes a PDF and over on YouTube / Etsy examples can be found. Also, the audio groups multiple chapters together.
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