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Organizing Plain & Simple: A Ready Reference Guide with Hundreds of Solutions to Your Everyday Clutter Challenges
Take control of everyday disorder. With strategies for everything from keeping track of mittens and scarves to combining two households, Donna Smallin takes a personalized, nonjudgmental approach as she explains how to assess different situations and decide where to start organizing. Whether you’re craving a more functional closet, having trouble planning meals for your family, or trying to make sense of your finances, this straightforward guide offers proven techniques for living an efficient and clutter-free life.
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This publication conforms to the EPUB Accessibility specification at WCAG 2.0 Level AA.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
October 2, 2011
This is a wonderful book to peruse for organizing tidbits but overall it's fairly common sense. I only started housekeeping 4 years ago and knew most of the advice suggested in this book. However, there were some expert tips which I was unfamilar with and am excited to incorporate them into my housekeeping / decluttering routine. One such suggestion was called 'The Hanger Trick'. When you switch the clothes in your closet from season to season, hang everything initially with the hanger facing you rather than the wall. As you wear each item, replace it with the hanger facing the wall. Then at the end of the season, you'll know which clothes to donate / sell. Genius! (especially since I have a knack for hanging onto clothes). Overall, I felt that this was one of the better organizing books on the market and well worth a look even if you only pick up a few bits of advice.
January 26, 2014
Donna Smallin's "Organizing Plain and Simple" was a very helpful, all-in-one reference guide to organizing different rooms and tasks around the home, whether it was sorting bills, sorting clothes in the closet, organizing and cordinating tasks among the family, and other measures. I liked it, though I'll admit I didn't really learn all that much from it than I already knew or could draw conclusions by with common sense. I think if you're looking for a book that supplements other organizational guides or something that compiles this information in one place, this would be a good one to pick up, but it may be helpful only to a point if you've read many other guides of its nature.
Overall score: 3/5 stars.
Overall score: 3/5 stars.
August 6, 2012
Not recommended. I was looking for some interesting tips on streamlining my life/process, but everything in this book was pretty run of the mill stuff. There were a couple of good ideas, but nothing really clever, innovative, or applicable.
May 20, 2019
This book is extensive. Exhaustive, even, maybe. From decluttering to tickler files to organizing your summer vacation, this book covers a ton. That said, much of the information was outdated. A lot of the organizing systems were based around paper systems, which is the exception rather than the rule a lot of times; she even mentions printing out emails (do people even still do that?).
Additionally, the information that was provided just seemed... lackluster. I didn't pick this up expecting it to change my life, but I usually find one or two new tips to use on my eternal quest for organization. Some of it felt antithetical - creating a tickler file of every single day in a year seems like way more work and more clutter than anyone could reasonably be expected to do. It also seemed to be, as usual, geared toward stay-at-home moms, which is not only annoying to single working women, but also becoming less and less relevant to the vast majority of the population. Even when not specifically saying it - and at one point, she says to think of yourself as the "manager of your family", which feminists have been pointing out is problematic for a while now - the suggestions she gives are toward those who don't have 9-5 jobs and have time to run out doing errands outside of their measly lunch hour.
Additionally, some of the information is just plain bad. Marie Kondo devotees will be alarmed at the amount of new stuff - like the tickler file - she suggests bringing in. And anyone should know her advice to close paid-off credit accounts is terrible. While it may be helpful for those who really do struggle with incurring debt and need absolutely to cut off any avenue for borrowing on credit, it's really not ideal for people who don't to do that. Paid-off accounts are good in two ways: they show that you have a lot of available credit (good for your credit score) and establish credit history (also good for your credit score). Again, if you are one of those people who really can't have credit available or you'll go into debt, please do close that account. If you got into debt and got yourself out and now know how to responsibly manage it, leave it open.
Just disappointing. I can't really remember one useful tip I learned from this book, for all its exhaustiveness.
Additionally, the information that was provided just seemed... lackluster. I didn't pick this up expecting it to change my life, but I usually find one or two new tips to use on my eternal quest for organization. Some of it felt antithetical - creating a tickler file of every single day in a year seems like way more work and more clutter than anyone could reasonably be expected to do. It also seemed to be, as usual, geared toward stay-at-home moms, which is not only annoying to single working women, but also becoming less and less relevant to the vast majority of the population. Even when not specifically saying it - and at one point, she says to think of yourself as the "manager of your family", which feminists have been pointing out is problematic for a while now - the suggestions she gives are toward those who don't have 9-5 jobs and have time to run out doing errands outside of their measly lunch hour.
Additionally, some of the information is just plain bad. Marie Kondo devotees will be alarmed at the amount of new stuff - like the tickler file - she suggests bringing in. And anyone should know her advice to close paid-off credit accounts is terrible. While it may be helpful for those who really do struggle with incurring debt and need absolutely to cut off any avenue for borrowing on credit, it's really not ideal for people who don't to do that. Paid-off accounts are good in two ways: they show that you have a lot of available credit (good for your credit score) and establish credit history (also good for your credit score). Again, if you are one of those people who really can't have credit available or you'll go into debt, please do close that account. If you got into debt and got yourself out and now know how to responsibly manage it, leave it open.
Just disappointing. I can't really remember one useful tip I learned from this book, for all its exhaustiveness.
March 11, 2008
There's an overwhelming amount of information in this book, which makes it a long read. Although there are no pictures, she recommends some unsightly solutions such as organizing your jewelry in egg cartons and hanging milk cartons from the ceiling in the bathroom to organize your things. I guess I'm more into aesthetics than the author--usually that's why I want to be more organized... But, if I ever wanted to organize a garage/yard sale, this is the first book I would turn to for advice.
June 12, 2018
This would be a great book for the totally unorganized. I, myself, am fairly organized and was hoping to glean some new insight - but I didn't. It is VERY detailed though and even includes financial planning, organizing estates and so much more - even pet organizing. It doesn't have as many lists as I would like to see though. All in all it is a good book to help you get organized but nothing super "aha" in there...
January 27, 2013
This is an extremely thorough look at organizing your life: not simply the rooms in your home, but your time, your finances, and your estate. The only quibble I had was that the book was published in 2002 and is outdated when it comes to technology. However, if you need a book to help you get organized, this is it.
May 23, 2010
There are no ground shattering new ideas in this book that you couldn't find anywhere online.
April 25, 2016
A few good tips but mostly common sense advice about de-cluttering and organizing.
December 29, 2017
This is a good reference book for decluttering. It also helps to motivate if you're trying to get into the decluttering mood.
July 29, 2019
Just like all other organizing book but definitely good reminders!
December 13, 2016
I love anything that has to do with organization
October 31, 2014
A good sign of the value of a reference book is how often you actually reference it. I have owned many, many books about organizing over the years, but there are few I keep, and even fewer I've kept close at hand. My copy of Organizing Plain & Simple is not only well-thumbed, with lots of little creases in the spine, but it has fringed "bangs" of tape flags popping up from the top and sides.
As a professional organizer, it's my vocation, as well as my avocation, to keep up with the essentials of organizing for all of my client types, but there are situations with which I find myself dealing less often. Because of this, the last major section of the book is where I head the most often -- it has everything to do with transitions. When the issue of estate organizing pops up, I don't just pull out the book, but often bring it with me to clients to show them the lists and help prompt our planning for wills, legal documents, last wishes and more. The chapter on preparing for new beginnings (adopting a pet, bringing home a baby, going off to college, etc.) is eminently quotable, and the section on moving should be everybody's first stop to get a handle on relocating without overwhelm.
Donna Smallin mixes her own insightful guidance with a variety of expert advice from others, so for household organizing (room by room) to financial organizing to personal and family time management, it's a compendium of "Got this issue? Do this, or this, or this!" without either overwhelming the reader or forcing any square pegs into round holes.
It's hard to make a general resource book on any topic, let alone organizing, be applicable for all readers, but Organizing Plain & Simple is timeless, and both broad and deep enough to belong on every bookshelf. If you've know The Joy of Cooking, you can think of Smallin as sharing the joy (or at least ease of organizing.
As a professional organizer, it's my vocation, as well as my avocation, to keep up with the essentials of organizing for all of my client types, but there are situations with which I find myself dealing less often. Because of this, the last major section of the book is where I head the most often -- it has everything to do with transitions. When the issue of estate organizing pops up, I don't just pull out the book, but often bring it with me to clients to show them the lists and help prompt our planning for wills, legal documents, last wishes and more. The chapter on preparing for new beginnings (adopting a pet, bringing home a baby, going off to college, etc.) is eminently quotable, and the section on moving should be everybody's first stop to get a handle on relocating without overwhelm.
Donna Smallin mixes her own insightful guidance with a variety of expert advice from others, so for household organizing (room by room) to financial organizing to personal and family time management, it's a compendium of "Got this issue? Do this, or this, or this!" without either overwhelming the reader or forcing any square pegs into round holes.
It's hard to make a general resource book on any topic, let alone organizing, be applicable for all readers, but Organizing Plain & Simple is timeless, and both broad and deep enough to belong on every bookshelf. If you've know The Joy of Cooking, you can think of Smallin as sharing the joy (or at least ease of organizing.
November 4, 2014
I pick up this book every couple of months or so. I use it specifically in different parts of my house. I remember using it in my daughter's room to help her down-size her "stuff". She didn't have enough room to even play with a friend in there. Granted it was a tiny room, only 8x9 ft, but by identifying what she actually had out-grown, we were able to clear an area to set up her handmade, wooden dollhouse. She & her friends enjoyed many hrs of pretending.
I also used it in my kitchen. Here is where the paper stacks, mail & clutter always seem to accumulate. I am able to just accept that as a part of my life right now, esp. because we had 4 teenagers in the house. I see this area as a challenge now- how well I can keep up with the paper. I esp. enjoyed the lists given for an "essential kitchen". These are the basics you need to actually cook. I realized I was hanging on to plates, baking dishes and gadgets that I was simply never going to use. I was able to let them go. I didn't even sell them. I was able to give them to friends & neighbors because I was totally free from them. I used that spirit all over the house, when it came time for us to move. After 6 yrs of accumulation, I paired down to more than half a 2000 sq.ft. home. When it was packed in the semi, it took less than 1/3 of it.
I used it to organize little spaces too. When I felt like it was time to clean out my jewelry, a closet or the entry-way. I would go to those sections, get inspiration & tips; make some notes and then tackle. That is what I find most valuable about this book. The subject matter is covered in way more detail in many other organizing books, this one gives it to you in little bits. I feel like I use it like a how-to reference. Quick turn to the section, read a few blocks, make a sketch, make a list and I'm ready to go-to-it.
I also used it in my kitchen. Here is where the paper stacks, mail & clutter always seem to accumulate. I am able to just accept that as a part of my life right now, esp. because we had 4 teenagers in the house. I see this area as a challenge now- how well I can keep up with the paper. I esp. enjoyed the lists given for an "essential kitchen". These are the basics you need to actually cook. I realized I was hanging on to plates, baking dishes and gadgets that I was simply never going to use. I was able to let them go. I didn't even sell them. I was able to give them to friends & neighbors because I was totally free from them. I used that spirit all over the house, when it came time for us to move. After 6 yrs of accumulation, I paired down to more than half a 2000 sq.ft. home. When it was packed in the semi, it took less than 1/3 of it.
I used it to organize little spaces too. When I felt like it was time to clean out my jewelry, a closet or the entry-way. I would go to those sections, get inspiration & tips; make some notes and then tackle. That is what I find most valuable about this book. The subject matter is covered in way more detail in many other organizing books, this one gives it to you in little bits. I feel like I use it like a how-to reference. Quick turn to the section, read a few blocks, make a sketch, make a list and I'm ready to go-to-it.
August 8, 2016
I found this book at the thrift shop and it seemed like it would help me to get organized. A lot of the tips were things that I'm already doing, but I did get some useful ideas from it.
The author covers the entire house on room at a time and includes sections for insurance. She gives helpful guidance on what to keep or toss, how to organize things and a list of what you should really need for each area. I don't have kids, a garage or cellar, so those areas didn't help me much, but it was still a nice read. Smallin's tone is light and fun. She really knows what she's talking about and conveys it in a nice way.
I learned more about my refrigerator (I've never really thought about how to use my crisper drawers.) and which fruits and vegetables I should and shouldn't put in there. I also learned that I can store Christmas lights by wrapping them around an empty wrapping paper tube. I never would've though of that. No more fighting with tangled strands of lights for me! There's a list of helpful websites and I'll be checking out a few of them.
I would recommend this to anyone who is trying to get organized and declutter their home.
The author covers the entire house on room at a time and includes sections for insurance. She gives helpful guidance on what to keep or toss, how to organize things and a list of what you should really need for each area. I don't have kids, a garage or cellar, so those areas didn't help me much, but it was still a nice read. Smallin's tone is light and fun. She really knows what she's talking about and conveys it in a nice way.
I learned more about my refrigerator (I've never really thought about how to use my crisper drawers.) and which fruits and vegetables I should and shouldn't put in there. I also learned that I can store Christmas lights by wrapping them around an empty wrapping paper tube. I never would've though of that. No more fighting with tangled strands of lights for me! There's a list of helpful websites and I'll be checking out a few of them.
I would recommend this to anyone who is trying to get organized and declutter their home.
March 19, 2008
Oh my goodness. This book was a lifesaver. I was (am?) one of those "perfectionists" that couldn't get organized because I was waiting for the "perfect system" to find me. The book gently set me on the right path! I wish I had found this book when I was in school - but I probably wouldn't have had the time to read it!
There are some bizarre recommendations in here to re-use old things as organization tools, but the point is to get to thinking about how you can use different things to organize that you may not have thought of using before. One of the greatest tips in this book that now seems sooo obvious, is to put things where they will be used. Like duh - why did I not think of that before? Also, it gives guidelines for how long to hold onto old bills. You mean I don't have to keep those power bills from 1998 anymore? Really? Anyway, if you are looking for a book to help you organize your home - this is a great one.
There are some bizarre recommendations in here to re-use old things as organization tools, but the point is to get to thinking about how you can use different things to organize that you may not have thought of using before. One of the greatest tips in this book that now seems sooo obvious, is to put things where they will be used. Like duh - why did I not think of that before? Also, it gives guidelines for how long to hold onto old bills. You mean I don't have to keep those power bills from 1998 anymore? Really? Anyway, if you are looking for a book to help you organize your home - this is a great one.
February 14, 2015
My particular interest is in organizing and controlling the physical stuff in my house. This book covered that, but also organizing your finances, your time, your family, etc. Because of that, much of the book will only pertain to people in specific circumstances - my children are all grown now, for instance, so all the advice about organizing info about the family activities was no longer relevant. And, if you already have your finances under basic control, there's nothing new or exciting here.
Overall, though, all the advice seems reasonably sound and sensible. Definitely a book to get from the library and check out the sections that pertain and gather useful tips. It's not a book that I would buy to keep around as a reference work, though.
Overall, though, all the advice seems reasonably sound and sensible. Definitely a book to get from the library and check out the sections that pertain and gather useful tips. It's not a book that I would buy to keep around as a reference work, though.
December 22, 2011
A straight forward book. Useful for the right people. Most of the information is found in every other 'organization' book out there. The writing style is a little odd and can be odd to read in one sitting. This book is more for viewing a section at a time. The content is divided up into 'rooms' - office, kitchen, living room, etc. - with organizational tidbits and suggestions for each room. I found some of the suggestions to be very strange but that's probably because they were the right suggestions for me. Everyone has their own organizational style - and this book does state that - and alas mine did not mesh well with some of the ideas.
May 11, 2008
This book probably saved my live, my marrage and my sanity. I borrowed it from the library and renewed it one time and plan to buy my own copy in the future. She has a way of putting things that you already know or should have though of in a way that makes them sink in. I liked it so much I immediately requested Cleaning Plain and Simple by this author.
March 1, 2011
This book is exactly what it claims to be - a REFERENCE book. So - need to tackle your bedroom closet? Flip to page xxx. Need help with That Kitchen Drawer? Flip to page xxx. I love it. It has exactly what I need when I need it especially using the detailed index in the back. I just reorganized our filing cabinet using its suggestions. Lovely!
May 21, 2008
some really awesome, motivational ideas on getting rid of clutter once and for all...but also, a lot of unrelated filler. stuff about wills, financial planning, and how to pack for a vacation. this book should be more accurately titled "how to grow up and act like an adult"
September 11, 2008
A decent organizational book. Nothing earth shattering learned, but a solid, common sense approach to decluttering and organizing.
I did find the layout of the book to be a bit cluttered. Too many sidebars that I found visually distracting.
I did find the layout of the book to be a bit cluttered. Too many sidebars that I found visually distracting.
January 25, 2010
Why is it that reading books like this never seem to help? After you read it, they expect you to actually do what they suggest.
That aside, these are pretty basic and good suggestions. Now I wonder who I could hire cheap to actually do them for me.
Task 35.4
That aside, these are pretty basic and good suggestions. Now I wonder who I could hire cheap to actually do them for me.
Task 35.4
January 1, 2012
I am re-reading this wonderful book in an effort to organize my home, finances and life. Smallin covers every area of your home and life and gives simple but great tips on how to deal with the clutter.
January 29, 2016
Generally good ideas and tips with some cheat sheets that help problem solve. A good reference book for when you need to tackle certain areas of your home. I do like "What's a Disorganized Person To Do?" a little bit better because it is more visual and to the point.
June 9, 2016
Livro muito simples, são itens que se encontra em qualquer cartilha de prioridades a fazer. Não ensina uma metodologia para mudar a engrenagem, só narra o que é obvio! Dita: jogue fora, faça lista, faça planilhas etc...Muito chato! Não agregou!
June 13, 2019
This is the most comprehensive life organization book I have come across. I took a lot of notes. Some of the information is a little out-of-date since it was written in 2002, but the main principles are still valid.
June 11, 2007
My move was an organized one b/c of this book. I go back to it every now and again for help/tips on various things. Good for the cluttered. :) (That's me.)
October 26, 2008
Great ideas about organizing and decluttering. Easy to read in depth or skim.
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February 4, 2008um....this book really didn't give me anything i didn't already know about organizing! also...it had lots of expensive suggestions...which i can't really afford.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews