Comments on: Book review: One Year to an Organized Life

By: Julie

Julie — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 23:40:21 +0000

I’m interested in possibly getting this book. My reason may be a little different than others. I have A.D.D. It is very hard for me to focus and finish any project (especially cleaning/organizing) because of distraciblity.

My only hesitation, as I think the week-by-week structure would be helpful for me, is that I’ve read elsewhere that this book is “new age-y.” Is that a big component of this book, or is the structured aspect of this book worth its purchase?

Thanks so much.

By: Christine

Christine — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 19:25:02 +0000

I was looking for a book just like this! However, I can’t find it anywhere for sale! Really frustrating. Group of friends and I have formed an accountability group to help encourage each other to organize & unclutter starting in February and this book was going to help guide us…

I guess we’ll have to come up with our own schedule.

By: Gina

Gina — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 06:23:43 +0000

Thanks for the review, Erin. I love organizational books for the simple reason that they typically motivate me to get at least one area of my life organized – albeit, temporarily.

By: Amie Ragan

Amie Ragan — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 02:38:44 +0000

I am reviewing this book on my site tomorrow. Boy, the marketing person at Da Capo Lifelong Press is really doing her job. Anyway, I find it interesting that, while I also enjoyed the book, we took very different things from it. I think that possibly means that there is something for everyone.

By: Erin Doland

Erin Doland — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 17:17:11 +0000

@Mary — You restated the intention of the advice marvelously.

By: Mary

Mary — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 17:07:09 +0000

When my mom died (and she was the ultimate minimalist), I chose a few of her things to keep, respect and treasure. In my mind, I let them represent the “potato peelers” that I let go. One of the keepers was a wonderfully made rolling pin. I use it often and think of her when I do.

By: amy

amy — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 15:01:42 +0000

Quick question – there are links to this book, and the Peter Walsh one on your site which I assume are linked to your amazon account and, if I bought though this link would earn you money… can you add a link with your details in it to amazon.co.uk as well for us brits?

I want both these books at some point, I see no problem with you earning some money from the transaction as well You deserve it after everythign you’ve done for me! >>huggles<<

By: Erin Doland

Erin Doland — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 14:58:25 +0000

@Alison — I disagree. I think that most grandmothers would not want their grandchildren to harm their families with rust and iron shards in their food. A swallowed piece of iron broken off of a damaged potato peeler could potentially harm someone’s esophagus and intestines.

Beyond that, however, it’s the meaning behind the statement that is important. You shouldn’t hold onto something just because someone close to you owned it.

By: Erin Doland

Erin Doland — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 14:54:32 +0000

@Craig -- In my mind, there are two types of uncluttering books ... 1. Tips and nothing but tips books, and 2. Getting to the real root of the problem books. Each of the types have their place and can be valuable resources. Books like Heloise Conquers Stinks and Stains would fall into the first category, and Peter Walsh's It's All Too Much! would fall into the second. This book is in the second category, but it includes many concrete suggestions typical of the first category. As a result, it is definitely in my list of top ten favorite organization books. I recommend checking out a copy from the library or perusing it on the shelves at your local bookstore before buying it. If you like it, I do recommend buying it because you'll probably be moved to write in it, dog ear pages, and ... well, it is a year-long method, which would make checking it out repeatedly annoying.

By: Allison

Allison — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 14:44:13 +0000

While I take your point, I have to wonder if you or the author have ever actually surveyed grandmothers about throwing stuff out. Most people from that generation were more likely to continue using something until it broke, then repair it and use it some more. This idea of throwing something out and getting a new one is a modern attitude (and one which leads to clutter because of the associated sense of entitlement to new/better/more things).

By: Craig

Craig — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 14:35:35 +0000

If you remove the journaling and the dream board collage, would you recommend the book?

I’d love a no-nonsense book that helps organize a house and takes into account both a lack of storage — no basement and no garage — and yet a strong attachment to items of sentimental value (meaning we’re not throwing everything out).

Still looking for such a book.