Comments on: Interview with organizing legend Julie Morgenstern

By: Myra Rios

Myra Rios — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:46:39 +0000

Julie is an amazing conceptualizer who has helped millions around the world take control of their lives and enhance their lives. I would recommend to EMM who would only read her book if it was on kindle that he/she request it be published in that format. It’s a great idea and really practices the decluttering concept HOWEVER…. I’d still suggest he/she buy the book and keep it as a reference.

By: Andre Kibbe

Andre Kibbe — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:33:50 +0000

This is a great interview. I just posted a two-part podcast interview with Julie this week. SHED is so much more than a means to a prettier space. It’s about disembedding your identity from your stuff. I had hundreds of books that I threw out recently while going through this process, and it was clear that I had wrapped a large part of my self-image around that “knowledge stock.”

@EMM. The physical book is worth buying and reselling or giving to someone else afterwards. You might even rethink the idea that ebooks constitute less clutter than the physical version, since clutter is largely about something’s use, or lack thereof. Having unread books in your Kindle might be more convenient than having them on a bookshelf, but the implicit reading obligation those books represent would still make them clutter.

The goal in each dimension of SHED (physical clutter, schedule clutter and habit clutter) is to keep 10-20 percent of what you have — the objects, schedule commitments and behaviors that support your current theme. One book that facilitates the transition to a more functional state is hard to think of as clutter.

By: Ann at One Bag Nation

Ann at One Bag Nation — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 15:18:23 +0000

It’s so encouraging to see the trend in professional organizing away from the “buy color-coded file folders and a label-maker” to a focus on the emotional side of clutter.

I started my blog as a way to explore (and hopefully) remedy) my issues with physical and behavior clutter, and I’m looking forward to reading this book.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:10:27 +0000

In the interview it was stated that clutter comes from the past and not from the future but I also think that lots of people will keep things because they think they need them for the future or think if they chuck the things, soon after they will need the items and wonder why they got rid of them.

Just my idea, but the book sounds heaps interesting.
Wonder if I can get it here in Australia.

By: mrstjshelby

mrstjshelby — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 21:46:06 +0000

I’ve read tons of information on organizing as well as dejunking. But, in the piles of junk to read, there is very little on the more ephemeral versions. I believe, and am fascinated with psychological/emotional clutter and the physical manifestations of it.

I found this interview interesting and insightful. Thank you.

By: Cubicle Hacker

Cubicle Hacker — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:51:46 +0000

Coming from a family of hoarders I can see why transitioning is difficult for the person who wants to un-clutter his/her life. Allow yourself and anticipate some crying time while un-cluttering. It is better to be prepared.

This seems to be a great book that addresses the emotional side of un-cluttering with a refreshing approach

http://www.cubiclehacks.com

By: Michele

Michele — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 17:13:33 +0000

Thanks for a great interview. I am excited to check the book out.

By: Michael@ Awareness * Connection

Michael@ Awareness * Connection — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 17:02:25 +0000

I’ve got this book on my To Get list. I’ve seen it mentioned elsewhere. Nice to have this brief, readable interview.

By: EMM

EMM — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:36:32 +0000

Sounds like a fascinating book. My only real problem is that it’s not available as a kindle edition. One of my major decluttering things lately is to decide to only purchase general purpose books in kindle format so I don’t build up so many physical books. A few reference books are only available in paper but I am trying to reduce that number to only critical scientific books.

If she had her stuff out in kindle versions I’d buy them in an instant!

By: Shanel Yang

Shanel Yang — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:37:57 +0000

Great interview! For those who suffer from inordinate commitment clutter, I have a free ebook “Cuckoo in Your Nest!” Just contact me for a free copy if you’re interested. : )

By: Peter

Peter — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:04:35 +0000

That’s a very interesting concept about ’shedding’ when we are in transition. However, I think the deeper issue is the fact that we need to feel in control. The expectation that you will be able to control your life is a heavy burden I do not wish on anyone. Life is about adaptability, not control.

I think we should all ’shed’ a little more often. It is these attachments to materials that holds many of us back.

http://yinvsyang.com/

By: Lori

Lori — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 12:39:32 +0000

Good interview, Erin. It sounds like a great book, beyond the usual how-to-organize genre. I’ll be sure to check it out.