Archives for Reviews
Unclutterer on the Precision Change podcast
Live now is an episode for Precision Change I recorded titled Tired of the Crap? Become an Unclutterer! with the wonderful Duff McDuffee. You can download the 22 minute podcast or listen to it by clicking on the “Play Now” link at the beginning of the article.
In the conversation, I talk about:
- How clutter doesn’t always start out as clutter.
- Why if you are in a constant state of disorganization now, you absolutely can change.
- What exactly to start on to begin uncluttering your life.
- Why getting a storage unit is almost always a bad idea.
- The machine that will finally give you a paperless office.
- A simple way to clear out kitchen clutter.
- Why uncluttering is really just about finding what makes you happy and what really matters to you.
I look forward to reading your thoughts about the podcast! This is the first time I’ve been a part of a podcast and I must admit that it was a lot of fun.
Popularity: 1% [?]
Simplify text messaging with Jott
Let me start off by stating that I do not text. My wife has recently become accustomed to text messaging and my days of not texting are most likely numbered. My eventual entrance into the text messaging world will most likely involve Jott.
Jott is a hands free mobile e-mail service that allows users to send a text/e-mail to a contact by simply calling the Jott service and dictating a message. Jott then sends an e-mail and a text to the contact that you requested. No need to fiddle around with learning how to type on those annoying little keypads. There is a simple How-to page available on Jott’s website. You can also send reminders to yourself and hit your Twitter account with updates if that is your cup of tea.
There are also quite a few third party web services that can be used via Jott. Among those is I Want Sandy. This service allows you to call in reminders, appointments, to-dos, contacts, notes - even look things up - right from your phone using just your voice.
Hand held devices are becoming more common, and services like Jott are bringing us one-step closer to a paper-less world. If Jott isn’t the exact service for you, check out their competitors before discounting the concept completely.
Popularity: 6% [?]
Brainwash your way to a clutter-free life?
Getting rid of clutter, organizing your home and office, and living simply can be ambitious goals, especially if you find it difficult to become motivated or to muster up the self-discipline to get started. I’m not passing judgment, as I understand the desire to sit on the couch and watch television instead of tackling an attic organization project.
But, if your stuff is stressing you out and you want to change, you’ll probably need some help altering your behavior. Unfortunately, most of the popular self-help books on procrastination are based on two flawed assumptions:
- They assume that someone who wants to complete a task is actually motivated enough to start that activity, which isn’t necessarily the case. A 2005 article in Fast Company magazine entitled “Change or Die” explains that 90 percent of people do not change their destructive lifestyle after having bypass heart surgery. You read that correctly — 90 percent of bypass surgery patients choose almost-certain death over changing their behavior.
- These books also assume that if people have a system in place, they’ll finish a project. If someone doesn’t start a project, however, then a system is pointless. I like systems. Getting Things Done is a wonderful productivity method. But, just having a system doesn’t mean that someone is actively using it.
John T. Molloy’s 1987 book How to Work the Competition into the Ground and Have Fun Doing It doesn’t make either of these assumptions about behavior and recognizes a person can lack motivation or self-discipline. It does, however, have a controversial bent. Its suggested method for improving self discipline involves brainwashing.
Molloy was fascinated with cults and their ability to completely change people’s personalities and get them to abandon their families, friends, and lives. He admits that he doesn’t support what cults do, but he knows that they do it well. He decided to research the methods cults employ to brainwash their membership, and see if there was a way to positively use the techniques to help people gain more self-discipline and motivation.
Here are a few of his observations:
- People are more susceptible to programming when they’re exhausted. If you’re going to listen to motivational tapes or talk yourself into being self-disciplined enough to do work, you should do it right before bed after a long day of physical and mental activity. He recorded a series of positive messages and repeatedly played them as he was falling asleep.
- He also decided that these positive messages could be played at other times, more as background noise throughout the day, to act as a motivating reminder. If you’re trying to become motivated to clear clutter from your home or office, then your recorded message could focus on that activity: “I live an uncluttered life and have the motivation to keep it perpetually uncluttered.”
- Do what you can to participate in a “dynamic event” to get a rush from an outside force. Attending a conference on uncluttering, going to hear a motivational speaker, watching a show like Clean Sweep or even reading Unclutterer can help you to think about the subject in a positive way and believe that you are capable of being an uncluttered person.
- Subliminal messages apparently work. Try making a playlist on iTunes that has short, positive recorded messages between every song. “Back to work,” he suggests, is a good one to help with productivity.
- Block out distractions with repetitious self-talk. Whenever your mind wanders while uncluttering, chant your “back to work” or “I’m uncluttered” message. This was one of the most successful methods employed by his research subjects. The block out chants used by cult members usually relate to their leader or their guiding purpose. Creepy, but effective.
- Molloy’s book and many other sources, including the Fast Company article mentioned earlier, discuss the power of others to help teach you to be the person you want to become. For the purposes of uncluttering, a professional organizer might be that guide. If you can’t afford a professional organizer, getting a group of people together to talk about uncluttering can provide a motivating peer pressure and inspirational guidance.
While I find brainwashing to be freaky and bizarre, it still might be a worthwhile method for helping people become more motivated and increase self-discipline. Molloy’s suggestions seem to be fairly reasonable in concrete form, albeit a little quirky. Also, the effort involved in reciting a productive chant is so small that anyone can do it. I tried it sporadically, and, after a few days, it was impossible to walk past my laundry heap without wanting to wash my clothes — so, I washed my clothes.
What do you think of these suggestions? Have you read Molloy’s book? Do you have any thoughts about it? Whatever your opinion, I’d be interested in reading it in the comments. This is bound to be a controversial topic…
Popularity: 32% [?]
Second favorite organization tool: The labelmaker
I have written in the past about the ScanSnap, my favorite organization tool. Today, I want to talk about the item that runs a very close second on my favorite’s list, which is the labelmaker.
I’m actually a little surprised that I haven’t written about it on Unclutterer before today. Any storage box in my home that isn’t clear gets labeled. Same applies to every file folder in my filing cabinet, the recycling bins, containers in the bathroom, and about 1,000 other items in my home.
Until I had one, I didn’t know what I was missing. Unfortunately, there isn’t much more to say about the labelmaker because it is such a straightforward device. Maybe its simplicity has something to do with why it’s so high on my list of favorite organization tools …
Popularity: 29% [?]
To our attention
Using our new share a link feature through http://del.icio.us, reader PetersonRecipes brought the article The Stuff Pack Rats Are Made Of to our attention from last week’s New York Times.
“There is nothing like being forced to pack up every last thing you own, load it onto a truck, and unload and unpack it on the other end to make you question the true value of all that stuff. You find yourself wondering not only why you bought it, why you kept it, why it’s so hard to get rid of it — but why on earth you will undoubtedly buy more of it.”
This article is perfect if you’re in the mood to sit and nod your head in agreement with everything the author says. She is definitely preaching to our Unclutterer choir.
Remember, all you need to do to share a link with us is go to http://del.icio.us, and mark your suggested link “for:unclutterer” (without the quotes).
Popularity: 18% [?]
Book review: Does This Clutter Make My Butt Look Fat?
Peter Walsh doesn’t sugar coat anything, and the title of his latest book is testament to his style. Does This Clutter Make My Butt Look Fat? takes his “creating the life you want” message from his previous book, It’s All Too Much!, and applies it to food, eating, and the body.
Does This Clutter Make My Butt Look Fat? will help you examine how your emotions, your home, your kitchen, and your pantry are working for — or against — the life you want for yourself.
Walsh doesn’t talk calorie counting or delve into the ills of preservatives, instead he offers a philosophy for change as his solution for weight loss. In my opinion, he really only discusses three things to change to lose weight: stop watching tv, start eating meals at home at a table, and get rid of clutter in your life. Although my statement of his process sounds simplistic, I actually agree with his premise.
At the start of 2007, I made a resolution to stop eating meals outside of my home. I had been eating out seven to 10 times a week throughout most of 2006. In the first five months of last year, I lost 20 pounds. I didn’t change anything else in my life except for where I ate meals. Sure, it’s anecdotal evidence, but my personal experience tells me that Walsh’s advice isn’t off base.
Walsh’s book is intended for a mass audience, so if you’ve read more scientifically detailed health books or even Walsh’s colleagues’ You: On a Diet, this book may not have anything new to share with you. However, for what it is, Walsh’s book is well written, full of straightforward advice, practical, and sincerely helpful. If you need to lose a few pounds and your house is cluttered, Walsh’s book will be perfect for you.
Some of my favorite quotes from the book:
- From page 2, “As a nation we are reveling in an orgy of consumption and it shows no sign of letting up. We can’t get enough of anything. The American mantra has become ‘more is better’ and we are applying that motto with gusto to almost every aspect of our lives. If consuming is good, then consuming more is better.”
- From page 47, “The math of weight is the same as that of clutter: You can only have as many books as you have room on your shelves or only the number of shirts that can hang comfortably in your closet; if you eat more calories than your body needs, they will be stored as fat. Of all the possessions in your home, your body should be most treasured. Treating your body with honor and respect means you are treating yourself with honor and respect.”
There are a few things that confuse me about the book — like how he tells you not to watch television, but television is certainly a large factor in how he made his name — but on the whole I think it’s a worthwhile self-help book. As I mentioned above, if you need to lose a few pounds and get your house organized at the same time, Does This Clutter Make My Butt Look Fat? is a great place to start. The book is available Feb. 5, and Walsh will be doing promotional appearances for it on The Oprah Winfrey show Feb. 7 and on The CBS Early Show Feb. 11-13.
Popularity: 17% [?]
Shootsac organizes your camera lenses for simple transport
I just read a review by Ryan Brenizer over at the Amazon Blog for the Shootsac. The Shootsac is a bag that holds multiple camera lenses for quick and easy access. The Shootsac’s design was created by wedding photographer Jessica Claire. From Ryan Brenizer’s article:
Specifically, she realized that while on a shoot, she almost never had to put her camera away, but she always needed to change lenses — so why not make a bag designed for that task? The ShootSac was born.
This bag is designed for serious photographers and professionals. Most amateurs won’t want to part with upwards of $150 for a bag to hold lenses. But, for those of you out there looking for an uncluttered option for lugging around your lenses, this looks like a well-designed option. More from the review:
Even with the extra lenses, it was more comfortable than my normal bag — the center of gravity is much closer to the body, allowing weight to be better distributed. During a shoot, I usually unhook my bag, put it down, and keep running back and forth. That was never an issue now.
Popularity: 15% [?]
Unclutter your online passwords
Keeping track of all the different passwords I have for accessing online content is a bit ridiculous. Just this morning, I had to initiate passwords for three different sites. Yeah, I have auto complete for some of them, but not for the more sensitive sites like my bank account.
If you find that you are a bit overwhelmed by all of the passwords you have and are using a Mac running OS X, you may want to check out 1Password.
1Password keeps track of all web passwords, automates sign-in, guards from identity theft.
If you have the time, I recommend watching the informative video about their service. 1Password delivers the following features that will surely help you in your day-to-day browsing:
- Manage hundreds of passwords with one master key.
- Automatic form filler outclasses the other AutoFill products.
- Prevent phishing criminals from stealing your information.
- OS X Keychain integration provides maximum security.
- Integrated with Safari, OmniWeb, DEVONagent, Firefox, Camino, and Flock.
- Define multiple identities to be used by the form filler.
and many more…
Popularity: 11% [?]
Book review: One Year to an Organized Life
When Regina Leeds’ publicist contacted me about doing a review of One Year to an Organized Life, I hesitated. I knew that an advanced copy of Peter Walsh’s new book was already in the mail to me to review for the site, and I didn’t want to be overwhelmed with books in such a short period of time. Leeds is a master of home and office organization, however, so I ended up agreeing to read the book.
In hindsight, I’m very glad I decided to read it.
Leeds knows home organization. She has been a professional organizer for more than 20 years, and this book is the most realistic book on organization I have encountered. She is methodical in her presentation, and her book touches on every aspect of a person’s home. The book is broken into 52 weeks of organization activities, grouped into monthly themes (kitchen is January, bedroom is February, etc.), and is based on the idea that sustaining organization doesn’t happen overnight.
That being said, I’m not certain this book is for everyone. She includes monthly touchy-feely personal affirmations that were a bit much for my taste. Additionally, I don’t agree with the need for journaling and creating a “dream board” collage to envision organization goals. The majority of the book, though, is grounded and full of practical advice. Plus, I’m certain there are many readers who will benefit from the journaling and collage making.
Here are my thoughts, in no particular order, on the book:
- I fear that people may not pick up the book because the title suggests a year-long commitment to getting your life organized. For people already overwhelmed by stuff in their life, the title may seem overwhelming. This perception is a shame because the book can be used as a resource even if the yearly program isn’t followed. Also, her year-long method is exactly how not to be overwhelmed by the process.
- I like that she makes suggestions for activities that can become chores for children. Her advice is good for helping to teach children how to be responsible for their belongings and to the family.
- There is a terrific resource section at the end of the book. I am already researching more about these organizations.
- The month of May has too many rooms/areas assigned to it (attic, basement, garage, guest room, and laundry room) for the average reader. In my experience, these spaces are often the most cluttered areas of a home. If following her system, I would make this a two-month theme.
- Many of her tips include options for people who rent their homes, which is rare in home organization books. I was glad to see the inclusion of this advice.
- She acknowledges a lack of caring as a reason for disorganization. Many self-help authors attribute disorganization only to jarring life events, time management problems, etc., and overlook a simple lack of caring as a possible cause. Not only does she say that a general lack of caring can be a cause, she offers advice on how to overcome it.
- Her advice is filled with concrete examples that show how different people may interpret the same information. The real-world strategies will appeal greatly to pragmatic readers.
My favorite piece of advice comes in the first section of the book. In this dialog, she frankly discusses reasons why you shouldn’t hold onto random items just because you inherited them from someone who has passed away. This piece of writing is also a good sample of her advice-wielding style:
“Consider tossing grandma’s ancient potato peeler. If she were alive today, she’d have a new one. She’d also wonder what the heck was wrong with you for saving that rusty old antique.”
If you’re in the market for a comprehensive, concrete, methodical guide to home organization, Leeds’ book One Year to an Organized Life is an excellent place to start.
Popularity: 9% [?]
Hide away step stool
I received a Pottery Barn Kids catalog in the mail a couple of days ago. I promptly added it to my ever growing list of catalogs that I no longer want using Catalog Choice. As my wife flipped through the unsolicited catalog, she came across an interesting option for a child who needs a step stool to reach the sink.
The Pierce Bath Console adds the step stool as a part of the console so you don’t have to take up space in your bathroom storing one. Obviously, the price on this console is a bit high, but the idea can be implemented into a custom made console that you may take on yourself. Or, look for this option at other retailers if you’re interested.
Popularity: 8% [?]
A multitasking option for self defense
At the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, many innovations have been unveiled. These innovations range from gigantic flat screen HDTVs to faster micro processors, but nothing says innovation like a MP3 player/taser combo. According to the Los Angeles Times gadget blog Bit Player:
“Today at CES, Taser International introduced the Taser MPH — the first combination hand-held music player and Taser.
The player, which has a 1-GB capacity that can hold about 150 songs, is embedded in a holster that slips on your belt. Feel the need to zap someone and you can unholster the Taser, use the built-in laser pointer to aim, and blam — a couple of darts carrying 50,000 volts hits your victim.”
Finally, now I can walk around my neighborhood with a little less clutter in my pockets and still feel safe while listening to some AC/DC, of course.
Popularity: 17% [?]
Sony and Borders join e-book forces
After our post on Amazon’s e-book Kindle device, a few readers alerted us to the following alternative from Sony (via Publisher’s Weekly):
“Borders has joined with Sony to launch a co-branded online store offering e-book titles for Sony’s Reader Digital Book device. The new Borders/Sony online eBook store will offer access to the 25,000 titles available for the device that are generally sold through the Sony eBook Store.”
The partnership between Borders and Sony makes the Sony Reader Digital Book as appealing, in my opinion, as the Kindle device. If we have any users of the Sony model, I would like to hear in the comments section about your experiences with the product and new e-book options through Borders.
Popularity: 7% [?]
Bucketless car wash
If you hate washing your car as much as I do, you may want to check out Green Earth Waterless Car Wash from Lucky Earth Products. From the CNET’s Crave blog:
The compound–made out of water, coconut extracts, silicone, and a bit of salt–gets misted onto your car. Once there, it attracts dirt via electrostatic principles and encapsulates it. The owner then wipes their car with a soft cloth.
A $20 jug containing 32 ounces of the liquid is good for about 10 car washes. Additionally, the company has liquids for cleaning tires (Tire Shine) and stains (Oopsie Baby).
The race car circuit uses a similar method for washing their cars, explained Tamara Garcia, a Lucky Earth representative. The company basically took the idea but came up with a cleaning formula that is made from more environmentally friendly substances.
So you can get rid of your bucket, sponges, and shammies and simply spray your car clean.
(via Crave)
Popularity: 10% [?]
Kindle: Is it worth it?
Since Amazon launched its Kindle e-book reader, I’ve been closely following reviews of the product online. With more than 90,000 titles available for download from Amazon, it seems like a terrific way to keep book clutter out of your home. Except …
… and that’s just it, there is a giant “except” ringing in my mind.
Audio books downloaded onto my iPod seem to make so much more sense to me as a digital version of a book. I already carry my iPod with me, and have no desire to tote around an additional device. With an audio file on my iPod, I can “read” while I’m driving or doing something else, and there isn’t a book cluttering up my shelves at home. E-book readers have to be held while reading, are larger than an iPod, and have only a little more functionality than a regular book. If I’m going to have a digital form of a book, I prefer the audio form. This just seems to me to be a way for Amazon to skip out on the costs associated with storing and shipping products since the e-books are downloaded (in a proprietary format) from their site.
The Kindle device costs $400 and is not currently available for purchase because of high demand. Average book download price for the Kindle e-book device is $10, which is comparable to all of the Audible plans for audio books.
Two of the reviews I keep re-reading about Kindle are from Scobleizer and Management Craft. I think they say a great deal about the product, so I suggest reading them to help formulate your own opinion:
Scobleizer’s one-week Kindle review
Management Craft’s initial review and her one-week review
Do any of our readers have the Kindle device yet? Have you used any of the hacks to get it to read other non-Amazon e-book files? Please chime in to the comments section to let us know of your personal experience. I’m interested in knowing if my hesitations are way off base.
Popularity: 8% [?]
Not all small appliances are unitaskers
In a prior post, I labeled The Panini Press as a Unitasker. It did one thing: make paninis.
Today, I want to talk about small appliances that aren’t unitaskers. For example, the Cuisinart Griddler offers more options than your regular panini press. This is a mulit-functional unit that serves as contact grill, panini press, open grill, and griddle.
When and if you decide to purchase a small appliance, take a few moments to consider its functionality. Can it do more than one, specific task?
Cuisinart has a dual Blender-Food Processor that makes space-saving sense, Kitchen Aid has an Ice Cream Maker attachment for its mixers, an Egg and Toaster unit makes both eggs and toast, and the Hamilton Beach Toast Oven is a toaster and a toaster oven in one appliance. You obviously aren’t obligated to have any of these small appliances in your home, but if you want to buy one, we encourage you to consider ones that aren’t unitaskers.
Popularity: 7% [?]
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