5 organizing books on my mind
Book lovers beware - here are five organizing books you might be tempted to buy! I did hesitate to pull this together for that very reason, but great minds applying themselves to the problem of clutter and distractions need to be praised and shared. I actually haven't read any of these, but in many cases have heard fabulous things about the books or heard interviews with the authors. When applicable, I've shared a video, author interview, or review in hopes that that will be enough for you to resist buying another book. In the event that you do click and buy, just adhere to the one book in, (at least) one out rule! Do you have a favorite organizing book? Please share in the comments!
1. Joy at Work: Organizing Your Professional Life by Marie Kondo and Scott Sonenshein
Marie Kondo is back with a book that focuses solely on work: Joy at Work: Organizing Your Professional Life. She not just advises on paper, but email, meetings, and more. Upon reading reviews, it seems to cover a lot of broad strokes. The book covers fundamentals such as teaching that an orderly office aids in clear-headedness, and only keeping papers that spark joy. I am officially a Kondo fan. I love how her presence in the industry has popularized decluttering as no one has before. My clients though (and surely my readers) find her technique too limiting and "scary." I certainly see why. Nevertheless, organizers and clients quote her left and right and ride the wave of her calm, steady wisdom. In this book she covers 3 rules:
Categorize every paper down to the last sheet.
Store your papers upright.
Make a pending box.
I can already hear many of you screaming - Yes, I know that, but HOW!? I can't speak to the detail she goes into or doesn't on facing the myriad of challenges people face, making these 3 points far harder than they seem, but do hope that Joy at Work gives us more quotable philosophies such as "spark joy." If you're short on time and/or more visual, then watch this video of Marie advising Good Housekeeping editor, Monique Valeris on organizing her home office.
2. Don't Toss My Memories in the Trash by Vickie Dellaquila
This book is consistently lauded in the NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers) listserve. Don't Toss My Memories in the Trash focuses on how to approach downsizing for seniors. Some downsizes are sudden and unwanted, while others happen gradually over time with years to physically and emotionally prepare. If a downsize is in your future, regardless of where you fall on the spectrum, you've probably imagined letting go of some of your most beloved items. If family is not in a place to accept them all (or any), those decisions can be excruciating. This book is for you or a loved one who needs guidance on making decisions you can live with.
3. Clutter: An Untidy History by Jennifer Howard
I recently attended a virtual book signing with local DC author Jennifer Howard hosted by East City Books in Capitol Hill. It held my attention the entire time because so much of the information was new to me. She shed light on the history of clutter, starting with the Victorian age and its hallmarks of decoration and excess. Howard became fascinated with this topic as she spent two years clearing out her later mother's home.
At least for this one, I'd encourage you to purchase through East City Books in DC.
She was a joy to listen to. I wanted to pause and take notes but it was live! To hear a podcast interview with Howard, click here.
4. Secondhand: Travels in the New Global Garage Sale by Adam Minter
Buying secondhand and finding brand new luxury clothing at 99+% off is my sport of choice. So, it's a marvel I haven't read Secondhand: Travels in the New Global Garage Sale yet. I have listened to Minter's interview on Fresh Air though, and you should too. He balances the largely unseen horrors of our discarded (and often donated) excess with a manifesto of living lighter by buying fewer, high-quality items. "Buy it for life" has always been Nic's and my motto. We believe that the road to a healthier planet is paved with high-quality, secondhand items. (View my video rant on consignment here.)
5. Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World by Cal Newport
Ready for a smackdown on spending less time online? Who isn't!? Cal Newport authored the Bible on focus, Deep Work. He preaches that we are capable of so much more than we realize, but few of us are willing to do the work it takes to focus at length without distraction. He’s not a fan of social media, multi-tasking, or even email. When I want to poke holes in his theories, I remember that he’s younger than me and has written 6 books, and is a tenured Georgetown professor. Books to my name: 0. (Wait, I wrote an eBook!)
In his newest book, Digital Minimalism he teaches us how to take a radically different approach to using our boundless digital tools. I’ve never agreed with anything more, but still have been unwilling to take his proposed “30 Day Digital Declutter.” How to Stop Wasting Time on the Internet is a thorough review by Eric Barker that you should read right before you turn your phone off for good!
