I figured Absolutely Organized: A Mom’s Guide to a No-Stress Schedule and Clutter-Free Home would be just another book pushing you to get up the moment you finish the chapter and start organizing. Not with this book, and you’re not left with the feeling that you’re an inadequate or a slothful creature that has no hope of ever conquering the piles of junk lying around the house. I also thought the book seemed mighty slim to have much useful information. Again, I was wrong; the book has nineteen chapters that can each easily be read in three to five minutes, making it the perfect book to put in your purse to read during appointments or standing in line at the grocery.
About Absolutely Organized
I call Chapter One, the “duh” chapter, for the simple fact that the author points out the usefulness of a day planner. Having a day planner is one of those things that you know would help out, but you may never get around to actually sitting down and charting out plans. I’ve had an on again off again relationship with planners over the years, yet I’ve never sat down and written in the important stuff until the week of or day before an appointment or birthday. I actually did follow the directions, which are simple: if it’s important, write it down. I think this is one of the best, if not the most obvious, ideas through out the book. I can say for two weeks now I haven’t missed an appointment or forgotten something at the grocery yet.
What Made Absolutely Organized Stand Out
There are even more useful tips and ideas throughout the book but if you’ve picked this book up with the anticipation of having your hand held while you’re implementing your organizing and de-cluttering plan, it’s not going to happen. Ms. Lillard gives you the ideas and tools with which to work, but the rest is up to you. I also like the fact that this book is geared towards moms who may or may not work outside the home.
Most organizing books I have come across in this genre seem to be divided into two camps, for those moms that do work outside the home and the stay at home moms. This book integrates the two, which is a fresh breath of air, because really, if you’re a mom you’re never “off the job.”
If you’ve never read an organizing book and you’re thinking of picking one up, I’d recommend this one. It has short, concise and informative chapters and it’s not overwhelming. In fact, I believe after reading the first chapter you could choose to read the others in the order with which you want to start organizing your house.
What Readers Should be Aware Of
The only problem I had with this book was Chapter Two, on getting a newborn on a schedule, which seems like a throw back to the nineteen thirties and forties. Again, this is the authors’ advice and if it works for you, then work it.. Absolutely Organized: A Mom’s Guide to a No-Stress Schedule and Clutter-Free Home retails for $14.99.
Enter to Win Your Own!
Until March 31st, you can enter to win an Absolutely Organized book of your own! Check out our Spring Cleaning and Organization Survival Kit Giveaway for all the details.
