Monday, May 25, 2009

Book Review: The Get Organized ANSWER BOOK by Jamie Novak


The Get Organized ANSWER BOOK by Jamie Novak

Published by Sourcebooks, Inc.

Rating: 5 stars


The Get Organized ANSWER BOOK features hands-on and practical answers to 275 of your most common questions about how to de-clutter your home and your life, as well as some questions you haven't even thought to ask. This book is part of the ANSWER BOOK series from Sourcebooks, which also includes other books about many other topics such as new baby, autism, and living gluten-free.

Since this book is presented in a Q & A format - my review will do the same!

Q: Who is Jamie Novak?

A: The book's author, Jamie Novak, is a professional organizer and clutter coach, who is known as "The World's Most Relatable Organizer™". She has been a featured organizer on HGTV and has written many articles for popular magazines. Plus, she has a great sense of humor - check out her article from Everyday with Rachel Ray.

Q: What topics does this book cover?

A: The following is the table of contents that outlines the book's main topics.

Chapter 1: Behind the Scenes Q&A
Chapter 2: Getting Started
Chapter 3: Organizing 101
Chapter 4: Everyday Stuff
Chapter 5: Paper
Chapter 6: Storage
Chapter 7: Kitchen
Chapter 8: Kids
Chapter 9: Out-of-the-Ordinary Times
Chapter 10: Work and Home Office
Chapter 11: Getting It All Done
Chapter 12: Simply Green Organizing
Chapter 13: Real Moments—Specific Organizing Questions

Q: What are some specific questions that the book answers?

A: Here are some examples from the book:

What should be put through a shredder instead of thrown away?
What can I do to make my desk setup more efficient?
How can I locate and organize an aging parent's important belongings?
What are the root causes of disorganization?
Free items or items on sale aren't really clutter, are they?
How can I spend less time running errands?

Q: What are some of the great features of this book?

A: Since the book follows a question and answer format, it's very clear and concise. It's an extremely useful resource that can be picked up at any time and consulted. It's also relatively small in size so it doesn't create more clutter, without compromising any information. If you don't have the time to read longer organization books, then this is one is perfect because the answers are rarely more than a page long because they get straight to the point! I also loved the inclusion of useful references and websites to consult for further information, as well as lists of charities and places where excess clutter can be recycled.

Q: Would I recommend this book?

A: Definitely! This book can be useful even for people who consider themselves very organized. There is always more to learn when it comes to quick tips and organizational skills.


BIG THANKS to Emily and Sourcebooks for my review copy

5 comments:

Unknown said...

About 9 months ago I decluttered the kitchen cabinets. I took all of the pots and pans that I use on a regular basis and moved them from the low shelves to higher ones which are easier for me to reach. I am quite tall. A few weeks ago my spouse decluttered the kitchen again and moved the pots and pans I use on a regular basis to the lower shelves where they are easier for him to reach. He's not as tall as I am.

Well, the clutter is gone at least.

Gwendolyn B. said...

This does sound very helpful. I'm particularly interested in the response to the question about making the desk setup more efficient. I also like that you wrote your review in the Q&A format. Very clever!

bermudaonion said...

I need to give this book to my son!

Anonymous said...

i LOVE organization. i think it's second only to my husband. hee hee. this book sounds fun and maybe i should get a copy for my sister. somehow, the OCD gene missed her. she enjoys piling things up. (piles of papers everywhere!) i throw away everything--no clutter!

Belle said...

Do I ever need this book! We are starting to declutter around here and it's challenging. I liked the format of your review, too.