Get it Together … The One-Minute Organizer

November 18th, 2008

  Preggers or not, winter is the perfect time for nesting. You know, tackling those old projects that have been hiding in some dark closet corner. Author and uncluttering expert Donna Smallin has filled The One-Minute Organizer with great tips. It’s helped me start whipping things into order.

The book’s design is perfect for busy moms — or busy anyones. Each page offers a  tip or two, and some details, but doesn’t overwhelm. Read a snippet over your morning coffee or other sparing peaceful moments of the day, and then schedule a few minutes a day to tackle a project, or a portion of it. Plus, it’s small — tucks into your diaper bag for reading on the run.

It’s organized into two main sections: Getting Organized and Staying Organized. Within each you’ll learn how to clear out clutter, deal with all that paper, arrange spaces, and how to strategize to get things done and keep them in order — including how to organize your to-do lists and schedules. If you need more details, you might check out Smallin’s larger title, Organizing Plain & Simple (hey, she’s also got books on cleaning, and uncluttering your mind and life!).

This book has helped me organized my out-of-control recipe files (for years, hundreds of them were crammed loosely into folders). I actually now use them; before I could never find them in the mess. I know where all the owner’s manuals are, and my closets and drawers are accessible, thanks to Smallin’s suggestions.

The beauty of the book’s premise is that, if you tackle getting organized just one minute at a time, it becomes do-able, not daunting. Whew, it feels good to get it together.

— Mama Kate

Entry Filed under: Books,home,mom,product review