Subjects:  1. Christian Life    2. Christmas    3. Christmas decorations    4. Decorating - General    5. Entertaining - General    6. Holidays - Christmas    7. Housekeeping    8. Inspirational    9. Religion    10. Holiday; Christmas; entertaining; interior design    11. Religion / Holidays / Christmas   

Reviews (18)

Too much tofu, not enough meat
Yes, I need to organize my office - but I also need to organize my books, my closet, the pantry shelves, and the cat's toys. I am cognizant of the deep psychological implications of constant clutter, but I would prefer to get my space organized before I meditate on that aspect of the disarray. And I totally agree with the reviewer's comment about overpriced dinner parties. Let's get real! No `housewives, corporate execs and business people' I know would fritter that amount of money on dinner, nor do I consider movie stars or producers to be realistic role models for organized living.
Just an Okay Organizing Book
I expected more from this book.I was looking for some great organizing tips, but there was nothing new in this book that I haven't read elsewhere before.Many of the tips (and the zen philosophy on being organized) could be found for free on the internet.If you're new to organizing or not very organized at all, this book may help you.If you're pretty organized to start with, you won't find anything special.

Great, but need to adapt to your situation
The author notes that most of her clients have assistants and/or housekeepers.I have neither, but am my own in both cases.I did find the book inspirational, though not a read from cover to cover.I'm flipping through several organizational/clutter buster books at one time. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cleaning & Caretaking - General    2. Eastern - Zen    3. Home economics    4. Office management    5. Personal Growth - General    6. Personal Growth - Success    7. Psychology    8. Self-Help    9. Time management    10. Organizational theory & behaviour    11. Self-Help / General    12. Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (3)

CLEAN UP
i've enjoyed reading the material which gives advice on
Fun reading even if you don't have any white vineger
This book can help just about anyone in cleaning anything around the house.Using baking soda, vodka (!), and other assundry items provides one with enjoyable reading as well as imaginative jobs to do in the bathroom, kitchen, and the car.

ZANY AT TIMES, BUT, HEY, IF IT WORKS DON'T KNOCK I
Most of us know that common househeld products have multiple uses.For example, vinegar and baking soda are almost staples for solving a dozen and one different household problems.However, some of the solutions you learn in this book might seem right off the wall! Alka-Seltzer to clean a toilet bowl - and just why would you WANT to use Alka-Seltzer?Jello, as a foot deodorizer - no doubt, designed just for those who like that squishy feeling between their toes. Alright, those may seem a little extreme, but the book truly does have it's helpful hints and merits. There is no guarantee that all these little tidbits of information are going to work, and some I would dare not try. If I ever suggested to my darling husband that he shave with Reddi-Whip, he might think I was getting just a wee bit kinky!Some of the tips may seem far-fetched, zany and bizarre but others actually do work; for the price of the book, it is still a good deal. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Brand name products    2. Cleaning    3. Cleaning & Caretaking - General    4. Cleaning & Caretaking - Household Hints    5. Do-It-Yourself    6. Home economics    7. House & Home    8. Medicine, Popular    9. Personal & Practical Guides    10. Reference    11. United States    12. Household hints    13. Reference / General   

Reviews (7)

Warning -- Same Book, Different Title
I only gave this book three stars because it is the same book as "Secrets of Good Housekeeping" also by Laura Fronty -- same content, lovely photo's, etc., only difference is the title.

Pictures are best component
Disappointing content.Pictures are nice but not worth more than a quick browse.

Disappointing
This book is nothing but a hardcover magazine.Gorgeous pictures, useless content.These are not the memories of a French grandmother so much as a big... ad for you to buy a whole lot of products, try out some weekend project that never ends, give up and go out and buy more useless products.There are much better books on this topic for people who are serious about the running of their home but are mostly, unfortunately out of print. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. General    3. Home Improvement / Construction    4. Home economics    5. House & Home    6. Housekeeping    7. Interior decoration    8. Architecture / Interior Design    9. House & Home / Cleaning & Caretaking    10. Interior design   

Reviews (23)

Just the Ticket for this lifelong Messie!
Like others, I had also passed by this book based on its title.But recently, I gave it aquick look through and could see right off the bat that the title didn't do fair justice to the solid help within.For me, the chapters on "why" were definately not a waste.In fact, they're what kept me reading.Now I believe that ADD is probably over-diagnosed in today's American society.Be that as it may, I have dealt with the effects of it my entire life and, while being reasonable successful, I have had to develop numerous "work arounds" in order to function at the required level in my profession; work arounds that my non-ADD colleagues probably find strange.But one area that has always escaped me is in keeping my personal space organized whether at home or at the office.Sandra's book didn't convince me that I had ADD - I already knew that.But it helped me understand how that relates to my disorganization.In that, her book hit the spot for me.So while I agree that this book may not be for everyone, please don't discount it due to its title or what others have said about the "whys" in the first portion of the book.Depending on your personal situation, that may be the portion you value the most!

Living with too much clutter?Want the relief of a clutter-free life?
A great de-cluttering book!I am so glad that I found it.It has really helped me change my approach to organizing and housecleaning.
ALL MESSIES NEED TO BUY SANDRA FELTON'S BOOKS
I have been one of the worst messies.This book and her other books (I have them all)have helped me to get on track and I am well on my way to being very organized and a whole lot less messy.I would highly recommend all of Sandra Felton's books.If you need help, it's bound to be the answer to your prayers. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cleaning & Caretaking - General    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Home Improvement / Construction    4. House & Home    5. House cleaning   

Reviews (1)

Well Thought Out Description of a Small Business
Melinda Morse started a housecleaning business when she was in college, had $80 in the bank, needed an income, had to have flexible hours to stay in school, couldn't find a job. A friend suggested that she pick up just a few housecleaning jobs as a quick fix. She knew nothing about starting a business. In a few years she had learned a lot, probably more than she learned while getting her Ph.D.
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Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Careers - General    3. Cleaning & Caretaking - General    4. Do-It-Yourself    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. Home-based Businesses    7. House & Home    8. House & Home / Cleaning & Caretaking   

Reviews (4)

Coping With Life Changes
I was really glad to discover this book.Several friends in their fifties and sixties are coping with clearing out Mom's stuff so she can move into an assisted living facility.Quite a few also have to clear out a lifetime's accumulation of their own, so they can retire and relocate.
At the Crossroads
Moving On is "a practical guide to downsizing the family home."It is full of practical suggestions as to how to tackle the concrete task of emptying a house, how to categorizethe multitude of things that accumulate over the years, what to do with them, how to keep the things one wants to keep and how to dispose of the things one wants to get rid of.But this is a book that is by no means only about things.It is very much a book about people, the first generation ofpeople who collect things, write things, hoard things, love things, and the next generation ofpeople who necessarily have the task of deciding what to do with all these things.
I wish I'd had this years ago
If only I could have used this book several years ago when my sister and I had to move my mother out of her home of 40 years! Linda Hetzer and Janet Hulstrand are warm, witty writers who get right to the point in this short, concise, and immensely helpful book. Now I'll save it to use myself when it is time for me to move to smaller or different quarters, and I'll advise my daughter to consider it her handbook. This is a much-needed addition to "how-to" books. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cleaning & Caretaking - General    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Home Improvement / Construction    4. House & Home    5. House cleaning    6. Family & Relationships / Aging    7. Housing & property for the individual   

Reviews (1)

Get a handle on clutter
Pros: Well designed for easy reference for all your clutter projects.Excellent solutions to all your clutter problems.
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Subjects:  1. Cleaning & Caretaking - General    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Home Improvement / Construction    4. House & Home    5. House cleaning    6. Reference    7. Home & House Maintenance   

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Cabinetwork    3. Cleaning & Caretaking - General    4. Decorating    5. Decorating - General    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. Home Maintenance And Repair    8. Home Management    9. House & Home    10. Shelving (Furniture)    11. Storage in the home    12. Home & House Maintenance    13. House & Home / Do-It-Yourself   

Subjects:  1. Antiques / Collectibles    2. Care & Restoration    3. Cleaning & Caretaking - General    4. Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions - General    5. Do-It-Yourself    6. House & Home    7. Reference    8. Reference - General    9. Antiques & Collectibles / Care & Restoration    10. Home & House Maintenance   

Reviews (4)

A disk?
This book comes with a floppy disk!!I havent had a computer that could read a floppy in years. Most of this book is very obvious. It would have been wonderful to have it digitally so that I could cut and paste the helpful parts.

Not what I was expecting.
I thought there would be more tips and tricks and more organizational techniques.What I got from this book, I was able to find for free on line.Not a lot of cross-country moving suggestions. More focused on in-town moves, in my opinion.

Survival Guide!!!!!
Great! Plenty of forms, information and plans to make a long distance move go smoothly ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cleaning & Caretaking - General    2. General    3. Home Improvement / Construction    4. Real Estate - Buying/Selling Homes    5. Reference    6. Self-Help   

Subjects:  1. Cleaning & Caretaking - General    2. Construction - General    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Do-It-Yourself - General    5. General    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. Reference   

Features

• Illustrated

Subjects:  1. Cleaning & Caretaking - General    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. Home Management    6. House & Home    7. Television Programming    8. Architecture / Interior Design    9. Home & House Maintenance    10. INTERIOR DECORATION    11. Self-Help & Practical Interests   

Reviews (2)

I've purchased several copies...
This is a great book if you are planning to move, build a new home or purchase new furniture. It gives hints on everything to the type of flooring that is easiest to keep clean to which furniture would be best tostay looking nice with little upkeep. Also good for ideas on how toorganize and keep clutter to a minimum as to spend less time doinghousework. I read it cover to cover and used a highlighter on points torefer back to. I loved this book so much that as a real estate agent, Igive this to clients before they move and they have all loved it too!

Great for Real-World People!
This is a wonderful book for anyone who hates housework and/or justdoesn't have the time.I'm only half way through the book, but so far I'veenjoyed everything!I especially love the portion where she states (andquotes others) that the immaculate homes that we see in the 'HouseBeautiful'-type magazines are not a reflection of normal people who havebusy lives! Also enjoyed the chapter on getting the big ones and littleones in the household to do housework as a team.I am currently reading alibrary copy, but want / will get one of my own! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cleaning & Caretaking - Household Hints    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Home Improvement / Construction    4. Home economics    5. House & Home    6. House cleaning    7. Repair    8. House & Home / Cleaning & Caretaking    9. House & Home-Repair    10. Household hints   

Reviews (4)

an almost overwhelming amount of information
This book seems to cover every possible topic relating to creating a healthier and less toxic home and body.The author addresses products that most of use everyday and points out the potential hazards.
It's all here!
Detox diets and cleanses, dry skin brushing, dental tips, green cleaning, feng shui, meditation and much, much more.Mr. Leviton covers every aspect of your life in this guide.He includes good instructions on how to do everything along with recipes and where to buy the things you need for the various detoxes.I bought this book after a very disappointing experience with a different detox book.This one is hands down GREAT!

Overwhelming, but essential guide
Readable and important.Excellent for both the initiated and uninitiated.I thought I was thoroughly initiated, and was overwhelmed with information anyway.I'm glad somebody's attempting to put all this stuff together, from science to conjecture.It's like several books rolled into one, well worth the time and money. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Therapies    2. Cleaning & Caretaking - General    3. Consumer Health    4. Health & Fitness    5. Health aspects    6. Health/Fitness    7. Healthy Living    8. Housing and health    9. Indoor air pollution    10. Personal Health    11. Popular works    12. Prevention    13. Sick building syndrome    14. Popular medicine   

Reviews (2)

Don't Bother!
This book is a lot of fluff and filler, and not one original thought to be had.Its contents could easily be condensed to one or two pages, but they use all kinds of "title pages" and other tricks to try and make it look like a substantial-size book.Don't waste your money or time.

Finally, an organized move!
I am in the process of moving my residence and have purchased "The Essential Moving Planning Kit."Recently, I married and used the Wedding Planning Kit.I found that the wedding kit had kept me so organized that I couldn't wait to get starting with the moving kit.Moving one's residence can be emotionally difficult, especially when one isn't organized; but with an aid, such as the "The Essential Moving Planning Kit," my task has been definitely eased. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cleaning & Caretaking - General    2. Home Improvement / Construction    3. Moving, Household    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Business & Management    6. Housing & property for the individual   

Reviews (6)

Must-have Toolkit for Moving
This book is an amazing resource for anyone anticipating a move or just dreaming about the possibility.The personal anecdotes and lessons learned are enlightening and fun, but this is far more than just an enjoyable read.It is a comprehensive and well-organized toolkit to get you ready for and through the process of moving.The beauty of this book is that it is a working document that keeps you on track.You won't read it and put it aside--it will become your constant companion leading up to, during, and after your move.This book is invaluable--I would have been lost without it!

Moving Made Simple
Moving can be a nerve-racking experience regardless of the situation. However, if you read "29 Days to a Smooth Move" it not only makes the whole process easier, it makes it pleasurable. The book's practical yet clever suggestions make moving simple.
No other moving workbook out there!
I think that this book is unique in getting someone more organized for a move, how to pack, how to prepare budget for move, etc. It is in workbook style, thus has many checklists and charts to fill in.The only part that you would have to do more research on own is to know which moving company to choose, and to decide between professional mover vs. finding company that allows you to pack but they will drive the stuff for you vs. doing it completely on own and renting truck yourself.Most of the info that they provide may be found on websites but nicely organized and fun to read in ring-bound version.Also would have been helpful if had chapter dividers. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Handbooks, manuals, etc    2. House & Home    3. House & Home / Cleaning & Caretaking    4. Moving, Household    5. Personal & Practical Guides    6. Real Estate Buying/Selling Homes    7. Reference    8. Reference / Personal & Practical Guides    9. Relocation    10. United States   

Reviews (4)

great organizer book!
another great organizer book, i'm working on organizing my house on a tight budget and this book had good ideas and pictures, allowing me to use things that i already had, just adding some baskets and bins. i would recommend it to others!

More of an organizing book than actual 'clutter control'
I think if I went in to this book as an organizational book, I'd give it 5 stars, because it is a really good book.Unfortunately, I was looking for a 'clutter control' book; a book which would tell me what I could get rid of and how to get rid of it.Don't get me wrong, this book does that to a certain extent; it has a really good section on papers and how long to keep certain receipts, but nothing that similiar books have said, such as 'Scaling Down.'
Excellent Book!
This is one of the best books I've seen on the subject of finding order (especially behind closed doors!).The "case study" examples in each chapter are excellent (the messes look more like my home than I care to admit), and the tips and explanations given by the Pros offer great guidance.The pictures especially are very motivational, offering ideas and suggestions from the plain and basic, to the sumptious and lavish.Whatever your budget, if you struggle with clutter, I'd recommend this book and Karen Kingston's "Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui."Whether you susbcribe to New Age thinking or not, hers is THE BEST book on the subject of "letting go" I've read (I just 'donated' most of my others!)
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Subjects:  1. Cleaning & Caretaking - General    2. Cleaning & Caretaking - Household Hints    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. House & Home    5. Home & House Maintenance    6. House & Home / Cleaning & Caretaking   

Reviews (3)

Good for beginning organizers - light for the pros
This book would be a good "first" book to have on the subject of organizing and home management, but it might be a little light if you've read a few and are more than a novice.
Structure for the Totally Disorganized
If you've ever done spring cleaning, you know that the most important step is to get rid of what you don't need.To do that, you have to sort through everything you do need.And then you found that a lot of the stuff you kept . . . you didn't really need . . . the next time you did your spring cleaning.
Step by step help for the organizationally challenged
Debbie's great humor and joy come through every page in her latest book. It's like having your very own organizational specialist come to your home and hold your hand through every step and every room. And this is a lot cheaper!
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Subjects:  1. Cleaning & Caretaking - General    2. General    3. Home Improvement / Construction    4. Self-Help    5. Stress Management    6. Time Management    7. Home economics    8. House & Home / Cleaning & Caretaking    9. House cleaning    10. Self-Help/Stress Management    11. Self-Help/Time Management    12. Storage in the home   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (2)

Great for the beginner
Bought both How to de-junk Your Life and How to Stay de-junked Forever and they are ok books and best for the novice since they ask a lot of questions and have scads of questionnaires and 'to do' lists.But I was looking for more of a book that was more zen in style and attitude.
Just as good as the show
I first came across Dawna Walter on BBC America where she host a show called "The Life Laundry", unlike most declutter shows Dawna get to the root of the clutter and how to get it out of your life. The book "The Lfe Laundry:How to stay de-juked forever" does the same. Dawna with the help of cohost Mark Franks takes the reader though the reason that reader has allow thier junk to pile up and ideas on how to be clutter free for forever. Read more

Subjects:  1. Cleaning & Caretaking - General    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. General    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. Home Management    6. House & Home    7. Architecture / Interior Design    8. Home & House Maintenance    9. INTERIOR DECORATION