Early in the book there is a quiz to rate your ability to maintain organization in your house. I failed miserably. And yet, disorganization is a major cause of stress for me. I feel much more peaceful and confident when I have a clutter-free home. “Harmonious” is a good word to describe how I feel when my home is organized. The authors say,
“Stop and ask yourself this all-important question:Â ‘If everything were perfect and my house were set up exactly the way I want it, what would it look like?’Â Imagine it!”
I have never thought of it that way! I’m going to sit down and truly imagine my house the way that I want it to look. The authors say once you have done that embrace the vision of that perfect house and begin the change.
I tend to do what the authors call the “yo-yo” – you make a huge effort to declutter everything and then gradually let it creep back into disarray. Yes! My problem is as much, maintenance, as it is cleaning.
The idea of making and continually visualizing the goal, instead of just making it a chore is genius!
“Even if you own a mansion, if you keep bringing things in and never throw anything away, eventually you will fill it up.”
Adding to that, in a similar vein, that you can’t just move things around – something has to leave. Whether it’s donated, given away or trashed, it has to leave the house.
The authors address the problem of a procrastinator. I identified with this, “A lot of the clutter around the house is the result of a job that was left just 90 percent done.” Yup.
Great quotes in this book! “Talk is cheap. Deeds are precious.” – H. Ross Perot and “Do or do not. There is no try.” – Yoda, Star Wars. You MUST love a book that puts together thoughts from H. Ross Perot and Yoda. Well-done!
The book, “5 Days to a Clutter-Free House” has techniques for every level of clutter-er. From the hoarder to the average messy family home, there are tips in this book that will help you. Not only help with the physical chore of organizing, but also the emotional feelings associated with the beauty (or lack of) of your home. There are even tips on how to deal with those you share your home with. You can’t do this alone. Chapter Nine is entitled “Manage Your Family” and helps you to turn negative influences into positives.
The authors are Sandra Felton and Marsha Sims. 
Ms. Felton is know as “The Organizer Lady” and is a pioneer in the field of organizing. She is the founder and president of Messies Anonymous. She is the author of over fifteen books and Sandra has been featured in many national newspaper and magazines articles.
Marsha Sims is an international speaker and lecturer on time management and organization. She is the founder and president of Sort-It-Out, Inc. and Clutter-Free University. Both authors live in Florida.
“5 Days to a Clutter-Free House” by Sandra Felton and Marsha Sims is available as of February 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking to improve their surroundings, again from the hoarder to just the average family. Everyone will find something valuable, if not a life-changing huge resource of information. One lucky KLY reader is going to win a copy of “5 Days to a Clutter-Free House” by Sandra Felton and Marsha Sims. Enter in the Rafflecopter form below and good luck!
*Available February 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was sent the book for review, from the publisher.