Great Organizing Book

I recently finished reading a book that gave tips and strategies for people with ADD -- it was great and very helpful. If this applies to you, or you want some no-nonsense organizing suggestions, check out Organizing Solutions for People with Attention Deficit Disorder. The best part of the book was that the ideas can be applied to anyone and make good organizing sense.

I especially loved the logical approach of the author's ideas. She suggests that the best systems are the ones that are most efficient, the simplest and easiest to maintain. The goal cannot always be beauty, it must be practicality. She also points out that while good storage is important, cutting back on your stuff is more effective and efficient because you don't have to manage so much. Bottomline -- reduce the number of items you have, whether it be pots, spoons or towels.

Another suggestion the book makes (which I utilize and advise with clients often) is to make things accessible: use open shelving, use clear tubs with no lids, avoid stacking and remove packaging. The author talks about the "one in/one out" rule you can use with magazines, and how you should only keep 5 pieces of Tupperware in your inventory. While she's hardcore about minimalism, I agreed with the down-to-earth, no sugar-coating approach!