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Clutter Clearing Choices is a humorous, authentic, entertaining, and informative book on clutter clearing, home organizing, and simple living. If someone thinks they have already read everything out there on clutter, this book will show her that she hasn't.
BN only allows for short reviews. Perhaps once a year I get a book that when I sit down to read it, I cannot stop. This is what happened when I got this book at 10 am one morning. When I finally set the book down it was 3 am the next morning. Yes, I tried reading a few chapters and setting the book aside, but then as soon as I was finished with a job I grabbed the book, anxious to see what new wisdom the author had to share. Bear in mind I must have at least 32 books on the subject of cleaning, clutter, but in all honesty your books is brilliant for a variety of reasons. The New Year chapter that starts with First Resolve to Take Care of You is brilliant. Because it does begin with the individual.This book is brilliant because its laid out according to season. Sounds sensible but it seems to be something every other author has missed. And because of the authors approach clutter and cleaning should be less stressful. Less stressful because because one isn't made to feel guilty if they aren't some type of super man or super woman, and able to clean and declutter within a week. Instead the author wisely recommended making one change per week, work off a list (something I love and what works for me), don't sweat the small stuff, and if you mess up, pick yourself up and begin where you left off.
She does a nice job when it comes to learning to cook simple and learn to start dinner in the morning, not when you get home tired in the evening. Page 32-33 have some of my favorite cook books, like once a month cooking, which I have done and recommend. Chapter 14 deals with keeping ones home smelling fresh, especially in winter when most homes are closed up, lacking fresh air, although I open the house up even in the dead of winter. Just make sure the heat is off so you don't heat the cold air outside. Having a wood burning stove allows for a quick reheat once the place has aired out. Loved her suggestion that one put a fabric softener sheet in the vacuum bag. I place dried lavender since I have a cat and the occasion chicken who wanders into the house and lavender is great for taking care of any stray flea. Am glad she recommended doing wash once a week, like our elders did. Because I belong to the small house society I also highly recommend having fewer clothes. The late actress Audrey Hepburn believed in ten basic clothes items, which fit inside a traditional French armoire. Its why I use an armoire, since it makes me pay attention to what I do have, so I wear what I have, and take care of what I have. The author also reminds us to make sure our underwear drawer only has good underwear and not items that would make for better dust clothes.
Had to smile when I read beginning on page 204 how the authors mother in law shared how she did laundry, changed the bed sheets etc., since I swear for a moment that she was speaking to my Mother, who did such a great job teaching me how to clean correctly, that I rarely stray off course. Although I flip the bed mattresses every two months, not just spring and fall. Buy the book!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.More than a clearing clutter book, Barbara guides you in clearing physical, emotional and mental clutter. Everything is covered, nothing is missed from car-boot and garage sales to cleaning and organising the bathroom and/or friendships. Gosh, I didn't know I was doing so many of these things, naturally, already, until I read this book. I'm now patting myself on the back and congratulating myself on my clutter clearing abilities..but I remember when, as a messy, worried teen and young adult, I lived in a pile of muddly clothes and had to dig in the pile to find something to wear. Those days are long gone, but only by learning the terribly hard way. Save yourself years of grief and heartache and learn, the easy way, how to make space and clear your life from all sorts of clutter. Great book, would make an ideal present for a messy Pisces, slap-dash Gemini or worried Virgo.
Mary English Author of 'How to Survive a Pisces.'
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.LHutton
Posted December 13, 2009
This is a great way to approach clutter clearing. The book made me laugh AND motivated me to DO something. The author gave me a variety of ways to approach clearing my clutter -- not just one method. I can choose what I want to tackle and when, and the best method for me. I have been following the author through her columns in the local paper, a neighborhood newspaper, and an online newsletter. One of the techniques that she has mentioned in her articles and in the book, that I use now all the time, is timing myself when I do a task I hate. Removing clean dishes from the dishwasher and putting them away only takes me about 5 minutes. Now when I consider the dreaded task, I say "it only takes 5 minutes" and I get it done, well, at least most days. Whew! See page 199 (Fall Section: Chapter 2) for that and other time management ideas.
The book covers a variety of clutter -- from objects to paper to time management, all in a nonjudgmental way. The book approaches clutter clearing in ways that I had not thought of. Approaching clutter clearing as a way to give it to someone else who could really use it, or so that I have more time for myself, were both really motivating approaches for me. The tips and resources at the end of the book were also valuable. I would recommend it highly.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.readnow
Posted January 26, 2010
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This book is a real eye-opener! It encouraged me to begin to make a clean sweep, not only of my accumulation of unused possessions but also of clogging old thoughts that were standing in the way of my goals. What a relief! Barbara Tako writes like a friend whose advice you value. Fellow hoarders, I urge you to grab this book today!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Mpls
Posted January 6, 2010
My sister bought me this book for Christmas and it is fantastic! As a beginner in organization and clutter clearing, I found the book to be very practical and motivating. It's easy to read and easy to follow. The author made me feel that even as an "ordinary" person/mother/wife (with limited time and patience for this type of thing) I can still successfully "clutter clear!"
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Posted December 13, 2009
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Posted August 22, 2011
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Posted April 29, 2011
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Overview
Clutter Clearing Choices is a humorous, authentic, entertaining, and informative book on clutter clearing, home organizing, and simple living. If someone thinks they have already read everything out there on clutter, this book will show her that she hasn't.