1000 Best Quick and Easy Organizing Secrets

May 1, 2006
For those who just need to get rid of clutter or become more productive, not revamp their whole life, one of these books may be the ticket. Professional organizer Novack designed her guide for multitasking, overscheduled, just-saw-it-here-a-minute-ago people who need simple, straightforward instructions for de-cluttering. Although she addresses the whys and wherefores of the cluttering mentality, she cuts to the chase with practical tips to help straighten out rooms, financial records, office surfaces, and more. One can easily browse the book and pick out pertinent chapters. Guaranteed to circulate during its first week on the shelf; recommended for all libraries.

A productivity expert, Stack (Leave the Office Earlier applies her skills to the homefront. Through a series of quizzes and exercises, readers determine how certain personality traits may be getting in the way of using time effectively. She devotes a chapter each to eight pillars of personal productivity -plans, priorities, and pets -that support successful lives. While Stack -s stance is valuable, her narrative is heavy on the verbiage. The time-stretched may become overwhelmed just browsing the book. Libraries with the budget for several books on organizing can purchase both Novak -s and Stack -s books. If one has to choose, Novak -s is the more useful to its designated population.

Copyright 2006 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.