Unstuff Your Life!

October 4, 2010
Living in chaos? Professional Organizer Mellen has written the book to help. At 400 pages, it's not for the faint of heart or the semi-committed, but for readers determined to bringing their stuff under control. "There is no magic device, and you don't need to be rescued," Mellen assures, advocating ways of streamlining that don't have to break the bank. He begins by the front door, with creating a place to locate your keys and mail, and then moves through the house from room to room, starting in the kitchen; sentimental doo-dads (the most difficult to abandon) are the last to go. While Mellen at times ventures into Martha Stewart's turf ("Create a paint schedule!"), he's closer in temperament to his mentor, Oprah. For those having trouble letting go of their stuff, he says, "Identify with the willingness to shift your behavior," and move bravely forward. Despite dips into hokum, Mellen is not a sentimentalist, he's a tough life coach, and many readers will have trouble paring down as much as he'd like. But those willing to take even a small sip of Mellon's Kool-Aid may enjoy a more organized, efficient, and well-managed life.

July 1, 2010
Professional organizer Mellen has created a psychological and practical action plan to help clutterers distinguish themselves from their possessions to build and maintain a functional living space. Reading this book is like having a private organizer in the house asking pertinent questions (e.g., "Are you ready to let go of this?") and gently pushing solutions. For comprehensive help with a cluttering problem, Mellen's book is excellent. For those who simply want to get a handle on organizing methods, Stacey Platt's "What's a Disorganized Person to Do?"is recommended.

Copyright 2010 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.