How to Organize (Just About) Everything

January 1, 2005
As this massive guide shows, anti-clutter expert Walsh's expertise extends well beyond closets and cabinets. The star of TLC's Clean Sweep offers advice on how to organize your whole life, from education ("Plan Your Course of Study in College") to finances ("Organize a Loan Application") to social life ("Plan a Prom"). And while you may not think you need to know what to do in case of an Ebola outbreak, can it hurt to be prepared? Most of the 500 subjects are covered in a page of clear, commonsensical advice, with warnings and extra little tips highlighted along the margins of the page. You may think more than one page is needed to explain how to be happy, but Walsh actually offers a concise summary of the basic points found in hundreds of self-help books. You could save yourself a lot of time by getting this useful compendium.

December 6, 2004
As this massive guide shows, anti-clutter expert Walsh's expertise extends well beyond closets and cabinets. The star of TLC's Clean Sweep offers advice on how to organize your whole life, from education ("Plan Your Course of Study in College") to finances ("Organize a Loan Application") to social life ("Plan a Prom"). And while you may not think you need to know what to do in case of an Ebola outbreak, can it hurt to be prepared? Most of the 500 subjects are covered in a page of clear, commonsensical advice, with warnings and extra little tips highlighted along the margins of the page. You may think more than one page is needed to explain how to be happy, but Walsh actually offers a concise summary of the basic points found in hundreds of self-help books. You could save yourself a lot of time by getting this useful compendium.

Copyright 2004 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2005
Don't fool yourself. This is so much more than simple organization; in fact, cable TV " Clean Sweep" host Walsh has corralled 11 contributors to help cover the universe of how-to's. Inside the 16 sections are 501 activities, both the usual and out-of-the-ordinary tasks, from getting organized and planning a remodeling project to joining the Peace Corps or becoming an astronaut. Each features the step-by-step procedures, tips, a warning (if necessary), and "who knew?"--additional advice designed to make the activity a success: for instance, for running errands, arrange sticky notes in the sequence of the stops you need to make. A personal favorite may turn out to be the last activity--be happy--which features steps like dream big, make a conscious decision to be happy, eat chocolate, work out, find satisfaction in little things, and take care of yourself. A great humane reference anytime, anywhere, for any occasion.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2005, American Library Association.)