Let me first say briefly that I don't care for the "Complete Idiot's ...." series name. It's one thing to be called a "Dummy" by another popular series, but a "complete idiot" is taking it a step too far, at least for me. So why did I pick up the book and read it? Well, frankly, most of the other titles available looked a bit too dry, and this was cheap.

In spite of my prejudices against the book, the first four chapters really impressed me, particularly the foundational discussions that analyze what role "stuff" plays in our lives and why we become bound to "stuff." This section of the book cut pretty deeply. As a matter of fact, I should go back and reread it every year or so.

The middle sections of the book dealing with actual organizational techniques, were in my opinion good but only average. I read a couple other organizational books at the same time as this book, as well as many web sites, and found that there is a lot of common wisdom about organization that is expressed in different words, but is more or less equal. However, if you really need this book, then it's likely that you need a plan to be laid out for you, even if it is only common sense. After all, not all recipes are amazingly creative, but we still need to follow a recipe!

Toward the end, the book includes chapters on organizing your taxes, your finances, your pet supplies, your vactions, etc. This is where I more or less lost interest. It's also the primary reason this is a four star (maybe three and a half) rather than a five star review. I've no doubt that these chapters may help some readers. However, if you just want to organize your "stuff," then you may be left wishing for more advice on organizing general THINGS and less advice on organizing specific items such as vacations and taxes.

for now I am getting a PDA. I gave it 3 stars since the book hasn't inspired me to read it. Maybe if I were more organized.

This is an excellent book. It helps you put together a plan to get started. I just got rid of 30 bags of stuff I didn't need. Nice and refreshing. It has helped me with my shopping problem. I highly recommend this book.

Book looks like it is what I want. Received it in good time and excelle nt condition. Thanks so much. KA

Book looks like it is what I want. Received it in good time and excelle nt condition. Thanks so much. KA

With all the harsh reviews of this book, I had to put my two cents in. All my life, I had kept everything because I was so sentimental. Any little thing I was given, no matter if it was useful or not, was to be kept. I spent most of my teenage years perenally cleaning my room. It's not that I was a slob persay, but that I didn't have enough room to keep everything put away neatly. So it overflowed into my attic.. which was a mess as well.

When I went to college, the clutter came with me. Finally, the summer of my freshman year, I saw this book (2nd edition I think), in a bookstore and picked it up. I can honestly say it was a Godsend. Georgene Lockwood gave simple advice for dealing with the clutter that had taken over my life. It took me all summer to put everything in order. I had to get over the "attachment" I had to each item. I followed Lockwood's common sense approach for cleaning out each room, and closet. I gave things to friends, charities, had yard sales. For the first time in my life, I started to keep a filing system following the principles put forth in this book. I learned what chores I should do, and how often to keep the house cleaner. Now I have my own home, and it may not be perfect, but the amount of clutter is very low, and pretty much everything has a system.

The straight forward style of writing may be intimidating to those who aren't ready to make a life change. It's kinda like dieting, you have to be ready to change. If you're willing to make a change and strictly follow the steps in this book, you'll be all set.

ive read over 10 guides in this vien. this one's an overall dry read. i know my review's harsh but its the truth.

Excellent..... this book puts all those little things you know into perspective.... it's really helped me pull things together in my life at home, work, and school... every working college student should read this.

This book is one of the best books I have ever read on the subject. Generally people who are disorganized need books that are very neatly planned out and state simply what needs to be done. The Idiot's Guide to Organizing your Life, has saved me years of fuddle. Not only was it helpful in basically every aspect of my life, from budgeting money, taking care of a household, and whether or not to purchase a pet, but it was enjoyable to read and made me laugh. I reccomend this book to anyone who is a little behind in getting on track with their lives.

I was really excited to get this book, hoping it would get me more organized, especially as far as keeping my house tidy and organized. However, aside from a few exercises that helped me prioritize my needs, I was quickly disappointed as there is really nothing in this book I didn't already know.

For instance, as for keeping house, who doesn't know that dishes need to be done after every meal? Or that vacuuming should be done twice a week? I needed and hoped for a book that would help me find a way out of my rut that gets me past KNOWING what I need to do into DOING it. For that, I highly recommend either *Sink Reflections* by Marla Cilley, or *Conquering Chronic Disorganization*, by Judith Kolberg.

One big problem with this book is that it only offers one way to battle disorganization. If you are Chronically Disorganized like me, you've already tried that way and it's a bad fit. That's why it doesn't work in the first place.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Organizing Your Life is too basic and assumes that once you know what you're supposed to do, everything will magically fall into place. That may be true for some, but for chronically disorganized people, I feel this book is truly lacking.

This book has some solid advice, but a lot of it is extremely basic. It's more appropriate to someone who is approaching organizing their life for the first time, not someone who is looking for new and innovative storage or time management solutions. A lot of the book is composed of questions to ask yourself - it's good for self-assessment but tedious if you already have an idea where you are and what you want. Most of the suggestions you already know - file away needed papers, throw away unnecessary ones, plan your meals weekly, use closet organizers and drawer trays. There are some good resource references though.

This book has many great suggestions for all areas of your life. I was raving to my sister and she wanted to borrow the book but I wasn't done yet. She was calling me to send her a tip every few days... I decided it was worth it to buy her a copy. She loves it too.

This book has simple things to do to get and stay organized. The lay out of the book is easy for people with ADD to read. It may become and "ADDers" best freind...

I was not disappointed by this book at all! Everytime I pick it up, I find some knew wisdom/suggestions to take with me. I consider myself a complete disaster-type person - always running around for my keys and purse in the morning - consistently late to work. I don't know if this book will solve all of my organizational problems, but I am definitely improving. It's also very attainable - the suggestions are totally within my grasp. It made me feel a lot better to read that I don't have to be "Martha Stewart" to be a success in organizing my life! Phew! It was worth the purchase price and time spent reading it! I recommend it!

Of the three organizing guides I own - this is my favorite. I am very organized but I found this book inspirational. It touches on the basics for getting organized and would really be helpful for those who need to pick up basic skills. The thing I enjoyed most about this book was that it didn't dwell on complex systems (if you're trying to get organized, the last thing you need). I also like the reference section. If you buy one organizing book then get this one - a good valuable tool for the money. Read and get organized! Lockwood should promote on Oprah - this is the best book - beats "Organizing from the Inside Out" and far surpasses the Beverly Hills organizing book.

I bought this book about a year ago, and it really has changed my way of thinking. Being a very sentimental person, I have a tendency to keep everything. The problem is, there is only so much space and my drawers & cupboards were starting to look a little (read very) crampy. After reading this wonderful book, my attitude to stuff changed and with it came a whole new life! I have read other organising books but must say that they were less than inspirational. Georgene Lockwood has a lovely personal style that shines through her writing. I also recommend reading "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Managing Your Time" in conjunction with 'Organising Your Life'. It holds many of the same premises yet focuses on different angles of your life.

I cannot recommend another book as highly as this one. Although it sounds rather silly to say that a Complete Idiot's Guide can change one's life, I must say that this one does.

one of the best books oon organisation I have read ( I found it in the italian translation) Thank you, Ms Lockwood!

This book changed my life. By following the steps in this book I have greatly improved the quality of my life. Simple, practical, entertaining -- the best book on organization I have seen.

If you have one million things to do in a short period of time and feel there is no way you could possible do everything this is the book for your. It will guide you all the way showing you ways to organize your time so that you can complete all one million tasks in an orderly non stressfull fashion.