This page contains some of out favorite reading/listening/veiwing materials that deal with disorganization and 'organizing your life'.

Feel free to buy a copy  or borrow a copy from your local library.  Audio books/videos are available for some of the selections below.  Most public library systems have online catalogs that make it easy for you to order books/audio books/videos to be delivered to your local branch.  Google your library system to see if this is available to you.

To Buy or Not to Buy, an "interactive guidebook for that transformation" from overshopper to shopper.

A Perfect Mess - By Eric Abrahamson and David H. Freedman

The Hidden Benefits of Disorder-- How Crammed Closets, Cluttered Offices, and On-the-Fly Planning Make the World a Better Place

"People and organizations are at their best when they have achieved an interesting mix of messiness and order"

It's All Too Much - by Peter Walsh

An easy plan for living a richer life with less stuff.

Does This Clutter Make My Butt Look Fat? - by Peter Walsh

An easy plan for losing weight and living more.  Using his expert techniques honed from years as a clutter expert and organization consultant, Peter demonstrates how the clutter in your home is directly related to the clutter on your body, and how  clutter negatively affects your ability to lead a full and healthy life.

Entering the Now - by Eckhart Tolle

This respected guide show you how to quiet the "mental noise" in your life and return to your natural state of clarity, openness, and grace.

Conquering Chronic Disorganization - by Judith Kolberg

Judith Kolberg is the Director of the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (NSGCD).  A consultant, trainer, public speaker and author, she has helped thousands of people get organized and stay organized.

Finding Your Own North Star - by Martha Beck

"Explorers depend on the North Star when there are no other landmarks in sight.  The same relationship exists between you and your right life, the ultimate realization of your potential for happiness.  I believe that a knowledge of that perfect life sits inside you just as the North Star sits in its unaltering spot"

Organizing From the Inside Out

Time Management From the Inside Out

Organizing From the Inside Out For Teenagers - all by Julie Morgenstern, dubbed the “queen of putting people’s lives in order”by USA Today, is an organizing and time management expert, business productivity consultant, and speaker. A New York Times bestselling author, Julie's five books are timeless reference guides that are insightful, reader-friendly and jam packed with innovative strategies. Each volume features techniques and observations culled from her 20 years of experience as a consultant to individuals and companies.

Here are a few suggestions on where to obtain your books/videos:

Buffalo and Erie County Public Library 

 Search the catalog by choosing the library you wish to have your items shipped to.  You must have a valid B&ECPL card.

Half.com 

Half.com offers buyers an online marketplace where they can buy both new and used textbooks, books, music, movies and video games at discounted prices. With one of the largest inventories on the web, Half.com offers everyone the ability to find the best bargains online, quickly and easily.

Amazon.com

Online shopping from the earth's biggest selection of books, magazines, music, DVDs, videos, electronics, computers, software, apparel & accessories, shoes.

TIPS FROM OUR ORGANIZERS

Organizing Your Child's Toys

2.  Stop and think about what kind of toys you want your child to have: eduational, role playing, building, violence or no, small toys that may be hazardous to younger children.
If your child is old enough to go through this process with you, have this discussion with them.  Giving your child a choice of charities helps them to part with their stuff and gives them pride knowing they are helping their community and other children in need.

3.  Pick out your child's favorite's and find an easy-to-access space for them.  Put loose, small toys in some sort of container.  Put hazardous toys where smaller children can not get them.  Donate or give away the toys you are parting with.  Put these in your car trunk immediately.  This will help with you and your children's toy separation anxiety.  Out of sight, out of mind.

 You can keep some toys that you might think the child will use later in life, but keep a limit to ONE box or bag.

4.  Label the bins, boxes, or baskets that you want toys returned to.  Take digital pictures of the bins, print them out and use it as a 'label' for smaller children.  Then take the time to go over it all with your child.  Show them the labels and bins. 

Then be sure to sit and play with them for a few minutes at their newly remodeled toy area.  That will be sure to put a positive spin on a big change.  
Believe me, as an professional organizer, I have seen so many happy, excited, thrilled children be over-joyed with their new toy area.  And when the children are truly happy, everyone's happy.  And when mom is happy because it is easy to pick up, peace!

Sherri Papich
Professional Residential and Small Business Organizer
Organize Your Life LLC

PS. Please check out the many wonderful resources found on the www.NAPO.Net and www.NSGCD.org Websites!