Real Simple: The Organized Home

Another book on organization. Yes, there are good tips, but it doesn't attack the main problem - we own too much stuff!Sure, we've read this book and we get gung ho about organizing our home. Then life hits and things go back to normal, or even worse, things get cleared up for a while and new things come into the house. Now we have more stuff and a bigger mess on our hands!I think the key to organizing is to get rid of things. Less is better!

I must preface this by saying that I'm a HUGE Real Simple fan so I bought this book with that in mind. The book is very much like the magazine - clean, to the point, and filled with small tidbits about how to organize whatever you want. The chapters are broken down into individual rooms, with the last two chapters showcasing systems and shopping guides. Most the of the organizing/design books I've read do this but I love being able to skip to the section I essentially need while forgoing the ones that don't apply to me [I'm looking at you, storage room]. The layout is relatively clutter free, making pieces of interest easier to find, and the corresponding photos are great examples.My only gripe about this book is that the rooms seem to be massive which doesn't translate well for more modest sized homes. I will give props to the book and let you know that most of the time, the over the top suggestions [table next to the bath tub, having a pantry/clothes closet/linen closet the size of an actual room, etc] are added as "if you have it" so you can easily skip over those parts if they don't apply to you though I would read them because they still give excellent storage advice. I would have also liked more pictures of the entire room to see how the storage solutions meshed together.Overall, I love this book and it takes permanent residence on my side table in my living room for quick reference. This is great for yourself or as a gift if you're a new homeowner or just starting out in apartment.

This is a great little organizer that helps you keep everything in one place. It is broken down by rooms so you can organize warranties, manuals, receipts, handyman numbers, furniture, even paint colors by each room. If you ever sell your house, this would be a great thing to provide the new owners. I highly recommend it.

I LOVE this book. It's perfect for organizing a small, busy household with kids and pets. The ideas from the editors are brilliant. I will keep this book for years to come for organizing closets, entry ways, play areas, and more.

It gives neat ideas for organization. Very colorful book, also nice to keep out on coffee table etc. I always enjoy Real Simple's practical presentation of ways to do things especially around the home and with meals.

This book is full of beautiful pictures of organized homes. There are a lot of great ideas, but very little instruction on how to actually organize your house or cut clutter. A good book for someone who is trying to make their home more efficient and nice looking, but does not have a clutter or cleaning problem.

Not what I expected?? Really did not have much on organizing but there are lots of pictures

This book is lovely and has some excellent ideas. It you read the magazine, Real simple, most of the suggestions can be found there or on the web site. I wish I had some rooms (i.e.laundry) to organize. There are not many ideas that are adaptable to a smaller house/apartment living

Lots of ideas to organise your home. Full of stylish pictures, simple and ingenious storage tips. If you like Real Simple magazine, you will love this book. It's similar to Martha Steward "Good things for organizing" but well worth having.