How Not to Be a Messie: The Ultimate Guide for the Neatness-Challenged

Long, long ago in another country, I had the original version "The Messie Manual". which is included in this tome.I bought it very cheaply in a second hand book store, but valued it very highly.It fully helped me declutter my life very swiftly.I didn't do everything, or totally, her way, but "my versions" of her advice worked. And still work.I found her "reasons why we are messy" extremely helpful. It helped me a great deal to know what angle I was coming from and enabled me to "self talk" to curb my impulse to hoard.It also broke up the huge,overwhelming problem of "I am a messy person who is out of control of my possessions and space" into smaller, easier-to-tackle areas. This seems to be an underlying premise: when its all too much, start small.Furthermore,understanding "why" also led to the discovery of my own very effective "anti-hoarding" technique; still trotted out when the "sentimental messie" in me won't let me discard something that absolutely must go (which,for those of you similarly challenged,is to photograph it)Sandra is a pastor's wife and not shy of weaving that into the stories, but big deal. It was quite amusing and always relevent. I still recall something almost a decade later about her quoting from Biblical "Proverbs" about a woman "needing her maidens" to help her and how the modern woman has "electric" ones. Rampant feminists might get into a dither about the focus on women - so "slash" all the "she"s into "S/he"s ! Honestly, why let that get in one's way of an effective solution ?!!While effective and authoratative (she succeeded, and ended up holding popular seminars). it is an amusing, light approach to a potentially boring subject: most definately encouraging & most non-accusatory / judgemental (reminds me of Barbara di Angelo freely 'fessing to all her relationship faux pas in "Are you the one for me ?")If you are unhappy with the state of your living / working space,and want something effective and to-the-point to approach your problem, go for it. And have fun !

I've read a number of books on de-cluttering and organizing your life. They all contain lots of good tips, but never really helped me to get my life and house in order. This is the first book to do so. It is very motivating - Sandra Felton doesn't blame or belittle her readers. She used to be one of us! The book is slanted towards stay-at-home wives and moms. I am neither a mom nor stay-at-home, but I still used her advice successfully. I recommend this book for anyone who has read other books on the subject but find they are still lacking the motivation needed to actually change their habits.

I have struggled with being a messie my entire life! I have tried to find ways to organize myself (my systems never worked)and have read many books that did not help me. I knew after the first chapter that this was the right book. She has a lot of great ideas and systems that work. Don't wonder if you should buy this book - BUY IT! (You're getting two for the price of one.) I am on my way to a clean and neat house!

BUY THIS BOOK! Intelligently written, funny and unbelievably helpful, this book is a must for even those people who think they've got their home and life in order. Not just about cleaning your house, this book literally helps you clean your life and soul. Liberating without being condescending, or suggesting that one give up sentiment or family traditions. (i.e. you can keep your children's Christmas tree ornaments and give away that 1/2 finished needlepoint kit... and feel no guilt.) A celebration of family and respect. Ms. Felton is a truth teller and in this case, the truth doesn't hurt, it frees you from the bondage of your 'stuff'. Bravo! I've bought 6 copies and am passing them out to everyone I care about.

If you're drowning in a pile of clutter and junk, can't find anything when you need it and feel hopeless that you cannot change, this book is for you! I was amazed at how much it motivated and inspired me and instilled a hope that I CAN CHANGE and I don't have to be a victim any longer. After cleaning out my closets and drawers this weekend, I feel such a weight has been lifted, and I KNOW I am FINALLY on my way to a clutter-free life! This book gives great advice for maintaining a clean home once the junk is removed, also. It is filled with humor and encouraging quotes/verses that totally motivated and inspired me. The author did not make me feel guilty for being a slob, but instead explained the REASONS for my lack of ordiliness and offered awesome tips which challenged me to change! I can't tell you enough how REFRESHING it is to come home to a clean house and know I don't have to be afraid to open any of my closet doors ANYMORE or feel the shame associated with a messy home! I am a new person! Thank you Sandra Felton!