The New Messies Manual: The Procrastinator's Guide to Good Housekeeping

I've bought a dozen books on getting organized, tackling clutter, and good housekeeping, but this is the first one that actually worked for me. You see, I'm not an organized person looking to get more organized (the target audience for most organization books). I didn't even know there was a name for what I am, but apparently, I'm a "messie." It was good to know I wasn't alone or crazy, and it was even better to finally have a practical plan of attack for the overwhelming task of getting my home in order. My house is still a progress four months later, but it's much better and this book helped me develop a system for maintaining the good work I've done. I'm really proud of the progress I've made with this book. If your house clutter feels truly out of control -- to the point where you are ashamed to have friends over and thinking about cleaning it saps all your energy, I'd say give this book I try. I'm glad I did.

I love being organized - it makes my life so much simpler. But, I raised a "Messie." In fact, long before Sandra Felton wrote "The Messies Manual," I had dubbed my daughter "Messie Jessie." So, why did I buy this book? I bought 3 copies for: my daughter, and my 2 stepsons - all of whom are in their early 20's. My daughter wasn't reading hers, so I asked to borrow it because I know I don't "know it all" and I am always happy to learn more, new & different, or better! That's the bottom line - I learned more, new & different, and better ways of organizing! As a bonus, I learned how to help my ADHD husband while saving my own sanity in the meantime. I want to read ALL of Sandra Felton's books! I love her easy style of writing, her humor, and her interjections of faith along the way.

Sandra Felton wrote The Messies Manual: The Procrastinator's Guide to Good Housekeeping to reach out and help a group of people hiding a secret shame behind their front door - their messy house. Felton calls these people Messies, and she herself is a reformed Messie who knows only too well what it feels like to be overwhelmed by the state of your house. She identifies different types of Messies, and also describes a few Cleanies (for those of us unfamiliar with the concept.) Some of the reasons for Messies being messy (poor memory, distractability, disorganized thinking, visual tune-out, and slow movement) are explained, along with attitudes Messies may be adopting that will hinder their progress.There is some very useful information on how to set goals for your housekeeping. Sandra Felton's method for taking control of your house is called the Mount Vernon method, named after the cleaning method used at George Washington's estate. Basically, this involves starting at the front door of your house and moving in a clockwise direction around the room, organizing the first piece of furniture you come to. After you have finished with that piece, you move on to the next piece, and so on. Sandra also has suggestions for tools for organizing the information in your life, and specific recommendations for closets and the kitchen. There are tips for saving time and getting your family to co-operate. What makes this book different from other organizing books is that Sandra Felton has great insight into the lives of the chronically disorganized. This is not a book written for those who want to have Martha Stewart over for a visit - it is for those who would like to be able to let their family and friends inside the house. If you follow the advice in this book, you will no longer fear the knock at the door, but instead be able to welcome people into your house! The tone of this book is wise and compassionate. Sandra Felton writes very well, communicating her ideas with clarity and good humor. The Messies Manual is a very practical, useful book. This is the book I used for support when I cleaned up my house and I highly recommend it.--Pigpen

My mother-in-law almost had me convinced that I was a messy freak of nature. Thanks to this book, I realize I am not alone. It helped me to understand that clutter is part of my personality and how to overcome it... though I'm still working it.

This is an excellent book to share, not just give! I have shared this book at many women's retreats and workshops. Home organizers of all ages will benefit from it. Even kids can learn great organizational skills that will help them in school especially kids with ADD. It is one that will always be a part of my library. I bought it in the early days and then again a few years ago!