Home Tips: Organizing Strategies for a Streamlined Homelife

Janet Arnett is the former campus manager of adult education at Ontario’s Georgian College. She is the author of Antiques and Collectibles: Starting Small, The Grange at Knock, and 673 Ways to Save Money.

A book promising “less strain, less stuff, less stress” is
irresistible. Although Katz makes an honest effort, it soon becomes
apparent that it is easier to throw out the lure than to deliver

on the promise. The problem is that she has nothing new to offer—not
even a fresh style with which to present the same old wilted materials.

The themes running throughout the book are great: You don’t have to
do everything, please everyone, keep everything. Others (partner,
children, hired help) can do more so you can do less. Planning ahead
saves time and confusion. Getting rid of stuff you don’t need saves
work. Using time wisely reduces panic and stress. We all know all those
things. What we don’t know—and desperately need—are some dynamic
new ways to implement these great themes in day-to-day life.
Unfortunately, what Katz offers is less than dynamic. For example, if
you have too much junk, she suggests holding a garage sale. If time for
housework is a problem, get the kids to put their dirty clothes in the
laundry. Cut down on shopping time by going to stores when they’re not
busy.

Fifteen chapters of such tired tips and hackneyed suggestions for
coping with such challenges as throwing out junk mail and using time
spent in waiting rooms make it quite apparent that Katz hasn’t
discovered any new ways to streamline and get organized. Pity.