The Bottom Line
If you have a problem with clutter, you will find something of value in this book, even if your problem is severe enough to be related to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
Pros
- Identifies clutterers' personality traits well
- Emphasizes not feeling guilty
- Something for every clutterer
Cons
- Computer material out of date
- "Practical Steps" oversimplified
- Tries to cover too much?
Description
- Author Mike Nelson is in "cluttering recovery" and has done solid research.
- Helpful material from other clutterers, doctors, therapists and organizers.
- A good first step toward recovery, but if you're a loner, you may need more books.
Guide Review - Stop Clutter from Stealing Your Life - by Mike Nelson
This book is subtitled "Discover Why You Clutter and How You Can Stop." It's stronger on the "why" than on the "How," but the chapters on "why" are worth the price by themselves. Understanding why clutter controls you, and not you the clutter, is the first step in turning the situation around, and this book does an excellent job of identifying the psychological causes of cluttering. Author Nelson also includes helpful material on hoarding, a medically recognized condition that comes under the Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder heading. Solid information on self-help groups will be valuable to some readers. Don't lose it after reading! You'll want to refer to some sections again.
