Organizing for Your Lifestyle: Adaptable Inspirations from Socks to Suitcases

by Jane Stoller

Organizing for Your Lifestyle is a fun, inspiring guide to organizing all aspects of your life, from socks to suitcases. 
Studies show that decluttering and being organized can not only reduce stress, but provides peace of mind and improves your mood. In Organizing for Your Lifestyle , you'll learn the science behind organization and not only how to get organized, but how to stay organized. 
Whether you are single or part of a large family, live in an apartment or a mansion, incorporating organization into your life can help maximize your potential to accomplish more on a daily basis. This book is arranged (very meticulously, of course!) into common themes to help you organize your home. From the kitchen to the bathroom, Stoller shares ideas, advice and inspiration to help you lead a happier and healthier life. There's also a special chapter for travel. Packing properly for a once-in-a-lifetime trip means you'll stress less and be able to enjoy that trip even more! 

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help

148 pages, Paperback

First published August 4, 2016

Reviews

[Veronica ⭐️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stoller has bared her soul telling the reader at the age of 6 she was organising her stuffed animals by colour and size. In later years she says she often stayed home on a Saturday night to re-organise her closet. This could be seen by some as a form of OCD leaving her open to ridicule. However Stoller’s true passion for her organisation and thus control over that part of her life shines through in every word.

I was once a very organised person and I was hoping that Stoller’s book would give me the inspiration to get back on track. However “Organizing for Your Lifestyle” was geared toward the single working female, or male, with no allowance for family chaos or clutter.

The book had lots of name dropping, washing advice, beauty advice and healthy eating advice. The author has a great passion and enthusiasm for all things healthy and natural and this shows in every aspect of her life.
I found the storage advice was expensive and time consuming, definitely not for the time poor or large families.

I did find some great advice concerning linen storage and decluttering which I’ve already started to put into practice.

I would recommend this book for the single working person (male or female) and DINKs. I think if they are looking for some organisation and storage tips this book would be of benefit.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice little book with some useful tips. Bit pretentious though - in real life most of us don't have the money for designer wardrobe and bespoke closets!

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book has a lot of golden nuggets, but they are not easy to find. The style itself of the book didn't quite work for me, as it is written in long paragraphs and isn't skim-ready.

What I want from a book? Lists. Charts. Quick takeaways.

I read the book through, and then wanted to go back and make my own infographic to share with my review, but found I had to almost re-read chapters to find the good stuff to pull out for the inforgraphic. In retrospect, sure I could have read with a highlighter the first time. But maybe I shouldn't have to?

These types of self-help books need to be easily digestible. Short paragraphs. Lists. Good images.

But enough of my complaints about the style. What about the content?

Well, I did find the content to be useful and full of good suggestions. The author mostly shares her experience in the many homes she has lived in and how she managed to organize the space (or lack thereof). I liked the suggestions on what you really need in your closet, and how to think about getting rid of items. Her suggestions on what to fold and what to hang are great, and I included those in the infographic I made.

I liked how there were chapters for each area of the home - from closets, to bathrooms, to kitchens, to bookshelves. Everyone can pick some detail that can help apply to their situation, and that's what the purpose of the book is. It just takes a little focus and reading to pull out these gems.

[Frances Rebello · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a book is “as neat as its contents”, you can't afford to let it pass you by. Organizing for your lifestyle is more than just a habit-altering book, it is life-transforming-worthy.

With practical ideas for almost every aspect of your life, you will benefit from the invaluable little tips and suggestions that help you maximize the real you.

If you put into practice the insights, be prepared to don a new avatar in your professional and personal life. From highly-efficient and organised habits to better health and trendy life styling, the book is your gateway to becoming a savvy finance manager, better hostess, smart shopper and proud homemaker.

Although there are some suggestions more suitable for certain locations and lifestyle habits, I found this book very useful and would have loved to have an edition that is an Asia-specific guide.

[Meredith Spidel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll be straight: my life is a MESS. Pre-kid I was an organizing queen. Now I'm lucky if I fold the laundry in under a week's time. I'm always receptive to non-judgmental, super-practical tips for getting my crap in order, and this book far and away fit the bill. I liked how it was all encompassing, as literally, every area of my life is a crap show right now ;)

[Lata Tokhi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was in two minds when reading this book. Most of the closet systems and the amount of work required was impossible to put in as a mom and with space and availability of certain objects mentioned, being different here in India. For e.g. the recommended things to be done the ‘night before’ are multiplied 5 times for me. Mums and dads have divided responsibilities in a big home and the closets are my job. More on this in my detailed review on my blog Fabulous Mom Life.

On second thoughts, I realized that the basic essentials of organizing are the same. This section gave me a whole lot of ideas for organizing and reminded me yet again that I have my own life (and my own shopping to tend to…yay!). It also gave me a very valuable lesson. I might not be an organizing junkie like Jane Stoller was since childhood. But it will do me great benefit to bring up my children with that attitude. The entire ‘single woman’ perspective of the book that I was lamenting as I began to read it, changed drastically. I realized my daughter would be out of the house in a few years and would need each one of these tips to be able to concentrate on her studies and work away from home.

I recommend this book to all those looking for basic self help in organizing their homes and their lives.

[Ashley White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reads like a chat with a friend. Lots of great inspiration especially for closets!

[Oak · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Organizing for Your Lifestyle: Adaptable Inspirations from Socks to Suitcases, Jane Stoller shows readers how to live a more organized life. The author starts the book by discussing the link between organization and stress, and then goes into detail on how to organize closets, bathrooms, kitchens, travel bags, and storage rooms. Stoller also includes helpful photographs that assist in illustrating her points, such as how to hang, fold, or organize particular garments.

The chapter discussing how to organize your kitchen was my favorite chapter. My kitchen is one room I have not organized extensively, and it is a room that is often overlooked in organizational books. Every chapter, however, had great advice; for example, in the Travel chapter, Stoller included a handy three-page list of her favorite carry-on essentials.

Organizing for Your Lifestyle was very enjoyable to read, partly because the author’s use of first person gave the book a personal feel. What makes the book powerful is that Stoller talks a little bit about quite a lot of topics, giving the reader very specific organizational tips to incorporate in their own lives.

*I received this book for review*

[Carrie Westmoreland Kurtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh My Word!!! This book came at just the right time! I had been feeling a little overwhelmed by clutter and I wanted to much to organize things better. When asked if I would like to read and review this book I jumped at the chance!

I took my time reading and I implemented some of the different ideas and suggestions. Obviously, not everything will work for everyone but I definitely took plenty that worked for me! I found that it wasn't as overwhelming as I thought it was going to be.

I don't want to go into too many details because, well, you need to get the book for yourself! But, let me say that I even changed the way I fold my bath towels! It may not seem like a very big deal but it actually is because I have been folding my towels that same way since I was about 8 years old and my mom taught me!

If you are ready to get more organized, do some decluttering, and just feel more in control of your daily habits and lifestyle then pick up this book! You won't be sorry!

*Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Linda, The Industrious Homemaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

The content is different enough that it makes a good read. Ms. Stoller talks about herself and what has worked for her. She began organizing at age 6 and appears to be in her 30’s. She travels extensively, has moved countries numerous times, including a move from Canada to Europe. She also maintains a vacation home in the Bahamas. So she has extensive experience in challenging spaces and lifestyles.

What I Liked The Most

One thing I like is that Ms. Stoller never states that one way or another is the way you should organize a particular area or even that it’s the best way to organize that area. She talks about fitting organizing into your lifestyle. That is refreshing. Organizing “experts” who don’t take into account that we are all different, we see things differently, we use things differently, we value things differently, etc. and tell you that their way is THE best way (or only way) for some reason just raises my ire. So, this was refreshing.

For a more detailed review including the negatives, go to my website: http://wp.me/p85cQ3-jd

[Sharon Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives you some practical ideas for getting organized in your lifestyle. The book is focused more on single adult female living than on family organization but there are tips that can be applied to all areas of life. The main point I took away is that organization should be a lifestyle that you adopt not a chore that you work on everyday. The other tip that I really connected with is that organization should fit your own personality and style. It's not a one size fits all system. Do what works for you so you can best find and manage your things.

[Rachel Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book! The Author references a lot of material I'm already familiar with, so reading her book felt like having a conversation with a like-minded friend!

[Betty · Rating 1 out of 5]

Organizing for Your Lifestyle: Adaptable Inspirations from Socks to Suitcases
by Jane Stoller

I’m always on the lookout for good books about organizing and decluttering. I’m not a packrat but do need help now and then. I was hoping for lots of useable tips. What I got instead was a litany of the type of clothes, shoes, boots, storage systems, travel wallets and luggage the author uses. I’m thinking for every time a brand name is mentioned there’s a little royalty check coming someone’s way.

The tips I found are pretty elemental and seem culled from various other sources. Other than the author’s opinions on the various consumer items she prefers there aren’t many original thoughts.

From the blurb: “Again: organizing is a lifestyle, but it needs to be your lifestyle.” If that is correct then don’t criticize other people’s way of organizing. The author spent a lot of time lobbying for not having a junk drawer. I can see the worth in this idea. But her use of her mother as a bad example wasn’t the way to either get her point across or convince anyone like her mother who has that junk drawer. If organizing is a lifestyle that needs to be the individual’s lifestyle then don’t criticize other’s.

There seem to be many instances where the author reiterates the above quote about making your organizing fit your lifestyle. However, it is followed by examples of how she thinks it should be done and uses phrases like “has to be.” Labeling of your things is just one example of that thinking.

From the book: “Plus, almost every city has an Ikea.” I live in TN and the only Ikea in the state is in Memphis. My home state of South Carolina does not have one. In fact, there are only 44 Ikeas in the whole of the United States according to the list on their site. So I’m not sure what country that has an Ikea in almost every city is the one the author is referencing in that statement.

If you are looking for original ideas for organizing, if you are not impressed with having to use high-end items to make that organization happen (example: Tumi Alpha 2 4 Wheeled Expandable International Carry-On - $620+ on Amazon), or if you need practical ideas, skip this one.

There were too many typos in the copy I received to even list. You can’t always rely on grammar checkers. Proof-readers should also be used.

I received a free copy of Organizing for Your Lifestyle: Adaptable Inspirations from Socks to Suitcases from NetGalley in exchanged for my honest review. Thank you.

[Bookish_predator · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting book, has given me plenty of ideas about organising the stuff I keep around me and I know I'm going to start sorting one thing out a day, be it a drawer, the bathroom shelves or a kitchen cupboard.

There's a lot in here about organising your clothes, shoes and handbags and illustrations and pictures about storage and how things should be folded.

I really enjoyed it and will keep it on hand to refer back to as and when I need to.

*Huge thanks to Jane Stoller, BookBaby and NetGalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review*

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane’s style of writing is so inviting. The entire book can be read in just an afternoon, not because it is lacking content but because you can’t wait to see what bright idea she throws at you next. The book begins with Jane’s mantra, “organizing is a lifestyle, but it needs to be your lifestyle”. This is so true, so many times other organization books try to alter your mindset completely, which does not work for everyone. Jane’s alternative to a one size fits all approach is to make sure that her reader is comfortable with the changes they are making so that they will continue to live an organized life long after reading and implementing the techniques in her book.

Unlike other organization books that I have read this one is realistic. Girls like purses and shoes. We don’t always want to get rid of everything. We have sentimental items and we have pieces that we want to keep because they were very expensive. She goes into detail about how it is okay that you keep those pieces and pride yourself on what you own. You don’t always have to get rid of things to have an organized life. Her perspective is very refreshing.

The first chapter is my favorite because it explains the long term health benefits of organization. There are many physiological and psychological benefits of organization which I personally believe in very strongly. My mood is dependent on how my home, car, and office looks on a daily basis. If I am irritable you can almost guarantee that something is out of place or messy. I know I’m not the only one that feels that way.

[Cheryl Malandrinos · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has long been my dream to get more organized. I'm not bad at it, but over the years the family has collected more things than we can ever use and I'm at the point where I don't want to look at it anymore. I've also never liked our closet storage. So, when Jane Stoller's publicist asked me if I would like to review Organizing for Your Lifestyle: Adaptable Inspirations from Socks to Suitcases, I jumped at the chance.

An organizer from a very young age, Stoller has put together a book that will inspire you to get organized for good. Get ideas on how to design your closet, tips on how best to hang your clothes, learn how to keep the bathroom toiletries in order and keep your kitchen tidy, learn traveling tips and more.

Organizing for Your Lifestyle is just the right size for the busy mom because it provides the information you need in under 130 pages. You can slip it in your purse and read it a little at time--maybe take some notes--and put together a plan of action. The pictures are an added bonus.

There are two hard things about organization--getting organized and staying organized. Stoller helps you to do both. If you're tired of living the life of the eternally disorganized, pick up a copy of Organizing for Your Lifestyle by Jane Stoller. It will empower you to change your ways.

[Kathleen Garber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jane clearly knows how to organize and she seems to specialize in helping you organize your closet and travel the most. Before she tells you her ideas she goes into the science behind organization. She covers how being organized can help your health, help you stay on budget and help you feel better and more focused.

She covers the closet, the bathroom, the kitchen, travel, books and storage room but the closet and travel sections are the biggest. If you have lots of clothes and shoes or do lots of travelling than this book will be very helpful. However if like me, you have limited clothes and 2 pairs of shoes and never travel, the tips will be of less use. The book is great but you have to see if you are the best audience for the book.

The book includes black and white photos to show examples of the method of folding or layout of shelves and drawers that are mentioned.

As mentioned in the summary the mantra of the book is to get a system in place so that you don’t have to think about where to find certain items or how to put them away and you can just use it. The tips and suggestions ultimately lead you to a simple system that will be easy to keep up when you wash your clothes or buy new items.

Recommended if you are a fashionista and/or travel a lot.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Britney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book to review on my blog. That being said, I've always enjoyed the art of organizing. I like that Stoller references other organizers in the business and acknowledges their great advice. Some professional organizers want to get rid of everything, and the approach ends up being a little too minimalistic. Other organizers want to find a place for every little nick-nack item and don't encourage enough purging. Stoller falls right between them with great tips for organizing in a way that fits your individual lifestyle. Her adaptable tips are helpful and encouraging, and I love that she includes staying organized when traveling too.

[Krystina · Rating 1 out of 5]

It seemed to be going well until I got to the quiz. She labelled all the answers 1-4 and then all the results were labelled A-D and that really irritated me.
I thought her idea of treating your home like a business was different but also made me feel stressed, like a to do list that never quite gets finished. I kept reading for a chapter or so after that but then I gave up, I like the organising but her approach I couldn't get along with.

[SerialReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Common sense organizing is always the best; solid and (most important) sustainable ideas to help you organizing everything from your closet to the kitchen.
In Organizing for Your Lifestyle, Jane Stoller perfectly combines common sense with her remarkable entrepreneurial spirit.
A good book, definitely worth reading!

[Amélie Boucher · Rating 2 out of 5]

Actual rating: 2.5 stars

I'm not the biggest fan of non-fiction novels. It's really hard to impress me and this one didn't. However, it did have some good advice that everyone could implement to make their life a little bit more organized.

[Bethanyarmstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of great tips!

[Ioanna Chro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I prefer to spend my Saturday nights organizing than partying, just like Jane (the author), I still can’t find my stuff sometimes. The book begins with a quiz that confirms my thoughts. I’m mostly organized, but there are things I can do better at. On the following chapter, the author states all the reasons why we should get organized in the first place and the scientific research that proves her point. Then, each chapter focuses on a specific room in the house or apartment: closet, bathroom, kitchen and storage room, while there is a separate chapter for traveling and another one for books. The overall idea of the book is that organizing should follow your lifestyle. I find refreshing that this book doesn’t force an extra minimalist lifestyle on the reader to be organized. The author seems to be living with an OK amount of stuff, no more that her apartment can fit, but not only the bare essentials either. Even though I don’t have her lifestyle and I couldn’t care less about designer bags and shoes, I found the reading extremely helpful as I’m about to move across Europe again, into a new house.

[Gio · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's no doubt that Stoller is a great organiser. She's been doing every since she was a little girl and knows a thing of two about how to make the most of your space, even when your house is tiny and you think you can't possibly fit everything in there.

My problem with the book is that it's not easy to skim through. They are no lists, charts, and guidelines. You have to skim through long paragraphs to find out her best organising tips. Not what readers want from this type of book.

I also think the organising strategies Stoller shares are more suitable for people like her, who travel a lot, move house frequently, and have no children. Everyone else may find it a bit disappointing.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provided some great ideas for organizing your home and life. some great tips for organizing while traveling also! It is written from a single person's perspective so not a lot about organizing with kids, but some of the concepts can be relatable to putting into place for kid's items. It is well written and easy to read. A great book to have on your book shelf as a reference.

[Colette]

I was happy to receive the book Organizing for Your Lifestyle: Adaptable Inspirations from Socks to Suitcases.

I get to bookmark and highlight all the things I want to do and go at my own pace. This book is so very detailed! I love how she puts the information together. Listen, if you need the help, you will definitely find more than one areas in this book that will work great for you! Read more.... https://www.jamericanspice.com/2017/0...