TOP-TO-BOTTOM HOME ORGANIZING

A debut guide tells readers how to arrange their homes.

A disorganized home is a stress on an individual’s space, time, and psyche. The worse the problem gets, the harder it is to try to fix it. “People don’t know where to begin or how to approach organizing,” writes Kempner in her opening chapter. “This book helps to guide you through various organizational tasks by breaking down each task into manageable steps that can be spread out over time.” Employing a minimalist approach to home organization—promoting the belief that less is better and the unnecessary should be eliminated—the author walks readers through the various areas of their dwellings in order to show them how they might be properly sorted, simplified, and freed up for better use. After an introductory section on storage essentials, common challenges, and maintenance strategies, Kempner gets into the specific areas of the house and their particular needs. She tackles bedrooms and closets (including “closet systems”), kitchens (“The Pantry: An Overview”), bathrooms, laundry rooms, home offices, and even the dreaded garages. Each section proposes several alternative templates accommodating whatever spatial situation readers might have to work with. The author includes numerous bulleted lists of tips as well as cute diagrams by debut illustrator Erickson depicting efficient (and aesthetically pleasing) storage techniques. The author writes in an authoritative but calming voice, succinctly anticipating the requirements and instincts of readers: “The most important thing to accomplish with footwear storage design is not to end up storing any loose shoes on the floor, no matter how well they’re initially lined up. Inevitably, order will be lost, and the closet floor will become a mess.” While the book becomes a little dry when read straight through—Kempner does not inject anecdotes or personal experiences into the work, giving it the feel of a true manual—the sections are meant to be consulted out of order according to need. Anyone with a hall closet or kitchen nook that has gotten a little (or more than a little) out of control would do well to see what the author has to say on the subject.

A useful, highly structured reference book on home organization.