Is it Stuff, or Just Junk?
Instead of articles this week, I wanted to tell you about a great book I read earlier this year: Junk: Digging Through America's Love Affair with Stuff by Alison Stewart.
If you're brand new to the organizing industry, whether you're interested in getting your own home organized or starting to read mumblings on the internet about this crazy things like "minimalism" and "capsule wardobes" and "sparking joy," this book is for you! Ms. Stewart gives a thorough, well researched, warm, and sympathetic account of the myriad ways in which Americans interact with stuff, and how we're trying to deal with the problems it causes.
She does take a somewhat dim view of the organizing industry, but I'm really not offended. It's such a large industry, with such low barriers to entry, that it's hardly surprising there would be a huge amount of variation between organizers. After all, pretty much anyone can set up show and call themselves a professional organizer - only some of us join NAPO, take classes, find mentors, and work to professionalize the industry!
I'd also recommend this book to anyone who has a very definite opinion on stuff. Whether you fall in the camp that's appalled how much kids these days throw away, or you're frustrated that people hold on to so much worthless junk, you'll find your eyes opened and learn about new facets of the world of stuff.
In sum, Junk it's a quick, fun read that will give you a wonderful overview of this world of stuff where I write, think, and work. Check it out and let me know what you think!
LMW
Moving is such an upheaval of your family’s life that getting organized for your move will make the experience so much more comfortable for everyone involved.