When it comes to organizing books, there’s no shortage of guides promising picture-perfect pantries and color-coded closets. But let’s be real—most of us aren’t living in an Instagram-worthy showroom, and that’s okay! That’s why I love these three books—they take a refreshing, realistic approach to organizing that isn’t about perfection but about creating a home that works for you. Each one offers a unique perspective that goes beyond the typical “declutter and containerize” advice, making them truly stand out. And because I couldn’t resist, I’m also throwing in a bonus book that’s too good not to share!
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Amanda's Favorite Organizing Books
Goodreads Synopsis: Even you can get your sh*t together! Tidy the F*ck Up is a funny, down-to-earth parody of Marie Kondo’s The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, where you’ll be handed the most useful tools for keeping your crap clean and organized without all the pressure. In this book, you’ll discover useful ways to figure out what to do with your sh*tpiles in an approachable, care-free way, and you’ll say farewell to the hair-pulling stress of marathon cleaning. Tossing all your junk in a closet doesn’t make it any less of a clusterf*ck, but approaching it little by little and making use of some helpful hints can do a world of wonders for all your sh*t, the comfort of your space, and your general sanity. With this hilarious guide, you’ll learn how Become a decision-making bad*ssGet rid of the sh*t you don’t need and keep the sh*t you doLive life after a clusterf*ck!And more! With a lighthearted tone that the finest sailors would admire, Tidy the F*ck Up will help you make your house a f*cking home.
Why I Love It: If you've been around a while, you know I am all about the functional and NOT the cookie cutter organizing systems you see on Instagram and Pinterest! Don't get me wrong, I love a pretty pantry as much as the next gal, but if that pantry isn't functional for the person using it, then what's the point? This book really goes in to how to get your stuff organized and keep it that way! And it's hilarious!
The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter by Margareta Magnusson
Goodreads Synopsis: A charming, practical, and unsentimental approach to putting a home in order while reflecting on the tiny joys that make up a long life.
In Sweden there is a kind of decluttering called döstädning, dö meaning “death” and städning meaning “cleaning.” This surprising and invigorating process of clearing out unnecessary belongings can be undertaken at any age or life stage but should be done sooner than later, before others have to do it for you. In The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, artist Margareta Magnusson, with Scandinavian humor and wisdom, instructs readers to embrace minimalism. Her radical and joyous method for putting things in order helps families broach sensitive conversations, and makes the process uplifting rather than overwhelming.
Margareta suggests which possessions you can easily get rid of (unworn clothes, unwanted presents, more plates than you’d ever use) and which you might want to keep (photographs, love letters, a few of your children’s art projects). Digging into her late husband’s tool shed, and her own secret drawer of vices, Margareta introduces an element of fun to a potentially daunting task. Along the way readers get a glimpse into her life in Sweden, and also become more comfortable with the idea of letting go.
Why I Love It: Decluttering is one of the most important parts of organizing and sometimes it's also the hardest! This book really tackles all of those struggles that we all face when it comes to decluttering!
Goodreads Synopsis: 2 Second Lean will flip your world right-side up. It’s a practical way to improve your life every day by making a simple 2 second improvement. Join author, business expert, radio show host, and international speaker, Paul A. Akers, as he takes you on a LEAN journey that will transform every aspect your life... from your home to the office.
“Ten years ago I began my Lean journey. I had never even heard the word before, but what happened was nothing short of astounding. Lean thinking has propelled my business from a small operation in my garage into an international, multi-million dollar enterprise. Welcome to my world of Extreme Lean thinking. Once you have experienced the vast benefits of Lean, you will crave it, want it, and do anything to get it. Lean thinking has made an enormous difference in my life – personally and professionally.”
“This book is not intended for MBAs or those interested in manufacturing theory or flow charts. This book is intended to blast open the door of opportunity for people who want to improve their daily life, be it in their workplace or home. Lean is not as complicated as all the experts and textbooks make it out to be. In fact, as you learn to incorporate a Lean approach to your life, you will see that the more Lean thinking you have in your life, the more you will enjoy life.” ~ Paul A. Akers
Read this book and be inspired by how easy and fun it can be. No flow charts or graphs – just the real life journey of one company and the astounding results Lean thinking can produce. Take a few hours, read 2 Second Lean and change your life!
Why I Love It: This one may seem a little off the wall but it literally has everything to do with the way we organize! I am a certified Lean Specialist and the only Lean Professional Organizer I know of. We utilize lean principals at every job and every day within our business. It is our way of life.
I couldn't help myself with this one. All of the books above are excellent sources to help you declutter and organize your home and your life but sometimes, you just need to give yourself and your brain a break. That's why, one of my other favorite organizing books is an organizing themed coloring book. I also may be a little bias since I created this one myself! It's a great way to unwind after a long day of decluttering and organizing.
At the end of the day, organizing isn’t about achieving a picture-perfect space—it’s about creating a home that supports your life, your habits, and your happiness. These books offer practical, refreshing, and even humorous approaches to tackling clutter and organization in a way that actually sticks. Whether you're looking for a no-nonsense guide, a mindset shift, or just a fun way to decompress, there’s something here for you. So, grab a book (or a coloring page!), start where you are, and remember—progress is always better than perfection!
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