In a perfect world, we’d always know where are car keys, social security card, and birth certificate were. For organized folks these issues aren’t a problem … but how can you be clutter-free without becoming obsessive-compulsive about keeping stuff in its place?

Known as the “world’s most reliable organizer,” author Jamie Novak has the solution we’ve all been looking for: the Get Organized Answer Book.

Clutter isn’t just about haphazardly-placed stuff – it drags down your entire life. According to Jamie, about 80% of all the clutter in every home or office is a result of disorganization, not lack of space. So why do we keep buying big houses and storage units? Because we need a simple, easy-to-use organizational system that we can extend throughout our lives.

Step-by-step, question-by-question, Jamie guides us readers through how, when, and where to start – plus motivation to keep going day in and day out. Her repeated advice: start small. Just like getting into shape, every little bit of action counts, and once you start sorting one area, you will be inspired to start again with another.

I openly admit that I am quite partial to the Get Organized Answer Book’s last chapter, entitled “Simply Green Organizing.” That obvious note aside, the entire book is a perfect reference tool to have on your shelf. While reading through the whole book is immensly useful, you can easily look at the start of each chapter to see a full list of the questions Jamie answers – jump to the one you need and it is all explained in less than a page.

Though I consider myself naturally organized, I can always use a bit of extra help. Jamie Novak’s Get Organized Answer Book is just what I need to keep my occassional clutter in check (especially my unnatural interest in anything made of out paper, haha).