Keep This Toss That: Unclutter Your Life to Save Time, Money, Space, and Sanity

by Jamie Novak

Quick answers to the one key question everyone needs to answer in order to get organized and save their time, money, space, and sanity: “Should I keep or toss this?”

Are you afraid to open your kitchen cabinet because you know food storage containers are going to come pouring out like an erupting volcano? Do you spend hours searching for the email you need? Will you regret it tomorrow if you give away all your old concert T-shirts? And how many tote bags will you really use?

Keep This, Toss That answers all of these questions and much more. Featuring dozens of illustrated Keep/Toss Checklists, the book shows you exactly what you need—and what you can safely toss, regret-free (even if you’re a sentimentalist or saver)—in every room of your house, for each hobby or activity, and even online. It also includes:
• quick tips on clever storage solutions
• tools and utensils that can do double duty
• advice on how to customize the lists to suit your house, your family, and your lifestyle Answering the one key question you need to get organized and live happily with just the stuff you love, Keep This, Toss That is the one organizing book you must have.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Reference

304 pages, Paperback

First published March 3, 2015

About the author

Print your free fill-in-the-blank calendar and follow along with the toss-of-the-day at JamieNovak.com. Don't forget to tune into Jamie's 10 Minute Podcast every Monday at JamieNovak.com. And catch Jamie's YouTube Show every Wednesday.

When not writing or presenting VIRTUAL laugh-out-loud funny programs on de-cluttering Jamie is trying to find a cure for her addiction to clipping recipes she never prepares. Join Jamie for one of her free online programs at JamieNovak.com.

The author of multiple books on organization she has been seen on TV and her tips have been shared in national magazines. If you are overwhelmed by the thought of having to go through your stuff, especially paperwork, closets, and sentimental treasures, then her new book Keep This Toss That: The Practical Guide to Tidying Up is the best place to start. Written in checklist format all you have to do is follow along.

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Personally, I did not find this useful. I think this is definitely useful for some; I believe I am beyond this. Her information makes so much sense: do you need five different tools that do the same thing?-no. do you need the broken thing?-no. And I am sure for many to see some of these in writing would be a great help. This is a guideline for those who have been desperately searching through their clutter for a map. This is a "but I need three of this don't I?" as she gently says, "no really you don't."
I read this book because I happened to have seen one of her presentations and talked with her in person. Jamie is so incredibly real, caring, and funny. With humor, Jamie calls out the silly things we do. (Like saving those few holiday napkins and plates... paraphrasing..."you can use them when it's not a holiday. You aren't going to throw a party with three left over new year's plates." )
Though the book is full of solid advice like her presentations, I wish her book had more of that humor weaved through as she did when she is in person. Also, I found the format of the book a little cluttered and hard to navigate. Instead of side bubbles for the storage solutions I would have preferred a page at the end of each chapter or section. Same for the "did you know" sections, instead maybe a chapter on "how to re purpose" or "fun facts".

Overall, many of the things she said to toss, I already tossed some time ago or never had to toss. This book wasn't good for me mostly because my issues lie in anxiety, perfectionism, feelings of obligation, and fear. My clutter is deeply attached to my mental beliefs and the clutter that kicks around in my mind.

Also I don't agree at least as a general rule, about getting rid of patterns that are easier or more advanced than the level you are currently at in crafting such as crochet, cross-stitch, knitting, etc. Sometimes I go back to that easy project so that I can whip up something fast for someone. As for the advanced, as I continue working in that medium the advanced patterns soon become the level I am at; until then I work towards and look forward to creating those patterns. The intermediate patterns I do today, were once the too advanced patterns of yesterday. However, for those holding onto patterns just to have them, Jamie gently says that's its okay to let them go.

Much the same reason I initially liked but no longer read "eat this instead of that" books, this is the beginning towards fixing the problem. It is important. For the food books it's instead of eating the worst of the fried food, eat the least worse... but the ultimate goal is to be eating whole real foods and have a healthy body. For this it's if you have extra, broken, not utilized items then get rid of them... but the ultimate goal is to to eliminate the need for the attachment and to have an organized fully functioning home. I am beyond this step, I need to dig deeper into the issues surrounding the problem, the root of the problem.
Though I know she offers some organizing solutions the meat of this book is what to toss. This is your quick and dirty... Do you need it? Yes or no. Then get rid of it. (As the title suggests truly.) This is great for someone starting out just trying to clear the clutter. Once again, I highly recommend seeing Jamie Novak's live presentations since she is delightful.

If you are also beyond this keep or toss step... I have found some success with the following titles at least on my personal journey through organization:
-New Order: A Decluttering Handbook for Creative Folks (and Everyone Else)
by Fay Wolf [For organizing system tips and getting rid of digital clutter. Also how to locate places to give or sell the items you are discarding but that are in good condition.]
- Clutter Busting Your Life: Clearing Physical and Emotional Clutter to Reconnect with Yourself and Others by Brooks Palmer [As of this review, currently reading but seems to address the anxiety/fear/attachment issues to clutter/organization]

[Linda C · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was disappointed with this book. It had a good layout and premise but not much substance. Most helpful information was in the side bars. The actual Keep This part of each section were so obvious. The Toss This part was worse. Is it broken; is it worn, is it out of style; do you not like it any more? Well, duh!

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a reason why shows on hoarding are so popular along with books and podcasts on organizing or de-cluttering your life - we've become a society of collectors. And not in a good way.

Pick up anything in your home and take a serious look at it. Do you have another one exactly like it? Do you have a more efficient or updated version? Why are you holding onto the power cord for a phone you no longer have? Why do you have computer discs and your desktop/laptop/tablet that doesn't have a drive to read them? How much of your wardrobe is irrevocably stained? Torn? Doesn't fit? {Are you seriously going to lose that weight and fit back into it?} How many specialty tools do you really use from that kitchen drawer and is one or two multi-taskers that can replace all the others? Why are expired insurance policies and cards for cars you don't even own anymore still in the file cabinet?

Novak goes through your house, room by room and 'gives' you permission to keep or toss practically all the items. She understands sentimental value but even that gets a serious look-at. Also there are storage solutions, various keep/toss clues, fun facts and knowledge that help you make a choice as well as organizations/websites that can provide a new home for your discards. And when she says "toss', she doesn't necessarily mean toss in the garbage/landfill - it means recycling, donating, selling (if you'e actually willing to take the time and effort), or giving it away.

George Carlin did a skit in 1986 about "stuff". Americans and their piles of stuff that needs to be locked in the house so we can go out and get more stuff. And when there is no more room in the house, we get a storage locker and fill that with stuff. And on and on. Still funny and surprisingly relevant even to this day.

The only addition I could add to her 'secrets' is: your local public library system is a vast resource for physical books as well as ebooks without adding to the clutter. In fact, there are library systems that will lend e-books as long as you're a resident of the state. And you don't need to worry about returning them - once the time limit is done, they're erased from your reader.

2020-008

[Mtl · Rating 5 out of 5]

KEEP THIS TOSS THAT is a motivational book which answers the question, “Should I keep or toss this?” It is a real inspiration, with its practical lists that can be adapted to one’s unique situation. It addresses a myriad of topics. In addition to those one would expect, it has a keep/toss list for cooking utensils, pet supplies, luggage, gardening supplies, items inside the car, and much more. It is very current with paperwork suggestions for documents, computer files, smart phone items, even organizing email newsletters. It includes suggestions for an office, home office—even a mobile office! It has dozens of extra tips, such as recycling sources (What do I do with still-good sneakers? Who wants my old photos?), and repurposing ideas for tools, utensils, and containers, etc. The author is upbeat and humorous, with a likeable writing style.

[Dan Stern]

I'm a "collector" and a sentimental keeper. My life is such that I'm on hold where I currently live, with lots of things still in boxes from the move. And, I'm waiting to move back to where I used to live so I can unpack and bring my things back out again. In the meantime, I'm trying to "build" for that time I can put together my forever home.

I have STUFF. I need to pare down my STUFF. It hurts me to get rid of useful STUFF and things that remind me of things I've done, places I've been and people I've loved.

I've not put this book to use yet, but in reading bits and parts of it, I can see where it can help me to make decisions and that's a very helpful thing for me. I like the checklist/question/evaluation format too. Specifics, not vague questions or general recommendations. Yet broad enough to all for custom thought. Nicely done.

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are lists of what to keep and what to toss or give away for every room in your home, including outdoor spaces. The lists themselves became somewhat redundant, but the extras that were included were where I found most of the value. Recipes for natural cleaners to eliminate all those cleaner bottles, lists for emergency bags or boxes for different purposes, lists of different ways to wear a simple white shirt and the shoes every woman should have, and different places to donate your extras. Have too many reusable bags (who doesn’t have too many of those freebies you get?) send them here and let them find new life.

there's a little more on the blog https://stacybuckeye.com/2020/01/22/k...

[WendyMcP · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book helped me break through the log-jam of what to do with those perfectly-good-items-that-I-may-need sometime-but-have-been-waiting-for-that-day-for-several-years. I can hardly criticize my wife's bins and bins of cloth materials (for sewing) when I'm a pack rat with tools, building supplies and lumber. Goodwill won't take them but Novak revealed that Habitat For Humanities ReStores will. My life has changed!

[Brenda Klaassen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book to get some guidance on organizing and downsizing. I will have to read this book again because this was packed full of good advice. I did do some of the suggestions and I plan to keep doing a few each month. This is a very user friendly book. I may have to purchase it so I can write notes in it.

[Shannon Reilly]

Such a great reference book for tackling any and all parts of a household, with recommendations about what to keep and what to get rid of. Really great resource when starting small or big organizing projects.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fairly good book with lots of good organizing tips and tricks!

[Jenna Hazzard · Rating 4 out of 5]

The format of this book was extremely practical and readable. Definitely recommend if you want to do some serious decluttering.

[Marcy Graybill · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nothing new or inspiring.

[J Crossley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book goes through item-by-item and provides reasons you should keep an item, get rid of an item, or sell an item.

[Coleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read. Common sense - keep any useful item. If it doesn't work- for you or with you - toss it. Good quick review on what you should allow in your life.

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hey! If it's broken, worn out or you don't use it...throw it out! Genius!

[Rachel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Novak's toss lists are common sense to the point of ridiculous - broken, expired items (food, coupons, insurance cards), and hazardous items (frayed cords, toxic chemicals).

She makes a good recommendation about not buying sets of things when you only need one item out of the set (ex. a knife block - most people only need a chef's knife, a serrated knife and a paring knife) because you get lesser quality of the item you wanted and a bunch of extras you won't use.

But her list of kitchen gadgets to pare down is some kind of hoarders fantasyland. Even my relative who loves to cook and shop at cooking stores who has lots of items cluttering up his drawers does not own: an asparagus peeler, a corn peeler, a kiwi peeler, a plaintain press, a cupcake corer, a zucchini curler, a sushi press or a taco press.

She also recommends keeping: one umbrella per household member plus two spares (maybe if you live in Seattle), two sun hats, a rain hat, an 5 winter hats (2 for everyday jackets, 1 for your fancy coat, and two for outdoor activities) per person! The author needs to read someone else's decluttering handbook.

[Josephine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I could sum this up mainly as don't keep broken or damaged things and don't keep too many of the things that aren't broken. There are some interesting checklists, though, like what to keep in your first aid kit or how long to keep sunscreen. It says there are 12 shoes every woman should have in her closet. I don't even own 12 pairs of shoes and that number seems excessive to me. I think this book is good if you want a pretty detailed list of what you should and shouldn't keep in your house. There's even a list of how many socks and types of socks you should have - up to a total of 25 pairs per adult. Wow, I have way more socks than that lol. And there seems to be one of everything mentioned in here, so there's a lot of coverage of stuff you might have that you can get rid of.

Really I think the best parts of this book are the checklists of what you should have on hand like the first aid example or cold-weather car gear (what you should keep in your car if you live in a cold-weather climate) or important documents to keep - those lists are pretty great.

[Worth-Pinkham Memorial Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Want to organize, unclutter, and decide what you need to keep vs. what can be thrown out or donated? This book makes suggestions room by room. How long do you need to keep that paperwork? How many plastic food containers do you really need to keep? How old are your cleaning supplies? What is the expiration date on your food (or in my case, how old are some of those spices)? Start in one room, one drawer, but try a few of these suggestions a bit at a time. You don’t have to agree with it all, but you’ll feel better when you see a little space here and there. —Ginger

[Anne White · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two and a half stars. Useful for the right person, redundant for someone else. Although the author cautions that her descriptions of the perfect knife / blender / bag / whatever aren't meant to make you drop your current model and order a better one, I still think that might be dangerous reading for perfectionists. My takeaway? Well, I did stop reading and go pare down my container of reusable shopping bags, but it was on my boring-things-to-do list anyway and, as it turned out, we really didn't have many more than the ten or so she recommends keeping, so it just needed a quick tidying.

[Nicole Pitton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love "Keep This Toss That". Jaime Novak truly mastered the art of breaking organization down to its simplest form. After downsizing from a two-bedroom apartment to a one-bedroom apartment, I didn't recognize my living space. It was cluttered, and I dreaded looking for anything because it was so stressful. By following a few simple instructions from "Keep This Toss That", I can see my apartment turning into the clean and organized space that I've been dreaming of. I'm so excited! Thank you, Jamie.

[Myra Malone · Rating 5 out of 5]

After meeting Jamie Novak at my local library and learning so many of her tips and tricks and loving her genuine humor and real down to earth personality, I couldn't wait to order her book Keep This Toss That. It's like having her simple and effective pearls of decluttering wisdom right at my fingertips! I was a borderline hoarder til She gave me the confidence to free myself of the clutter!

[Carter Hemphill · Rating 2 out of 5]

This seemed like a good idea but the book will make you want to buy more things instead of decluttering. Reading through lists of attributes of items that merit tossing or keeping is redundant and not helpful. I found the "do you know?" text boxes more interesting that than the main text.

[KR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I read this summer, with so many practical tips for getting rid of stuff - starting with decision-making. Easy reading that one can pick up at any point. The author offers advice for quickly making decisions. So much so that I’ve de-cluttered a little every day!

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ideas here aren't new, just common sense, but the format is perfect for those who like lists & bullet points.

[Kristine · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s just okay. Hard to sit and read since the entire book is mostly bulleted lists. Some good advice.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed a program by Jamie. Her book is smart, easy to go ideas!

[Maya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to read. Well organized with each chapter focusing on a specific room. Even included tips for documents which was my main focus. Lots of ideas now.

[Miranda Norton · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe it’ll help someone with absolutely no idea where to start, but i was hoping for more specifics and elimination techniques. This is like very obvious content.

[Vicki · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you need a book to hold your hand and go through every conceivable room and item this is the book for you.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of these suggestions made me literally laugh out loud. Keep FIVE winter hats per family member!? Hilarious. Otherwise good suggestions. :P