Reviews - How to Keep House While Drowning: A Gentle Approach to Cleaning and Organizing

7.4k reviews for:

How to Keep House While Drowning: A Gentle Approach to Cleaning and Organizing

K.C. Davis

4.35 AVERAGE

sethbodine's review against another edition

4.0

inspiring fast-paced

caspertheyiddy's review against another edition

4.5

hopeful informative inspiring relaxing fast-paced

linj0605's review against another edition

5.0

Thank you

Thank you for acknowledging how I've been feeling and not being able to talk about. Now to get others to see what time struggling with...

bessw's review against another edition

3.0

I really struggled with parts of this book. I gained some valuable tips and phrases that I think I'll carry with me for the rest of my life (which is a big win), but I think that the "advice" is much more self help than actual tips for cleaning or organizing.

I appreciate the author's division between tasks that are necessary for your health and well-being and tasks that are not required, but I think that the distinction between them is off. A wood floor cluttered with clothes and toys isn't neutral, it is a potential trip and slip hazard. Not showering for a week isn't neutral, it can lead to serious skin conditions and hygiene problems.

I appreciate the author's immense compassion and understanding, but it might have perhaps been more useful to take an approach like [b:Unf*ck Your Habitat: You're Better Than Your Mess|29939402|Unf*ck Your Habitat You're Better Than Your Mess|Rachel Hoffman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1466048026l/29939402._SY75_.jpg|50329983] and focus on how to get things done when you're overwhelmed because some things have to get done. It isn't realistic to say "you haven't washed the dishes in three weeks? throw the dishes out!" (a real thing said in this book) for some of us who can't just afford to go buy new dishes and simply want methods to better manage them (like the clever dish rack idea the author also shares).

If you're looking for someone to say "it's okay your house isn't clean" to you because you haven't heard it before, this will change your life. If you know it's ok your house isn't perfectly clean but want ways to make the maintenance and care of yourself and your home a little easier, this isn't necessarily for you. I gave it three stars since less felt unfair since I don't think the book was for me.