A unique house & home handbook, Hands-On How To’s for the Home and Heart is filled with invaluable tips and advice from veteran balabusta (expert Jewish housekeeper) and writer, Tova Younger.

Now, Tova has decided to graciously share with us each week on the blog one of the hundreds of tips and insights included in her book. Enjoy her first installment below:

Opt to Organize!

The market is flooded with books. Try to take out one organizational book from the library once a week, month, quarter or even year; whatever you can tolerate. Every little bit helps! If you can’t get yourself to read it from cover to cover to glean ideas, at least skim through it. Check the table of contents and the index. Experiment with any idea that sounds plausible. Ideally, make an “Organize Now!” notebook, where you can collect ideas; some for immediate use and others for future incorporation. This collection will be an invaluable resource and reminder. Our memories aren’t the best; sometimes we start things and do not complete them. A record of things that interest you will serve as a re-inspiration and give you a chance to begin anew. If you find a book that really speaks to you, buy it. Keep it in a handy place, where you can just open it and read a paragraph now and then. Keep a bookmark inside or flip through randomly. Even with minimal effort, you have a lot to gain. Through trial and error, you’ll discover techniques that work for you.