Spring Cleaning

Okay, we may be taking liberties in using the word "spring" here, considering the weather of late. We're confident that those warmer temperatures will return soon, though, and this time of year has many of us thinking about reorganizing, decluttering, and getting ready for a fresh new season.

Here are a few of our newest titles on the topic to help you get started:

Gazing at a houseful of clutter, you may ask yourself: What's a Disorganized Person to Do? Professional organizer Stacy Platt sheds light on that question in her practical book of tips and projects to help you take back your home. Those who share space with other people may appreciate House of Havoc: how to make, and keep, a beautiful home despite a cheap spouse, messy kids, and other difficult roommates. Marni Jameson adds a dose of humor in this guide to keeping your sanity. Part of the Knack: make it easy series, Emily Wilska's Organizing Your Home provides an illustrated step-by-step guide to getting control of your house one room at a time, and how to create systems to keep things in order all year round.

We may have aspirations of being Martha Stewart-like, but let's face it, most of us fare just fine with being Pretty Neat: the buttoned-up way to get organized and let go of perfection. Alicia Rockmore and Sarah Welch, popular bloggers, help you keep a realistic perspective on your ambitions.

For something a bit more philosophical, check out Peter Walsh's book on CD Lighten Up: Love what you have, have what you need, be happier with less, on how to do without all that extraneous stuff. Dave Bruno takes it to the extreme in the 100 Thing Challenge: how I got Rid of Almost Everything, Remade my Life, and Regained my Soul. Let the regaining begin!