Unf*ck Your Habitat: You're Better Than Your Mess

I've been meaning to read this for ages, and since I bought the new Cleaning Sucks journal earlier this month, it felt like time to finally pick this up! I had read snippets on the UfYH website before (enough to know I liked Hoffman's style), but hadn't really sat down to tackle this one cover to cover, and I'm glad I did. While the online resources do offer a lot of great material (for free!), if you can swing a copy of the full text, I recommend pairing them together.

Hoffman has a way of putting things that really makes sense, all while reminding us to be kind to ourselves, to respect the difference between “excuses” and “reasons” (excuses are why you don't want to do something, reasons are why you genuinely can't), and to focus on any level of progress, not just perfectionism. I've never read a self-help book about cleaning and organization that so thoroughly considers the limitations people might have, from physical ailments to mental illnesses to childhood traumas and more. As someone who has ADHD, depression, anxiety, and chronic pain all jumbled together, I can't count how many self-help books have made me feel totally judged or overlooked, and that's not the case here.

She also caters her insights to people who live with others, whether it's a spouse or child, parents, roommates, etc. — thankfully that's not something I have to deal with since my spouse is just as interested in getting our home in order as I am, but I know a lot of people will benefit from these sections!

I think Unfuck Your Habitat is altogether a really solid read for anyone who needs a little help and motivation in getting their surroundings in order, especially if you're feeling overwhelmed or fearing the risk of failure. I highlighted so much in this book and could easily see myself rereading it whenever I need a little kick in the butt or to be reminded that I'm not alone and I can do this.