So you just decluttered and organized your entire home (or you hired Unfuss to do it for you). Your space is looking better than it ever has and you’re wondering how the heck to maintain the cleanliness and organization of it all?!

I’ve learned many things about the “art” of organizing over the years since starting my professional organizing company. But the #1 thing I’ve learned and that I pass along to my clients, is how much organization and habit formation go hand in hand.

Developing effective organizational systems can facilitate the formation of positive habits. Similarly, the development of positive habits can help you become more organized, which in turn can improve your overall productivity and well-being. When you’re organized, you’re better equipped to establish positive habits and maintain them over time. By consistently practicing small habits like putting your desk supplies away after a day at work, you start to develop a more organized mindset and ultimately become more productive and effective.

Because I obviously want to be practicing what I preach, I decided to start reading more books on habit formation. Of course, I’m here to share that list with you. Scroll down to see a few books that were highly recommended and have noteworthy reviews.

Books on Habit Formation

The Power of habit: why we do what we do in life and business

Award-winning business reporter, Charles Duhigg walks us through thrilling scientific discoveries explaining why habits exist and how they can be changed. He brings us through various different narratives, presenting a whole new understanding of human nature and its potential. This book talks through an exhilarating argument: The key to exercising regularly, losing weight, being more productive, and achieving success is understanding how habits work. As Duhigg shows, by harnessing this new science, we can transform our businesses, our communities, and our lives.

atomic habits

James Clear, one of the world’s leading experts on habit formation, will reshape the way you think about progress and success. He gives you the tools and strategies you need to transform your habits, no matter who you are or where you are in life. No matter your goals, this book offers a proven framework for improving your every day. James reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results.

Learn how to:
make time for new habits (even when life gets crazy); overcome a lack of motivation and willpower; design your environment to make success easier; get back on track when you fall off course; and much more.

the 5am club: own your morning. elevate your life

Robin Sharma helped people all over the world lead lives that inspire others and leave an impact — for FOUR decades. Now in his book, The 5AM Club, he shares his original insights and proven tools that he’s developed by working with the most successful people on the planet. His key point in the book is that winning starts at the beginning of the day. Sharma shows how you can reduce stress, improve focus, unleash uncommon creativity, achieve exponential productivity, and restore balance. It simply takes one hour out of your day to change your life.

the 7 habits of highly effective people

Stephen Covey, an internationally respected leadership authority, realizes that true success involves a balance of personal and professional effectiveness, so this book is essentially a manual for improving performance in both areas. Before you can adopt the seven habits, you'll need to accomplish what Covey calls a "paradigm shift" — a change in perception and interpretation of how the world works. Covey takes you through this change, which affects how you perceive and act regarding productivity, time management, positive thinking, developing your "proactive muscles”, and much more.

the 1% rule

We’re led to believe success is right around the corner from other people’s highlight reels. But when we realize it’s not, and we struggle to achieve our goals, we become frustrated, unfulfilled, and ready to give up. What if there was a way to shut out the noise, fall in love with the process, and take one step forward every single day — leading to undeniable confidence as we build our dream life?

Enter The 1% Rule — a daily system designed to help you close the gap without the crushing pressure that leads most people less inspired, and more stuck.

If you’re ready to ditch the highlight reel illusion, tired of sitting on the sidelines waiting, and ready to block out the noise… this book is for you.

Ready to unfuss your home? There’s no time like the present.

If you’re on the fence about hiring a professional organizer, start here and book a free 30-minute discovery call so we can get you one step closer to an unfussed home!