Misconceptions

The Comedian

A few nights ago I was scrolling through Netflix and saw that comedian Todd Barry had a new special. The title was Spicy Honey which seemed interesting enough to click. About eight minutes in, my casual paying attention turned hyper-focused. He said he hired a professional organizer. I spend a lot of time explaining my occupation to people, so to hear mention of my industry in a comedy special was exciting. Once I got over the initial shock I waited to see where he was going with this. Without spoiling the joke, the premise had to do with throwing things out. When people think professional organizing they think throwing things out. So much so that a popular comedian knew that everyone would get the reference immediately. 

The Setup

Organizing is not about throwing things out. Tossing leads to regret. Throwing things out is what your parents did to your stuff when you went off to camp or college. Throwing things out is what your spouse does when fed up with messy bedroom. Throwing things out is what you do in a panic on closing day when the buyer's lawyer is staring at you.

The Punchline

Organizing is all about what we are keeping. Where should items live and how can one find them when needed. Linda, Kathleen and I build relationships with our clients based on trust. In fact we can't organizing a space without our clients because their goals are all that matter.  We use our philosophy, experience, patience and humor to decide what should be kept and the best system to store and find it.  Additionally, any system we create has to work for everyone in the family (and be easy to use). Organizing is about time. Setting aside specific time to finish what we start through motivation and having a plan of action. Organizing is about control, not regret. We never want anxiety, so if you feel like it, the next time you overhear someone say, throw it out, tell them the joke's on them. 

The Brave Little Toaster

Linda reflects on organizing sentimental items.

The Brave Little Toaster movie is responsible for you having a job,” said my 27 year old son. First, I think WHAT? Then I read the comments on a facebook post.

Jennifer:

“I had a huge obsession with saving all kinds of junk after watching the movie…

I was a complete pack rat! I was convinced that something like a piece of plastic might have life in it, and might even talk!”

Christina:

“Totally used to be the same, LOL. Don’t throw it out, it has feelings!!”

Risa:

“SAME”

Lindsay:

“Yes, I got way out of hand”

For those of you not familiar with the movie, The Brave Little Toaster was released 30 years ago as an animated movie. A favorite among families it centered round five extremely likeable and cute talking household appliances; Toaster, Blanky (the electric blanket), Radio, Lampy (the goose-neck lamp), and Kirby (the vacuum cleaner). They miss Rob their owner and live in an abandoned cabin in the woods. One day they decide to reunite with Rob, so they set off on a dangerous trek through the forest to the city. They work together and make it to Rob’s apartment only to hear from Rob’s newer appliances that they are old and useless. They end up in a dumpster in which one would assume there would be no way out. Not going to spoil the ending, but let’s just say the appliances with their wonderful personalities are heroic and all is well that ends well.

As silly as it sounds the movie was a favorite in the 90’s. It was something the whole family would watch on movie night and by the end of the movie how could you not LOVE the “Brave Little Toaster”? He and his friends had to be alive, right?

OK, so clearly as adults we know that not to be true but how many of us still have a stuffed animal or blankie hidden in the closet from our childhood. That animal/blankie talks and understands us plus knows all our childhood secrets.

This leads us to the discussion of keepsakes and sentimental items. OK, we know they are not alive but still they have a special place in our heart. When on jobs our clients are confused about what to do with keepsakes. Maybe it is a stuffed animal, framed photos of grandparents, sentimental jewelry, artwork made by children, first cellphone, collection of theatre tickets, baseball cards, the list is endless.

First and foremost we want no regret. If an item may have sentimental value we will suggest finding a way to store it safely in your home. If it is too large to store, we may suggest taking a photo before letting it go. The key to storing keepsakes is to put like with like. For example, all sports collections together, toys together, jewelry together etc… Once you determine quantity you purchase appropriate size clear plastic bins to store the items. Clear is key so you can see what is inside, we want no barriers. Label the outside and store on a shelf in a remote location.

But what if you don’t want to keep all the items? If you believe things are of value, maybe take them to be appraised. Sterling silver, stamp collections, antique collectibles may have monetary value. A professional organizer can certainly help find dependable appraisers and suggest ways for you to sell your items.

Sometimes we think keepsakes will be valuable and are surprised when after appraisal they are not worth much. For example, this is common with silver plate and many baseball or comic book collections from the 90’s.  If not of value then it maybe time to donate to a good charity like a local women’s shelter, veteran’s association, or rescue missions.  Maybe these items can be used by someone or simply put a smile on another person’s face.

Getting back to the Brave Little Toaster below is a picture of “Dodo Snoopy, “

He lives in my closet in a clear bin. He is 54 years old and a special keepsake. Clearly he is not alive, although similar to the “Brave Little Toaster” he used to talk to me when I was a little girl. Can’t ever throw him out, he too has feelings, Hmmm…

Brave Little Toaster animated comedy released July 1987. Adapted from the novel “Brave Little Toaster: A Bedtime Story for Small Appliances” by Thomas M Disch.

The Summer/Winter Swap

Yesterday I came downstairs to find the boys playing Lego. I'm actually not sure if they were playing or simply trying to cover every square inch of the first floor in tiny plastic building blocks. After I successfully navigated to the kitchen without stepping on any Lego. I thought about the last time the kids used the Lego. I concluded it had been awhile since they are usually outside enjoying the warm weather. This got me thinking about the Summer/Winter swap.

A basic tenant of organizing is that the things we don't use often should be stored more remotely. During winter not only do we need cold weather clothes but we also may put out holiday decorations. This means it is time for our summer items to take a backseat, no matter how much we wish we were somewhere that required a beach umbrella. In a perfect world we would snap our fingers and our seasonal items would disappear. Assuming we don't know magic the summer items need to be swapped out for winter ones.

Clear bins work well for warm weather clothes, sports, beach or BBQ items. While packing take a few moments to donate or toss any item that is in disrepair or that the kids may have outgrown. Also be careful of packing outdoor items as they may have sand, dirt or even mud that will need to be cleaned before sitting for four months. 

Another added benefit of the summer/winter swap is that it allows us to set up clear and easily recognizable areas for different categories. If you have an attic, basement or garage these areas are perfect for remote storage. By having a home for everything you know what you have leading up to the seasonal swap.

Uncluttered Holidays - Priceless

Holidays are fun once we are gathered with our families, feasting, drinking and enjoying the holiday spirit. However, the energy it takes to get there can be exhausting. Time is limited, we are all running around trying to stay fit, work, volunteer, eat right, and take care of our families. Finding the time to purchase gifts either by going to a store or even spending the time online is hard to do. When trying to figure out what to purchase as a holiday housewarming gift, a gift for dad, a gift for Uncle Rich, a gift for Aunt Jill, often we get confused and overwhelmed. How many times have you opened a box with another pair of black gloves, another sweater, another scarf or yet another candle?

As professional organizers we see many holiday gifts shoved in closets or hidden in bins in a basement or attic (often never even opened). One of the many ideas we encourage is to give an “experience” over actual material gifts. For example, wouldn’t it be great to open up a package and see tickets to your favorite concert or play? How about a gift card to a spa for a day of rest and relaxation? Maybe a gift card to a favorite restaurant or exercise class?  Hmm, maybe a gift card for someone to come organize the playroom or garage? By doing this you have not added more “stuff” to the person’s home, and have given the person something they will really remember.

This applies to children as well as adults. Yes, it is fun to watch kids tear open gifts and see their happy faces when they get something they have been asking for. How about just a few presents and a few experiences. Trust us, the Doc McStuffins nursery will be out of style next year and a new toy will be more popular. It will sit in the corner of a playroom, collecting dust and end up being eventually donated. By giving children experiences, you will have less clutter in your home which will put a smile on their face and yours. How about tickets to a children's performance or museum, just think of the terrific memories they will have. When grandparents ask what to get, maybe suggest movies tickets and ice cream after?

Another idea is to give the gift of time. As mentioned above, our time is so limited and valuable. Weekends are spent at kids sporting events, kid’s birthday parties, visiting children at college or elderly relatives in assisted living, paying bills, food shopping, etc…Finding time to catch up with friends and family can become almost impossible. How great it would be to open a gift and see written: “lunch and museum in the city with me my treat!” Or, “dinner and movie together, on me!” Being with your partner or best friend, spending time together no matter what the monetary value is priceless. It doesn’t necessarily need to be expensive, just hanging out talking, laughing and making memories is better than a sixth pair of gloves, sweater, scarf or candle.