Tips & Tricks: December 2015

Quote of the Month

“Each morning see some task begin
Each evening see it close.
Something attempted, something done
Has earned a night’s repose.”
Longfellow 

I like the idea of setting minimum standards rather than being overly optimistic. This is especially true of “TO DO” lists. How about thinking of ONE thing to do each day and make it happen. See how that feels. If you do ONE thing that you’ve been avoiding each day, you’ll have made a significant dent by the end of the week. Give it a try and let me know how it goes.

A special WELCOME to our new subscribers. We are happy to have you with us and hope you enjoy this month’s issue.

Clutter Enemy #5 – BOOKS!

The Clutter Enemies that we have discussed over the past few months were:

#1 – BAGS
#2 – PAPER
#3 – INDECISION
#4 – CLOTHING
(and if you missed any of them, go to Cindy’s Blog to find them)

A color-coded book shelf, glimpsed in Sante Fe, NM

And that brings us to today – #5 – BOOKS!

Where to start on this HOT TOPIC!? Books can be a very personal and sensitive subject. I’ll try to make this as painless as possible. Let’s look at various categories of books and ask ourselves some pointed questions.

Paperback books 

Paperback books turn brown and eventually moldy. Please consider letting them go now. (FYI – many charity drop-off places will take your books – just give them a call to double check).

Coffee table books

These are hard to let go of because of their perceived value and the gorgeous pictures that are inside. HOWEVER, if they are crammed in corners, still in cellophane wrap and/or you don’t have any room to place them on a coffee table, consider letting them go. (Yes, you can go on line and sell your books….my favorite is Valore Books, but beware, it’s often not worth the time and energy and may be more beneficial to donate).

College text books (and encyclopedias, too!)

These, too, can become brown and moldy. If you want to spend your time driving them to  The Book Thing of Baltimore, be my guest, but for the most part, no one wants your old text books and encyclopedias and it is REALLY not worth your time. Recycle them (but take any leather/fabric covers off first). You might be able to make some unique craft item with your old textbooks, but do you really want to  spend your time doing that?

Non-fiction books

Most people want to keep the non-fiction books. HOWEVER, if you have books that have obsolete information (i.e.: Office 2000 manual), then please consider letting them go (recycle or trash). If you sincerely think you’ll revisit the book from time to time, then of course you should keep it. But if it’s a topic that no longer interests you, then share the wealth – donate them to Savers or Goodwill or anywhere that allows you to lighten the load in your own home.

Cookbooks

Another sensitive subject – Take an honest look at the cookbooks you actually use. Typically people use a few recipes from a book so consider photocopying or scanning the recipes you use and place them in a binder (you can use dividers by subject area and page protectors for each recipe). On a side note, we’ve actually helped clients organize their recipes and it makes a great gift, too. Old handwritten recipe cards can also be scanned to better preserve the information. Consider donating the unused cookbooks, but if you can’t, at least move them out of the main kitchen area so you have more room for the things you are currently using. Please note that you can get a wealth of information from getting recipes on line, which can be more helpful than what you find in an older cookbook.

Fiction books

If you think you’ll read it again, keep it. If you doubt you’ll read it again, donate it.

Phone books

Yes, believe it or not, old phone books can be recycled. You will be amazed at the room that is freed up by getting rid of those dusty old books.

If books are not overtaking every nook and cranny of your home, then you’re fine. This article is directed at the folks who are addicted to books and you know who you are :).

Got Collectables?

Got Collectables?

Aim 4 Order offers eBay Services!

For the past several years, we have been offering eBay services to our clients who have special items of value. We have achieved Top Rated Seller status and 100% Positive Feedback from 393 reviews. Popular items include:

• Pens
• Designer Purses
• Designer Shoes and Boots
• Coins
• Select china (Portmeirion!, Royal Doulton)
• Silverware
• Rare collectibles
• Vintage apple computers
• Select vinyl records (Beatles, Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Miles Davis, etc.)

If you are interested in selling your possessions through Aim 4 Order’s eBay Program, call 410-484-8328 or email to discuss. We’d love to see pictures of your items, if possible.

“Helping Baby Boomers and their Parents Lighten their Loads.”

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the amount of stuff in your home, contact me. Together, we can transform your home into a happy, tidy place where you can feel at peace. We can also get you ready for your next move more enjoyably, faster and easier!

Cindy Bernstein, Owner and Professional Organizer
cindy@aim4order.com
410-484-8328
www.aim4order.com