Tips & Tricks: May 2014

Quote of the Month
“…man’s sentimental attachment to objects is one of life’s greatest consolations.”
Orhan Pamuk, The Innocence of Objects

A great big “WELCOME!” to all of our new subscribers this month. Thanks for joining us – it’s really great to have you with us.

Sentimental Attachments – ouch!

The popular suggestion of letting go of something you haven’t used in a year or so just doesn’t work with sentimental items. If only it were that easy. One must use an entirely different strategy with the sentimental things of life, especially when they are from loved ones who are no longer physically in our lives. The real issue arises when the sentimental stuff has accumulated to such an extreme that it has become garden-variety clutter. Clutter tends to contribute negatively to our environment yet the sentimental stuff should ideally bring smiles to our faces or happy tears of remembrance of happy times. So where do we go from here?

In my own home, I cherish a few items from my grandparents. Here are 2 glasses that my grandmother gave us on one of our anniversaries. They are displayed on a shelf and every time I look at them, I remember my grandparents and that brings me joy. Not mentioning any names, but another person in my household has many items from grandparents… there are so many items, in fact, that many of them are wrapped in paper and sitting in boxes in our basement. Hmmmmm… who do you think gets more pleasure out of their departed family member’s items? I’ll let you be the judge of that! (If you think you know who this family member is, please keep it to yourself so I don’t get in trouble for tattling).

There is an excellent article, written by Ryan Nicodemus and Joshua Fields Millburn, otherwise known as The Minimalists. When I saw their article on sentimental items, I knew I wanted to share it with you. Granted, this can be considered an extreme view and it’s definitely not right for everyone. I’m more of an ‘easy does it’ kind of person and as they state at the end, even if you don’t want to go to the opposite end of the clutter spectrum, what’s most important is to take action. Any action. Any baby steps toward reducing the clutter. Click here to read more. And while I have your attention (hopefully), check out this article, also written by Joshua and Ryan, called “Getting Rid of Just-in-Case Items.” It’s great! Click here.

The Minimalist Tour is coming to Baltimore!

I’m very excited to announce that Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, The Minimalists, and authors of best selling book Everything That Remains, are coming to The Ivy Bookshop on Falls Road in Mt. Washington, on Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at 7 pm. Tickets are free and everyone is encouraged to attend. For event details, click here. I would love to see you there.

“Let My Clutter Go” Spring Package – $495

A 6-hour package with Aim 4 Order includes these services:

  • Tackle over-cluttered areas to help you breathe easier
  • Figure out personalized ‘best practices’ so you can maintain the order we’ll create.
  • Complementary donation drop off and tax receipt mailed to you.
  • Follow up communication to stay on track.
  • BONUS – Printed Resource Guide and Tip Sheets to help you in your quest to be more organized.

I would love to help you get started on figuring out what to do with your sentimental items. Call me at 410-484-8328 or email today… not someday.

basement mess

Look familiar? Together, we can create beautiful order for you. “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
You can learn more by reading the Aim 4 Order blog – check it out here.

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