We love collecting things. For some it is a hobby, for some a passion and for others an obsession. Perhaps we simply love those things or we possibly think that one day they will be so valuable that we can sell them and send a kid to college or retire early.
Problems in collecting can occur, however, when you no longer have space for the collections. If you are collecting simply for the enjoyment these things bring, then you should display them so they can be enjoyed. Storing them in a box in a closet or the attic is not enjoying them. If they are seasonal items, then rotate the items when appropriate. If you simply do not have the space to enjoy them, then consider choosing the most special items to display and find another home for those remaining.
Some options for a new home might be family members or friends that appreciate the items and would display them. You could also sell the items to someone who respects their value and is willing to pay you for the privilege of owning them.
If you are collecting for a future return on your investment, then be sure to keep an accurate inventory of the items, consider insuring them and monitor their value on a regular basis. You just might be able to send that kid to Harvard one day.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
How Many Magazines?
After looking at 3 large cardboard boxes of magazines in a garage, I started thinking about how many you should keep. To be realistic, you need to consider how many minutes or hours in a day you can devote to reading. Most of us have very little so we have to decide what is the most important thing for us during that time.
Since 70%-80% of magazine pages contain advertisements, the best use of time would be flip through the magazine quickly and to tear out any articles or pictures you want to keep and store those in a folder. Editors will admit they recycle article ideas every 2-3 years with just an update, so keeping magazines longer than that is repetitive. In addition, most information is available on the Internet and it will not clutter your space assuming you will refrain from printing everything.
To set yourself free from the magazine clutter, do not continue your present subscriptions no matter how good the offer. Tear out any articles you must keep and donate the rest to your local doctor's office, beauty shop, emergency care facility or other waiting rooms. If you have ever spent considerable time in those, you know they need them.
Since 70%-80% of magazine pages contain advertisements, the best use of time would be flip through the magazine quickly and to tear out any articles or pictures you want to keep and store those in a folder. Editors will admit they recycle article ideas every 2-3 years with just an update, so keeping magazines longer than that is repetitive. In addition, most information is available on the Internet and it will not clutter your space assuming you will refrain from printing everything.
To set yourself free from the magazine clutter, do not continue your present subscriptions no matter how good the offer. Tear out any articles you must keep and donate the rest to your local doctor's office, beauty shop, emergency care facility or other waiting rooms. If you have ever spent considerable time in those, you know they need them.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Pictures for Inventory
There are many good reasons to take pictures of your spaces. Last time I wrote about using them as an instructor in knowing how to get started in organizing. But pictues can also be used to keep a record of your household inventory.
For insurance purposes, you should have an itemized list of the things in your space. This would include all of your furnishings as well as personal belongings and financial records. Most professional organizers support the idea of being very thorough and detailed in your descriptions. The easiest way to approach the project is with pictures.
Begin by taking pictures of every room. This would inclue the walls and floor so all the furnishings are captured. If any of the furnishings contain drawers, cabinet doors or shelves, take pictures of the contents in them. Don't forget closets. Depending on your camera memory, this make take several rounds of taking pictures, downloading them, clearing the camera card memory and staring over again. If you are not using a digital camera, you will need lots of film.
After all of the pictures are stored or developed, being making a list of everything you have. Where appropriate, list the approximate original cost and purchase date. While personal items may change frequently, having a base list of your possessions will make an accounting of your things so much easier should the need arise.
Make copies of this list and store them in a fireproof box, a safety deposit box, of off site with family or friends. Keeping a copy in your emergency exit files is a good idea, too.
No one wants to think about a disaster affecting them or their home, but being prepared for one is a proactive way to protect what you own.
For insurance purposes, you should have an itemized list of the things in your space. This would include all of your furnishings as well as personal belongings and financial records. Most professional organizers support the idea of being very thorough and detailed in your descriptions. The easiest way to approach the project is with pictures.
Begin by taking pictures of every room. This would inclue the walls and floor so all the furnishings are captured. If any of the furnishings contain drawers, cabinet doors or shelves, take pictures of the contents in them. Don't forget closets. Depending on your camera memory, this make take several rounds of taking pictures, downloading them, clearing the camera card memory and staring over again. If you are not using a digital camera, you will need lots of film.
After all of the pictures are stored or developed, being making a list of everything you have. Where appropriate, list the approximate original cost and purchase date. While personal items may change frequently, having a base list of your possessions will make an accounting of your things so much easier should the need arise.
Make copies of this list and store them in a fireproof box, a safety deposit box, of off site with family or friends. Keeping a copy in your emergency exit files is a good idea, too.
No one wants to think about a disaster affecting them or their home, but being prepared for one is a proactive way to protect what you own.
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