When Amelia Meena told me that she sometimes tells her clients to think of their relationship with their apartment the same way they would think of dating someone, at first I said, whaaaaat??? And then, it all came clear.
Today's One Minute Tip comes from Amelia Meena of Appleshine, Lifestyle Organization. Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!!!
"Every relationship takes a little effort, even the relationship with your apartment. Try "dating" your apartment. Don't let your past weigh it down- get rid of old stuff that you have no intention of keeping. Make room for some one-on-one time- schedule an hour each week to go through the junk mail, sort the recycling or organize papers on your desk. Show some TLC- gift your apartment with special items that inspire and enhance your living space and clear out items that create clutter. And, most importantly, accept your apartment for what it is; don't try to change it- embrace the quirky flaws that give your apartment character and organize around them." - Amelia
• The Star: Amelia Meena moved to New York City in a roundabout way from Kentucky, bringing only 2 suitcases and dreams of Broadway. Nearly a decade later, she's sung onstage, acted on screen and has found the best thing about organization is efficiency (it's gone up to 4 suitcases now but that's still pretty good for city living). Her company, Appleshine, Lifestyle Organization, has helped men, women, families and businesses clear out clutter and make the most of their space. When she's not Appleshining someone's lifestyle, she's running in Central Park, playing violin with a bluegrass band, catching up on reading for her 2 book clubs or wandering around The Container Store.
• More Videos: Go To Video Channel
• Submissions Welcome: Are you a Maker? Do you have great how-tos and tips to share? Do you have a winning personality or are you just a great character? Tell us here and we'll consider sending our video team to tape you for the site.
MORE AMELIA MEENA ON APARTMENT THERAPY:
• Live Within Your Means
• Interview: NYC Professional Organizer Amelia Meena
• How to Prepare Your Space for the Holidays Pt 1-4
• 10 Ways to Get Organized for Summer Travel
Before & After: Emily Henderson Transforms a Senior's Studio Space
Monica & Austin's Charming Bungalow
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
White Enamel Four-P...
How to Make Easy 3-Ingredient Energy Bars at Home
True Greek Recipe: Paximadi Bread Salad with Tomatoes, Feta and Capers
Absolutely LOVE this! It is exactly the way I feel about my home! I'm in a loving relationship with it most days, but when I feel most discontented there, is when I've dropped the relationship ball and haven't kept up my end of the bargain! :) Thanks for reminding me of this very important truth about the Havens we all call home!
What a smart way to think about our homes. I'm guilty of projecting my own discontent onto my house- maybe I should treat it the way I would like to be treated!
I love this idea. I have recently "embraced the quirky flaws" of my 100+ year old house and we are both much better for it!
Good stuff. Thanks, Amelia, from Diana in your home state.
Wonderful!
Sweet, but that lit candle on the bed is making me nervous...
ditto Luminoustrout!!!
Also try to make love to your apartment at least once a week. But, hey, I'll let AT readers figure out their own ways to do that! ;)
Sweet video. So true about "make an effort to clean up on a regular basis." Nothing more satisfying then coming home to a clean place and going to bed in a made bed.
I love this! What a nice reminder to be grateful for your home :)
I like this video.
I hated my house for years, but then I started reading AT. Now I have a great living room, art on my walls, and a kitchen remodel in my future. I'm still messier than I'd like to be, but my progress has been substantial. Thanks AT.
Dating your apartment is so NOT like dating you significant other!
It's much easier "changing" and "improving" your apartment!
Trying to change your S.O only causes problems.
I will keep in mind the things Amelia said and maybe get something nice for the place. And I'll tell my friend about the video, as she loathes the studio she owns.
When I first saw the title, I thought..'really', but after a few days, I decided to click on the video. So charming. The kiss she gave to her bed was priceless.
I love my home...I really have to as I work from home so it would be a drag if I hated it! :oD
This is cool. I've been in love with my apartment for 16 years now....and keep joking with the landlord that I'll only leave feet first. I guess I am fully committed! :)
that is a seriously great dress!
great!
but to be honest - I stopped listening when i saw the candle on the bed.
I kept waiting for Smokey the Bear to pop in and say
"Only YOU can prevent bed fires"
I love your point of view Amelia. (Once upon a time I was a Kentucky girl in NYC myself.)
Please get that lit candle off the bed - yikes!! Cute video BTW
Ça c'est juste une affaire de filles... pas un gars pourrait juste penser de même.
i was so inspired that i made my bed this morning!
Only one type of "fire" is allowed on the bed. Candle fire is a no-no.
I'm giving the filmmaker the benefit of the doubt on the candle--special just for the film..
Otherwise, I agree with the idea that you have to love your home affectionately. Mine is sort of torn apart right now because it's having some work done....it's making me feel unsettled. I will pretend my house is in the hospital and try to make it as comfortable as possible during the process.. The reminder came at a good time.
How lovely! One of my favourite posts.
Sweet. It's snowing here right now and I have just had a little spat with my space about not keeping me warm enough, even with a fire in the fireplace. My space claims it's my fault because I buy throws and lap blankets for looks, not warmth. I countered with the thousands I spent on a new roof and replacing windows and doors. Now we aren't speaking.
Maybe tonight I'll buy some flowers and champagne and we'll make-up.
Love this!
Loved this way of thinking about home! I'm so happy in my new apartment, after the trauma I went through owning a house. When I come home, I'm so pleased to be here, even though it's not perfect. And the January Cure was a nice "gift" to give to it!
Well makiong a merry home out of ones house culminates the accumulation of state of the art furniture and good living at your living place. Some efforts would pay a lot in making a good living out of your house.
LOL! I'm glad I'm not the only one freaked out by the candle on the bed. I kept imagining my cat jumping on the bed to spill hot wax and fire everywhere. Lovely post though!
Thanks for all the lovely comments, friends! Just wanted to put everyone's mind at ease that Amelia would never, ever, keep a lit candle on her bed like that, nor would Apartment Therapy suggest that you would... it was just a little bit of poetic filmmaking on our part. :) Glad you all enjoyed!