Today's One Minute Tip comes from Amelia Meena, of Appleshine Lifestyle Organization. For some thoughts on how to control four common overflow areas, see below the jump!
"Pay attention to these common areas that often overflow: bookshelves, storage areas, wardrobes and gift items. Don't be enticed to overload a bookshelf; maintain a sense of order and stay away from crammed clutter. Designate one storage area and don't let yourself keep more things than can fit inside it - and keep it clearly categorized and accessible in order to find what you're looking for. A wardrobe should be inspiring and exciting; weed out any dull, ill-fitting and outdated clothing. And make your momma proud with good manners when receiving a gift but don't feel obligated to keep it if it doesn't work with your lifestyle. Don't be afraid to use the size of your apartment as an excuse - it's a real one! Sometimes it's simply the thought that counts." - 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.
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Links:
• 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
Must-See Small Cool Homes: Week Two
Beth's Romantic & Retro Residence
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Shaw's Original Fir...
How to Bake a Potato: Three Easy Methods
How To Cook Tender, Chewy Wheat Berries on the Stovetop
Wow ! I LOVE the message. Having just enough stuff to fill the space you actually live in. I guess you can't drag things home from the thrift store for "someday".
I'd like to see more of her apartment. It is gorgeous.
Dang, this is just the message I needed to purge my bookshelves so I can make room for my art supplies. *sigh* Now I HAVE to do it. Sorry, books. You were loved.
Yessss!
totally
You would think this would be common sense but so many don't get it. Nice to be reminded. I too would like to see HER space. Love the colors.
Such an important concept, I need to work on it myself. Thanks for the inspirational butt kick!
Very insightful and inspirational.
An OT comment but she looks like a brunette Kristen Bell.
Thank you for giving a new meaning to that phrase. I always took it to mean "economically".
So true! Downsized this past year and purged. So freeing. For our annual Christmas party we asked for no hostess gifts but for those who would not dream of coming empty handed, a small donation to an animal rescue that we love. So much more appreciated and nothing to get rid of at our next garage sale.
I agree with keeping things as uncluttered as possible, but I don't agree with it in general.
What I mean is, my mom uses "live within your means" as a crutch. It's fine when used in a "don't buy an expensive car on a loan if you only make $30,000 a year" kind of way. But it's limiting if you use it as, "you can't own an expensive car at all." If you save up and buy the car outright, that fine, isn't it?
It may make your apartment more cluttered, but focus on organizing it well and keep dreaming and working toward the bigger place. That's what I meant to say. If you're unsatisfied with the size of place you have now, don't just live with that. Dream of a bigger place, buy whatever you want, and make the bigger place happen somehow!
Wisely said :)
Well stated Amelia.
Wisdom.
True.
YES YES & YES! Love America but soooo tired of the greed & gluttony!
I disagree about the books! Having "too many books" is like having "too much spinach" with dinner- NEVER feel guilty about it!!
I love this and it is totally my philosophy. My husband and I live in a just under 1100 foot house with three cats. For most people in my suburban California city, this is considered a tiny house. But to us, it is WAY more than enough room. I make a conscious effort daily to keep my house minimal and uncluttered. Our storage areas actually have room if we needed to store something! What a concept. ;) Our ultimate goal is to move to Los Angeles in the next few years, and knowing that we will be downsizing even further keeps me in check as well. I find it interesting that most people aspire to eventually live in a bigger space, while I aspire to live even smaller.
I find it highly amusing that this post comes directly under the one about President Day Sales. I read that first and lusted after a few things...and then was reminded of this survival skill of living within my means.
But I do not have too many books. Teapots, coffee mugs...maybe....but like jello, there's always room for books in my house
I can't imagine getting rid of books to make room for .... art supplies?
Americans need to get over their mentality that a 5,000 foot McMansion would solve all their problems.
I can't imagine getting rid of books to make room for .... art supplies?
Americans need to get over their mentality that a 5,000 foot McMansion would solve all their problems.
@ SweetCommunist
If you've read a book and have no intention of reading it again, what's wrong with putting it in the hands of someone who will enjoy it? Not only will you generously improve another life but you also will free up space for something that brings you pleasure.
Obviously you're not an artist or you would know that supplies take up a lot of space but they are absolutely necessary unless one's art is created out of thin air. You're obviously not a Communist either or you would abhor individuals hording material goods that could be shared by the community. And who said anything about McMansions? We're talking making room to live within our means. Many AT readers do and I would venture that very few of us covet McMansions.
In these e-book days, shelf clutter is easier to avoid. And, I just did a closet makeover this summer, just as AM describes. It's wonderful to see everything clearly; it makes me more creative about dressing and somehow indulgent: although there's very little in my closet, it's all beautifully displayed, if only for me.
A nice interpretation of the "traditional" translation of that concept. If anyone has ever watched that show on HGTV "Love it or LIst" it- you will see that most of the people (not all) but many say they need more space or outgrew their home...but really they are seeking to move away from their clutter and mess- and start fresh as opposed to clean up or clean out their existing home. It's sad and frustrating to watch.
i though i recognize her. fellow runnyc club member. =)
great tip!