NPR on the Importance of Organization
Today on Dan Rodricks’ show on WYPR’s 88.1 (NPR in Maryland) he featured two guests during his Midday show – Dave Bruno and Amy Rehkemper. Dan kicked off the show with Dave Bruno, a self proclaimed minimalist who has less than 95 items in his possession. Granted he confessed that he counts all his underwear as 1 item, but among his clothes, pens, gadgets, etc. – Dave has 95 items he can call his own. Dave explains in the interview with Dan that it isn’t about the magic number 95 – it’s about getting rid of things in his life that create clutter. He also shares that getting rid of items was harder than he expected – some charities were particular about the items he donated. So his endeavor was easier said than done but in the end – he prevailed. And he’s happier for it! And, as we can all imagine, he saves money. He doesn’t buy something new without thinking hard about it. Each new item is a tough decision because something has got to go – the decision of what he’ll get rid of so this new item doesn’t create more clutter. A lesson we could all learn!
The second half, Dan Rodricks spoke with Amy Rehkemper, a professional organizer in Towson, Maryland. Amy gave listeners insight into the importance of clearing out the clutter and what it is like to work with a professional organizer. She talked broadly about the different types of clients she’s worked with – including chronic hoarders, ADHD, married couples, or people who work from home. One thing that she stressed was that regardless of the client’s needs they have to want to be organized. You can’t call on behalf of your sister and hire an organizer – your sister has to want to be organized and want to work with the organizer. As an organizer, if the client isn’t ready, then you are wasting the organizer’s time, the client’s time and the client’s money. Amy also stressed the importance of the age old rule – everything has a place. If you can’t find a home for something in your home then it will inevitably become clutter and it needs to go!
Dan Rodricks did a great job speaking with both Dave Bruno and Amy Rehkemper and taking questions and comments from callers. The hour long show drove home the importance of how clearing your clutter can make room for better things in your life. Sometimes this involves tough decisions but in the end these decisions give you the time, space, and peace that you’ve been searching for.