Videotapes galore

Two clients this week have a similar issue: too many video tapes. They both use the tapes for recording TV shows or movies they want to view later. Sometimes they watch the show, but not usually. So they hang onto the unwatched show for a week or a month hoping they will view it. They keep it longer for a rainy day. Some are not labeled, so after a month or so, they have forgotten what's even on the tape. Some are labeled sports events, but after a few weeks, don't seem very important any more. Neither one ever seems to recycle their tapes or toss them out.
They say out loud that they'll never get around to watching them all (hundreds), but still don't want to give them to charity.

What would you tell them to do?

• A. Just give them all away and don't look back.
• B. Make time to watch them all.
• C. Put them in a box in the attic and forget about them.
• D. other answer (send me your comment)

Here is my solution for M.M. who still wants to keep taping shows:

• Pick 14 tapes to keep as record tapes. Label them Saturday 1 - Sunday 1, and Saturday 2 - Sunday 2.
• Record your shows using the corresponding day tape. This gives them 2 full weeks to watch their shows before they get taped over.
• If you don't see the show after 2 weeks, you can record over it or add onto the end of the tape.

Here is my solution for R.B. who has TIVO in addition to a VCR:

• Quit taping shows. Just Tivo them and watch them within 2 weeks. If you don't seem to watch them within a reasonable time, don't bother recording at all and quit feeling guilty about it.

More tips and tricks are available on my web site: http://www.TheProfessinalOrganizer.com.