Comments for 5 Great Tools for Packrats and Clutterbugs

5 Great Tools for Packrats and Clutterbugs

2009-11-02T22:43:24Z

While the rest of the world is digitizing and consolidating their belongings, some of us just can't stop being the pack rats that we are. While the Kindle offers a good daytime reading experience, it's tough to justify taking it into the bath or falling asleep with it nestled against your cheek. My home is filled with books I no longer need but love to lend out. Whether your home is filled with books, camping gear, vinyls or video games, if you're a collector below are some tools to help you manage your stuff:

]]> 1. 5ftShelf: According to the site's intro Harvard University's president once claimed that, "...a liberal education could be achieved by reading a collection of books that would total no more than 5ft in width." In addition to your list of quintessential books, 5ft Shelf offers collectors a chance to showcase their favorite albums and movies. While the Ultimate Shelf (popular section) largely consists of classic works, a few contemporary works including the Twilight novel are also listed.

2. Delicious Monster: Delicious Monster allows users to scan their CDs, DVDs, video games and books using a webcam UPC reader. From here users are shown a photo-realistic shelf where all of their real-life products are displayed.

3. MyThings: MyThings also offers users a chance to index their physical objects and keep track of receipts and warranties in one place. One of the interesting components of MyThings is that in the event of a break-in, your MyThings database can be immediately sent to Trace.com - a tool that tracks lost and stolen property.

4. Neighborgoods: ReadWriteWeb covered Neighborgoods' launch in early October. This service allows users to interact in a hyper-local manner by indexing their goods for loan to their neighbors. Neighbors lends out lawnmowers, power washers and ladders to others in their area. The system will keep a running record of all your goods.

5. BookMooch: Bookmooch is a book exchange site where users list the books they'd like to give away and send them out once other members make requests. For every book you send, you are entitled to a book from another member. This is a great way to get rid of your unwanted books. The service also offers the option to donate books to charity.

Photo Credits: Jane Rahman

Comment from Dean on 2009-11-02

2009-11-02T23:20:07Z

Please don't forget iTrackmine.com. iTrackmine.com is an aggregator of everything you own. Including a collection manager, mobile shopping assistant (iPhone, Android and other mobile devices), and social tools like friends Gift Lists and comparisons.

Thanks!

Comment from Lawrence on 2009-11-02

2009-11-02T23:34:07Z

Although I can't really use any of these items, I can definitely appreciate the niche and realize the need for these services.

Comment from Jean-Michel Decombe on 2009-11-02

2009-11-02T23:34:58Z

I highly discourage anyone from using Delicious Monster. It *used* to be a cool app... but that is no longer the case. The support is abysmal. The latest version is unable to convert my database from the previous version. I would not even use it if it were free. Others might have been luckier, but that is my personal experience.

Comment from True Religion jeans on 2009-11-02

2009-11-03T01:30:43Z

I would not even use it if it were free. Others might have been luckier, but that is my personal experience.

Comment from OurShelf on 2009-11-03

2009-11-03T11:41:50Z

People who like these apps might also like OurShelf. OurShelf empowers users through the things they own and the people they know. Find great deals, read trusted reviews, track all the items you borrow or lend, catalog and organize anything.

You can even import all your amazon past purchases and sell items straight from your shelf on craigslist.

For more information check out: http://beta.rshelf.com/about

Paul (CEO and cofounder)

Comment from Jimi Jones on 2009-11-03

2009-11-03T21:55:52Z

When I saw "Packrats", I wondered who was calling me. :-)
Nice tips here that I can check out. This article and the comments as well are all helpful.

Thanks for sharing everyone!

Comment from CRB on 2009-11-04

2009-11-04T08:57:35Z

I know we could use a couple of these to help keep my office organized.

Comment from Tim on 2009-11-05

2009-11-05T13:08:20Z

Similar to Bookmooch, there is also Paperbackswap - http://www.paperbackswap.com/ - which, in my experience, is a tad more user-friendly than Bookmooch (though both are nice services).

I use both as a one-two punch to keep my bookshelves in a constant state of refresh.

Comment from Punsri on 2010-01-31

2010-01-31T08:11:17Z

Checkout Rentalic.com, a Silicon Valley based start up that provides an innovative web platform for renting and sharing goods and services. It's starting to get a lot of attention from the media as well as local communities.

http://consumerist.com/2010/01/rent-out-your-household-items-for-fun-and-profit.html