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I Love My Stuff: Home Office Edition

Matt Ramsey: Father, Entrepreneur, World Traveler
February 12, 2025

We’ve all heard the saying, “A man’s home is his castle,” but is that really the case? In my experience, our home has long been the domain of my wife, children, and four-legged family members.  

My wife has a simple, Scandinavian inspired home aesthetic honed after her time living in Denmark. My children tend to embrace the “leave-it-where-you-left-it-until-you-have-to-move-it” approach to home decorating, or rather cluttering. And where or what exactly does that leave me in the equation? I get my home office. The one room in our house that is unequivocally, unabashedly 100 percent me. My stuff, my stories, my memories, and yes, even my clutter, although it’s not clutter to me. It’s my stuff, and I love it.  

Shelves, Shelves, and More Shelves! 

When I say I love my shelves, what I’m really saying is that I love the items that are displayed on my shelves, and coincidentally behind me during every one of my Zoom calls. Three shelves and as many decades (if not more!) of stuff that tells my story and highlights the places I’ve been and the things I’ve done.  

Let’s start with my technology shelf. Yes, I am a geek at heart, having been an electrical engineering student at Virginia Tech back in the day. As we used to say, you can’t spell “geek” without a double “EE.” I have a shelf dedicated to all the tech 'stuff' I have used over the years—my original 1992 Motorola flip phone, a Walkman (remember those?), a few Gameboys, a GPS tracker, and one of my most prized possessions, a Microvision Blockbuster gaming device. Our youngest stares wide eyed at this shelf wondering how on Earth we used to function “back in the day” absent smart phones, tablets, and the like. The older kids however love the shelf and always have a “remember when” story to go with the less ancient ‘stuff.’ 

 

My technology shelf, remember when?

I have a shelf dedicated to my more active flying days, when I had my own plane. (That however is a much longer story for another day, although I did document it in Artifcts for safe keeping!) 

I also have a shelf (and a windowsill!) dedicated to the places I’ve been and the mementos I’ve picked up along the way. Incense burners from my time in India, and sound bowls from Kathmandu. 

 

Mementos from multiple trips across southeast Asia. 

You can tell a lot about me by what’s on my shelves. And although my shelves may look cluttered to some and I have occasionally heard on Zoom calls, “wow, you have a lot of stuff,” I know what each and every item is and, more importantly, my family knows why I have the stuff that I have and what it means to me. What do your shelves say about you? 

What do your shelves say about you?

What Good is an Office Without Books? 

Another corner of my office is dedicated to my book collection. As my wife likes to note, I was never much of a reader until I met her; she introduced me to the joy of reading and now I have a bookshelf that is a literal time capsule of the years we’ve been together.  

There are travel books for the places we’ve been, and biographies and autobiographies of the events we’ve attended and the notables we’ve seen speak. There’s also a healthy dose of fiction and non-fiction. I haven’t gotten around to Artifcting all my books yet, and I may not at the rate I’m going, but I have Artifcted the ones that mean the most to me. The ones I want my kids to know mattered to me and why. You can check out some of my favorites, including The Unwinding of the Miracle by Julie Yip Williams in my most Influential Books Artifct.   

And Don’t Forget the Walls! 

Some of my favorite ‘stuff’ doesn’t fit neatly on the shelf—a tapestry from my travels in southeast Asia, framed concert posters, and even children’s artwork. If the walls could talk, my office walls would continue to tell my story.

One of my favorite framed moments? My business card from the first company I founded. It’s a long story and a private Artifct, but having that card framed and readily viewable to all who enter my office is really important to me. It reminds me of my father, and my desire to make him proud of me given all the sacrifices he and my mother made for us growing up. It’s a testament to hard work and determination, and a reminder to all my children that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. 

Yes, I really do love my ‘stuff.’ And although I may not have much say over what the rest of the house looks like most days, my office is my castle, my domain, and the ‘stuff’ in my office is much more than ‘stuff.’ It’s my story, my memories.

I hope this piece has inspired you to tackle your office and add to your story, one object at a time. Oh, and once you Artifct your stuff, check out the timeline view where you can visualize your life and why you’re wired like you are! 

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You can also read previous ARTIcles Matt has written, including Father, World Traveler and Now Downsizer and Stuck In the Middle With Stuff

© 2025 Artifcts, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Looking Back with Gratitude, Looking Ahead with Purpose

Dear Artifcts Members, 

As we step into a brand-new year, I want to pause and say thank you. Artifcts exists because of you—your stories, your trust, and your belief that the memories behind our things matter just as much as the things themselves. As we reflect on 2025, I’m filled with gratitude and pride for what we’ve built together. 

This past year was one of meaningful growth and exciting milestones. We partnered with Clutter Cleaner to help families facing downsizing and life transitions preserve what truly matters—the stories and significance behind their belongings. This collaboration reinforced our shared belief that letting go of things doesn’t mean letting go of memories. 

We were also honored to be named one of Family Tree Magazine’s Top Genealogy Tech Websites for the third year in a row. This recognition reflects our continued commitment to supporting families, historians, and everyday memory-keepers with thoughtful, accessible technology. 

In 2025, I also had the opportunity to join the Northern Trust “Secrets of Enterprising Families” podcast, where we talked openly about legacy, loss, and practical estate planning. These conversations are at the heart of why Artifcts exists—to make space for reflection, clarity, and connection across generations. 

On the product side, we reached a major milestone with the launch of ARTIAssist, our first AI-backed feature. ARTIAssist was designed to make creating Artifcts easier and more intuitive, helping members capture historical and factual details behind their most cherished keepsakes. This was a big step forward for us, and we’re just getting started. 

None of this would be possible without your continued support, feedback, and enthusiasm. You inspire us every day. 

Looking ahead to 2026, we’re excited about what’s to come: 

  • Continued refinement of ARTIAssist and other AI-powered tools to help you create new Artifcts with confidence and ease 
  • Virtual workshops designed to help you get the most out of every Artifcts feature 
  • And a growing team, bringing new ideas, energy, and expertise to better serve our community 

Thank you for being part of the Artifcts family and for trusting us with your stories. Here’s to a new year filled with reflection, discovery, and connection—and to preserving what matters most, together. 

With gratitude and warm wishes for the year ahead, 


Co-Founder & CEO, Artifcts 
Happy New Year ✨ 

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Happy 12 Days of Artifcts!

The holidays have a way of stirring up memories—some wrapped in joy, some tucked quietly into the corners of our hearts. This year, Artifcts is celebrating those moments in a way that’s meaningful, creative, and deeply personal with the 12 Days of Artifcts holiday challenge. 

If you’ve been following along on our social channels, you’ve seen how powerful a single object can be when paired with a story. An old photograph. A travel souvenir. A well-loved family quilt. These aren’t just “things.” They’re touchstones to the people, places, and moments that shaped us. 

 

The first four days of our 12 Days of Artifcts challenge. Objects with stories, your stories!

That’s what the 12 Days of Artifcts is all about—and we’d love for you to join in the fun. 

Are You Up for a Challenge? 

We promise, our “challenge,” doesn’t involve Tik Tok or ice buckets, and it’s simple enough to do even if you’ve never done one of those “I-saw-it-on-the-evening-news" challenges before. 

Over 12 days, we share 12 different themes, one per day via our Facebook and Instagram pages. Each theme invites you to choose a meaningful item from your life and Artifct it—capture a photo, add the story behind it, and preserve the memory digitally for yourself and for the people you love. 

By the end of the challenge, you’ll have: 

  • 12 Artifcts
  • 12 memories preserved
  • 12 stories ready to share with family and friends—now or for generations to come 

There’s no right or wrong way to participate. Some people choose deeply sentimental items. Others lean into lighthearted or unexpected objects. Every Artifct tells a story worth saving. 

Every Artifct tells a story worth saving. 

A Theme for Every Kind of Memory and Artifct 

Each day’s theme offers a gentle nudge to look at your life through a new lens. One day might spark a story about family traditions. Another might bring back a personal milestone, a favorite place, or a meaningful relationship. Some themes make you smile instantly; others may surprise you with memories you hadn’t thought about in years. That’s part of the magic. 

You don’t need museum-worthy artifacts. The beauty of Artifcts is that meaning isn’t measured by monetary value—it’s measured by connection. If an item holds a story only you can tell, it belongs here. 

 
 
 
 
Pick a theme that works for you and join in the fun as we count down the 12 Days of Artifcts!

Why Participate? 

Because memories fade—but stories don’t have to. 

The 12 Days of Artifcts is more than a creative challenge. It’s an opportunity to pause during a busy season and reflect. To document the moments that matter. To create something lasting that you can revisit, share, and pass on. 

Many participants tell us that once they start, they can’t stop. One Artifct leads to another. One memory unlocks three more. Before you know it, you’re building a living archive of your life (and your holidays!)—your way. 

Share the Joy 

One of our favorite parts of the challenge is seeing how people share their Artifcts with others. Share yours on social media, tag us, and use #12DaysofArtifcts to be part of the community countdown. Or keep them private, sharing only with family and close friends. However you participateyou’re contributing to something meaningful. 

And don’t worry, this isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence, and preserving lasting memories and stories during the holidays.

It’s Not Too Late to Start 

If you’re reading this and thinking, “I missed a day… or five,” take a deep breath. You’re right on time. 

The 12 Days of Artifcts isn’t a race. Start today. Pick the theme that speaks to you most. Go back and fill in the others when you’re ready. The stories will wait for you. All that matters is beginning. 

As we count down the 12 Days of Artifcts, we invite you to reflect, remember, and create. At the end, you won’t just have a collection of items—you’ll have a collection of stories that only you can tell. 

So choose your first theme. Find your first item. And Artifct that {old photo, handmade ornament, special gift} or other holiday keepsake. From all of us at Artifcts, happy holidays and happy Artifcting! 

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© 2025 Artifcts, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Why an Artifcts Membership Is the #1 Holiday Gift for Grandparents Who Have Everything 

As the holiday season approaches and families search for meaningful, memorable gifts, one option rises above the usual sweaters, gadgets, and gift cards: a gift membership to Artifcts.com. For grandparents, who are often the keepers of stories, traditions, and treasured belongings, Artifcts offers something far more valuable than another item to unwrap. It offers a way to preserve their legacy, share memories, and connect with loved ones in a lasting, joyful way. 

A Modern Solution to a Timeless Desire: Sharing Stories 

Grandparents often have homes filled with objects rich in personal history—photographs, souvenirs, heirlooms, handmade pieces, letters, and charming odds and ends. But the stories behind those items aren’t always written down or passed along. 

Artifcts.com changes that. With an easy-to-use platform, grandparents can upload photos of meaningful items and record the stories, memories, and details behind them. Each “Artifct” becomes a digital keepsake—part story, part history, part heirloom—preserved beautifully for future generations. 

It’s the perfect way to capture moments like: 

  • The origin of Grandpa’s well-worn fishing hat
  • The recipe card with Grandma’s handwritten notes
  • The ornament that’s hung on the tree for 40 years
  • The ticket stub from their first date 

This isn’t just documentation—it’s storytelling. 

A Thoughtful Gift That Builds Connection 

A gift membership to Artifcts isn’t something that sits on a shelf. It’s a shared experience. 

Grandparents can invite family members into their private circle, allowing children and grandchildren to explore the stories behind the items they’ve always been curious about—or never knew existed, sparking conversations across generations, bridging distances, and helping younger family members better understand their roots. 

It’s especially meaningful for: 

  • Families who live far apart
  • Grandparents who want to connect with tech-savvy grandkids
  • Loved ones who want to preserve memories before they fade 

Perfect for Legacy, Estate, and Family Planning 

In addition to emotional value, Artifcts has practical benefits. Grandparents can document: the provenance of their heirlooms; instructions for what should happen to certain items someday with our "In the Future" field; and the significance of objects family members will inherit. With Artifcts you can pass down the stories, meaning, and value along with the actual item.  

This avoids confusion, conflict, or lost historical context later. Family decision-making becomes clearer—and more heartfelt—when the story behind each item is preserved. 

Tech-Friendly for All Ages 

Artifcts was designed to be simple for anyone to use—tech-savvy or not. The platform walks users through the process step-by-step, making it enjoyable and unintimidating. Our Quick Start Guide helps anyone age 16-97 get started right away, while our YouTube Channel offers dozens of short, easy to follow videos that will have you up and Artifcting in no time!

Plus, because it’s digital, grandparents can create and share Artifcts from the comfort of home or even use the mobile app when inspiration strikes. 

A Gift That Lasts Long After the Holidays 

While most holiday gifts are eventually forgotten, Artifcts grows more valuable with time. With every story uploaded, the gift becomes richer, deeper, and more meaningful. 

It's not just a membership—it’s: 

  • A storytelling tool
  • A memory-preservation system
  • A family-connection platform
  • A legacy-building experience 

And it becomes a treasured part of a grandparent’s life year-round. 

The Heart of the Holiday Season 

Ultimately, the best gifts are those that bring people closer together. A gift membership to Artifcts.com celebrates a grandparent’s life, honors their stories, and preserves them for generations to come. It transforms holiday giving into something timeless—ensuring that the memories, laughter, lessons, and love of today remain part of your family’s story forever. 

This holiday season, wrap up something truly meaningful. Give the gift of Artifcts. 

###

© 2025 Artifcts, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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