Advice
Welcome to our advice section. Every week I answer new questions submitted
by readers on Organizing, Image, Fashion and Event Planning.
You can read my "AddSPACE To Your Life!" column every week
in San Diego's “The Coast News" or read the archived columns
below.
E-mail your questions to advice@addspacetoyourlife.com
7.15.04
Organizing a cluttered and
messy garage
Q: I need help! My garage has everything in it but my car, which
can’t fit because of all of the other stuff in it. I don’t
even know where to begin.
A: Don’t despair, clutter is a challenge that we all face. To
begin, remove everything from your garage. I know this sounds intimidating,
but this is the only way you will clearly see what you are holding
onto. Start three piles outside on the lawn and separate your clutter
into: throw away, donate and keep. Follow this rule: keep only what
you’ve used in the past year or plan on using in the near future,
i.e. within six months! If you can’t part with something because
it has sentimental value, consider whether it’s the item that
holds the good memories or simply the memory itself that is good.
Remember that memories take up a lot less space than the items associated
with them.
Q: How far in advance should I invite guests to my party?
A: When you plan a party for local guests, send written invitations
at least three weeks in advance. This gives your guests ample time
to RSVP. For verbal invitations, call ten-fourteen days before your
event. If you wait until three-five days prior to your event, even
if it is very informal, your guests will get the impression that they
are on the B-team list. Additionally, when planning your menu, consider
the special needs of your guests. Do you need to accommodate special
diets i.e. Atkins or vegetarians? Will you need to provide activities
for the children so the adults can relax and enjoy themselves?
Q:
I want to create a new image and update my wardrobe. My baby is going
into pre-school and I will soon begin working full time and stepping
out into the real world. What clothes should I buy?
A: A good wardrobe requires less pieces than you might think. You
only need a few, truly great items, then wear them for every occasion.
Every woman should have the "indispensables": perfectly-fitted
dark pants, flattering jeans, a pencil-cut or A-line skirt, white
button-down blouse, trench coat, and little black dress. Each of these
timeless pieces should be of the very best quality you can afford
and should be tailored to flatter your body type. As the basis of
your closet, simply combine these pieces with a few trendy accessories
to keep an updated look. Your "indispensable" well-tailored
pieces elevate everything else in your wardrobe. Once you find the
shape that flatters your figure, stick with it despite the trends
and you will always look your best. The trends can be reflected with
your accessories, i.e. bright colors, large bangles, handbags etc
Kathi is a professional organizer, image consultant and event planner
based in San Diego California.
Please
submit your questions to:
advice@addspacetoyourlife.com
.
San Diego Professional Organizer
