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
8.05.04
Leave the junk behind –
purge when you move
Dear Kathi,
We are moving across country and will have a new three-car garage.
We swear we won’t clutter it up this time, but I am already
worried. What tips can you give me to break our garage dumping ground
habit?
Ren, Business Owner
Ren,
Plan ahead and make a list of the items that you need to store in
your new garage. Items that are normally kept in garages include lawn
equipment, holiday decorations, sports equipment, tools and excess
household supplies bought in bulk. Do you have any additional items
to store? Determine how many cabinets and shelves are currently in
your new garage. Before you move in, use this time to build additional
storage in your garage. Efficient garages feature a row of cabinets
that line an entire wall, floor to ceiling. Open shelves on the wall
closest to your home entrance will conveniently store household supplies
bought in bulk. Holiday decorations should be grouped together and
stored high and out of the way. Sports equipment should be low and
easily accessible. To avoid future garage clutter follow this rule;
items that no longer work or fit inside your home do not go to your
garage. Do not pass go and take your excess furniture and old light
fixtures directly to your favorite charity. If the item is too big
for you to haul, call the charity and schedule a pick-up. The evening
before the truck arrives, place the items in front of your house.
Don’t put anything “temporarily” in your garage
and you will be on your way to consistently parking cars in your new
garage.
Dear Kathi,
My clothes closet is bulging at the seams! How do I decide what to
keep and what to get rid of?
Lyn,
Encinitas
Lyn,
One technique is to go quickly through your clothes and discard everything
that you haven’t worn in the last year. Keep a fast pace, make
quick decisions and do not hesitate. Put these neglected clothes in
large garbage bags and don’t look back. Seal the bags, put them
immediately into the trunk of your car and take them away to your
favorite charity. This might sound tough but trust me; you will not
miss these items. If you do happen to think about them once or twice,
get over it! Realize that over 80% of the clothes in the average closet
will only see the light of day once a year. What a waste of space!
Why not keep only the clothes that make you feel and look fabulous?
In future columns there will be more tips about clothes that will
make you look fabulous.
Dear
Kathi,
My business partners make fun of my crazy ties with wild patterns
like
chile peppers and pictures of Mickey Mouse. I could really use some
help
finding that ultimate power tie.
Bob
V. Carlsbad
Bob,
There is a reason that these types of ties are called novelty ties.
They are not to be taken seriously and in my opinion should not be
given or worn. I’m glad to hear that you are ready to reform.
Power ties are easy to buy. Start your search looking for solid colors.
Red is the penultimate power tie color. Gold is the second runner
up. Focus your attention on finding ties with discreet patterns and
a subtle sheen. Please refrain from wearing shiny ties with large
patterns or images. Power is subtle and understated. The strength
of a power tie is reflected in it’s refined patterning. Pinstripes
are a bit more difficult. Focus on solid colors (preferably red, gold,
yellow or silver) and you will be on the right track.
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
