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
10.28.04
Battle the encroaching clutter
piles with basket.
Dear
Kathi,
I seem to spend my time constantly tackling piles around my house.
I often get rid of two-three piles a week but when I turn around,
another one has suddenly materialized. Nothing I do seems to permanently
remove the piles from my life. How can I stop this madness?
Debora, Cardiff
Debora,
Congratulations on tackling two-three piles per week! It appears that
you are determined to win in this battle.
Piles beget piles. This means that if we put away everything but one
item from a pile, it will reproduce another pile as if by magic. When
you tackle piles, do not stop until each and every item has found
it’s home.
Clutter always chooses the path of least resistance. When we come
home tired and don’t take the time to put away the items we
bring into our home, a pile begins.
Our natural tendency is to drop an item beside something else that
is waiting to be put away. We rationalize that putting it there will
increase the likelihood that both items will be dealt with in the
morning. And so begins the pile.
One way to reduce your frustration is to keep two baskets by the front
door. One will be for in-bound goods and the other for outbound. When
you have a moment, take the in-bound basket on a tour of your home
and return each item to its proper space.
The outbound basket will help keep you organized. As you find items
that need to leave home like film to be processed or clothing to return,
place them in your basket. Before you leave home each day, glance
inside to see if you are heading in the direction that any of these
items need to go. If so, grab whatever needs a ride and you are on
your way to streamlining you errand time.
Make sure your baskets are medium sized (10-12 inches) and you will
keep your piles under control and your time dealing with them to a
minimum.
Dear
Kathi,
I like to collect shot glasses and sports memorabilia. My wife is
fed up with them lying around the house and is threatening to throw
them out if I don’t do something with them soon. What can I
do to salvage my collection and keep the peace in my home?
Ed R., Carlsbad
Ed,
Gather your shot glasses and memorabilia together. Take inventories
and decide if you need to keep every item. Are some items damaged
or in poor condition? Try to let go of the items that aren’t
in excellent condition. This will typically make your remaining collection
more valuable.
Create or buy attractive storage containers suited for your collectibles.
Clear Lucite boxes are manufactured in a plethora of sizes and shapes.
Consider showcasing your flat collectibles in picture frames. Shadow
boxes will keep your shot glasses free from dust and grouped into
one visually appealing space. Use small narrow shelves to display
trophies, photos or baseball hats.
Store your beloved items with style and your wife is more likely to
appreciate your collections.Attention Readers!
November is National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Month! Do you have
any problems with things that lurk in your fridge? If so, email me
your questions and maybe you’ll have room for the turkey and
all the trimmings on Thanksgiving!
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
