Garage organizing, Purging clothes closet, Choosing a power tie

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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.

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San Diego Professional Organizer

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