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.

Kathi is a professional organizer, image consultant and event planner based in San Diego California.

Please submit your questions to: [email protected].

San Diego Professional Organizer