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The Clutter Clinic back issues
In March 2003...
Kate asked "Help. I can't stop buying shoes. Last time I counted them I had 65 pairs! My boyfriend is getting upset because they are stacked up in the spare room he uses as an office."
Sue answers: Like many women, think of Carrie in Sex and the City, you obviously love shoes. If you have a collection and you love everything in it, then it's not clutter. However if you feel guilty and stressed, then it's time to take action.
Firstly find a couple of hours when you won't be disturbed and gather all your shoes together near a full length mirror. Have fun - try them all on and sort them into piles...
1. Keep -
you love them , you wear them, they're in good condition.
2. Keep and mend. Those you still love but need attention put aside for
the menders.
3. Let go Those blue ones you got in the sales, that are ½ size
too small. Those expensive gold ones that cost £150 and you've never
worn. Why not sell them at your local dress agency?
4. Tatty ones - recycle these.
5. Not sure. Store them with a date on the outside, say six months hence.
If you still haven't worn them in that period, then you know they've got
to go! Chuck, sell or recyle according to their state.
Storage
Now you've edited your shoes, think about storage. One option is to store them in the original shoe boxes and stick a photo of the shoes on the outside for quick reference.
Also, use the 20/80 rule. Place the 20% you wear most of the time somewhere accessible like the bottom of your wardrobe. Get a shoe rack, or see-through plastic shoe boxes. Try IKEA, John Lewis or www.theholdingcompany.co.uk.
Hopefully,
Kate, your boyfriend will not have to fight your shoes to work in the
spare room. Good luck with it and remember next time the shoe urge strikes
try to give away one pair for every new pair you bring into your home!
