Posted by Julie Signore on April 12, 1999 at 09:26:39:
In Reply to: Saving in numbers... posted by Sue on April 07, 1999 at 09:15:32:
Aloha Sue...
Thank you for your kind words regarding 1,2,3 SORT IT! I’m glad you have found the website to be a valuable resource.
Sue, regarding your quest to find a “reasonable number of items” re: clothes, kitchen, linens etc....
This is a *very* interesting question!!!
Lets’ take each area separately, as I do not have a “reference list indicating precise numbers” -- it all comes down to individual needs & usage. Please note: the following comments are geared towards those wishing to *simplify* & are not meant as a rule of thumb for the world to follow :)
In simplifying you must continuously ask yourself the question: do I need it -- or do I want it?” (Huge distinction.)
OK. ... Here we go!
Kitchen:
....I really ask my clients a TON of questions to assist them in making the decision of what they truly need & use.
Ex: most kitchens have a drawer absolutely LOADED w/all types of gadgets. In most cases more than one of these drawers exist....meaning even more duplicates or unnecessary/unused items.
I highly recommend investing in a real good stainless steel set of kitchen utensils...a company that comes to mind for it’s great quality in this arena is William Sonoma. Remember, it’s all about *quality* not *quantity* here.
The necessary basic kitchen tools are soup ladle, solid spatula spoon,slotted spatula spoon, flat spatula, long fork, pasta ladle, skimmer & whisks. (Now if your a *baker* you may end up investing in a multi-size whisk set too -- as well as different types of bowls.)
I usually recommend a good set of wooden utensils in various sizes too. Beyond this you need a good butcher knife set (go with one of the German or Swiss companies -- purchase 1 at a time & even put them on your Christmas wishlist), steak knife set, 1 good strainer, measuring spoons, measuring cups, limited Tupperware containers, (avoid buying bulk brands -- you are not saving money purchasing this way) & end up w/far TOO many sizes that you will hardly ever use!!
Note: this is *not* a complete list because your *style* of baking/cooking may require additional items. The concept here is that there is absolutely no need for *doubles* -- especially when they are not used :)
Many people have far too many dishes ....primarily a good set for company & holidays as well as a daily set is sufficient. Personally, I am not the *china set* type myself :)
Hmmmm, as a kid I had a tendency to break a lot of dishes -- this even happened to me as an adult for some odd reason. I vowed to not own anything that was so fragile I’d be upset if it broke by someone else or myself. Why, I remember the time I was drying dishes for my mother in law after a holiday feast ...the plates were so thin & delicate...it broke right in the drying cloth!!
When I purchased my dishes I got a complete service for 8 from Dansk -- I got a neutral color that I can dress up for the best of parties ...or use daily :) The dishes are heavy -- yet not clunky looking -- more in the *pottery* line.
Now here’s a thought: many people use MUCH space storing dishes & glassware that is used only 2-3x per yr. I decided to get something, pretty, special & durable to share w/family & friends ALL the time! Why not? -- we deserve it ...on a regular basis.
I also never purchase paper napkins -- we’re worth “the good stuff” on a regular basis so I use cloth napkins & it’s not a problem tossing a few extra small items into the washer :) Not to mention the fact that it’s more environmentally friendly :)
Invest in a GOOD set of pots & pans -- once again William Sonoma carries some of the best brands around -- I personally love my Chantal set.
You see the idea is ...if you *invest* in these utensils once -- they never need replacing, & you won’t grab items on a whim while shopping. My pots, pans, knifes, stainless steel utensils etc are well over 15 years old -- yet look & work like they are still brand new!!
For more details -- check out the “recipe for organizing your kitchen -- I cover this extensively!!
Linens:
Get in the habit of *donating* the many towels & sheets you no longer use, like or need! Also get in the habit of “wearing them out” prior to buying more! Many people purchase new linens every year during all the white sales -- then end up w/no linen closet space & everything jammed in creating clutter & dis-organization.
IMHO, each family member needs 3 sets of towels. You also need “quest towels” for visiting company. In this case a 1/2 dozen extra towel sets covers the *average* gamut... Yet will be contingent on how large your company groups are. (Take the largest group of gusts you seem to have & add 3 to it.)
Each bed needs 2 sets of sheets, 2 blankets, a summer & a winter bedspread/cover. Beyond these numbers is a person’s choice. If you have the room & the money & USE it. I know many people like to change the “look” of the room on a regular basis -- that’s there prerogative. I am answering your question in regards to “bottom line needs.” :)
Clothes:
There are many stores that assist in wardrobe consulting. This also cuts down on expenses in this arena because the mix & match concept can go a LONG way IF you are versed in the how to. I personally stay away from “fad clothes” -- they can fill a closet in no time & then next season you are stuck w/”outdated clothes”.
I spend a considerable amount on my clothing -- yet I invest in “classic styles”. Whenever I go to conventions, seminars, give presentations etc...it never fails that I receive compliments on the style of my attire -- so “classic” does not translate to “fuddy-duddy dressing” :)
What you *need* ??? Skirts, slacks & blazers are a must -- yet 3 of each can create an extensive wardrobe IF you know how to accessorize, & mix/match. 2 basic suits (lite & dark). Personally I like dresses...you also can change the look by changing the accessory &/or adding in a jacket.
Note: the climate you live in will further define your wardrobe.
Now where I tend to have *more* is in the blouse/top department ...basically because this will immediately change the look in the same outfit from office, to meetings, to after hours & even “dressy”.
In the belt department I learned a trick a long time ago & never seem to have to go out & purchase any others . I paid an incredible amount of $$ for 1 of each of the following belts: gold, silver, black, brown, neutral & 1 mid size leather belt for “jeans”. These are all the belts I own & believe me they add so much to each outfit!!! I do not have “skinny belts” nor do I have “extra wide” belts -- yet each are of a different size in the middle & none look “dated”.
Shoes:
Now THIS category will be very different from person to person.
Do you prefer heels or flats or both? If both, you need to double the basic colors. You also need a pair of real dressy shoes, dress sandals, play sandals, sneakers, hiking boots. These are what I would consider “basic shoes.”
The shoe department is a whole can of worms IMHO -- yet purchasing 5 pairs of black heels is not necessary if your attempting to *simplify* -- yet once again if you have the space & money & will WEAR THEM ALL -- the choice is always yours. I am not one to make a judgement on how much of something someone decides they want. :)
I have never worked w/a client from the “rich & famous” where a 20x24 room is a walk-in closet. My people come from all walks of life , w/all sizes of closets, kitchens & offices & needs. It primarily all comes down to USE. What we have to work with in *space* is the next determining factor for what one can keep in an organized fashion.
The bottom line as a PO is ....assisting people in making the decision to keep what they use. :) If you owned 100 pairs of shoes or 5 sets of dishes ...had the space ...had the budget & USED them all -- then I would never suggest removing the item.
Beyond, what may appear to be “excessive” to someone else ..it always comes down to “When was the last time you USED it?????”
Hope something here helps & I hope to hear from other visitors in this regard :) Mahalo for your great question!
Much Aloha,
Julie Signore - CEO
1,2,3 SORT IT Organizing Solutions -- Innovative Tools
NSA Member, NAPO Member