44: Let’s Organize Your Party and Home Decor Closet

In this episode, we’ll guide you through the process of organizing and decluttering your party and home decor closet. So whether you have a small closet or a dedicated room for your party supplies, this episode will provide you with practical tips and strategies to maximize accessibility and maintain an organized party and home decor closet.

In this episode we talk about:

Tips for Easy Retrieval
Organizing Your Party and Home Decor Closet
Tips for incorporating creativity into organizing your party and home decor closet

Mentioned in this Episode:

Episode 008: Step 1: Assess. The Power of Planning Ahead

https://theorganizedflamingo.com/8-step-1-assess-the-power-of-planning-ahead/

Episode 41: How to Keep Unwanted Critters Out of Your Storage Areas

https://theorganizedflamingo.com/41-how-to-keep-unwanted-critters-out-of-your-storage-areas/

Episode 004: A Different Way To Declutter: Seasonal Decluttering

https://theorganizedflamingo.com/4-a-new-decluttering-mindset-seasonal-decluttering/

Episode 001: 7 Steps to Organizing (almost) Anything

https://theorganizedflamingo.com/7-steps-to-organizing/

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The Organized & Productive podcast is brought to you by The Organized Flamingo and hosted by Stephanie Y. Deininger! For those of you who love the thought of organizing & being more productive, but don’t know where to start or constantly up against hurdles that don’t let you advance the way you want to, this podcast is for you!

Review full show notes and resources at

https://theorganizedflamingo.com/podcast

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Review the Transcript:

Hey organized and productive community and listeners Welcome to our next episode here at organized and productive. I'm Stephanie your host, aka the organized Flamingo. And today we are going to talk about organizing your party and home decor closet. In our typical fashion, how I like to usually do these types of episodes is I like to give you a quick overview when we first start the episode like right now, so that you know what to expect. So if I have a certain amount of tips that I'm giving you, I'll tell you, I have five tips 10 tips today, or I'll give you the overview of what we'll be talking about. So if you're new, that's usually how I do these solo episodes, so that you know what to expect. In today's episode, I'll be talking about assessing your space, which is our step one in our seven steps of organizing almost anything. If you're unfamiliar with that, I will put that in the show notes. It's our it's our framework here at the organized Flamingo of how we usually like to organize kind of the steps of how we'd like to organize with steps two through five being flexible and being interchangeable. So we'll start with that. And I'll talk about how do you assess your party room or your party closet so that you can get it ready for the organizing and decluttering phases. And then we'll talk about some storage solutions that I would recommend things for you to think about when you're storing these types of items. And then we'll talk about like the creative side and how to bring your creative side of organizing into life, and then how to maintain it. So we'll kind of go in that order. Today. I do want to mention that this episode is not so much the seasonal boxes like your Christmas or Halloween or Valentine's Day or whatever holiday that you celebrate, and you decorate for, so that it's not those boxes necessarily. Now, you could have those boxes in the same area or those items in the same area. But those are seasonal decorating seasonal items that we talked about. And it's we do have an episode about seasonal decorating and decluttering. And how to organize that those items. I'll put that in the show notes. But this is more about your day to day home decor hostess type of material, the like the tray like the maybe the the party favor tray that you bring out when you have a party when you have guests over when you have like a special event. Maybe it's for birthday parties, but so more specific to every day party home decor usage, and not so much just the seasonal, if that makes sense. But like I said for you, you may have both of those things in the same room or in the same area. And I'll talk about that too. Because it's all about categorizing it's, it's it depends on how your brain works. And it depends on how you retrieve items, that's going to be the difference here. For most of you, when you go and retrieve your holiday items, you're very much in the holiday spirit. And so that's why we keep these two spaces a little bit different in the conversation, but they could be living in the same space. It's just two different conversations when we're addressing the organizing needs. Okay, so let's get to it. Welcome to the organized and productive podcast with organized grooming go. I'm your host, Stephanie, a professional organizer and productivity expert, ready to explore the right organizing and productivity solutions for you. Yeah, well then let's go.

Okay, so to start off, we definitely want to be stepping back for just a minute right in this in this room, maybe it's a closet. So So for some of you, it's going to be a closet of air or a very big closet, or maybe a room. So we're talking just the area where you host your vases, your you know, the plates that were the paper plates that you have leftover from the last gathering it like those types of items, right? Or the paintings that maybe you switch out in your home, if you're a big enthusiast of of changing it up your home decor. So whatever that space is, you want to step back for just a second, which we always talk about. It's step one, in our seven steps of organizing almost anything you want to just step back and figure out okay, what do I want out of this room, that's going to be really important in this space, it's important to in any space, but this one in particular, because you probably aren't in this space all the time. You're probably only in this space when you're about to host a party when you have people over when you're in the mood to change the decoration. So you're probably not in that space all the time. So the items that you have in there are not on top of mine, like it's not something that you're seeing everyday or touching every day. Now, if you are in an industry that you know you are in that place all the time you're a designer, you're an interior decorator, you're a stager like a home stager, maybe you're even a photographer who uses a lot of drops, then obviously for you, it's going to be a little different because you're in that space all the time. But actually, this conversation can also apply to you. So, you know, don't dismiss the conversation. But if you're not in this space, it's really important for you to try to start with a clean slate. So assess the space, how often are you going in there, take everything out if you can, if you have the time, so that you can see and touch everything that is in there. Okay, so after you step back, and you figure out what what you're working with, this is where you will decide what's most important to you. We talked about this in the seven steps. And you'll determine what if you're looking for like, if you want this room to be pretty, you know, are you looking for the visual just for it to look and feel nicer? If so, then you will head on over to step five, which is find the containers first. So get the system install it and then you will kind of go to the other steps in the process, which is decluttering, and sort and the other steps if for you, that's not really important. Your mission is just more to get a hold of what's in there. Maybe you need to downsize, maybe you need to declutter, maybe you haven't been in that space for a long time. And if that's the case, then your next step is going to be either sort and or declutter, maybe both at the same time. Because for you, you know, you're trying to get a handle for this space, and you haven't been in there for a long time. So you need to declutter and just do some sorting and see what you have, and then get the bins and then find a home for everything. So for you, those are the two steps that will come next, after, you know, stepping back and coming up with a plan. So that is how I would start the whole process. And then we can get to the fun part. So let's talk about the storage solution, some of the tips that I would have for you some of the things that I have seen for that have worked really well for people over the years in some creative organization systems. So for this particular area, the most important thing for the to keep in mind when you're trying to get new storage solutions is the accessibility part, how easy is it to get in and out of the space, and to get the items in and out. That is probably the number one I probably actually for sure the number one hurdle that I hear from clients and from people say that I have the space like my party space, but I can never get to the things that I need when I need them. And especially if it's like a last minute celebration, or maybe you just didn't have the time or energy to pre plan and you're putting everything together the night before. And you go into your that area, the closet or the storage area where you have all of these party supplies and home decor items to decorate and you can't get to anything, or you can't find anything. So my biggest tip for you is whatever system you get, or whatever bin you get, or shelving unit that you get, make sure that it's easy to get in and out of some of the tips that I would have for that is don't go too deep or too shallow or too deep into the shelving or too deep into the drawers. So basically, these need to be a little bit more shorter or shallower type of spaces so that you can easily get to it. If it's going to be in a drawer, then don't go too deep in the drawer. And if you do have deep spaces, sometimes those closets are very deep. Try to figure out a way where you can separate or get something that rolls in and out. There are cabinet rolling cabinets that you can install, so that you can just like bring out the drawer out almost like installing, you know, pseudo drawers with wheels. If you have a closet where there's a lot of floor space, get some shelving units, or rolling carts that you can bring in and out. So accessibility and getting the stuff when you need it as soon as possible is going to be your number one priority in these spaces. Here's a little golden nugget for you. This is a theory that I have had for years, I mean over, you know, 15 years, like a couple years into me starting to organize, I started to observe this and it's become a framework that I use. I've never scientifically proven it. But it's been pretty, pretty right on every time I use this. So basically, when you go too deep into your or your category, so if you go more than three, you know, even up to five, maybe five, but honestly, it's like three layers into you looking for something three layers, like subcategory subfolders then that is when people start to give up and get frustrated and give up on the organizing journey or just get frustrated and no longer look for something. So then they go by it and go by a duplicate and then it just starts to accumulate. What this means is like I'll give you the example of what I mean when you have let's say you have your closet and you have something in a box when you when you're nesting. like think of those, you know, nesting dolls, when you're nesting more than three steps in. So you went into that closet, you opened it up, and then you got the box that right there is two steps in, if now you open the box, and you're looking for something and you have to go to another box to open it, that's another step, that's three or four, and then you know, in layer and layer and layer it. Same thing with folders, like file folders, when you go too deep into your filing system into your category system, you start to lose interest, you get frustrated, and especially if you're doing it at the last minute, or you're in a hurry. So don't go too deep into your storage solution. Okay, so if you can, you know, don't nest more than three layers in so that you can quickly find things. So whatever your storage solution will be, don't go too deep. That's why I'm that's why I say like, if you you have drawers or anything that's too deep or too deep, like in the new shelving like in the back, it's just going to create all these layers of obstacles for you to get to it. So as far as storage solution goes in these areas of your party and home decor closet, just don't go too deep. As far as what type of storage like exact storage solution, this is where your creativity has to come in and what type of person you are, it's going to be a personal preference for you and the people that are using it. Don't forget the people that are using it. So if you're not the only one retrieving items, make sure that this works for them. As far as like clear containers versus colorful containers or using a color coding system or any of that that is going to be a personal preference. For some people. You know, having colorful nonmatching bins or system is too overwhelming. So you will want to go for more of a uniform system that you use in that closet. But if that doesn't, you know, that's not important for you, but you need labels, then of course, get labels. So at this point, this becomes a personal preference. I do talk about the storage solutions over on the episode where we talk about containing the step the containing steps. So if we want to go deeper into that, I'll put that in the show notes. But that you know that point that becomes a personal preference, I will say there's a couple of things that I will I'll give you as things to consider. Don't forget about going vertical, you know, you've you've got vertical space too. So don't just think about the shelvings that are given to you, maybe you've got a door where you can hang something from it as long as it's sturdy or a light item. So don't forget to go vertical. Also, when you are dealing with shelving units, you can also put things to make items in subcategories, you know, so I mentioned don't go too deep into your subcategories, but you can also just go like one things that you can separate. So if you have your vases in one, you know half of the shelf, you can get a divider, a shelving divider, that will separate that from whatever the next items are next to it. And that way you can keep them clearly separated and clearly labeled so that you know where to put them back. So as far as maintaining this area, be okay, so I mentioned this a little bit earlier in this area is probably a space where you're not in it all the time unless you're in an industry where you have to be in it all the time. So this is the area where keeping an inventory is probably going to be very helpful. If you want to go that extra mile go in and either and by the way, in keeping inventory can come in different ways. Some people think it's got to be like written in this Excel spreadsheet and all you know, like a store or like a warehouse or something. And yeah, you can go that deep. I've worked in organizations where we have who have had to do inventories that deep. I've worked for like prop company, propping companies and stuff like that. And yes, if you have the excitement to do this, go for it, but you don't have to, it could also be taking pictures. So once you are done organizing and decluttering and going through all the seven steps of organizing everything, and now you have everything left, you can just take a video or pictures and then put it in your phone under a folder that says the space so your closet, you know home decor closet, party, closet, party and home decor seasonal closet, you know, whatever, hostess with the mostest closet. So that way every time you're out and about and you're trying to figure out what else do I need for my next gathering my party? What am I missing? What would I don't need, then you can just refer to your inventory list whether it's this amazing Excel, Google doc spreadsheet or a picture type of inventory spreadsheet. So definitely an inventory is important in areas that you don't frequent very often and you have a lot of stuff in we actually talked about this in In our household boutique blog post, and household Boutique is basically a place where you go in and and quote unquote shop for your own stuff, it's so it's stuff that goes in there that you've been there in transition to be donated or transitioned to be sold. And you're just not sure yet. So this is a really good area for that. And to keep inventory via like a visual inventory by pictures or in a sheet. And that way, you can always refer to it and see what you have, what you don't have and what you need. So think about doing something like that in these areas that you don't frequent very often, but you need to have, you know, easily available when maybe you're not there all the time. Speaking of areas that you may not frequent all the time, this is one of those areas that you do want to have like a quarterly, maybe if you're you know, every couple of weeks, go in and clean, clean it out, vacuum or just check it out and make sure that there's no critters, no unwanted little visitors crawling around your stuff. I actually talked about this in one of our previous episodes, which I also will link in the show notes and on how to avoid having little critters in your storage areas like this. But you do want to go in and do like a maintenance check, or reminder on your phone or something like that. Because you know, areas that are not frequented that often or sometimes are in the dark or just perfect little nesting grounds. I know that's something that you probably don't want to hear, but it's the truth. And so I just want to make sure that I mentioned it. And then also, if you're in a place where there's a lot of vibrations around that area, you may also want to be checking that out because something may be breaking or moving or, you know, kind of shattering especially if you have a lot of things that are fragile. So make sure you go in and check it out. Because you don't want your stuff to break or get damaged. So make that as a part of your maintaining this space. Okay, so for our takeaways today on this really fun topic, which by the way I love I love this is one of my most favorite places to organize garages are one of them. And the other one is these party and host is with the most is home decor storage places or warehouses where there's a lot of really fun seasonal props for photographers or stagers like I love these spaces are so fun, okay, take aways, step back, and assess, make a plan, go through our seven steps of organizing almost anything so that you can come up with a plan and make the most out of your time when you're organizing these spaces. second takeaway storage solutions, this is where your creativity will come into play, get creative, really have some fun with it. This is a place where you won't be a frequent teen very often. So you want to make sure that whatever storage solution is easy, you can get to it quickly, you it's not too deep, it's not too hard to get to. So think about that. Let your imagination run wild enjoy this really fun space that you have for your hostess and your party supplies and your home decor. So have fun with it. And then have a maintaining checklist of some sort, checking in often clean it up a little bit once in a while so that it doesn't accumulate, you know stuff that you don't want it to and that you are taking care of the stuff that's in there. So those are the takeaways. If you have any questions or you want to show me your party closet, your home decor room,

I'd love to see your propping your prop props area I would love to see it so share it with us tag us at the organized Flamingo and I look forward to cheering you on. Thank you for listening to the organized and productive podcast with you organized flamenco. If you enjoyed today's episode, I would love it if you'd leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast player. It helps with letting people know that we're here. For full show notes and resources head on over to the organized flamingo.com/podcast Happy organizing