Home Inventory: When “just in case” meets “just in the way”

Overview

  • The appeal of having supplies, tools, and essentials on hand
  • The fine line between preparedness and clutter
  • This post will explore the benefits, drawbacks, and strategies for managing home inventory

Remember that feeling of smug satisfaction when a winter storm hit and you were the only one on the block who didn't have to scramble for bread and milk? Or when the toilet overflowed, but you had a plunger (and an emergency stash of chocolate) ready to go? That's the power of a well-stocked home inventory.

But let's be honest – that same sense of preparedness can quickly turn into a low-key panic attack when you're buried under a mountain of bulk toilet paper, canned goods you haven't touched since college, and enough batteries to power a small village.

So, how do you strike that magical balance between “just in case” and “just in the way”? Let's take a deep dive into the world of home inventory, exploring the pros, cons, and most importantly, the solutions.

The Upside: Why We Love Having Stuff On Hand

There's just something about knowing you've got everything you need right at your fingertips. It's like a warm hug on a cold day. That feeling of calm when a blizzard rolls in, and you're cozied up with a cup of tea, knowing your pantry is stocked like a mini-mart? Priceless. Or how about whipping up a batch of cookies at midnight, and bam! You've got every ingredient on hand, thanks to your “just in case” baking stash. Being prepared just feels good. Plus, who doesn't love saving a buck? Buying in bulk has definitely saved your wallet from some serious sticker shock.  Why do I support keeping inventory? Because it is smart, if you have a plan.

Pros of Keeping Inventory at Home

  • Preparedness and Self-Sufficiency: Weather emergencies, unexpected events, peace of mind
  • Cost Savings: Buying in bulk makes the per use cheaper, dodge price increases 
  • Convenience: Avoiding last-minute runs to the store
  • Personalization: Stocking items that perfectly suit your tastes and needs (e.g., specialty foods, cleaning products)
  • Hobbies and Projects: Having materials readily available for crafting, DIY, etc.

The Downside: When “Preparedness” Becomes a Problem

But let's be honest – that warm fuzzy feeling can quickly turn into a cold sweat when you realize your “emergency stash” has taken over the house. Suddenly, that spare room isn't a potential yoga studio anymore, it's a fortress of toilet paper. The cost of all those bulk buys starts to sting a little when half of it ends up expiring in the back of the pantry. And don't even get me started on the epic scavenger hunts for lost items buried under a mountain of “stuff.” It's not just the clutter that gets to you, it's the stress. The more stuff you have, the more anxious you feel. It's like your house is suffocating under the weight of all that “preparedness.”  Here are some of the drawbacks of keeping inventory in your home.

Drawbacks of Keeping Inventory at Home

  • Space Constraints: Clutter, limited storage, feeling overwhelmed in your own home
  • Financial Burden: Money tied up in unused items, potential for waste if things expire/become obsolete
  • Organization Challenges: Difficulty tracking what you have, buying duplicates unnecessarily
  • Risk of Damage/Spoilage: Pest infestations, leaks, fire hazards
  • Psychological Impact: Stress and anxiety from feeling surrounded by “stuff”

Finding Your Happy Place: The Goldilocks Zone of Home Inventory

The goal isn't to become a minimalist or to completely abandon the idea of having essentials on hand. It's about finding the right balance for you and your family.

Maybe it means stocking up on a few extra weeks' worth of non-perishables, having a well-stocked first-aid kit, and keeping some basic tools on hand. Or perhaps it means having enough art supplies to keep your creative juices flowing or ensuring you have enough pet food to last through a minor emergency.  

It can work, you just have to have a plan. Here are my recommended solutions based on the problem you are facing:

Solutions for the Cons of Home Inventory

  • If storage is the problem: 
    • Maximizing vertical space with shelves, racks, hooks
    • Clear, labeled bins and containers
    • Fit the storage to the space (might be a good time to invest in a storage solution that actually fits in the space)
  • If it feels overwhelming when you go to look for something:
    • Try an inventory app or spreadsheet.  Explore tools and apps designed to help manage home inventory
    • Log quantities, expiration dates, locations.  Barcode/QR code systems for easy scanning
  • If it feels “messy”
    • Regularly declutter and evaluate
    • Setting aside time tto go through inventory and discard/donate unused items
    • Adjusting buying habits based on actual usage
  • First-In, First-Out (FIFO) System:
    • Placing newer items behind older ones to ensure nothing gets forgotten
  • Prioritizing Essentials:
    • Focusing on a reasonable amount of non-perishable foods, first-aid supplies, tools, etc.
    • Resisting impulse buys of “just in case” items
  • Creative Solutions:
    • Shared inventory with neighbors or friends for less-used items
    • Renting a small storage unit for overflow

Conclusion

  • Finding the right balance for your household
  • The goal is preparedness, not becoming overwhelmed
  • Regular reassessment and organization are key
  • The peace of mind that comes from having essentials on hand is invaluable

Whatever your ideal inventory looks like, remember that organization and regular reassessment are key. Aim to organize in a way that makes it as efficient as possible to find things.  The peace of mind that comes from being prepared is priceless, but it shouldn't come at the cost of your living space or your sanity. So go forth, fellow home inventory warriors, and may your homes be filled with just the right amount of “just in case.”

Stephanie Y. Deininger, CPO®, MBA

Pro Organizer & Founder | The Organized Flamingo

—————–
Did you know that we are available for 1:1 sessions or to speak with your group about multi-generational decluttering, sandwich generation organizing and finding the best solutions for your family as you downsize?  Schedule a call or join our weekly email newsletter for all-things organizing & productivity delivered right to your inbox: https://theorganizedflamingo.com/quicklinks

Book Recommendations for the Sandwich Generation’s Decluttering Journey

Welcome to The Organized Flamingo's virtual cozy reading nook.

A place where we talk books that are great companions in your organizing journey as a caretaker.

Now, before you start thinking that I've become a literary genius overnight, let me clarify: I didn't write these books or here to become a literary critic. These are the books I believe will help you in your organizing journey as the sandwich generation.

In this blog post, we're diving into a curated list of reads that have been my trusted companions throughout my career and personal life.

Picture it: you're knee-deep in family responsibilities, surrounded by stuff, and wondering, “What on earth do I do with all this?”, “Can anyone relate to this?”. Rest assured, you are not alone.

Even though we offer professional organizing services and can do estate clear-outs, estate decluttering and home organizing for you, we know how difficult it can be to ask for help when you are not ready. These books will offer a friendly ear and perspective on how others have dealt with this same dilemma.

These are the books I would recommend to you as a companion to your organizing journey if you are a caretaker. You may be the person trying to make sense of what to keep and what to release. These books offer insights, tips, and maybe a sprinkle of humor.

While we do have an Amazon Storefront where you can purchase these ebooks and books from. You can also pick them up at most libraries, and we would recommend you do that first to make sure you want a copy. (Please note that I may earn commission from qualifying purchases on our Amazon Storefront. We only recommend books that we would recommend to our friends and loved ones)

The Mission:

For this ongoing post, I am your friendly book recommender, here to make your decluttering journey a bit easier. If you're figuring out what to do with all the things while straddling the generations, grab a comfy seat and get ready for some literary goodness. These are the books I'd recommend for your Sandwich Generation decluttering adventure.

The Books:

Please note that this is an ongoing blog post. I will keep adding books and editing as necessary.

At Home: A Short History of Private Life

At Home: A Short History of Private Life by Bill Bryson

This book is a great read if you enjoy knowing why things are the way they are. It's a longer read and full of random facts, which can be helpful as you are trying to understand how all the stuff you have fits in your life.

Generation Anxiety: A Millennial and Gen Z Guide to Staying Afloat in an Uncertain World by Dr. Lauren Cook

Generation Anxiety: A Millennial and Gen Z Guide to Staying Afloat in an Uncertain World by Dr. Lauren Cook

This book is aimed at the Millennials and Gen Z generations and dealing with Anxiety but I would recommend it to anyone. It is filled with why we get Anxiety and what to do about it. Also offers a lot of examples to help you understand the guilt that comes with being a caretaker.

“Don't Toss My Memories in the Trash” by Vickie Dellaquila

Don't Toss My Memories in the Trash: A Step-by-Step Guide to Helping Senior Downsize, Organize, and Move by Vickie Dellaquila

I read this book when I was studying for my CPO Exam with NAPO (Certified Professional Organizer). It's a compassionate book that explains what your loved ones may be going through as they realize they can't keep everything and start the process of downsizing

“Waste and Want: A Social History of Trash” by Susan Strasser

Waste and Want: A Social History of Trash by Susan Strasser

Susan Strasser writes great books for us to understand why aspects of our domestic life have come to be. Why certain roles are the way they are and this book follows that same storytelling. In this read she talks about the history of trash and things for us to think about. This book may take you on a fact-finding journey and inspire you to look at your stuff more mindfully.

Bibliostyle: How We Live at Home with Books by Nina Freudenberger

A book about books. Bibliostyle is about finding a way to showcase your books in a way that is representative of you and your style. An interesting look into the personal libraries of bibliophiles from all around the world. She writes and showcase how others categorize, shelve, organize and store their collections. Nina also spotlights the personal libraries of people whose owners care about their book collections (and have actually read them, too!). A great read for those of you who do want (and are able) to keep your books.

43: Before You Go: Preparing Donations for Drop-Off

This week we are sharing expert tips on how to maximize your donation experience and save time in the long run. With the holiday season approaching, nonprofits are in need of donations, making it a perfect time to declutter and give back. Stephanie will guide you through the process, ensuring that you have a positive and efficient organizing journey.  If you're ready to make a meaningful impact with your donations, then this episode is for you. Let's dive in and learn how to prepare your donations for drop off.

In this episode we talk about:

  • Preparing donations for drop off
  • Tips for an efficient and positive donation process.
  • Matching the nonprofit or cause to the items being donated

Mentioned in this Episode:

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/

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

Join our weekly email newsletter for all-things organizing & productivity delivered right to your inbox

https://theorganizedflamingo.com/
Download your FREE “Should you Keep It or Toss It?” decision tree https://organizedandproductive.com/keeportoss

Review the Transcript:

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:00:00]:

Hey, Organized and Productive community and listeners, welcome to our next episode here at Organized and Productive. I'm Stephanie, your host, and this week we are talking about preparing your donations for drop off, something that many of you probably don't really think about. But if you can prepare just a little bit before you head on over to the donation center, it will save you so much time in the long run and you will be able to maximize the donation, the actual drop off, the donations, and the gesture. So let's get to it. And let me give you my tips as a pro organizer. Welcome to the organized and productive podcast with the Organized Flamingo. I am your host, Stephanie, a professional organizer and productivity expert, ready to explore the right organizing and productivity solutions for you. Yeah.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:00:48]:

Well then let's go. Okay, so if you are looking at the calendar and you're listening to us live, you probably are noticing that I'm airing this episode in November, which is around the holiday time frame here, especially here in the US. Right? End of the year. It's both the holiday season and end of the year, which is a time when nonprofits really do a big push to get more donations. Monetary, yes, and kind as well. But also they give you really specific lists on what they need for the holidays, lists on what they need for the end of the year, what they're in most need of. So it's a great time to be donating and dropping off your stuff that you've been lugging around in the back of your truck or has been hanging out in your garage or in all these boxes that say donate but you never take. So this is going to be a great season for that and that's why I'm airing this episode in November.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:01:50]:

But all of these tips and this whole episode can be applicable all year round, okay? So don't think that it's just for the holiday. It just seems to be a little bit more timely at the end of the year during the holidays when it's just naturally a time when we are in gift giving donation mode. So this probably comes as no surprise to you, but I have been to a lot of donation drop offs. I spend a lot of time dropping off, driving around, collecting things for clients, decluttering their bags and all of their stuff and then driving them to their preferred donation centers or donation centers that we work with, especially here in Colorado. I also used to do this in California, so I'm also familiar with that location. And also, in more of the most recent years, we have also shipped stuff to donation centers because, luckily, with technology, a lot of the donation centers and nonprofits allow you to bag up some of your stuff. Like your fabrics or your old whatever may be shoes and whatnot. And you can just bag them up or box it up and then send it off to a donation center.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:03:01]:

So I am familiar with the art of gift giving to donation centers and I've got a couple of tips for you. So I say this not as a brag but more as a reminder that I have some experience in this field and that my biggest priority here with this podcast and with these episodes is to maximize your time so that you're more efficient and that you have a positive experience when you're in your organizing and decluttering journey. As we know to create some habits, you do have to have a positive experience with it. It doesn't have to be good, it just has to be positive. Meaning you learned something quickly, you were consistent with it. There's got to be some kind of positive reinforcement in order for you to associate this and want to do this again in a positive way. Okay, so the first couple of tips are more like reminders because I'm assuming that you have your between you and maybe your accountant and your family and your financial goals and your personal goals. You probably have picked causes and nonprofits that are near and dear to your heart already or they're very special to you or that align with your goals as a family, as a business, or whatever it may be.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:04:15]:

So the first couple of tips are not so much about giving you tips on how to pick a nonprofit, but more so just how to align it with your organizing journey. So for instance, for the first tip that I've got for you is pick a nonprofit that is important to you and donate there because when you are going through your stuff then you will be able to associate like you will know who you're donating to. And that's really the tip here that I've got for you. It's really important for you to match your giving, your donation, your decluttering to something because it'll connect the two. There won't be such a disconnect where you're left wondering well, where is this going to go? Is this going to be thrown away? It's going to be part of the landfill. And now you're just in this circle of thought and overthinking. And so when we have a direct place of where the thing is going or what is near and dear to your heart, you will have an easier time letting go with more intention. And that is why, to get us started and actually in the seven steps of organizing almost anything episodes and podcasts and exercises that I have for you, that is one of our very first things that we talk about.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:05:28]:

Like figuring out your why and figuring out what is important to you as far as a nonprofit and causes so that you have a place that you're thinking of when you are going through all of your stuff. So first things first is let's pick a nonprofit that is important to you donate there. If you don't have a particular nonprofit per se, but you have a cause, the pick the cause that is important to you and do some searches around your community and see if there are nonprofits that align with that. So in other words, be specific. So if you don't have the name of a nonprofit or a donation center that is particular and special to you, then maybe it's more of the cause. So women or children, or children under 18 or girls in college, whatever it may be, or boys, it could be animals, it could be whatever it be. Be specific. Pick a couple.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:06:27]:

Pick like two or three I would recommend so that you have your eyesight on that. And once you have your nonprofit of choice, then you will then match the nonprofit to what you have available. So when you're going through all of your stuff and you're decluttering, then of course you will be able to match the nonprofit to that. So let's say you have some linens to give away and you have picked three different types of nonprofits. Maybe one is children, maybe the second is animals. And then the third is going to be schools. Not necessarily for children, but just schools in general. So when you're decluttering and you're going through all of one of your closets and you come across linens and paper that you know, hey, oh my gosh, it's really special for me to donate to schools.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:07:12]:

They may be able to use your unused paper and you can donate directly to them and you have them in mind. And instead of just a bin that says donations overall, you have a very specific place you're taking it to. And it will be much easier for you to let it go because you know where it's going. It's going to some a place and to people that are looking for those things and that are in need of those things. Same things with linens and towels and things like that with animals, the shelters are always looking for those so you will know exactly where they're going to go. Okay, so as part of picking the cause that is special to you and you would like to donate your stuff to head on over to their website and or call the and ask them what are their rules and what do they need and where is there? If there's a guide to donating, that is just whatever they say is going to probably be your guide to how you donate and what kind of things you are going to donate. So if you have that already, then take their guide and run with that. And then the rest of my tips, apply them, but make sure that you apply theirs first because obviously the stuff is going to go with the my tips that are coming up in just a second here.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:08:26]:

The rest of them are if they don't have a guide if they don't have a guide. The these are some of my tips that I would recommend and honestly, some of these are very universal anyway that most nonprofits would appreciate. So I think that they can be applied even if they do have their own guide. But like I mentioned, it's take their guide and make that a priority. A very important insert I'm going to add in here before I keep going is don't overthink this, okay? I'm trying to make this episode as quick as possible and give you some good tips, but I don't want you to overthink it. If you don't have a particular cause that is near and dear to your heart or you just don't know yet, that's okay. As you know, there are general types of donation centers. Some are the big names and then some are local.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:09:14]:

Of course, we always try to go local. Don't overthink it. If this is your first time doing a big decluttering project or like big decluttering exercise, just go ahead and head on over to your local donation center and let it go. Don't overthink it. This is just one of those exercises that it's like the little cherry on top. Or you can go above and beyond so that you can be a little bit more thoughtful and can maximize your time. But by no means am I saying go through these exercises before you donate. I mean, don't do that.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:09:50]:

Don't keep the stuff around your garage or your car just because you haven't fulfilled any of these tips or any of these exercises that I just mentioned, okay? So I'd rather you let it go even if it's a general donation center, because a lot of the big box donation centers do have relationships with local places and so they'll sometimes hand off items to them. Like I do say though, and I'm not even mentioning the big names for a reason because I'm of the mind that local is always best. So try to go to a nonprofit that is local to you, like a local shelter, local places of need instead of going to the big boxes first. But again, if that is going to be an obstacle for you or in a hurdle, please don't let that stop you. Just head on over, donate it, let it go, and we will work on being more intentional the next round. Okay? So I've got about six tips for you. And here we go. So the first is wash it if you can.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:10:54]:

Wash the stuff that if you can, like the towels and whatever, the linens and stuff and air in your clothing if you can. But again, ask them first because a lot of the donation centers will do their own cleaning anyway. So yes, wash it or clean it if it's dirty, if it's gross, especially if it's gross. If it's gross, it might just need to go into the trash. By the way, don't donate trash that's not fair. This is more if it just needs like a quick wash, definitely do that and then donate it. Especially if it's been sitting maybe in a box for a really long time. It could be beneficial just to do like a little quick wash.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:11:36]:

But a lot of them will have their own cleaning process. So I just kind of want to give you that heads up that you may not have considered that they probably do their own cleaning and washing anyway, so ask them, but give it to them in good enough shape that it won't be considered trash. For the next tip on preparing your donations for drop off is seasonal items should take priority. So take that into consideration. Especially when it comes to clothing and holiday items like holiday decor because that's what they will be able to give away. The quickest give away or sell, this can be easily done if you do seasonal decluttering too, which is something we talk about and have a podcast on and I will put it in the show notes. So we talk all about decluttering in a seasonal manner where you reserve time and energy every season to declutter as you're putting away the stuff from the last season and you're taking the stuff out for the new season. So really just being intentional every couple of months instead of doing it, like one big project every couple of years, this is just more of being intentional and also efficient with your time.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:12:43]:

Because, hey, since I have the bins open, let me see what I haven't used in the last year, or let me see what I don't need anymore for this season, or what my kids outgrew, or what I no longer like, or whatever, maybe it doesn't fit or whatever it is. So seasonal items should take priority when you are giving it to the charities. And so this is going to marry very well if you are a seasonal declutterer or seasonal organized. So this is like the perfect thing to do. At the same time. Also the donation centers will be very grateful because you're kind of helping them not store things that they can't sell right now. So right now, since this is airing around the holidays, they probably are going to have a harder time selling summer clothing, especially if you're in a cold climate place, then they probably won't be able to sell that as easily so they have to store that. So if you can give them the seasonal items as you're seasonally decluttering.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:13:46]:

This next tip is all about doing a little bit of pre work before you go and drop off the stuff. But remember, don't let this stop you. Just like head on over and drop off your stuff, okay? Don't overthink it. But if you have a minute, I would have you call them beforehand and or go to their website and ask if there's a limit to what you can bring. I'll be honest, I have better luck just calling them or going there in person, especially the local charities and nonprofits and donation centers because nonprofits don't always have the time or energy or resources to be updating their website. 24/7 so I have found that the stuff that's online, the information that is online is not always super accurate. It's not always the case. There are some nonprofits that are on top of it, but check their social media, go and give them a call, go on their website.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:14:41]:

But if you can't just get like I said, give them a call or head on over to their offices and ask the if there's a limit to what you can bring. Some nonprofits and drop offs will limit it to a box or a truckload or they'll have a limit of some sort. So ask them ahead of time before you accumulate all that stuff and take the effort and think you're going to be dropping it off at their place and then they don't allow it. So do a little research ahead of time. Also while you're at it, ask for their drop off hours. Not all of them are open all the time or every day, regular hours. Sometimes you might have to take a lunch to go drop it off. The other day I did a drop off on this Monday and it took me seven minutes between getting off of the freeway, dropping it off and the just getting back on the freeway.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:15:29]:

So it could be really quick, but it was in the middle of the day. Like they only do drop off or they only accept your drop offs between nine and twelve, but it took me seven minutes. So it's not a big deal. But you just have to kind of know obviously their hours of operations and when they will accept your drop off. Something else to take note of is ask if you will be able to get a tax write off or some kind of slip if that is important to you ahead of time. Think about that. Is that important to you? If it is, then obviously ask for it when you're there. If it is, or maybe if it's not, or you're not sure, I would still write it down in some kind of log.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:16:08]:

Especially if you're a business and you're donating for a business. So let's say you're donating some business tools or business equipment. Definitely write it down when you did the donation what it is. There is a donation valuation guide, at least here in the US. Most of the big nonprofits have it. It is part of the tax guide. I'm not sure if that's the official name of it, but it's called the Donation Valuation Guide and they give you a guide as to how much things are worth and that is how you can guesstimate what and how much you donated worth of stuff. So some of them will give you a slip and the you can write it down there.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:16:50]:

But if they don't give you a slip, then go ahead and write it down in your own log. So don't forget about that. My last tip here before you go and drop off your stuff is to make a map of where all these drop offs are going to go and be and ask what entrance you should be going into, especially if you've never been to the drop off or to the donation drop off. That is one of the biggest frustrations that I see people have is, oh, I took it. I got their address from their website and I took it and I got there and I was so lost. There were so many entrances, so I just left. Some of these donation places are in warehouse type of places. They're not necessarily super perfectly well labeled.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:17:32]:

I mean, after all, they're a nonprofit. They're making do with what they have. So some of them are they've been doing this for a really long time. So they're well labeled. You know exactly where the entrance is, where there's a drive in, there's a drive through. They're built for this. But especially the local ones may not. So do have a little map.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:17:52]:

See where ask them where is the entrance? Especially like church drop offs and stuff like that. Those may not have a very easily like an easy warehouse type of entrance that you can back up to. So ask them because if you are going to have to park your car and then carry all that stuff, that's very heavy. So you might have to get a dolly to carry your stuff from your car to the donation door. So ask those questions. Just kind of map it out. Well, that's it for our episode today. I hope that these tips have helped you and are setting you up for success and get you all excited about gift giving and donating and get you all prepared for your donation drop off.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:18:32]:

Until next time, happy organizing. Thank you for listening to the organized and productive podcast with the Organized Flamingo. If you enjoyed today's episode, I would love it if you'd leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast here. It helps with letting people know that we're here. For full show notes and resources, head on over to theOrganizedFlamingo.com/podcast. Happy organizing.

42: Don’t Let Your Gift Cards Go To Waste!

Today we focus on how to organize gift cards. These small, thin, and often overlooked items tend to disappear in the clutter or hide between furniture pieces. In this episode, we're going to tackle the issue head-on and give you some practical tips to prevent your gift cards from going to waste. We'll also discuss how to give gift cards in a way that ensures their recipient will actually use them. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let's get organized and productive with gift cards!

In this episode we talk about:

  • Reasons why gift cards get lost easily
  • How to organize your gift cards
  • Tips on avoiding gift cards going to waste
  • Tips on gifting gift cards so they are used

Mentioned in this Episode:

Episode 029: School Papers: The Sneaky Uninvited Guests in Your Home

https://theorganizedflamingo.com/29-school-papers-the-sneaky-uninvited-guests-in-your-home/

Episode 001: 7 Steps to Organizing (almost) Anything

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

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

Join our weekly email newsletter for all-things organizing & productivity delivered right to your inbox

https://theorganizedflamingo.com/

Download your FREE “Should you Keep It or Toss It?” decision tree https://organizedandproductive.com/keeportoss

Review the Transcript

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:00:00]:

Hey, friends. Welcome to our next episode of Organized and Productive, the podcast. I'm Stephanie, your host. And today, we are talking about an item that tends to get lost but is very valuable, and it gets lost in the clutter or in the in your stuff because it's small enough to get lost and it's thin enough to be hiding between, furniture pieces or your car seat. It's just one of those items that is very it's it's very susceptible to being lost and overlooked because it's not consistently the same for all of the items. And that item, if you've already looked at the title of today's episode, is a gift card. There are many reasons as to why gift cards get lost, but the main one that I have seen from the clients and the people that I work with is because 1, and that this is something that doesn't get talked a lot about, is that they look different depending on the vendor. So, you know, if you go to this 1 store, it might be red.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:01:00]:

If you go to the other one, there might be some graphic on it. In another store, it just looks a little different and has a different shape. They used to all be more of the rectangle style if you had a physical card, and now they just come in all shapes and sizes and they're so cute. But also they're not consistent the same way that maybe cash is. You know, cash is usually at least here in the US. Most of our cash is is green. If you're whatever country you're listening from, your you know what your cash looks like. Right? So you easily will gravitate towards what it looks like and find it when you're looking for it.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:01:36]:

And with gift cards, they're just so different all the time that they can easily be mis, looked when you're looking for them because they're just they they can all look very different. Unless you're looking for a very specific card that is green, that looks like a circle, and then you might be you have better chances of finding it. But outside of that, that's one of the reasons they get overlooked. Another reason why they get lost so easily is because they do fit in between, cracks and behind furniture and in between paper. They're just so thin. They're not just awkward shapes, and they're easily missed that way, but also they can easily flip into something else, and then they just become lost. They be you know, they they get lost in the abyss. And if you're not looking for it, specifically, if you're not on a mission to use that card and then you, you know, it's been gone for a couple of weeks and then months, then it's pretty much lost, you know, and and it just goes into the abyss.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:02:34]:

So that's another reason why it tends to get lost, and it gets refound when you're moving around your furniture, when you're doing a deep clean, when you're decluttering, when you're about to move because you're moving around, all those furniture pieces or your bag, and that's when they get refound again, and then, you know, you you give the expression of, oh my gosh. I forgot that I have this. And, you know, now, yes, you found it, but it may not be worth the same or maybe just so much time has passed that, the value may have gone down. So because of all these reasons I just mentioned, it really kills me. It hurts my heart when we find these valuable I mean, truly valuable gift cards, and they were not used. I mean, it's essentially money. It's it's not essentially, it is money. When somebody gives you a gift card or you purchased a gift card, that is the exchange of money, and it just hurts my heart when we find them and they have not been used or that the, you know, the client or somebody has said, I know that I had a whole lot of them and I never got to use them.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:03:43]:

And then I'm just like, oh my gosh. I I get it. You know, it's you just lost money, and it's hurtful. So that is what this episode is all about, avoiding that hurt and avoiding that pain of losing money in the shape of a gift card. We will touch a little bit about on ecards, but I'm not gonna go too too deep into ecards because it's a little bit different in the way that we organize those, but I will touch upon it so that, at least, you can have some tips on how to organize those if you do receive ecards, instead of gift card, like, the physical gift card kind. Alright. So what I'm gonna do is, in typical fashion of our podcast, I I'd like to give you, like, a table of contents almost because I think it's just easier to navigate some of the episodes. I don't always do this, but I try.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:04:31]:

And this one is no exception, so I'll do a 5 tips of how how to avoid your gift cards going to waste. So I'm gonna give you 5 tips, and then I'm gonna give you about 3 tips on how to gift give these gift cards so that the person that's receiving them will avoid them going into the abyss. So how can you, as a gift giver, avoid that for the person you will be giving it to because I think that is part of the gift giving, trying to get the person to actually use it, use a card. Right? I mean, that's why you're giving it to them. So I'm gonna break it down in that way, and let's go. Welcome to the Organized and Productive podcast with the organized Flamingo. I am your host, Stephanie, a professional organizer and productivity expert. Ready to explore the right organizing and productivity solutions for you.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:05:21]:

Yeah? Well, then let's go. So for our 1st tip on avoiding your gift cards going into way into the waste and the abyss is treat it like money. I mentioned in the introduction, gift cards are money. They are the equivalent of cash because you exchanged cash for this gift card. And the reason that you did not get the cash. Could be many reasons. If you got it as a gift, it could have been, you know, for whatever reason. Maybe your company, you know, that's what they just stuck to 1 vendor and they gave everybody the same gift card or if you got it for a birthday or something and somebody just thought, hey.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:06:02]:

Every time I go to the store, I think of you and, you know, they gave you a gift card because of that. It could have been because they got a discount. Maybe the person giving it to you had this gift card, and they're not using it. And they thought, you know what? This person may like it or they were lazy. Okay. Let's be honest. That is a lot of the the reasons as to why you get gift cards is because gift giver may have found that getting a gift card is just more time efficient. Some people will call it lazy.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:06:29]:

In my experience, I don't I don't see it that way. I just see it as you know what? That is a very efficient way of gift giving, and I understand that it's not always very personal. We won't get into that part of gift giving and gift cards, but I get it. For whatever reason, you got this gift card, but the person, giving it to you or if you bought it yourself, exchange to money, like, real money for this gift card. So treat it that way. Don't forget that this is actual money. So the next couple of tips are going to be centered around that. This is a gift a a a type of gift, like an item that is that is cash.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:07:06]:

That is money. So treat it like money and think of it as, oh my gosh. I just lot I just lost $20. What would you do if you if you knew somebody gave you a $20 bill, US dollar bill, and you couldn't find it. You would go and look for it. You would go and, you know, move all the furniture and try to go look for it. So when you know you got a gift card, make sure that it's in a place that you keep your money, whether it's your day to day wallet, maybe it's a box that you go to whenever you need money, you know, a safe. Wherever you keep your money, that's where I would keep your gift cards because that's what it is.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:07:47]:

It's money. So that's straight off the bat, I just wanna remind you of that, because sometimes you just need that little reminder that this is not just a gift. This is not just like the the gift that somebody's regifting you. This is essentially money that you could be using. So that's tip number 1. Let's head on over to tip number 2. For tip number 2, this is all about getting some kind of way to organize the actual gift cards. Now the difference, like I mentioned earlier, between cash and gift cards is that they come in different shapes and sizes, and they're for different vendors.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:08:18]:

And they're for very specific vendors sometimes. You know, whether it's a store, a very specific store, versus, like, a a regular Mastercard Visa gift card. You know, it could be for a specific merchant, and this is where an organizer comes in. These were really popular more, you know, in the last not, you know, 5, 10 years in the couponing big days even the, like, the last 20 years. Think of those organizers. A lot of people will keep them like a little of a binder, especially if you get a lot of them. Especially true for all of you educators, teachers, people that tend to get gift cards from your communities. So that's if you're wondering, listening to this, like, who who gets gift cards anymore? Or wondering why would you get a binder for a gift card.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:09:03]:

Who is getting so many gift cards? Well, a lot of people do. And a lot of people also have families where they will exchange, gifts, like in gift card ways instead of going out and buying the gifts. So there's a lot of you out there that probably still are receiving receiving gift cards or have them from the the history of gift giving that you've had. So get yourself, like, an organizer, like a credit card organizer, a little mini binder, a little mini wallet that you can keep all of your gift cards nicely organized. I mentioned, egift cards. Egift cards are are tricky because they come in into your inbox, into your email inbox. So your organizer for email or, excuse me, egift cards will look a little different. Most of the time, you will get them via email.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:09:52]:

So put get yourself a folder that's specific in your inbox that says gift cards, egift cards. So every time you get one, immediately put it into that folder. You can also create a rule in most of the email servers, definitely Google, definitely Microsoft Office. Most of the the big email server types, will allow you to do a rule, what's called a rule. So every time there are certain keywords in the title or in the message, they will go into this inbox. And so you can either create a rule that's consistent with what however you you you receive egift cards. Maybe there's a couple keywords. Yeah.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:10:32]:

I would do, like, a egift card. I would do, certain quotes from vendors. Like, they'll say, you just received this. Now, you know, if you're listening, you probably are aware of this already that, there's a lot of scammers out there that send you pretend gift cards so that you will click on a link and then, you know, kinda get you to, like, a bait and switch type of thing. So very be very careful with that. That is why egift cards can be well, all kinds of gift cards can be a little little funny sometimes, but just be careful with that. But you can definitely create a rule so that they go into that. Again, this is especially true if you receive monetary gift cards from your communities.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:11:13]:

Like, if you're an educator, if you are, maybe you're you're somebody that just works with a lot of different people that will give you these tokens of appreciation in the form of egift art. So definitely create a folder for that. Okay. So that get yourself an organizer. That seems to work for a lot of people and this will get you this will lead us into the next tip. So what if you do get yourself an organizer, then you will find this next tip very handy. For our next tip, it's all about keeping track of what how much is the balance of each of the gift cards. And what I've seen work very well is putting either a little sticky note in the front of the gift card or like, tape, like, some like a, removable tape, painters tape or something like that in front of the card and then writing down the balance.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:12:04]:

And then, of course, every time you use it, you write down the balance little by little, and then that way, you know very visually what is left as opposed to having to call or log in to the app every single time if there's a website in the back or calling it in. Now pros and cons to this is, you know, pro easy easy to see. You can quickly look at what you know, how much your balance is, and it's just it's just much easier to keep track of. But, of course, the con is going to be it's a manual. I mean, you have to write it down, bring your pen and paper. And if you're not a pen and paper, oh my gosh, this sounds like a whole lot of work, then you're definitely going to push this habit away. You won't be doing this. Right? And then, of course, it's the if people can see that, you know, susceptible to theft, all that all that that comes with when you're physically putting together monetary items in one place.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:12:59]:

I mean, you have your organizer, and it all says how much is in each card. I mean, that is, like, a red flag for, for, you know, stealing if somebody sees it. But if you're not you if you're you can keep it at home in a safe place, and that way it's more for your internal purposes, that I think it will work. You know? I would not be parading it around, flashing it around. It's the equivalent of carrying, you know, hundreds of hundreds of bill $100 bills in your wallet, and all of a sudden you just get the roll of cash and you just expose it to everybody. I mean, it's probably not the safest thing to do. Same thing here. So I wouldn't be doing that, but I would find a way for you to visually keep track of the balances in what you have that is easily accessible and you can easily see and, you know, just see visually see so that you don't have to create an extra step to find out what you have left, and then that way you know, how much you have left.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:13:55]:

As as part of this org, getting an organizer and clearly writing what is left in each of these gift cards tip. I nowadays, I would suggest, that you also add your gift card to the website if you're like a webs. You're not afraid of, like like, the technology piece, in a lot of the merchants' website, you can just add the gift card to the cart, even even if you're not buying anything, basically, to your account. I'll just name some of the bigger ones like Walmart and Amazon and Target, Starbucks. They all will allow you to add a gift card that somebody gave you and added to your account so that next time you go, next time you check out, next time you order something online, you get it delivered. You can select if you want to add your funds on your account. So that is another way of having an organizer. Some people will do it if they have a especially if you had, like, a a wedding or a baby shower where you got and received a lot of gift cards, then they will have, like, a little folder.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:15:02]:

They'll have their the printouts of the gift cards, and then they will also add it to their account. So it's almost like a double check because, you know, because they they wanna make sure they use it, especially if you wanna accumulate as many of the gift cards as possible for 1 big purchase 1 big purchase. That's where this comes in very handy. Maybe, you know, for graduation. This is very predominant for graduations. Right? You send your graduation invite to all your relatives and your friends, and the gift cards kind of trickle in, not all at once, but maybe in a couple of months. So as you get these gift cards, put them into that account for that merchant and until you reach the goal that you're looking for. So that is another way of adding them to an organizer.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:15:48]:

So it doesn't always have to be old fashioned, like a binder. It can also be a digital version of it if the merchant makes it easy for you to do that, which most of the big retailers do. Okay. So for our next tip, we are talking all about combining your gift cards and selling them. There are apps out there or platforms, I should say, that will buy your gift cards. If you are somebody that has many, multiple gift cards. For whatever reason, gift you know, great again, graduation, celebratory events where you seed in abundance of them or you work in an industry where you receive a lot a lot of them from different merchants that all don't necessarily align with where you go and buy, places that you don't really like or whatever it may be. You do have options to sell them, not sell them back to the merch original merchant, but sell them to a third party merchant.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:16:42]:

I because of when I'm recording this, I I still have not found 1 particular merchant that I absolutely love, but I know many of my clients have used different types of merchants, and I'm happy to discuss those. So if you wanna reach out on Instagram and and, ask for my recommendations, then I will give them to you. And that way, I can give them to you in a little bit more of a up to date basis. So I won't name any right now on the on this podcast, but, basically, your search is going to be centered around online gift card marketplaces. So search for online gift card marketplace or gift card marketplaces or resell gift cards, and then you will come you know, make sure you shop around. Make sure that you, you get maybe some reviews. Test it out with 1 card. Don't just put up all of your cards immediately.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:17:34]:

Make sure that they're reputable because once you put in the number of your card and the PIN number. Then, you know, they they need to check that it's valid, that you're a real person that is giving them a real card with a real value in it as well. So they need to do their verification. But in the meantime, if there is a card if there's a website out there that is impersonating a legitimate online, gift card marketplace and, you know, they try to get your information and you had no idea, then that that would not be good. So I don't wanna this isn't like a scare tactic. This is more of a just be careful and maybe test it out with 1 of your gift cards and then see if it's a reputable company or ask your, your neighbors or your, you know, communities and ask them, hey. Have you ever sold your gift cards. Where where have you sold them to? But those are available to you, and you can just sell them, or exchange them for a merchant that you would use.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:18:28]:

Now this is where I think it's a really good idea to resell them if you have a lot of gift cards, because if you have 1 big purchase that you wanna make at a specific merchant, at a specific, store, then, like, let's say, you know, furniture store, even Amazon or the Targets or the Walmart or the Starbucks or whatever, and it's a big enough item, then reselling all the other $5, $25 gift cards you have received over the last couple of years could potentially be a benefit, in the long run because now you can buy that 1 big piece of item. And, you know, here at The Organized Flamingo, we are all about intentional buying and intentionally intentionally using your stuff with with a purpose, not just keeping it for the sake of it. So purchasing things that you actually will use will become more beneficial then having all these little things that you only use once in a while and are collecting dust. And for our last tip, it actually goes in theme with the last tip, and that is using it to purchase something else, like maybe a favor from a friend. And, actually, it's a favor because you would be exchanging it in a bartering system. So if you have the type of community or friends and family or, you know, Facebook or the neighborhood type of groups where you can put that out there and say, hey. I have this, and I need this. Can we exchange or message somebody or tell them what you're looking for and say, hey.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:19:54]:

I have a gift card, an abundance of gift cards to this one place that I, you know, I received. I no longer need. I don't use it. By any chance, would you want them in exchange for this? So don't be afraid to ask. You never know. I do think that it's all in the way that you ask. You know, don't come in all weird and and spammy. Like, if you've never met this person and you're just cold emailing them or messaging them on Facebook or Instagram and all of a sudden saying this.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:20:22]:

It just might seem a little weird and fishy. So, you know, maybe this is more of a tip for in person relationships or people that you, you know, you you know each other and you trust each other more than just randomly messaging somebody. But then again, you never know. You never know until you ask. So, but I would like to add this as a tip so that if you are coming across many, many of those gift cards that you don't use, then this could be a good way to exchange them for something else. Okay. So I'm gonna leave you off with about 3 tips on how and they're very quick, the way, and 3 tips on if you're the gift giver. So how to gift gift gift cards, well, say that 10 times, in a more thoughtful way so that they're actually being used.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:21:09]:

Right? So the person who you're giving it to doesn't lose them as easily. Maybe, know and actually put something to you. So that's what these tips are coming in for, but also a reminder that depending on your on your country and state in states, there are rules and laws that, have been put in place for gift cards. So please make sure to do a search, read through the fine print, and may and see what, you know, what kind of gift card you're getting, what are the fees, and when they expire. Here in the US, you have 5 years to use them, and then, I believe you know, actually, I don't even wanna go into detail with it because it depends on when you're listening to this pod to this episode. But, basically, we all have states and country laws that are very specific to gift cards, so look those up as well. Okay. So the 3 quick tips are ask the person, the gift the person you're buying this gift card for, where do they shop? You know? That I I feel like sometimes that's obvious, but maybe not.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:22:12]:

And if you're in a rush or it was a last minute decision to gift gift this person a gift card, that's okay. You know? I would rather somebody ask me what where I shop or what I like versus just giving me a gift card that they found, you know, in the bottom of their drawer. Not that there's anything wrong with that, honestly. I'm very appreciative of any gift that people that anybody gives me because I know that that is their hard earned money or they thought about thought about it, and even if they didn't think about it, they obviously gave it to me, you know. And, anyway, whatever. That's that's a different discussion. But the point here is is that, if you're trying to be more intentional, ask the person. You know, go ahead and ask them.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:22:53]:

Where do you shop? What do you like? Tip number 2. Write a note that is with the gift card. It either a note or maybe print out a picture of what you think that they would like or what the gift card is intended for. So let's say that somebody is a painter and you wanted to buy them paints, but you had no idea what kind of paints they liked. So instead you went to the local art shop and get and you're giving them a a gift card. So in the note, say that. Hey. I didn't know what to get you quite frankly, and I think it's better that you pick your own gift.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:23:26]:

Like, what kind of paint? Because everybody, you know, has specific taste. So please accept this as, you know, a token of my appreciation, gratitude, celebratory moment, and go ahead and pick something that you like. Or hey. I didn't know what size you were, but this is the shirt I wanna get you. If you wanna go ahead and buy it, you know, just here's a gift card, but this is the this is the shirt I wanna get you. So something more personable. And then the last is write the instructions on how to do or how to how to access the gift card or how to exchange the gift card or how to redeem the gift card because not all merchants are the same, not all vendors are the same. So especially if this is for somebody who is not tech savvy.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:24:10]:

Write them the instructions. Say, hey. This is what this the gift card is for this or for this place. Go to this website. You'll do this, this, and this. Even if you think it's obvious, even if you think that the back of the card should be enough or that they should do it themselves, I I am of the mindset that if you can help somebody use their gift in and optimize what you're giving them, that is just so much better. So, right directions and make it easy for them to redeem and use. And then if you can, make sure that you read the instruct you know, well, the instructions first, but also anything about the fees.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:24:49]:

Like, anything that might be important to note and to tell the person about. So, hey. You have 5 years to use this. This expires in 2020, you know, 50. So that way they know and it's apparent and it's not just another little gift card that they're going to put, you know, in their drawer, and it's gonna get lost. At least they know that where they can redeem it and how long they have. So write those things down and make it easy for them. Okay, so that is it for our episode this week.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:25:16]:

Easy peasy lemon squeezy. Right? We're gonna go in and get all of our gift cards that you know are in your drawers. Go dig them up, put them in a binder, put them in an organizer, load them up and use them, and make sure you get the most value out of them because it's cash that's just laying around. So head on over, start decluttering those. And if you are so inclined, share your experience with us. Let me know if you found some new gift cards you didn't know you had and you're putting them to use. Share it with us over on social media. We'd love to cheer you on.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:25:48]:

Until next time, happy organizing. If you enjoy today's episode, I would love it if you 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.

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

This week, we're diving into the eerie realm of keeping pests out of our storage areas, pantries, and closets. We are sharing top tips for avoiding these little creepy crawlers and what to do if you do find them in your storage areas while organizing. Grab your brooms and get ready for some storage magic as we keep our spaces less eek! and more chic.

In this episode, we talk about:

  • Keeping your storage spaces organized, safe, and critter-free!
  • Tips for Preventing Water Damage
  • Preventing Pest Infestations

Mentioned in this Episode:

Keep or Toss Decision Tree

www.organizedandproductive.com/keeportoss

Garage & Basement Organizing Products on Amazon I recommend: Amazon Storefront Here (*earns commissions)

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 are 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

Connect with Stephanie

https://www.instagram.com/theorganizedflamingo/

40: From Start to Finish: How Long Is Your Organizing Project Going To Take?

This week, we get into three categories that we see most organizing projects falling into.  These categories, the Simple, Functional and Personalized type of projects,  will help you estimate how long a project will take. Whether it's a simple, functional, or personalized project, we'll explore the mistakes people often make in each category and provide tips on how to be successful in each type of project. This way, you can avoid the frustration that comes with starting a project and never finishing it.

In this episode we talk about:

  • Tips to avoid leaving your clutter half-done
  • How to plan out your organizing project
  • mistakes people make with their organizing projects

Mentioned in this Episode:

Episode 006: Should You Do It Yourself or Outsource It?

https://theorganizedflamingo.com/6-should-you-do-it-yourself-or-outsource-it/

Episode 001: 7 Steps to Organizing (almost) Anything

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

Blog: The Best Way To Organize Your Dresser Drawers

https://www.housedigest.com/1163727/an-expert-explains-the-best-way-to-organize-your-dresser-drawers/

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

Connect with Stephanie

https://www.instagram.com/theorganizedflamingo/

39: Should You Keep it, Repair it or Throw It Way?

This week we dive deep into the age-old question of knowing when it's time to declutter and make intentional decisions about our belongings.  As a professional organizer with over 20 years of experience, I'll share my thoughts and insights on when it's time to keep, repair, or let go of these sentimental items. We'll explore questions to ask yourself and provide you with practical tools to help you make intentional decisions about your possessions. So, whether you're facing the dilemma of decluttering your physical or digital space, join us as we navigate the gray area and find balance in our organizing journey.

In this episode we talk about:

  • Guilt and remorse associated with buying things
  • Exploring the question of whether to keep or let go of items
  • Importance of Intentional Decision-Making

Mentioned in this Episode:

Episode 006: Should You Do It Yourself or Outsource It?

https://theorganizedflamingo.com/6-should-you-do-it-yourself-or-outsource-it/

Episode 016: Step 3: Decluttering Your home For a Happier You

https://theorganizedflamingo.com/16-step-3-decluttering-decluttering-your-home-for-a-happier-healthier-you/

Keep it or let it go decision sheet: Release on Tuesday, October 17, 2023!

www.theorganizedflamingo.com/quiz

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

Connect with Stephanie

https://www.instagram.com/theorganizedflamingo/

38: Debunking Clutter Myths

This week, we dive into the topic of clutter. What exactly is clutter and why is it such a big deal? We take you on a journey to define clutter and how it can vary from person to person. We explore the impact clutter can have on our mental and physical health, and even discover how clutter and creativity can intertwine. So sit back, relax, and let's unpack this concept of clutter together. This episode will challenge your perception of clutter and help you understand its significance in our lives.

In this episode we talk about:

What is clutter?Why is clutter a big deal?The relationship between clutter and creativity

Mentioned in this Episode:

Ep. 17 Living With An Unorganized Partner: How to Avoid Frustration

https://theorganizedflamingo.com/17-living-with-an-unorganized-partner-how-to-avoid-frustration/

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

Connect with Stephanie

https://www.instagram.com/theorganizedflamingo/

37: Kitchen Organizing Ideas You May Not Have Thought Of

This week we explore the challenge that many of you have shared with us—finding a home for everything in your kitchen and containing your items. This episode is dedicated to helping you navigate this crucial step in the organizing process.

In this episode we talk about:

The importance of finding a home for everything and containing items Thinking differently about space and utilizing vertical, horizontal, and diagonal areasPractical tips on how to organize your kitchen

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

Connect with Stephanie

https://www.instagram.com/theorganizedflamingo/

36: Organizing Your Books: Beyond Dewey and Color Coding

This week, we have a fan-favorite topic to discuss – book organizing! Unlike other organizing tasks that might not be as enjoyable, many of you have expressed your love for organizing books. Whether you dream of having your own mini library or want to categorize your books like a professional librarian, we've got you covered.

We'll share expert tips and considerations to make your book-organizing journey even better. So, if you have a ton of books begging for organization or simply want to discover new ways to enhance your bookshelf, then you're in the right place.

Get ready to dive into the wonderful world of book organizing.

In this episode we talk about:

  • Different organizing methods like the Universal Classification System, Dewey Decimal, Color Coded, Alphabetical, and many other
  • Who benefits from these systems and why
  • What to consider when you are organizing books

Mentioned in this Episode:

Episode 009: Organization with Flair: How to Have a Stylish and Tidy Home

https://theorganizedflamingo.com/9-organization-with-flair-how-to-have-a-stylish-and-tidy-home/

Episode 022: Reselling Revolution: Weighing the Benefits and Drawbacks of Garage Sales

https://theorganizedflamingo.com/22-reselling-revolution-weighing-the-benefits-and-drawbacks-of-garage-sales/

Episode 001: 7 Steps to Organizing (almost) Anything

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

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

Connect with Stephanie:

https://www.instagram.com/theorganizedflamingo/

35: Dealing With Gifts That You Don’t Want: Letting Go Without Feeling Guilty

This week we discuss an interesting and relatable topic: what to do when you receive gifts that you don't want or need. Whether it's during the holiday season, birthdays, or any other occasion, we all find ourselves in this situation at times. We are sharing several tips and solutions to help you let go of these items or find a way to actually put them to use without feeling guilty.

In this episode we talk about:

  • The problem of keeping unwanted gifts
  • Practical tips to help you handle those unwanted gifts like a pro
  • Dealing with the guilt that comes with gift-receiving
  • Different guilt-free solutions you can try the next time you receive a gift you are not fond of

Mentioned in this Episode:

Episode 003: Mental Health and Organizing with Suzanne Orlando

https://theorganizedflamingo.com/3-mental-health-and-organizing-with-suzanne-orlando/

Blog Post: Timeless and Tidy – Using Antiques to Organize Your Space

https://theorganizedflamingo.com/timeless-and-tidy-using-antiques-to-organize-your-space/

Blog Post: Virtual Marketplaces

https://theorganizedflamingo.com/virtual-sell-buy-marketplaces/

Blog Post: Creating Your Household Boutique

https://theorganizedflamingo.com/creating-your-household-boutique/

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

Connect with Stephanie

https://www.instagram.com/theorganizedflamingo/

33: Get Organized for the Holiday Season: Creating a Mindful Shopping Plan

As the year comes to a close, many of us find ourselves going through our closets, basements, and attics, getting out holiday decorations, and doing some much-needed decluttering. This episode marks the beginning of a series of conversations about getting organized during this busy time of year.

Today, our focus is on mindful shopping and how to create a shopping plan to avoid overspending. We'll discuss the importance of decluttering and the feeling of overwhelm that often comes with impulse buying. Our goal is to provide you with helpful strategies to avoid accumulating excess stuff and to be more intentional with your purchases.

In this episode, we talk about:

How to avoid overspending during the holiday show Impulse buying leads to accumulating duplicates how to navigate holiday sales when you are trying to declutter

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 are 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

Connect with Stephanie

https://www.instagram.com/theorganizedflamingo/

32: From Sun to Cozy: Preparing Your Home for the Fall Season

August is a great time to start decluttering and organizing from Summer to the Fall months.  This week, we're diving into the world of seasonal transitions and taking advantage of the natural changes of the seasons to stay on top of your organizing journey.

In this episode we talk about:

  • Transitioning and Organizing Your Things from Summer to Fall
  • Seasonal Closet Swap and Wardrobe Organization
  • Seasonal Home Decor Organization
  • Seasonal Kitchen Organization
  • Seasonal Outdoor Organization
  • Seasonal Mementos Organization

Mentioned in this Episode:

Episode 004: A New Decluttering Mindset: Seasonal Decluttering

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

Episode 022: Reselling Revolution: Weighing the Benefits and Drawbacks of Garage Sales

https://theorganizedflamingo.com/22-reselling-revolution-weighing-the-benefits-and-drawbacks-of-garage-sales/

Blog Post: Virtual Sell & Buy Marketplaces

https://theorganizedflamingo.com/virtual-sell-buy-marketplaces/

Blog Post: Creating Your Household Boutique

https://theorganizedflamingo.com/creating-your-household-boutique/

Blog Post: Clothing Swaps

https://theorganizedflamingo.com/clothing-swaps/

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

Connect with Stephanie

https://www.instagram.com/theorganizedflamingo/

Review the Transcript:

Hello and welcome my organized and productive community. Welcome to another episode of the organized and productive Podcast. Today we are talking about transitions and more specifically transitioning from the summer months into the fall months, and just how that affects our organizing and our organizing style, and how to transition from one to the other without feeling overwhelmed. So let's go. Welcome to the organized and productive podcast with me organized Flamingo. I am 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.

To get us started, let's talk about what this type of organizing is called. So when you transition from one season to another, we like to call this as seasonal organizing or seasonal decluttering, if you're letting go of things, but it's basically the seasonal transition, right. And it could sometimes be from month to month, it doesn't have to be from a be weather pattern like a summer to fall. But usually it fits some kind of big movement throughout the year, like a big transitional seasonal movement throughout the year. And it's just a natural reminder for us to go from one phase to another. It's just like a natural alarm, if you will. Some of us, you know, we are very diligent about decluttering.

Or about staying organized from month to month or week to week or day to day, at the end of the day, maybe you have a routine, you've created some new habits. So that's amazing. But for some people, it's a little bit harder. And so the seasonal type of organizing is helpful because it's a natural reminder, like you're naturally going to be putting away your summer clothes or your summer items, and then picking up the fall items or the winter or whatever, like the cold weather month type of items. So and that is why seasonal organizing is very helpful for a lot of people and why we're devoting actually four episodes in the next, you know, for the next year for each of the transition. So right now we are talking about tips on how to transition from the summer months into the fall months. In this episode, we're going to talk about the four most common areas that we transition in and out of. The first is your clothing or closet. The second is decor and just like home, like your home area or even your office area, but just more Decor Style. The third is your kitchen. I mean kitchen devotes its own space the same way that your closet and your clothes do.

And then the fourth is outdoor space, or indoor gardening or like the outdoors. Because those four tend to be the ones that most people transition from one season to the other. And my data always comes from what I see being the most popular based on my 20 years of experience for my clients, what we get hired the most to do. And these are the four categories that we get hired to transition the most. So that's why I'm highlighting these four. There are other parts of your space, especially if you you're a business owner is like a either solo solopreneur or you own a big company doesn't matter what size, it's just, there are other types of teams that will transitions for your business. But we are really devoting this for kind of more of your personal space in your everyday space. Okay, so the first is your closet and or your clothing area. So that is a really popular place that gets transition during the summer to fall. Even regardless of where you live in the world. That is usually where the temperatures change from one to the other. Not everybody gets the extreme winters or the snowy type of winter. So some for some of you the fall slash winter is really just like the cold climate. So the summer to fall slash winter ends up being a really big transition for most people. And the first place that gets transitioned is usually your wardrobe or your closet. And so here are some tips on how to swap out your summer clothes to your fall attire without feeling overwhelmed. First if you're following our steps seven of organizing almost anything framework, which is our signature framework here at the organized Flamingo, and we do have a whole episode and actually we have one overview episode and then we have seven separate episodes devoted to each of the steps. So if you want to do that, we will put it into the show notes so you can follow along there. But just in our typical fashion of our seven steps we'd like to analyze and to assess First things first and what that means is in your closet, what are like how do you use your closet is is a capsule stock style of a closet, meaning you have mix and match outfits that they go with each other. Are you more like a capsule right like that? You have pre planned signature statement pieces and then they mix and match. Do you have more of a closet that houses all of your clothing all of the time? And if so, then we will talk about what to do so that you can either minimize The amount of clutter that's in there, or at least strategically fold them or put them in your closet so that it doesn't become overwhelming. So first of all, assess what how do you use your closet, what kind of closet Do you want to have, and then we will go from there.

Okay, the second tip from this clothing and wardrobe organization is the, if you do have a capsule wardrobe style, then this is a good time for you to start transitioning your summer pieces, putting those away. And then as you're putting them away, decide what you want to sell, donate, and or you do want to keep for the rotation for next year. And then you know, go ahead and put put this away the things that you want to sell or maybe give away, put them on a different bin and different bag. And then we will address those at a later time. When you do when you take pictures and post them or do whatever you need to do with those items that are not returning to your wardrobe. If you have a closet that houses all of your clothing, no matter what season it is, right? When you transition from the summer to the fall, this is a really good time for you to determine if your organizing containers are the right containers for you. Because summer from summer to fall, usually the fabrics are much lighter from the summer than they are from the fall, you put those away a little bit differently. So just kind of make sure that, you know you're putting away the things that you want to have long term in the right manner. I'll give you a great example. Okay, so the tank tops or you know lighter style shirts, some people like to hang them, but don't if you're going to be hanging them all year round. At some point they're they start to droop, the fabric starts to droop and then they create this little crease from the hangers. So when you're transitioning from one season to another, this is a really good opportunity for you to determine if those containers that you're utilizing.

And we you know, whether it's the hangers or the bins or the boxes or under your bed or wherever you're storing your your clothing, if it's the right container for whatever it is that you're putting away, especially if you're looking to keep these items long term like I mentioned. So this is a really good opportunity for that and of course is a great opportunity to declutter, let things go the things that you didn't wear, the things that you'd note and don't no longer like, and or maybe they just didn't fit and make you feel comfortable like this is a really good time to let them go and get yourself something that is fitting and you feel comfortable in for the next season. Okay, so now let's go ahead and talk about home decor. So we're switching over from closet to home decor or just kind of your area in general, if your space, this is a great opportunity for you to either sell or donate those seasonal items for next year, and go shop for the items that you do want for the next season. So this is something that doesn't get talked about a lot. But you know, you don't have to keep all of your decorations for the entire year all year long. You can always just sell them on a Facebook marketplace or an online type of marketplace or Craigslist, or whatever it is that you prefer, I have a whole list of those online marketplaces over on a blog post that I will put in the show notes. But this is really a good reminder from me, your professional organizer friend to you that you don't have to keep everything from one season to another put away the items that you are not you know that are sentimental to you. Maybe they were passed on from family to family like for family members or friends. Something that was like the special things and then how boundaries for them maybe how like two bins that you for sure are keeping because they're special mementos because it's things that you know, you can't replace and you just absolutely adore.

And those are stained but the rest, it's time to let them go either. Go ahead and you know, send them to a consignment store, sell them donate them, or put them you know, like I said on online marketplace, and then this is a really good opportunity for you to go to those same marketplaces and acquire things for the for the upcoming fall season. And then that way you don't have it's almost like a rental system that you don't have to keep everything in your possession at all times. This is a really good tip for all of you who have either are trying to do more of a minimalist lifestyle and you don't want to be carrying all these items you know with you at all times you move a lot maybe you move a lot, a great opportunity for all of you who are always traveling and you know you're moving quite a bit and then also for all of you who have smaller spaces and smaller storage spaces where you can't really be keeping you know the holiday tree or the Halloween decorations all year long because you only have one shed or one small area to keep these items in so go you know renting like not renting, but selling the things and letting them go immediately after you use them and then acquiring them as you need them is a really good way to maintain a clutter free storage space. Okay, let's transition over to the kitchen area. And in the kitchen area, it's going to be very similar to the home decor in the sense that you don't have to keep everything all year round. There are the same concept applies with the home decor, where you can acquire what you need as you need it and then let it go once you don't need it, especially during the fall in winter months where most of those cozy cooking type of holidays happen. Because what ends up happening is you buy that one tray for the big family dinner and then you don't use it again for the rest of the year. Now, again, similar to the home decor, you have like maybe a couple bins, one, two bins or drawers or storage areas where you keep your holiday kitchen items that are very special to you. But everything else you technically can, you know sell and then buy as needed versus keeping it just because and then it starts to accumulate a lot of space.

So on that sense, it's very similar to the home decor. But the one difference is going to be the food, the food part of the kitchen, right like the ingredients like the seasonal ingredients, those things you can't really buy necessarily at a at a markup online marketplace. I mean, I guess you can, but it's a little different. So whatever you acquired in the summer, so for instance, you got all your condiments, and maybe you had all the picnic stuff and you know the lemonade, I don't know all it whatever summer ingredients that you have acquired that you you can't really use until next year, this is a really good opportunity to look at the expiration dates and see if any of those summer items food items can actually last an entire year. And that is if you're staying in the same spot. As you know for next year. If you're planning on moving, then maybe this is a really good time to give them to a food bank that accepts them, especially if you haven't opened them or have or ask friends if they would like to have them before they expire.

You know don't be given the expired stuff out there, throw those away. Those are those are gone. But this is a really good opportunity for you to be looking at expiration dates from your summer ingredients and food items and then discarding those so that you can introduce all of the fall and winter ingredients that will be coming in and we know those will start to occupy some storage space in your kitchen. Okay, so now we're heading on over to the outside. And this is all about the outdoor space and gardening transitions. This is the time when we are doing the garden cleanup. I know a lot of our community members and our listeners are gardeners and they love the outdoors. So this is a really good opportunity for you to take a quick check outside in your garden in your patio and do a little a little cleanup obviously let go of the things that are no longer serving you especially if it's items within like your plant and things like that, that will go bad for next year. And that really won't be able to withstand the the winter months in the fall and winter months. So letting go of those items donating them, or maybe you are using them as fertilizer or, or composting or whatever it may be, this is a good opportunity for you to clean that up.

Also, storing outdoor furniture, this is a good opportunity for you to figure out again, kind of like the the home decor items. What is it that you do want to keep versus maybe just sell and just buy again next year from a thrift store from consignment store, you know, or online marketplace like I mentioned, although with outdoor furniture and items, those I tend to see that most people like to buy those locally versus clothing where you can, or even a home decor small home decor is where you don't mind getting it shipped with outdoor furniture and just bigger things like that. I think most people stay local. So check your online local marketplaces and see if it's something that you can just let go off for the season and rebuy next year, because next year, you may not even want it anymore. And so why hold on to it this this entire season or this entire fall in winter months, when you know you're not even going to use it again.

Okay, so those are our four spaces that typically get transitioned from one season to another, especially the big transitions from summer months or warmer months to cooler weather like the fall in the winter. I'm also going to add a bonus tip in here. That is not part of the four most common spaces that get transitioned from one season to another and I'm going to add the picture decluttering from one season to another or really actually just mementos in general, this is a really good opportunity for you to put away those mementos from the summer months, the pictures or maybe the keychain or something that you want to remember from your kids. Some Summer vacation or camp. So this is a good opportunity for that to happen for you to put those away in an open actual you know the book or a box and label them so that you don't forget.

So that years or months, you know, months or years don't go by and you forget why you even kept it like the memento from the beach vacation, right like, this is a good opportunity to like label it. And remind yourself why it is that you want to keep this item. As you go through this step, I'm going to guarantee that you may actually go back and realize that some of the things you acquired on vacation on your trip on your staycation, or just throughout the summer months, you may go and say I don't even know why I kept this, I don't need it. In the moment it felt special. Maybe that's a good opportunity for you to take a picture of it and write some notes just so you remember the memory. But you don't necessarily need to keep the physical item. This last bonus tip was dedicated to all of you sentimental keepers who keep you know things from a season of life and you want to remember long term, I just don't want all of your things to accumulate little by little season by season, and then it becomes overwhelming. And you don't even know why you kept it. So again, good opportunity, good time for you to declutter that stuff.

And or make sure that you know why you're keeping it. Seasonal organizing and transitions are also a really good time to tap into your family and friends, resources and neighborhoods. So this is a really good opportunity to let people know what it is that you have available and maybe what you're looking for and doing slops because people are in the mood for a change, right? So this is a good opportunity for that also for garage sales. Again, like kinda like in the spring fall like the end of the summer is a really good time to break before the fall for you to sell or have like a garage sale for all of your seasonal items that people may want to buy and then just kind of letting go of any of your summer items.

I will link the show notes in the show notes, our garage sale podcast episodes and if you are doing a seasonal decluttering or organizing project, let us know over on social media and tag us at the organized Flamingo. We always love cheering our community on and with that. Happy organizing and until next time. Thank you for listening to the organized and productive podcast with the organized Flamingo. 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

Organizing Mistakes: 27 Slip-Ups to Avoid During Your Next Project

by Jamie Forbes

Check out the recent Redfin article we were
featured in: Organizing Mistakes: 27 Slip-Ups to
Avoid During Your Next Project | Redfin


Organizing is difficult and can be a stressful,
time-consuming project. It’s also an essential
skill that can increase your physical and
emotional health. Chances are, though, that
during an organizing project, you made a few
mistakes. While it's natural to feel disappointed
or frustrated when mistakes occur, it's important
to recognize them as valuable learning
opportunities rather than failures.
So, whether you live in a house in Brentwood,
CA, or a Greenville, SC, apartment, these
expert-backed tips are sure to make your life
easier. Read on for 27 organizing mistakes to
avoid during your next decluttering project.
Read the full article here: Organizing
Mistakes: 27 Slip-Ups to Avoid During Your
Next Project | Redfin

12 Tips to Organize Your Social Media

Tips on how to keep your social media account organized from Social Marketing Experts, Professional Organizers & Productivity Coaches

Is your social media clogged up with endless messages, outdated posts, and you are feeling overwhelmed with your social media? Well, then, let us help you by sharing 12 tips you can implement today to start gaining control of your social media.

In a recent Clubhouse room, Jen Theuriet, Katie Matusky, our special guest Jana Osofsky and I shared some of our top tips on how to stay organized on your social media. We gave tips for both creators and regular users that can be utilized on different platforms. If you prefer to listen to the replay, CLICK HERE (it's a great way to follow along with our list and you don't have to download the app!).

Here is the list, enjoy and Happy Organizing!

We are supposed to be using these social media platforms, they arent supposed to be using us

Jen Theuriet
  1. Create circular viralocity (Brendon Bruchard's term) create a longer piece of content on a weekly basis and break it into smaller chunks (like Jana mentioned) but then have those posts link back to your longer-form content which will hopefully get them to opt into your email list (for creators) – Jen T.
  2. Set intentions – be clear why you are going into social media so you don't lose time down the rabbit hole (for creatrors & users). – Jen T.
  3. Use a project management software (like Asana, ClickUp, Air Table, Trello) to create a repeatable checklist of the steps you use to break down larger content into multiple pieces of social media content. (e.g. 4 IG posts, 2 IG stores, 2 IG reels, 3 Clubhouse rooms, 3 Pinterest idea pins, 6 Tweets) (for creators) – Jana O.
  4. If you engage a lot on IG, keep a google sheet or doc with the URL for profiles you are engaging/nurturing. Open each in a separate tab and get commenting! (Make it fast to access profiles) (for creators) – Jana O.
  5. Automate Sending Reporting/Metrics to Yourself and Key Team Members so that you are actively looking at your metrics and adjusting your strategy accordingly week-to-week, based on real-time data (for ceators). – Katie M.
  6. Use your PM tool to track the success metrics for each social channel and whether or not your team is meeting or missing those metrics every week. This will help you distinguish roadblocks in your processes, as well as discerning if a drop in results has to do with the content/strategy itself or if it's a team challenge because it's not getting done (for ceators). – Katie M.
  7. The Bookmark/Saved function. This is a great function to use to save posts you want to engage in later on. Remove them off of your saved folder once you’re done. (for both consumers & creators). – Stephanie D.
  8. Pick a pre-scheduler like Facebook's Business Suite or Tailwind. Many social media platforms have a native scheduler that will saves you time.(for ceators) – Stephanie D.

Instead of trying to do the same thing everytime, invest the time to plan out your content.

Jana Osofsky
  1. Create collaborations for both for competitors and other biz that serve your niche, this will help you both grow and further your authority (for creators). – Jen T.
  2. For Pinterest: Make a keyword master list and use it each time you pin. So you're not re-inventing the wheel. (Use CTRL+F to find relevant keywords). – Jana O.
  3. Have specific days of the week that you focus on sales conversations in the DMs and prompt them on those days only so you can have someone waiting and ready to have those conversations (for ceators). – Katie M.
  4. Create a mood/vibe board to share w your team. So they know what you’re looking for and how you want things to look, sound and feel. It will save you time and effort. (for creators) – Stephanie D.

Jana Osofsky is a Pinterest Marketing Expert & Educator helping people grow their Pinterest audience. You can find her on Instagram, Clubhouse, and at https://janaomedia.com/

Jen Theuriet is a Productivity Coach helping people find life after busy. You can find her on Instagram, Clubhouse, and at https://www.thelifeafterbusy.com/

Katie Matusky is a Systems Integrator, helping business leaders build systems and teams that can run without them. You can find her on Instagram, Clubhouse, and at https://www.entropyorganized.com/

Stephanie Y. Deininger is a professional organizer & productivity specialist, helping people get and stay organized. You can find her on Instagram, Clubhouse, and at https://theorganizedflamingo.com/

Organizing Paper

Did you know that Paper is almost 2,000 years old?

That is a long time for something to still be in use! And when something has been around that long, it's going to be hard to let it go.

Some of us have tried going digital by using a tablet, but we still seem to be using paper in some way or another.

With so much paper still in circulation and paper being part of our world, we can't ignore that it may end up in our space, and maybe a lot of it is currently in YOUR space right now.

For the purposes of this post, this is a discussion on paper (color, or otherwise), not filing paperwork, which is a different post that we will write about.

So let's talk about some modern day ways to organize all that paper! (after it's been organized into categories that make sense to you).

Storing your paper horizontally is best if you don't have sturdy dividers that will post the paper up. If your paper is bending over, it will keep that shape over time.

In a binder. Once you set up your filing system, put it in a well-labeled binder.

Drawers. A fast way to store paper is in a drawer. Remember, this is a place to store your paper AFTER you have a filing system. You can always shove them in here, but they won't just go away on their own! So BE CAREFUL to not just SHOVE it without a rhyme or reason.

Scanning. Scanning it could help your need to keep it. Another warning here, though. If you don't have a system and start scanning, it will be very expensive. Why? Because that scanned paper takes up virtual space someone has to pay for. You may get some free storage from your computer or a disk or the “cloud” but it's not limitless and at some point, you will have to pay for more storage. Have a plan.

Lastly, maybe it's time to let it go. This is one of those items that if you haven't needed it by now, you probably won't need it going forward. If you are nervous that something may be in between the papers, hire someone that will go through it with you. Commit to it, though. Don't just go through it and add it to another pile.

Kindly, Stephanie + The Organized Flamingo Team

Series: Organizing your Holiday Decor (Containers)

You just took out all of your Holiday decor.  Enjoy the happiness that all the merry and bright decorations bring to your home and space.  But eventually, you are going to put everything back, right? 

I want to make sure I help you think ahead and be on the lookout for what you may need to organize your items now and later. Take note that this is a list of items you’ll probably buy, but there are plenty of DIY versions of the following.  I’ll do another post soon on what DIY versions are out there for the following.  In the mean time, keep an eye out for the following sales!

Sales to be on the lookout for:

  • Wreath containers
  • Large plastic bags for wreaths (if you want to hang them vs. in containers)
  • Totes for the new stuff you got
  • Ornament boxes.  Ok, so here are my thoughts on ornament boxes.  They are wonderful IF you get the ones where each layer is separate and you can access each layer separately.  The boxes where you have to take the top layers off before you can access the bottom ones can be a pain in the behind.
  • Garland Storage Bags
  • Storage Reel for lights and garland (think what you put a water hose on so it spins in and out easily)   
  • A big roll of plastic wrap (the kind that professional movers have) to cover your tree with the ornaments OR a BIG bag to store your christmas tree. 
  • Gift wrapping stations

Where can I find these sales?

  • Your local home improvement stores
  • Home decorating stores
  • Facebook Marketplace
  • Craigslist
  • Neighbor-to-neighbor groups
  • Yard and Garage Sales
  • Estate Sales
  • Auctions

Let us know if you have found a great sale for any of the above mentioned items and where you found your deal!

Kindly, Stephanie

11 Tips for Organizing Your Entire House

Hello friends, so last month we were part of an article that featured some great tips on organizing your entire house. Read the full article below or by clicking the link below. Happy Organizing! 🦩

11 Tips for Organizing Your Entire House

November 18, 2020 by Julia Weaver

There isn’t just one tried and true way of organizing your home. Any approach you take has to work with your lifestyle and habits. There are a few strategies, however, that can enhance the effectiveness of any approach. From taking inventory of your belongings to attacking your task in zones, there are many ways to tweak the way you tidy up.

We’ve asked professional organizers, from New York, NY to Sacramento, CA, to spill their best-kept secrets so you can put an end to a messy life once and for all – and save time, money, and stress while doing so.

Be realistic about your availability

When you’re about to start any organizing project in your house, think about the time you have to devote to it and don’t forget that there are only 24 hours in a day. If you know your attention span is short, don’t pick a project that will take hours. Simple tasks that don’t require a lot of thought, like organizing a desk drawer will be quick. Tasks that are personalized to you, like organizing your closet, will take longer. – The Organized Flamingo

Assess your wardrobe

Is your closet a museum or a place to store and easily access your clothes? If your closet resembles a museum, here’s what you can do to help yourself. Arrange your clothes by categories and garments, and seasonally if desired. Try on your clothes, asking yourself “Is the style timely or timeless? Does the shape of the garment flattering? Is it comfortable and easy care?” Decide to keep, toss, donate or sell if valuable enough. Decide how much time you have for this project. It’s helpful to take this project in steps, working in sections. Start with one side, working from top-down. – A Helping Hand for You

Use chalkboard labels in your pantry 

Labels are a must for every room in the house, but I’m particularly obsessed with using chalkboard labels in the pantry. The pantry is a space where inventory is constantly being switched out, like how I optimistically bought a 50 pack of kale chips that will probably be replaced by an industrial-sized tub of cookie butter in a week. Chalkboard labels allow for this experimentation with your food since you can just erase and re-label whenever you need to. There are about a million kinds on Amazon for cheap, so I highly suggest giving em a whirl. – The Organizer Bunny

Keep track of the food in your pantry to avoid waste

Avoid food waste by using a small blackboard to keep a note of what needs eating first in your fridge or pantry. Place it somewhere where everyone can see it, and help them to grab snacks and lunch accordingly! (photo attached) – More Organised

Get your kids involved

Sometimes it is a challenge to get and keep your kids organized. When organizing your children’s rooms get them involved and make a game of it. Make it a race to see if you or your child can pick up and put away their toys faster than you. This also works with clothes going in the hamper, drawers and closet. Include a prize at the end if they are the fastest. (It helps to let them win.) The more fun it is, the more they will want to get involved. – Office Furniture Warehouse

Always declutter and organize before selling your home 

If your kitchen cabinets are full it tells the buyers that you don’t have enough storage. Keep everything light and when possible leave a shelf empty. You want to sell them on the fact that you have “too much” storage. Visual clutter can be the pile of laundry and excess of artwork on the walls. Find ways to simplify the visual clutter throughout your home. Edit out artwork, tchotchkes from your travels, and anything that’s collected dust over the year. The less stuff you have out the larger your home will look to buyers. – The Clutter Curator

Create a checklist for your tasks

Grab a pen and paper, then do an inventory of the room you want organized. Write down all the things you need to clean, fix, and ideas for what you think will make the room perfect for you. This can serve as a checklist to help you get started, mark off items as you go, and plan for any improvements. – Tidy by Habit

Use a door shoe organizer for a variety of belongings

You can use an over the door shoe organizer for apparel. For example, roll leggings of both dark and light colors. Place one or two pairs of like in each see-through pouch so that you can find them easily without having to dig through clothing clutter in your drawer. – Wow Organizing

Less is more in your child’s room

Looking for simple ways to keep your child’s room organized, let’s start with the less is more. Fill your child’s room with toys that are interactive so they don’t need more useless items that just take up space. Organizers are your best friend, stackable cubes or bookcases. Fill their closets with shelving, this helps keep your baby’s clothes visible, neat, and easily accessible. – CEO Ariselis Siciliano, Better Baby Boutique

Break your kitchen up into zones

One of my favorite ways to organize a kitchen is by zones. Divide your kitchen into zones such as cooking, food storage, food prep, dishware, and serveware. Keep only the number of items you need in each zone. Breaking it up in this way helps define your space and leads to a more functional kitchen. – Amber Bloomberg 

Take care of yourself while getting organized

Self-care is no longer considered selfish, in fact, it’s productive. While you’re getting organized don’t forget to make it personal. – Organize Chicago

Simple – Functional – Personalized

A method I like to use often is our Simple Functional Personalized System. This system is all about figuring out how much time you have on your hands to tackle an organizing project and labeling it as a “simple”, “functional” or “personalized” task.  

This is a great system for organizing with a purpose.

⭐ 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 – it's quick. Think less than an hour. Like organizing your desk drawer or your event files. You don't have to preplan too much. Solutions that come right out of the box. These are the projects you can do while listening to a podcast and be done.⁣

⭐ 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 – takes a bit longer but less than 4 hours. Examples include organizing your bathroom cabinets or putting together your list of tasks you want to get done for your event. You probably need to pay a little more attention because you are visualizing the function of that space and task. ⁣

⭐ 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 – tailored to what your wants and needs. Plan on at least 4 hours for this project. This could include figuring out what kind of shipping station you need and how it will flow if you are a small business that ships things a lot. It has to work for everyone using it, so it's not an out of the box solution

Your organizational project will almost always fit into one of these three categories and sometimes it will be combined. 

If you combine them, you add up the hours of the categories. So if it's a simple AND personalized task, your project will be at least 5 hours. If you want your project to be simple + functional + personalized, then it'll take more like 9 hours. ⁣

Use this method next time you are planning your next project and share what you did with us on social media and how long it took you!

⁣𝘾𝙖𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙤𝙛 𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙟𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙛𝙞𝙩𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙜𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨? ⁣

Creating Your Household Boutique

You have been home a lot more, not going out as much.  You might be on an organizing frenzy or want to be.  You are tired of seeing your same old stuff and need change.  Yes, you can throw your stuff away, you can donate it or you can sell it, but you can also keep it and create a Household Boutique.

Well, how about creating a household boutique?

What is a Household Boutique? Well, it’s a store, but in your own space! You can apply this idea to your office, too, but for the purposes of this post, I’ll just talk about the space at home.  

A Household Boutique is something that lives in a storage space that acts as your store or shop.  It can be as big as your basement or as small as a bin.  The main concept is that it’s the place where you go to “shop” before you actually go to a store (or online shop) and spend money on something you may already have.  This format is different from a storage room or closet, as it isn’t a place where you store stuff and forget about it.  This is a living, breathing set up for you to go to first, before going shopping.  In order for it to work, it should adhere to three simple concepts: be easily visual/accessible, be well cataloged somewhere, and have a shop name.  Read below for details and the simple outline of how to create one of your own.  

Your home is like a store.  Every item in your house should have a purpose or a value, so very once in a while, you should do an inventory of your “stock”.  

You’ll Need:

  • Stickers
  • Excel or Microsoft (or any searchable document will work)
  • Shelves or bins
  • A special place designated for your mart like a closet, an extra room

Creating your Household Boutique

  1. After cleaning out and re-organizing your space, separate the items that you are not ready to throw or give away.  These are the things that are in limbo.  Maybe you don’t use them often, maybe they’re brand new or maybe you just want to take a break from them.  This differs from items that you know you won’t use anymore and are ready to be retired or thrown out.  
  2. Choose to do either a well-documented catalog of those items or how you will display them so you can easily “see” them and get to them.  You can choose to do both but that’s one extra step and who has time for that?! (But heck, go for it, you flamazing gal!)
    • Catalog: this can be listing all of your items on an Excel sheet (or Word) and making it easily searchable.  The goal is that a year from now when you are looking to redo your bedroom and wondering which “lamps” you might own, you will easily pull up what you already have “in stock”.  Can you repurpose them? Here is where this list will be very important.  If you end up using that item, great! You just saved yourself from spending money on something you already had at home.  If you do not use it, then you will mark it on your spreadsheet.  Next time you are ready to purge your shop, you’ll go through your list and see how many times you passed on that item.  After 3 times, it’s time for it to go! There truly is no purpose for it in your life.  
    • Display: if you have space and/or you are a visual person, then this method will be for you.  (Keep in mind that displaying anything means it will collect dust, but the payoff is worth it!)  This method is simple — you display your items so when you need something, you just open up the area and choose what you want to “buy”.  There are a few ways in which you can keep track of what you have used.  Put a color sticker on the items and, when you use it, remove the sticker.  After a year, take a look at what still has a sticker and determine if you still want it. 
  3. A name! Every shop needs a name.  Pick a name for your shop/boutique that speaks to you.  You’ll want to visit your shop a lot more if you personalize it.  
  4. Lastly, regardless of what method you use, take pictures of your items.  Not necessarily one by one, but just enough so you can see what you have, and place it in a folder.  Most phones allow you to catalog your pictures and place them in a “folder” while the pictures remain in your general album.