DIY Archives

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

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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

The Sandwich Generation: It’s Nothing New, Just More Complicated

In the ever-evolving journey of life, certain life phases have always been present—marriage, divorce, moves, parenthood, and caring for aging parents. The Sandwich Generation, individuals caught between the responsibilities of living their own life, and caring for their children as well as their parents, is not a new phenomenon. However, it has become more complicated in our modern world. In this blog post, we'll delve into the challenges faced by the Sandwich Generation, focusing on how it relates to the physical stuff they manage and the importance of mindful decluttering when navigating this intricate balance.

The Traditional Responsibilities of the Sandwich Generation

Historically, the Sandwich Generation has existed, with individuals finding themselves “sandwiched” between caring for their aging parents and raising their own children or other loved ones. In earlier times, the challenges were there, but the complexities we face today, especially concerning physical possessions, have added a new layer to this age-old responsibility.

I should note here that the Sandwich Generation terms (because there are a few terms that branch off the main term) were introduced in the social term in 1981 and were added to the Webster's Dictionary in 2006. This blog post does not focus on the history of this generation but I thought it was important to note.

It's more than just “stuff”: The complexities the Sandwich Generation faces today

As we navigate the 21st century, the concept of the Sandwich Generation has evolved. Now, more than ever, it's about managing not just the emotional and financial aspects but also the sheer volume of physical possessions. With an abundance of “stuff” to handle—from family heirlooms to children's toys and everything in between—organizing has become an integral part of successfully navigating this challenging phase. There is:

Multiplication of Possessions: In our modern world, possessions seem to multiply. Aging parents may have accumulated a lifetime of belongings, and raising children in a consumer-driven society means a constant influx of toys, gadgets, and clothing. Managing this accumulation is a significant challenge for the Sandwich Generation.
Emotional Attachments: Possessions are not just objects; they carry emotional weight. Family heirlooms, childhood mementos, and sentimental items can clutter spaces, yes, but they are part of who we are. Deciding what to keep, what to pass on, and what to let go becomes a delicate task, requiring emotional discussions and thoughtful decisions.
Time Constraints: Juggling caregiving responsibilities with careers and personal lives leaves the Sandwich Generation with limited time. The need for efficient organization becomes paramount to avoid chaos in the face of already overwhelming responsibilities.

How to make it less overwhelming

Having been in this profession for more than two decades, I can confidently say that the top emotions that contribute to the overwhelm of the Sandwich Generation and anyone having to deal with stuff that wasn't theirs are guilt and exhaustion (there are other emotions tied to the overwhelm but these are the roadblocks before taking any meaningful action).

Here are a few tips I have for you to reduce the overwhelm, guilt, and exhaustion and instead find peace and relief.

Create a plan. Please don't miss this step. Assess how you are feeling and talk about your end goals. We have a full episode on our Organized & Productive Podcast exactly about how to create a plan and assess your organizing journey and projects. Episode 001: 7 Steps to Organizing *Almost* Anything gives you an overview and Episode 008: Step 1: Assess. The Power of Planning Ahead provides more detail on how to assess a project before you start.
Boundaries. It can be really easy to want to keep everything in your space, but that just adds to the clutter. Without boundaries, you will get stuck in the clutter. Give yourself clear boundaries of how much stuff you can keep and how much attention you are willing to give to these items. Think about the storage fees, the cleaning efforts, and anything else that comes with keeping things (especially vintage and antique items). Boundaries are what will give you peace in the long run.
Decide what is worth DIYing or Outsourcing. We have a great episode on this titled Episode 006: Should You Outsource or Do It Yourself? which gives you some questions to ask yourself when trying to decide if it's worth outsourcing or doing it yourself. If anything, at least think about this question and make sure that you are thinking about how much it will cost, do you want to do it or it best someone else takes care of it, how much you want to get involved, and how much time it will take.
Bonus: if you have not processed the heavy emotions that come with acquiring clutter and physical stuff that wasn't yours, I would encourage you to see a mental health professional who specializes in these fields. Many pro organizers have the skills and training to coach you but make sure you tell them the emotional attachment is something you need help with.

The Sandwich Generation has always existed, but in the complexity of the modern world, the challenges have intensified. Navigating this phase requires a thoughtful approach to managing not only emotional and financial aspects but also the accumulated physical possessions. At The Organized Flamingo, as well as other pro organizers around the world, guide individuals in decluttering with purpose and heart. We create organized living spaces amidst the overwhelm. If you find yourself in this position, I see you and hope you have found a space within The Organized Flamingo where you feel seen and heard. What question can we answer that will help you through this process? Send us a note or comment here and let's work through this together.

Stephanie Y. Deininger, CPO®, MBA

Pro Organizer & Founder | The Organized Flamingo

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

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.

Category: DIY

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

Overview