64: Outdoor Organizing: Transitioning Between Cold and Warm Weather

This week we have a quick and actionable episode where we shared valuable tips on changing your outdoor space from one season to another with a focus on decluttering and organizing. We walk you through the 7 steps of organizing almost anything, providing practical insights and advice on assessing your outdoor belongings, sorting and categorizing items, decluttering, finding homes for your items, and using containers. 

Whether you're looking for product recommendations or guidance on a specific item, we are here to help you make the most of your seasonal organizing. So, get ready to be inspired and motivated to create a system that works for you. If you're ready to dive into the world of outdoor organizing and productivity, then let's get started. Happy organizing!

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https://theorganizedflamingo.com/quicklinks

In this episode we talk about:

  • The importance and how to of goal setting in your organizing journey
  • Maximizing your outdoor and seasonal spaces
  • Creating checklists

Mentioned in this Episode:

Episode 004: A New Decluttering Mindset: Seasonal Decluttering

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

Episode 001: 7 Steps to organize almost anything episode

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

Review the Transcript:

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:00:00]:
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? Well, then let's go. Hey, organized and productive listeners and community. Welcome to one of our quick and actionable episodes, where if you're unfamiliar, we, here, will just give you some actionable tips on today's topic. Basically, just so that you can go and take action. So this is not more this is not like the research. This isn't really long winded.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:00:37]:
This is like quick and easy. Get to it, take some action, and then let me know if you have any questions. Okay. So that's what kind of episode we're having today. And today's theme is all about changing from the and season to another more specific from the cold weather to this, the warm weather for your outside stuff. So organizing the outside outdoor stuff and how to declutter, how to organize it as you're changing from and season to another. So that's what I'm doing today. I usually, like today I will be giving you our table of contents, our what to expect from the episode.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:01:15]:
So basically I am going through our 7 steps of organizing almost anything in a very quick format. If you're unfamiliar, we do have a framework at the Organized Flamingo. You don't have to follow it, but it's helpful, you know? So I will be putting the episode on that in the show notes. If you'd like to follow along and, and learn more about The, our and steps of organizing almost anything. And so today's episode follows that framework, how to organize and clear out, your outdoor stuff as you get ready for, you know, you know, from one weather to another pattern, like weather pattern. So here we go. I'm gonna go through it really quick. And of course, as always, I'm here to answer questions.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:01:58]:
If you are organizing your outdoor stuff, let us know, please tag us. I'd love to see your space and encourage you in your organizing journey. So, all right, here we go. 1st, we are tackling the assess step and how you can apply this to your out outdoor belongings. In the assess step, which is step number 1 and should never be missed. It's where you just just kind of step back for a minute and look at what you have. So when it comes to your outdoor stuff, you probably have not looked at it for, you know, since last season, probably last fall. Of course, it depends on where you live and the weather pattern and some of you, you know, it depends like the warm, weather, consistently warm weather type of states and areas.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:02:49]:
You probably looked at it, you know, not too long ago, but for the most part, probably not since last fall. Right? So it's been a while. So this is a moment where you get to step back, look at what you have as you have everything laid out, or you're looking at your garage or your shed or your outdoor items, and you're starting to open the doors, take everything out, take note of what you have and what you don't and that you need. This is a great opportunity to do a checklist for the things that you you are needing. So when you are looking at the sales out there, like on the, you know, at the store, the consignment store, maybe online marketplaces, you can now start shopping around for what it is you need. And the reason we do the assess step first is because in the and steps of organizing almost anything, I ask you a very important question, and that is what is your goal for organizing this space? Why is it that you're trying to declutter? Why is it that you're trying to get this place so that it feels better, more organized, or more tidy? Having a goal is super important because if you don't, you can start to get wrapped up in the making it look pretty or decluttering. Like, every single one of those actions are very different. And it can get overwhelming if you don't have a plan or a reason to even be organizing.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:04:22]:
And maybe this year, you don't even need to organize. Maybe it's fine. It works just fine. You can find what you need when you need it as efficiently as possible. And, therefore, you know what? You don't need to do anymore. Maybe now you're in the maintain space, in the maintain step, which is step number the last step, like number 7, where you're just really now maintaining what you already worked on. So that is why it's so important to have an assessing question. Like, what is it that I'm trying to do to begin with? So you don't get too overwhelmed.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:04:56]:
Okay. So I just gave you a couple of tips on that. Make a checklist of what you have, what you don't, what you need, think about what it is that you're trying to achieve. Are you trying to just just, you know, clear it out, downsize? Do you have a new garden that you're starting, a new project that you're starting? What is the goal? So that is step number 1 and my biggest tip for you. As you start taking stock of your belonging, you have your belongings and you're doing this whole assess step, this is also a really good time for you to start your checklist for next year. And this is, like, the the step, you know, like, the assess 2 point o, for all of you who you know what? Like, you're you're in The space now. Why don't you just take advantage for you know, to take, like, a a checklist for next year? Like, take advantage of the moment that everything is out anyway and get prepared for this year, but also next year. So if you're ready for that, start taking, action over your checklist.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:05:56]:
So this is a really good opportunity for next year. So this will be all part of the step number 1, which is assess. Let's go onto our and tip. Okay. So steps 2 through 5 or in this case, tips number 2 through 5 can be interchanged depending on your goal. So step number 1 always comes first and should always be done, which is setting up your goal, stepping back, and just assessing your space. And depending on the goal is where the next steps will go, like, which of the next steps will go next. I typically like to to go to sort as the next step as a default because that just tends to be the quickest and most actionable step.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:06:41]:
But if you are trying to make your space just better looking, more visually attractive, maybe you're moving, maybe you're downsizing, then you will need to alter and adjust the next three steps, so that it fits your goal. Okay? So you will you know, remember, just we have a whole episode on steps on on the and of these steps in the show notes. So listen to that if you're wondering what that means. So that's that's how I'm going to approach it, but I am going to just approach it with the next step being the sort. And the sort step is all about sorting through your stuff and putting it into categories that make sense to you. One of the first ones that I always like to sort things from is or through is, of course, by category, like your garden or depending on what your hobbies are. Right? Like outdoor, indoor hobbies. Not everybody is a garden person necessarily.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:07:37]:
You just may be doing maintenance. Maybe you're more of a leisure type of, warm weather person where, really, you just have the chairs and the cushions and things like that, and you don't really need the rake or the garden stuff. So maybe you can you'll separate under indoor outdoor. Maybe you will separate under the categories of your section of the sections of your garden or your outdoor space, whatever that may be. And if you need ideas on categories, just send us a message or go to our Instagram because I'm always giving you tips on category and labeling and sorting ideas on our Instagram. So just head on over there. Okay. So one of the biggest tips here is consider storing outdoor, like storing maybe, like, organizing The outdoor items closer to the exit.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:08:28]:
So if you're organizing it in your garage, then place the items that typically are going to be outdoors closer to the exit to closer to the garage door exit. Same you know, or whatever space it is. Like, for some of you, it's the mudroom or the shed. So anything that always needs to be outside closer to the exit. 1st, put it in The back because there's nothing worse than having to reach for the one thing you need all the way in the back of the shed or or the garage, and, you know, having to do that over and over. So under the sorting and categorizing, put sections that just make more sense, the less steps to get them, the the better. So yeah. So that's number 2, tip in section, the sword.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:09:17]:
The third is The declutter. This is a great time to declutter. I have a whole episode on The, on seasonal decluttering, which means that when you're taking stuff out for the new season, it's a great time for you to take pictures and inventory of your stuff because it's out anyway. Right? So great opportunity. I put the link to this this episode in the show notes, where I talk all about tips on what to do when you're transitioning from 1 season and season to another, and how you can take advantage of that moment to declutter and Organized little bit better. One of my biggest tips here is what I just mentioned, which was, taking pictures and inventory of your stuff and posting it online or selling it or for free or giving it away, because it's already out. So let's take advantage of that moment. And plus, it probably will sell or go much faster because it's in season as opposed to off season.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:10:14]:
So if you can definitely take advantage of that. Alright. So for the next two steps, the first is finding a home for everything, and then the one number 5 is using containers. The are there are 2 different actions if you're not aware. Finding a home for everything just means that it is the space or area where the items will live. It's it's just the space. Whereas The container is all about the boundary. And when we say containers, it's just an overview term that talks about boundaries of the items.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:10:45]:
Like, where will where will it be hosted, hold it together? The it could be a bin. It could be a beautiful clear bin or basket basket that you have, or it could simply be a cardboard box. Whatever that may be, it's a container. It's contained. Whereas The home is just the area of the house or the home or the space or the in this case, the outdoor space, where it will live maybe in the shed or drawer. Like, it's that's its home, but that's not its container per se. So are you comfortable with where it's at right now? I mentioned, above that or down above, but previously The this is a great opportunity to put the items where it's easiest to get them in and out. If you live in an area where, let's say, you have outdoor items like umbrellas, chairs, cushions, tables that you like to take in and out, maybe in, you know, where it's bad weather, it's raining, you need to you need to bring it in, you may maybe need to put the covers on your chairs.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:11:45]:
Those are the things that you will want to play strategically closer to the exit so that you can get to it faster, because that is where it would, you know, make more the most sense. Now if you have a container that you're keeping outside, that is the next step. Right? Like The container where it's actually stored. So those are the differences between finding a home for the item and then finding the perfect container for it. Of course, this I hope, you know, I have a couple of have it, like, an entire Amazon page storefront that is called outdoor space organizing, and you can head on over there. I give you some ideas on what kind of bins are great for outdoor. You wanna look for all weather. You want to make sure that it's sturdy, things like that.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:12:30]:
So I have a whole list for that in on the Amazon storefront. This is also the section where I always mention and think about your vertical space. I'll give you a great example. We have a bike, pulley system in our garage. So you can just pulley your bicycle up and down. It's super easy to load on it. You just put the handlebars and the seat on these clips, and then you pulley all the way up so that the bicycles are up, and they're easy to get to. I mean, I do not I don't like getting heavy things from the top shelving.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:13:04]:
I think that's very, it's not it's just not a good idea. But a pulley system of well put together installed pulley system will do wonders. So always think about your vertical space. And, that way, you know, you can take advantage of all that space, especially if you have tall ceilings, like, in your garage or something like that. This is a great opportunity to think about that. So let's talk about containers for for just a second, especially for outdoor containers where you would put your decorations or your garden stuff or whatever the outdoor items are. This is the part where I need to mention to look at ventilation. Make sure that the the bins or containers you're putting the stuff in has appropriate ventilation for the item.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:13:50]:
Now this episode is a very broad episode on what to think about and tips on outdoor organizing as you're getting ready for the new season. But if you have specific questions, let me know. For instance, if you are storing your garden items, you might you you probably will need better airflow versus if you're storing, let's say, you know, outdoor toys. But, also, if you're storing swim or swimming, lake, pool, water and of things. You also need something that has good ventilation so it doesn't, you know, just stay in a stagnant type of container. So think about those things so that you can easily get to it. Yes. But, also, it doesn't ruin the things that you're trying to put away and maintain and keep in good shape.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:14:39]:
So think about that. Also in containers, this is the part where personal pref preference will come into play with clear containers versus sealed containers that just have really good labels. If The will be sealed, I would highly recommend that you do some kind of label system, label process. That could be a sticky note with tape. Have at it. The the whole point of Organized, though, is to find the things you need as efficient when you need it as efficiently as possible. So, you know, for some people, they're more visual people. They need pictures of what is inside the bin.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:15:19]:
For other people, they just need a quick little note, a QR code, whatever it may be. So whatever that label system looks like for you, great, but just be consistent with it and make sure that it's, it's helping you look for the things that you need when you need them as opposed to it just being, you know, like a label that makes no sense to you. So, think about that when it comes to containers. And this is especially helpful also. This is especially helpful if you will have items stored away for a long period of time. So not just every season, but let's say you are actually going you know, you don't need it all the time. It's it it's as needed. So let's say you don't always go to the pool.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:16:05]:
You really just go get the things, not only seasonally, but within the season, on a need be basis. So this is super important to make that label system work for you so that you can find the things you need when you need them. All right, everybody. So that's it. That's it for today's episode. Quick and easy. I hope this inspires you to create a system that works for you. If you have questions, please don't hesitate to message me.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:16:31]:
If there's a product that you would like me to look into, if there's a recommendation that you need, let me know. Sometimes these episodes, you know, I make them as broad as possible, but also just getting as like niche as possible. So today's episode, the theme was all about outdoor spaces, but if you have a very particular type of item that you're looking for recommendations or things or spaces, let me know because I don't know. And unless you tell me, so please let me know so that I can answer your questions. I hope this helped. When you can follow these types of tips, you can keep the items in good shape. You can find the things that you need when you need them as efficiently as possible, and also get the most value out of the items when you know what you have, and then you can either upcycle or resell it or donate it. So, so many great things about seasonal decluttering, seasonal organizing The, that you can be taken advantage of.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:17:28]:
So get into those spaces that you hardly ever get into. Send us a picture. I'd love to cheer you on. And don't forget. We do have our and on 1 strategy calls. So if you need to come up with a plan on the stuff that you're working with and you have, and you've inherited, and now you are in possession of, and you don't know what to do with it. We have and on 1 90 minute calls where we can talk about what you have, go over it and come up with a plan that's actionable, easy to follow and not overwhelming at all. So give us a call, send them us a message.

Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:18:02]:
We're here for you with, for your organizing and productivity needs until next week. 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 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.

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

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

In this episode we talk about:

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

Mentioned in this Episode:

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

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

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

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

Episode 004: A Different Way To Declutter: Seasonal Decluttering

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

Episode 001: 7 Steps to Organizing (almost) Anything

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

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/quicklinks

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

Review the Transcript:

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

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

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