Organize & Cherish with The Organized Flamingo

• 119: Out of Sight, Still a Problem: When Storage Hides the Clutter

  Sometimes, the most overwhelming clutter isn’t what we see—it’s what we’ve quietly stored away and forgotten about. In this episode, we explore how on-site storage areas like garages, closets, and attics can slowly become emotional and financial burdens when they're used as long-term holding zones. These spaces may not feel like a problem at first, but over time, they carry hidden costs—monthly fees, decision fatigue, and a subtle weight of guilt.This conversation is part of our ongoing Storage Series, where we help listeners reframe what it means to store things with intention—and how to move forward when storage starts holding us back.In this episode we talk about:Why “out of sight, out of mind” doesn’t always work in our favor The hidden costs—emotional, mental, and financial—of long-term storage Small, actionable ways to reconnect with forgotten storage spaces without overwhelmMentioned in this episode:How to set a “review date” for anything stored in bins, attics, or garages Tips for creating a visual inventory using quick phone photos Questions to ask yourself before deciding what stays and what goesReview full show notes and resources at https://theorganizedflamingo.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• 118: Using family stories to decide what stays and what goes

  In this heartfelt episode, Certified Professional Organizer® Stephanie Deininger shares how family stories can guide the decision-making process when sorting through sentimental and inherited items. For many in the sandwich generation, decluttering isn't just about making space—it’s about honoring memories without holding onto every physical object. Stephanie offers a compassionate, practical framework for using stories to determine what to keep, what to let go, and how to preserve legacies in meaningful ways.In this episode, we talk about:Why storytelling is a powerful tool when decluttering sentimental items Questions to ask that help clarify whether to keep or release something Creative ways to honor the story without holding onto the entire itemMentioned in this episode:A client example of using one story to keep one special item Tips for creating a “story shelf” or curated memory zone A simple practice for letting go with clarity and compassionReview full show notes and resources at https://theorganizedflamingo.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• 117: When Storage Makes Sense: Smart Reasons to Keep Things

  In this episode, Stephanie discusses the often overlooked positive aspects of storage, shifting away from the idea that decluttering always means discarding. She highlights practical and emotionally beneficial reasons for intentional storage, reassuring listeners that storage can sometimes be the best solution for managing life's transitions, preserving memories, and simplifying everyday living.In this episode we talk about:The pressure people feel about constant decluttering and why it's sometimes unnecessary. Six reasons why storage can positively impact your life. How intentional storage empowers decision-making and enhances daily routinesMentioned in this Episode:Practical examples of seasonal storage solutions. Real-life success stories about thoughtful storage decisions. Tips on preserving family heirlooms and sentimental items.Review full show notes and resources at https://theorganizedflamingo.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• 116: Who Can Help When Feeling Stuck with Downsizing or Inherited Clutter

  When you're faced with a home full of inherited belongings—or trying to help a loved one downsize—it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But just because it feels heavy doesn’t mean you have to carry it alone.In this episode of Organize & Cherish, Stephanie breaks down the different types of support available to help during emotional and logistical organizing challenges. Rather than just listing resources, she offers a thoughtful guide for knowing what kind of help is right for each stage—from emotional decision-making to hands-on sorting and specialized services.Whether you're sorting through generations of family items or supporting someone else who is, this episode is a compassionate reminder that the right help makes all the difference.In This Episode, We Talk About:The three types of support you might need (emotional, logistical, and specialized)How to match the right kind of help to your current situationWhy asking for help is a strength, not a shortcoming, especially in the sandwich generationMentioned in This Episode:A breakdown of support roles: organizers, therapists, appraisers, and moreCommon mistakes people make when trying to “go it alone”Where to find reputable help when you're ready to ask for supportReview full show notes and resources at https://theorganizedflamingo.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• 115: Was It Worth It? Altering a Dress Instead of Buying New

  In this episode, we share our latest Fix It or Free It update, where Stephanie transformed a green dress she loved—but never quite fit right—into a skirt. She walks through the decision-making process, the steps she took to find a tailor, and whether the alteration was worth the investment.We also introduces the March Fix It or Free It project, which involves revisiting a box of items she set aside to repair. In This Episode, We Talk About:How a simple alteration gave new life to an unworn dress.The key factors to consider when deciding whether to fix or replace an item.The value of revisiting "fix it" projects to reassess what’s truly worth keeping.Mentioned in This Episode:The Fix It or Free It challenge and why small repairs can be a game-changer.How local community recommendations helped find a great tailor.Why it’s important to check in on old repair projects and reassess what’s still worth fixing.Review full show notes and resources at https://theorganizedflamingo.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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