Organize & Cherish with The Organized Flamingo

Legacy boxes often hold more emotional weight than we expect. In this episode, we walk you through what actually happens when those boxes finally get opened. From surprise and overwhelm to relief and clarity. We share what we consistently see as a professional organizer, how to identify which boxes to start with, and practical systems that help people make progress without regret, guilt, or perfectionism.In This Episode, We Talk AboutWhat’s typically found inside legacy boxesWhy perfection keeps people stuckDecision categories that work in real lifeHow to assess bandwidth before making decisionsWhy progress often looks smaller than expectedMentioned in This EpisodeOrganize & Cherish PodcastYear of the Storage Rooms seriesReview full show notes and resources at https://theorganizedflamingo.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Storing items from loved ones can feel like an act of love—but when storage becomes unsustainable, guilt quietly builds. In this episode, Stephanie explores how to store inherited and sentimental items realistically, without shame, and how to recognize when care has turned into obligation.In This Episode We Talk AboutWhy inherited items feel heavier than our own belongings The real (often hidden) costs of storage How good intentions can still lead to damage What it means to store with love and honesty How to assess your actual capacity—financially and emotionallyMentioned in This EpisodeThe Year of the Storage Rooms Storage as postponed decision-making Sustainable caretaking vs. silent guilt Review full show notes and resources at https://theorganizedflamingo.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Organize & Cherish, we explore the emotional weight of stored clutter and the items we keep out of sight but still carry with us. From a professional organizer’s perspective, Stephanie explains why storage can feel comforting, how emotional attachments quietly shape our spaces, and what clutter continues to do even when we’re not looking at it. This episode offers compassionate reframes, practical awareness tools, and one gentle action to help listeners move forward without pressure.In This Episode, We Talk About:Why storage often starts as relief, not avoidance How “out of sight” clutter still impacts emotional well-being The difference between comfort and stagnation What stored items silently cost us over time How to approach emotional attachments without guilt or urgency A simple action to bring clarity back into storage spacesMentioned in This Episode:Episode 119: “Out of Sight, Still a Problem” Action of the Week AI Prompt of the WeekReview full show notes and resources at https://theorganizedflamingo.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not all storage is created equal. Some storage is thoughtful, temporary, and intentional.Other storage is stress, avoidance, and postponed decisions, just packaged neatly in bins, closets, garages, and storage rooms.In this episode, we’re unpacking the difference between stalling and storing, a framework first introduced in Episode 114, and taking it deeper, specifically through the lens of storage spaces.You’ll learn how to spot when storage is helping you—and when it’s quietly holding you back—plus one small, realistic action you can take to interrupt the cycle without diving into a full organizing project.In This Episode, We Talk AboutThe difference between intentional storing and stalling disguised as storageHow stress, life transitions, and decision fatigue show up in the way we store thingsSigns a space has shifted from “holding” to “avoiding”The most common “I’ll deal with this later” patterns professional organizers seeOne small action you can take this week to break the stalling cycleHow progress in storage spaces builds momentum and lowers stress, even when life is fullMentioned in This EpisodeEpisode 114: Stalling vs. StoringThe ongoing Storage SeriesReview full show notes and resources at https://theorganizedflamingo.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 2 of our Storage Year, we explore the real reasons we store things, far beyond “just in case.”From inherited habits and emotional holding patterns to identity clutter and delayed decisions, this episode helps you understand the psychology behind storage so you can reclaim your space with clarity and compassion.Just like last year’s Storage Series, we’re pulling back the curtain on why storage becomes both a blessing and a burden, and how naming the “why” brings powerful momentum to your organizing journey.We wrap up with a high-impact Action of the Week designed to spark an instant aha moment.In This Episode, We Talk About:The emotional drivers behind storage: guilt, overwhelm, sentiment, identity, and avoidance How family patterns and generational habits shape what we keep Why storage often becomes a “holding area” that turns permanent The psychology of delayed decisions and how it affects stress and focus How understanding your why transforms how you approach any storage room Your high-impact Action of the Week: identifying one inherited storage patternMentioned in This Episode:Storage Series episodes from 2025, including:Episode 113: Storage Series Kickoff : An Introduction Episode 114: Storage vs. Stalling : Are You Keeping It or Postponing a Decision? Episode 117: When Storage Makes Sense : Smart Reasons to Keep Things(Referenced for themes, patterns, and messaging continuity) Research notes from the American Psychological Association on clutter and stress The 2026 Storage Year framework for understanding your patterns before decluttering your spaceReview full show notes and resources at https://theorganizedflamingo.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re kicking off a brand-new year-long emphasis on one of the most overlooked yet emotionally loaded areas of the home: storage rooms. Whether your storage space is a basement, garage, guest room, attic, or an off-site unit, these areas often hold delayed decisions, inherited items, unfinished projects, and emotional weight we don’t even realize we’re carrying.In today’s episode, Stephanie shares why 2026 is dedicated to storage, how this focus evolved from the popular Fix It or Free It series, and why storage rooms deserve thoughtful attention—grounded in research, psychology, and real-life client experiences. She also shares her personal story of how storage organizing became her professional path, long before she ever knew it could be a career.This episode sets the foundation for The Storage Year: 52 weeks of clarity, compassion, and needle-moving action steps designed to help you make meaningful progress without overwhelm or guilt.In This Episode We Talk AboutWhy storage rooms are emotionally heavy and often avoided What research tells us about the psychological and physical impact of clutterIncreased cortisol levels (UCLA) Reduced cognitive clarity (Princeton) The surprising rise in national storage use How Fix It or Free It inspired a deeper storage conversation Stephanie’s origin story from wedding planner to Certified Professional Organizer® Why storage rooms are where delayed decisions live How this year will blend practicality, compassion, and storytelling What to expect from the weekly action items and momentum-building approach The first action step to begin your own Storage YearMentioned in This EpisodeFix It or Free It Series (2025) - Listener-favorite episodes that inspired a deeper look at storage UCLA Center on Everyday Lives of Families Study - Linking clutter to elevated cortisol Princeton Neuroscience Institute Findings - How clutter impacts focus and cognitive processing Self-Storage Industry Data - Trends showing the increasing amount of items Americans store Stephanie’s early business: Smiles Forever Events The Organized Flamingo - Professional organizing, compassionate decluttering, and resources Organize & Cherish Podcast Archives - Past episodes supporting this year’s themesReview full show notes and resources at https://theorganizedflamingo.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we share our top 8 organizing products of 2025. The tools we used the most, recommended the most, and returned to because they genuinely work. This year’s list builds on our 2023 and 2024 favorites while introducing new standouts that made a real difference in daily routines.We also talk about why these tools matter, how we update our recommendations, and how you can use each one in different areas of your home.In This Episode We Talk About…Why some products stay on our list year after year Why we only recommend products that pass our long-term tests What makes a product “worth keeping” in your home How to use each of the 8 favorites in real-life spaces How digital systems support physical organizing When and how we update product recommendations for safety or qualityMentioned in This EpisodeOur 2023 Favorite Products Episode Our 2024 Favorite Products Episode Our Amazon Shop (for specific product versions) Turntables, labels, dividers, totes & digital toolsReview full show notes and resources at https://theorganizedflamingo.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we close out another meaningful year on Organize & Cherish with The Organized Flamingo, we’re taking a moment to look back at how this podcast began, how it has evolved, and where we’re heading next.In 2026, we’re taking everything we’ve learned and focusing on one powerful theme: storage. Storage rooms, storage habits, storage stories - those spaces that quietly collect decisions, memories, and “I’ll deal with it later” moments. We’re also continuing the Fix It or Free It series and weaving it intentionally into the Storage Series to help you create momentum and clarity throughout the year.This episode is a nostalgic reflection and a gentle reset, perfect for anytime you need a moment to breathe, reset, and remember that you’re not alone in your organizing journey.In this episode, we talk about:A three-year lookback on the evolution of the podcast How the themes of organizing, decluttering, and nostalgia naturally shaped our direction Why Fix It or Free It resonated so deeply and how it’s returning with even more intention The problems storage rooms solve, and the challenges they often create Why 2026 is the year of reclaiming storage spaces, both physical and emotional What you can expect from the new Storage Series A reflective, end-of-year message that still feels relevant no matter when you listenMentioned in this episode:Fix It or Free It series (2025) The upcoming Storage Series (2026) Themes from earlier episodes on sentimentality, inherited items, and decision-making Organize & Cherish resources and community updatesReview full show notes and resources at https://theorganizedflamingo.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we share how people react to motivational organizing and decluttering one-liners differently and why that is.In this episode, we unpack why these catchy organizing mantras land differently for everyone, the psychology behind tidy habits, and why a single phrase can’t replace a whole system. We also revisit our 7-Step to Organizing *almost* Anything Framework and explain where this mantra actually fits in the process (spoiler: it’s the maintenance step, not the whole journey).If you’ve ever wondered why certain organizing advice feels motivating for some and overwhelming for others, this is a refreshing, compassionate look at the nuance.In This Episode, We Talk About:Why the phrase “don’t put it down, put it away” works for some but not others How relocating clutter creates junk drawers and catch-all rooms Why Assessing, Evaluating, and Maintaining matter more than speed How to use motivating mantras without creating more overwhelm The reminder that there’s no right or wrong way to be organized, just what’s right for youMentioned in this Episode:7 Steps to Organizing *Almost* AnythingReview full show notes and resources at https://theorganizedflamingo.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this heartfelt holiday episode, we explore how to thoughtfully integrate heirlooms, childhood ornaments, inherited pieces, and our kids’ holiday keepsakes into seasonal decor, without drowning in boxes or feeling guilty.Whether we’re living through the sandwich-generation moment, receiving holiday items from our parents, or trying to preserve meaningful memories for our children, this episode walks us through practical ways to keep what matters most and display it with intention.We talk through how to create a “To Keep No Matter What” bin, how to rotate sentimental items each year, how to curate kids’ holiday crafts in a manageable way, and how to protect the stories behind treasured pieces so they aren’t lost over time.This episode is warm, grounding, and perfect for anyone navigating the emotional side of holiday clutter.In This Episode, We Talk About:• Why so many of us feel conflicted about inheriting holiday items• How to create a “To Keep No Matter What” bin for our core memory pieces• Ways to integrate one heirloom per decor category to avoid overwhelm• Why we don’t need to display every sentimental item every year• How to preserve the story behind an heirloom so it stays meaningful• Simple guidelines for saving our kids’ holiday artwork and crafts• What to do if we’ve just inherited a lot of holiday items all at once• A compassionate, realistic framework for honoring memories while still making room for our current lifeMentioned in this Episode:• Kids’ Holiday Memory Box Idea• Monthly Organize & Cherish Call• Compassionate Conversations Action Cards (free download)• Our episode on Creating a Holiday Mission Statement• The Organized Flamingo blog + resourcesReview full show notes and resources at https://theorganizedflamingo.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we revisit one of our most-loved episodes and expand it for 2025: creating (or refreshing) your Holiday Mission Statement. We talk about defining a holiday season that aligns with what truly matters, avoiding overwhelm and clutter, making clearer decisions, and staying grounded even when life feels busy. We walk through simple reflection questions, real organizing examples, and a step-by-step process for crafting a mission statement that becomes a true guide, not another chore.We also introduce the updated 21 Days of Holiday Organizing Prompts, which are designed to reduce stress and bring ease, clarity, and momentum to the season.This episode is both compassionate and practical, perfect for anyone wanting a holiday that feels meaningful, manageable, and intentional.In this Episode, We Talk About:How to create a Holiday Mission Statement that actually supports your mental load, space, and schedule Why using your senses helps you design a holiday season you look forward to instead of dread Organizing and decluttering examples that show how small intentions change the whole season The psychology behind decision fatigue and holiday overwhelm How to use your mission statement as a filter for what to keep, skip, buy, or declutterMentioned in this Episode:The 21 Days of Holiday Organizing Prompts Sensory reflection questions for intentional holiday planning Examples of past client mission statements and holiday organizing winsReview full show notes and resources at https://theorganizedflamingo.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever gone looking for one small thing and somehow ended up cleaning the whole drawer or the entire room? You start searching for your missing item, and before you know it, everything’s out, you’re exhausted, and the original thing you needed is still missing.In this episode, we talk about the psychology behind this common spiral, why your brain confuses searching with organizing, and how to pause before the overwhelm hits. Learn how to separate the two actions so you can regain focus, protect your mental energy, and make steady, intentional progress instead of accidental chaos.In This Episode We Talk About:The psychological difference between searching and organizing tasksWhy task switching, cognitive overload, and decision fatigue lead to overwhelmHow to pause, reset, and separate your “looking” from your “cleaning” to stay focused and calmMentioned in This Episode:The “Two-Part Rule” — treating the search and cleanup as separate stepsThe impact of visual overstimulation on stress and attentionRelated episodes:When Organizing Feels Like Too Much — How to Simplify the ProcessHow Much Time to Set Aside for OrganizingReview full show notes and resources at https://theorganizedflamingo.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this month’s Fix It or Free It Challenge update, we focus on shoes. The pairs we swear we’ll fix but never do. We explore what happens when we realize we’re holding onto things that no longer fit our lifestyle, comfort, or identity. This episode dives into the psychology of decision fatigue and identity clutter, showing how letting go can be just as powerful as repairing.Whether you’re decluttering your own “to-fix” pile or following along with the challenge, this episode offers a thoughtful reminder: fixing brings satisfaction, but freeing something can bring peace.In this Episode, We Talk About:How to decide whether to fix, donate, or let go of an item you’ve been hanging onto. The psychological side of clutter, including identity clutter and decision fatigue. Why letting go of something you thought you’d fix can be an act of self-awareness, not failure.Mentioned in this Episode:Fix It or Free It Challenge 2025: monthly mindful decluttering series Previous projects: workbag straps, Halloween figurines, jewelry, backpack repair Follow and share your updates with us on Instagram @theorganizedflamingoJanuary: Replaced workbag strapsFebruary: Turned a dress into a skirtMarch: Decluttered the fix-it drawerApril: Fixed office cart wheelMay: Repaired two necklaces, donated the restJune: Added anti-slip pads to heels, freed an old pairJuly: Sewed hiking backpack pocketAugust: Let go of uncomfortable headphonesSeptember: Fixed or released Halloween figurinesOctober: Let go of two pairs of shoes I no longer loveReview full show notes and resources at https://theorganizedflamingo.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re revisiting one of our most popular classic episodes originally recorded during our Organized & Productive days, which is packed with timeless tips and thoughtful questions that still ring true today.We explore ten powerful “end-goal” words that can guide any organizing project: from purpose and usefulness to comfort and adaptability. These questions are designed to help transform how we think about our spaces, ensuring they reflect who we are and how we live right now.Whether we’re starting fresh, maintaining an organized home, or helping a loved one, this episode reminds us that organizing doesn’t have to be frustrating maybe it can even be purposeful, peaceful, and even fun.In This Episode, We Talk AboutThe 10 end-goal words that make organizing and decluttering more intentional How asking better questions can lead to longer-lasting organizing results Ways to bring comfort, functionality, and joy into our living spacesMentioned in This EpisodeEpisode 001: 7 Steps to Organizing (Almost) Anythinghttps://theorganizedflamingo.com/7-steps-to-organizing/ Episode 008: Step 1: Assess and the Power of Planning Aheadhttps://theorganizedflamingo.com/8-step-1-assess-the-power-of-planning-ahead/ Free Resource: Should You Keep It or Toss It? Decision Treehttps://organizedandproductive.com/keeportossReview full show notes and resources at https://theorganizedflamingo.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we explore what happens when your home’s “luxury” spaces like the gym or pantry finally come into focus. Inspired by a long-term client who realized her gym felt dreadful after organizing the rest of her home, we talk about why certain areas only become priorities once we feel grounded elsewhere. We’ll also walk through practical tips for creating a safe, motivating, and functional gym space, whether it’s a full room, a corner of the basement, or a moveable setup that fits your lifestyle.In this episode, we talk about:The psychology behind why we organize our wellness spaces lastHow a tidy, safe gym supports motivation and long-term wellnessActionable ways to organize and refresh your home gymMentioned in this episode:How to safely identify wall studs and secure mounted equipmentThe benefits of using mobile, multipurpose storage for home gymsDesign ideas that boost comfort, motivation, and consistencyReview full show notes and resources at https://theorganizedflamingo.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every October, we delve into a spooky organizing theme, and this year, we’re exploring the mysterious “potions” that may be hiding around our homes. From expired medicine and makeup to old paint cans and forgotten cleaners, expired items can haunt our cabinets, take up space, and sometimes even pose safety risks.In this episode, we explore how to safely declutter these expired potions room by room, why it matters, and how clearing them out can make space for a little fresh magic this season.In this episode, we talk about:How expired “potions” like medicine, beauty products, and paint quietly clutter our spaces. Room-by-room tips to identify and safely dispose of expired items. Why letting go of old potions creates a safer, calmer, and more intentional home.Mentioned in this episode:Past Halloween episodes: Organizing the Scary Spots and How to Keep Critters Out of Storage. Community drug take-back programs for expired medication. Local household hazardous waste and paint recycling resources. Organize & Cherish Newsletter – subscribe for seasonal organizing tips and upcoming episode updates.Review full show notes and resources at https://theorganizedflamingo.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we continue our Storage Series by tackling the often-overlooked task of taking inventory of what we own. From seasonal bins in the garage to off-site storage units, it’s easy to lose track of what we’ve tucked away. We explore why doing an inventory at least once a year can bring clarity, save money, and reduce stress.To make this practical for every lifestyle, we share three different inventory methods: one for detail-oriented people, one for those who like a balance of efficiency and detail, and one for anyone who needs the absolute quickest approach. No matter where you fall, you’ll leave with simple strategies to know what you own and why it matters.In this episode we talk about:Why taking inventory of storage spaces at least once a year matters. Three different ways to take inventory, from detailed to super quick. How annual inventory helps prevent clutter, duplicate purchases, and hidden stress.Mentioned in this Episode:The Storage Series episodes covering the hidden costs and benefits of storage. The Fix It or Free It challenge, a monthly practice of repairing or releasing items. Seasonal storage examples like holiday décor and inherited belongings.Review full show notes and resources at https://theorganizedflamingo.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we continue our yearlong Fix It or Free It challenge with September’s focus: broken holiday pieces. As fall decorations came out, we were reminded of our cherished Department 56 Halloween village that had been stored away with cracks and chips. Instead of letting them sit for another year, we finally took action with ceramic glue and repaired the pieces. This month’s challenge isn’t just about fixing porcelain, it’s about aligning our actions with our intentions, and the joy that comes from restoring what truly matters.In This Episode We Talk AboutThe journey of the 2025 Fix It or Free It challenge so far Why certain collections, like holiday villages, are worth the time and care The life lessons that come from repairing items instead of replacing themMentioned in This EpisodeThe Fix It or Free It challenge and monthly progress updates Department 56 holiday villages and their significance The importance of modeling patience and care when fixing itemsReview full show notes and resources at https://theorganizedflamingo.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Collecting has always been part of human life, from porcelain figurines and souvenir spoons to today’s Lego sets, puzzles, sneakers, and Funko Pops. In this episode, we explore how modern collectibles reflect a cultural shift in how adults play, create, and connect with memories. We’ll look at why this resonates across generations, and how to enjoy these hobbies without letting them become overwhelming clutter.In this episode we talk about:The evolution of collectibles from past generations to today’s adult hobbies How companies market nostalgia and play to grownups — and why it works The difference between curating with intention and unconsciously stockpilingMentioned in this episode:Lego’s adult collections and other modern hobby trends Practical tips for keeping collections joyful and intentional The Organized Flamingo’s philosophy: respecting memories while simplifying lifeReview full show notes and resources at https://theorganizedflamingo.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Decluttering isn’t just about sorting items; it’s about making decisions. And those choices can be exhausting. In this episode, we explore why decision fatigue shows up when we’re organizing, how it impacts our ability to make progress, and what strategies help protect our energy so we can move forward with clarity and confidence.In this episode we talk about:Why so many small choices during decluttering (keep, toss, donate, repair) drain us. The common traps of decision fatigue—keeping everything or letting go too impulsively. Practical strategies to pace decisions, set boundaries, and avoid burnout.Mentioned in this episode:The role of “pre-made categories” like Donate, Sell, Repair, Trash, Ask a Friend/Family. Daily decision quotas as a simple way to avoid overwhelm. Compassionate boundaries: giving yourself or a loved one permission to pause and revisit decisions later.Review full show notes and resources at https://theorganizedflamingo.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.