Episodios

  • 129: Decluttering Jewelry and Garage Sale Lessons
    Jul 7 2025

    In this Fix It or Free It series and Community Garage Sale update, we’re recapping what got accomplished in May. From finally tackling that pile of tangled jewelry to hosting the Larkspur Community Garage Sale. This episode is about momentum, finishing what we start, and finding clarity through simple actions. Whether it’s repairing a clasp or parting with boxes of unused items, we explore how both fixing and freeing create space for what matters most.

    In This Episode We Talk About:
    • How a small project—like cleaning and fixing jewelry—can bring surprising satisfaction
    • Lessons learned from organizing and hosting a large community garage sale
    • The shared theme of completion behind both personal and community decluttering projects
    Mentioned in this Episode:
    • The Fix It or Free It monthly organizing series
    • The 2025 Larkspur Community Garage Sale recap blog post
    • The podcast episode on the emotional power of finishing things: Episode 125

    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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    23 m
  • 128: A Garage Sale Is Just the Beginning: What Sorting Stuff Really Reveals
    Jun 30 2025

    What if a garage sale was more than just a way to offload old stuff? In this episode, we explore how sorting for a sale—whether or not you actually host one—can offer powerful insights into what truly matters. From free boxes to family heirlooms, we share how the process of letting go often leads to surprising clarity and confidence. Whether you’re prepping for a big purge or just starting small, this conversation offers practical encouragement and mindset shifts for your next chapter.


    In This Episode We Talk About:
    • Why a garage sale is often the start of a deeper decluttering journey—not the end
    • How sorting reveals what no longer fits your lifestyle or values
    • Alternatives to selling, including donation, consignment, and community swap


    Mentioned in this Episode:
    • The power of letting sorting lead—not just organizing for the sake of it
    • Common “aha” moments people experience when prepping for a sale
    • Permission to skip the sale entirely and still make meaningful progress


    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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    18 m
  • 127: The Problem Isn’t the Clutter, It’s the Question: Are You Asking the Right Question?
    Jun 23 2025

    In this episode, we explore why getting organized often has less to do with stuff—and more to do with the questions we’re asking ourselves. Whether it's searching on Google, using ChatGPT, or trying to help a loved one decide what to keep, progress depends on how we frame the problem. We talk about the subtle power of shifting from judgment-based questions to curiosity-led ones, and how asking better questions can unlock momentum in our organizing, decluttering, and downsizing journeys.


    In this episode, we talk about:

    • Why vague or emotionally loaded questions can keep us stuck
    • How search engines and AI tools like ChatGPT reflect the power of well-worded questions
    • A practical framework to rephrase common organizing questions for better clarity and action


    Mentioned in this episode:

    • A “Question Makeover” cheat sheet for reframing stuck points during organizing
    • Real-world examples of how better questions lead to faster decluttering decisions
    • A free download: Better Questions to Ask When You’re Stuck


    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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    18 m
  • 126: How to Stop Overplanning and Start Decluttering
    Jun 16 2025

    In this episode, we explore the mindset shift from overthinking to intentional action—especially during the months when decision fatigue and “I’ll get to it later” thinking tends to pile up. Whether it’s a storage bin you keep ignoring, digital clutter you keep bookmarking, or inherited items waiting for attention, we walk through how to break the loop of mental overwhelm and take the first doable step.

    We also touch on how AI tools can either support or stall your organizing goals, and why this summer is the perfect time to embrace a “do something about it” energy. Small actions count. Let’s get unstuck together.

    In this episode we talk about:
    • Why summer is the ideal time to embrace a “less thinking, more doing” approach
    • How to stop using planning, research, or AI tools as excuses for inaction
    • A gentle framework for moving from idea to effort—even when the task feels overwhelming
    Mentioned in this Episode:
    • The Fix It or Free It monthly project as an example of micro-action with big results
    • Ways to use AI to support—not sabotage—organizing efforts
    • A simple weekly challenge prompt to help listeners take action right away

    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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    19 m
  • 125: The Power of Fixing What You’ve Been Avoiding
    Jun 9 2025

    This week we reflect on the small but powerful act of fixing a broken wheel on an office cart—and what it taught us about decision-making, resourcefulness, and letting go of mental clutter. We explore how these “tiny wins” can create major momentum in your organizing journey, and how to know when it’s time to fix something, repurpose it, or move on.


    This is part of our ongoing Fix It or Free It series, where each month we take on a single item we've been avoiding and finally make a decision. This month? A quick 20-minute fix made a big difference—and we’re breaking down why.


    In This Episode We Talk About:
    • How small repairs can spark a sense of progress and empowerment
    • The hidden weight of “wobbly” systems and unmade decisions
    • A practical mindset shift for tackling your fix-it pile with purpose


    Mentioned in This Episode:
    • The Fix It or Free It challenge
    • Why “just fix it” can be a powerful organizing tool
    • How to assess when to repair, replace, or release an item


    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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    23 m
  • 124: Decluttering Together? Know When to Step Back and When to Step In
    Jun 2 2025

    In this episode, we explore the subtle but important difference between coaching and guiding when it comes to helping someone through a decluttering or downsizing journey. Whether you're supporting a parent, friend, or managing your own stuff, understanding your role can make the experience more effective—and more compassionate.

    In this episode, we talk about:

    • The difference between coaching and guiding during decluttering
    • How to tell which role you’re playing (or should be playing)
    • Tips for adjusting your approach to be more supportive and effective

    Mentioned in this episode:

    • Signs someone needs a coach vs. a guide
    • The emotional stakes of helping someone declutter
    • Tools to support others without overstepping

    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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    24 m
  • 123: Garage Sales: Worth It or Waste of Time? Let’s Break It Down
    May 26 2025

    Thinking about hosting a garage sale but not sure if it’s worth the effort? In this episode, we dive into the real-life pros and cons of garage sales—from the emotional benefits of letting go to the practical challenges of pricing and planning. This conversation explores whether a garage sale is the right fit for your organizing journey and how to make the most of the experience if you decide to move forward.

    Whether you’re a first-time seller or a seasoned garage sale pro, you’ll walk away with helpful tips and a fresh perspective.

    In This Episode We Talk About:
    • The emotional and environmental benefits of hosting a garage sale
    • Why garage sales get a bad rap—and what’s actually true
    • Tips for deciding whether this decluttering method is right for you
    Mentioned in This Episode:
    • Free Garage Sale Planning Checklist on our Resources page
    • Blog post Garage Sale Tips: In-Person vs. Online Reselling
    • Garage Sale Tips: How to Make the Most out of Your Sale
    • Garage Sale Tips: Shopping with Intention to Avoid Overwhelm
    • Episode 87 on outsourcing vs. doing it yourself when organizing

    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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    24 m
  • 122: Living for Later? How Future-Based Storage Affects Us Now (Storage Series)
    May 19 2025

    In this episode of the Storage Series, we explore the sneaky ways future-based thinking affects what we keep. From saving items for the “next house,” “the kids,” or “retirement,” we often hold onto things that don’t reflect our current reality. This conversation invites listeners to challenge the stories we attach to stored belongings and offers thoughtful ways to reconnect with what we truly need today—not just someday.


    In this episode we talk about:
    • The most common future-focused reasons people store things
    • How to recognize when storage is based on hope, guilt, or fear
    • Practical ways to shift toward storage that serves the present moment


    Mentioned in this episode:
    • The “Review in 6 Months” strategy for guilt-free decision delays
    • Tips for talking with loved ones about items “saved for them”
    • Episode 114: Storage vs. Stalling—Are You Keeping It or Postponing a Decision?


    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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    21 m