Labeled Organizing
Professional Organizer, Sara Garrison, talks working with residential and commercial clients to organize their spaces.
90. Hoarding Series: Episode 5 of 5: How to Live with a Hoarder
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As we wrap up our Hoarding series, we come to probably the most important episode to date. We've discussed being around hoarders, how to communicate with hoarders... I think what many people are here for is THIS episode: How to Live with a Hoarder. It is not an easy task. In this episode, we'll look at a few different options and weigh the good and bad. And what I recommend may not be what you would ever expect... but it may be what you need to hear.
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88. 10-Minute Task: The Fake Move
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I've had a lot of requests lately for more 10-minute tasks, so here is one that will keep you busy for a while! The Fake Move is an exercise that will help anyone struggling to clear a space, without a huge commitment. It happens in small increments, over a longer period of time. Take a listen, get started, and let me know if this helps you!
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87. Hoarding Series: Episode 4 of 5: How to Talk to a Hoarder - Part 2
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In this episode, we're finishing Episode 4 of the Hoarding Series, "How to Talk to a Hoarder." Part 2 focuses a little more on talking with a co-worker, who is a hoarder. We also touch on the dynamic of adult siblings and a hoarder. If you are the adult child of a hoarder, Part 1 will most likely address your questions directly. However, BOTH episodes will help anyone who questions their communication style with a hoarder.
*** Also, it's tornado season! Make sure to visit the Labeled Organizing Etsy Shop today, and get your Emergency...
86. Hoarding Series: Episode 4 of 5: How to Talk to a Hoarder - Part 1
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How many times have you talked to the hoarder in your family without success? Have you been struggling with communicating, because you constantly get push back? This episode may help...
If you're just joining us in the Hoarding Series, I do suggest going back and listening to Introduction to Hoarding, then reviewing the first three episodes in the series. And as always, please consider sharing this podcast with the hoarder in your family, or others who may be affected by their situation.
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85. Hoarding Series: Episode 3 of 5: What a Hoarder Looks Like
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Today, we're tackling the myth that all hoarders are "dirty" in appearance. And just because you live in a "nice" neighborhood, does NOT mean that you don't have a hoarder (or two or three) living on your street.
Join us for the third installment of this very popular Hoarding Series. Let's get into it.
*** Labeled Organizing is expanding! Over the next few months, you will see many awesome changes - including our new intro song "Going Deeper" by RA (Uppbeat License code: LSHRJP1T6KVEQWWJ). Thank you for supporting t...
83. Hoarding Series: Episode 2 of 5: Covid Hoarding
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Hey Labelers! Sorry I've been gone for so long. Spring and summer are my busiest seasons, and I've been working in two states again, so even though I've tried to record, I haven't always had time to edit. No worries though! We're picking back up with our Hoarding Series and in no time, we'll have all of those episodes completed and then we can talk about the holidays. Yay!
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82. What the Container Store Did Wrong! (Also on YouTube!)
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Note: After recording this episode, I read an article from the U.S. Sun, dated January 30, 2025, talking about how The Container Store pulled out of bankruptcy in an effort to go private and restructure. They were in debt TWO HUNDRED AND FORTY MILLION DOLLARS. Apparently, they've received $40 million to figure things out. The article stated that "financial experts" blamed their struggle on high mortgage rates - that "when people move, they buy a heck of a lot of storage and organization stuff" and that's why sales had gone down. All I have to...
80. Hoarding Series: Episode 1 of 5: The Hoarding Spectrum
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In this first episode of five, of our first-ever hoarding "series," we're going to explore the idea of Hoarding being on its own spectrum and possibly NOT the OCD spectrum, as many currently believe. As I say frequently, I am NOT a mental health professional, but I DO have many opinions on this topic after spending years watching hoarders and their habits. It's something to think about and it's kicking off our discussion on this topic as a whole.
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79. Organizing Excuses (Also on YouTube!)
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Hey Everyone! The first episode of the Hoarding series has been recorded. It should be out in the next few days! The reason I'm publishing THIS episode about Organizing Excuses NOW is because we just launched on YouTube and I want you all to head over there right away, so you can like and subscribe. I also want there to be "tandem" episodes that go along with the Hoarding series, so that those who aren't ready for the "heaviness" of Hoarding, there will be other episodes to choose from.
In this e...
78. Introduction to Hoarding
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Since this podcast began, over a year ago, we've talked quite a bit about Organizing, a little about Cleaning, and very little about Hoarding - while Hoarding is by far the HARDEST habit for people to deal with. In this introduction, I talk candidly about my feelings, in regards to how the topic of Hoarding is portrayed, on TV and in the news. I also talk about the Hoarding SERIES coming up that I put together, exclusively for this podcast, and how I believe it will help those DEALING with Hoarders in their...
77. Ribbons and Strings and Twist Ties, Oh My!
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I hope everyone had a Happy Easter! This episode was recorded over the holiday weekend, but I didn't have time to edit and upload while my family was in town. I hope you can forgive me, as well as get something out of this interesting topic!
Do you find yourself cutting a ribbon or string off of a new package and "saving it for later"? There's actually nothing wrong with that, unless there's more of the "saving" in your life and not as much of the "using it for later" part.
...76. All Torn Up
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I was ripping up some papers the other day that didn't mean anything to me when they came in the mail, so they certainly didn't mean anything while I was throwing them in the trash, and I was reminded that some things are just easier to get rid of than others. In this episode, let's talk about that feeling of being "torn" when deciding what goes and what stays, WHO gets to make decisions about where stuff goes and how you can move on with your life, if you really want to.
75. I'm Back! Let's Get Caught Up
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Hi Labelers! Never meant to take such a long break, but it's been a crazy month. In this episode, I'll bring everyone up to speed about where I'm at with my business and current schedule and what's coming ahead for the podcast. Let's get into it!
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74. Organizing Meditation: Distant Train Sounds and Birds
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Hey Labelers! This week, we're on Spring Break, so the pod is ALSO taking a much- needed break! The first half of the week, we did a staycation, and I picked up Bird and Squirrel Watching! I'm really loving it. I bought a squirrel feeder and have been taking video of them eating and playing. So, then I started a YouTube channel and now I'm officially a Bird Lady lol.
My boyfriend said something this morning that gave me an awesome idea. He said that he's been listening to my nature v...
73. Original Packaging vs. Transferring!
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We see it all of the time, on Instagram, in magazines... People transferring ALL of their groceries into perfectly shaped bins and for what? To have more bins to wash, clean and replace? Well, sometimes it makes sense - and I'll tell you why and when. We'll also talk about what to do when something does NOT work and the importance of pivoting.
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72. Organizing Types
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Is Organizing just like Dating? Well, no. But there are similarities in terms of what "types" people are. Can a 1 and a 4 date? Don't take my word for it. Once you know these types, where YOU fall and what you should look for - in a partner or just a friend - I think you'll form your own opinion. And you should! Join me for this somewhat unique episode and see if it helps you navigate current and future relationships.
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🔒 71. BONUS! Bad Bananas
Subscriber-only episode
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Like most of you, I just LOVE curbside pickup and what it's done for my life and my schedule. However, if I get one more BAD banana... [Sigh]. I wanted to dive deeper into the concept of dealing with a couple of bad bananas in a sea of decent grocery orders. We can also apply this to how we look at organizing projects and just daily life in general. As always, if you're listening to this episode, it means you are a subscriber and doing your part to support...
70. On Site! 10-Minute Task: Picture Frames
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What's the status of all of your picture frames right now? How are they holding up? Are they old? Cheap? Crashing to the ground any time you try to dust around them? In this 10-Minute task, while Sara is out on location, we talk about spending time evaluating your frames. Do they need to be replaced? Maybe they just need a little attention? Is that picture an original? Should you scan it to THE cloud? Let's talk for a few minutes... or ten. Or, maybe this will be the jump start you need...
69. Trailer: The Organizing Pro Class
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Organizers! If you've ever been interested in becoming a Professional Organizer, I invite you to participate in my subscription-only podcast called The Organizing Pro Class. Over the next 40 weeks, we'll cover what skills are needed to become a Pro Organizer, as well as the financial investment and time commitment. We'll talk about my path to becoming an organizer, in addition to where the industry is going. If you're ready, find The Organizing Pro Class wherever you get your podcasts. Class is in session!
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68. For the Love of Organizing
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Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Whether you're in love, or in limbo, today's episode will hopefully give you the motivation to "organize" your relationship accordingly [wink].
Also, today is the FIRST episode of my new subscription-based podcast called: The Organizing Pro Class and you can find it in the same app that you're in now. If you have ever thought about becoming a Professional Organizer - or just want to listen in for pro advice - this will be a great investment for you. Class starts today, so go check it out!
67. Labeled: "Won't Need Anytime Soon"
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In a new segment called "Labeled" (it was bound to happen eventually lol), I discuss different ways to label your items that goes beyond default stickers and pre-printed options. Sometimes the most efficient systems are the most obvious and we just need someone to point it out to us. Let's get organized!
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66. Friday Motivation: In the Quiet
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Quiet... Sometimes you just need it.
Music from #Uppbeat
https://uppbeat.io/t/aaron-paul-low/homestretch
License code: NHQAXMEN47LXPV7Z
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65. The Great Closet Cleanup - Part 3
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As we wrap up our series with Part 3 of The Great Closet Cleanup, I'll "share" my thoughts on our last type of closet and why communication with it is so important. (Couples: You'll want to hear this!) I'll also cover ways to make this closet low maintenance and give you tips on how to decide what goes and what stays. Set your 20 minute timer... and go!
Music from #Uppbeat
https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/feeling-home
License code: V1ZKWEQ41QGM1HAT
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🔒 64. BONUS! The Test
Subscriber-only episode
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Hey Labelers! Thank you for subscribing! Check out this Bonus Content, exclusively for you, and if you have any feedback, feel free to reach out to me at labeledorganizing.com.
63. The Great Closet Cleanup - Part 2
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In Part 2 of our "Great Closet Cleanup," we talk a certain "small" closet and how to decipher what to rotate in and out of it, as well as when to replace certain items. We also talk about the downside of buying in bulk, how to prepare for guests and why it's important to read reviews on items that seem too good to be true... BUT may end up surprising you.
It's tornado season! Make sure to purchase your Emergency Bag Tags here: https://labeledorganizing.etsy.com/listing/4367004412/set-of-3-emergency-bag-tag
S...
🔒 62. Up and Coming AND New Project Announcement!
Subscriber-only episode
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Hey Labelers! For this special subscription episode, you'll get a "first look" at 5 of the episode topics coming up this quarter. I'll also talk about my new project that will DROP on Valentine's Day and tell you how you can be a part of it - a week before the information is posted on the regular pod. As always, thank you for supporting the podcast! Happy Organizing!
61. The Great Closet Cleanup - Part 1
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If you've been following this show for awhile, you know that we love a good 10-Minute Task! Today, we're going to introduce the "20-Minute Task" and attach it to what I like to call The Great Closet Cleanup. Whether you spend only 20 minutes at a time on this project, or you decide to work longer, the main focus is to make some simple, honest decisions. So, let's set our timer and get started!
It's tornado season! Make sure to purchase your Emergency Bag Tags here: https://labeledorganizing.etsy.com/listing/4367004412/set-of-3...
60. Evacuation
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My heart goes out to everyone affected by the wildfires in California. I know most people had to get out quickly, and many of them said, "I wish I would have taken..." So this episode is designed to give you ONE simple thing you can do NOW that will make that decision a little easier to make, if you are ever forced to evacuate. Whether you live in an area where there are fires OR even hurricanes, tornadoes or earthquakes - there are many reasons to have an emergency plan. I hope this...
59. Accumulation
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For those of you who just experienced a snowstorm or two, how long did it take you to shovel yourself out? Or did you stay trapped? You know, it's a whole heck of a lot easier to get rid of snow before it has accumulated. Maybe there's something similar to say about your closet? Let's talk about it together and see if we can't find you a clear path.
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58. Old School Organizing
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Frustrated because you don't like these new "modern" organizing systems? Maybe you don't have the budget to go purchase 20 stacking acrylic bins with handles or lids? Then let's talk about "Old School" organizing and go back to doing what worked - before organizing was trendy AND expensive. We'll also talk about when it makes more sense to upgrade and when to leave what works alone.
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57. The Trial Period
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Many businesses and software companies will offer us a free trial - if we want to experience their service or product before making a "bigger" commitment. But what about the experience of letting things go? Is there a way to offer OURSELVES a "trial" in order to see what life would be like living with fewer things? On this very first day of the new year, let's explore what would happen if we gave ourselves the freedom to try something new without all the strings attached. And possibly lose those attachments altogether.
<...56. Happy New YOU
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It's almost time to ring in the new year, but what is your PLAN? Do you just have a resolution, or do you have a VISION? In this last episode of 2024, we don't just talk getting you through January with a goal. We discuss planning, prepping, doing the work... then resting if needed. Don't quit! Just adjust your approach - to get you through the new YEAR and beyond.
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55. 10-Minute Task: Silverware Drawer!
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When is the last time you cleaned out your divided silverware tray? Pulled out everything in the drawer and analyzed how much silverware you actually need? If you're like most of my clients, the answer is NEVER. Once you by the divider and place it in the drawer, it's over. Today, let's revisit this sad little organizer and see just how much attention it needs. Let's figure out a way to let go of silverware sets that you never touch, make washing these items an easier task and never grab a dirty fork...
54. Containing vs. Organizing
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Constantly purchasing large totes only to dump a bunch of stuff in, still never to locate the items in it later? Or do you organize on such a micro level that it feels like all you're doing is sorting out hundreds of little bags that will eventually go into slightly larger bags? Believe it or not, there's a difference between "containing" and "organizing" and they both serve a purpose. Let's talk about how they're unique concepts and when it makes sense to use one over the other OR pair them together.
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53. 10 Minute Task: Band-Aids and Batteries!
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Do you know where all of your Band-Aids are? What about your Batteries? And if you were to need either today, are you sure that they will still stick on your finger or make your remote-control work? (Hopefully you know which item does what lol.) Today, we're going to talk about getting these items organized AND if they need to be replaced, this is your prompt to do so. With that said, listen to the episode, set your timer and... GO!
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52. The Lists We're Not Making
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It's that time of year where some people are making a list, and checking it twice, and though that's NICE... What about the lists we're NOT making? Like, the BIG lists about our life and what we want to do with it. In this episode, I talk making that ONE master list and checking it once, twice - over and over again - until your life, and your home, look exactly the way you want it to.
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51. Learn to Rest; Not to Quit
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We all get overwhelmed with projects. Sometimes, we have to fight our instinct to "keep pushing" and just take a break. Whether it's a day or a year, we're only "quitting" if we never come back to it. "Learn to Rest; Not to Quit" has always been one of my favorite motivational phrases. Let's talk about what that can look like with Organizing and why your "breaks" are never really failures.
It's tornado season! Make sure to purchase your Emergency Bag Tags here: https://labeledorganizing.etsy.com/listing/4367004412/set-of-3-emergency-bag-tag
50. Organizing as a Love Language
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Wow, I can't believe we're already at 50 episodes! A lot of tears had to be shed (mostly by clients, but sometimes from me too lol) in order for this show to exist and I'm grateful that I've had the opportunity to do it. Love Languages... what are yours? If you're good at organizing, you may not realize how sharing your "talent" could mean a lot to someone who "speaks" that language. Let's talk more about the inspiration for this episode and why I feel it could mean a lot to someone you care...
49. Storage Units - Friend or Foe?
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How many of you out there have rented a storage unit at some point? How many people cringed when I asked that? lol. Some of you may have rented a storage unit temporarily then closed it as soon as you could. I'm assuming MOST of you currently have one and you avoid it at all costs. So, let's talk about it. If it brings you stress, why do you still have it? Furthermore, let's talk about the stuff in it and what we can do to sort it all out.
It's t...
48. 10 Minute Task: Bathroom Cleanup - "Bath Towels"
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Feel like you have a ton of towels, but none of them are in good shape? Not sure where they are all at and what you need, so that every bathroom is stocked properly? Join me in today's 10 Minute Task where we tackle those pesky bath towels and decide what goes, what stays and what's WORTHY of organizing!
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