Stephanie Worinkeng on Decluttering, Staging & Smarter Storage

When it comes to homes in Greenville, presentation and peace of mind start behind closed doors—closet doors, that is. In this episode of Selling Greenville, professional organizer and owner of A Time to Organize, Stephanie Worinkeng, shares the practical (and deeply human) side of creating a functional home. From paper piles and junk drawers to sentimental items and staging for sale, she breaks down why clutter creeps in—and how to build systems that actually stick.

Decluttering, Staging & Smarter Storage

The focus keyword, Decluttering, Staging & Smarter Storage, runs throughout this conversation as Stephanie uncovers what really keeps homes livable—and marketable. Her work goes beyond pretty baskets and color-coded closets. It’s about tailoring each space to how real people live, think, and move through their day. Because no two households—or brains—are exactly alike.

Stephanie’s Greenville-based business helps homeowners “regain their time and their space.” Whether she’s reorganizing a kitchen before listing, unpacking after a move, or setting up a new home to flow better, her approach is equal parts functional and compassionate. “There’s no one-size-fits-all,” she explains. “My job is to ask questions like, ‘What’s bothering you most, and how can we fix it?’ ”

Systems That Stick (Even for Real Life)

Every client begins with a walk-through. Stephanie looks at how the space is being used and identifies the habits behind the clutter. A common culprit? The “drop zone”—that magnetic counter by the door where mail, school papers, and receipts pile up. Instead of fighting the habit, she builds a system around it.

Her favorite fix: wall-mounted cubbies labeled for each family member. “That way, papers come off the counter but still land where they can be found,” she says. Once a week, those cubbies get sorted into “trash,” “file,” or “long-term keep.” The secret isn’t perfection—it’s containment.

And yes, she has a junk drawer—“an organized junk drawer,” she laughs. Containers inside the drawer divide scissors, tape, pens, and quick-grab papers. “If you know you always reach for something, give it a home right where you reach for it.”

The 15-Minute Reset Rule

One of Stephanie’s most beloved systems grew from her own childhood. As one of five homeschooled kids, her mom implemented a “15-minute warning” before the fun stuff could start. Everyone set a timer, tidied their zones, and then earned family tea time and story hour.

Now, she teaches clients the same trick—pair a small reset with a small reward. Maybe it’s a nightly 10-minute tidy before you enjoy your favorite show or a Saturday morning sweep before coffee. The idea is simple: “Make maintenance part of your rhythm, not a punishment,” she says.

The Emotional Side of Decluttering

Sometimes clutter isn’t about stuff—it’s about stories. Stephanie often works with clients who are grieving, downsizing, or simply overwhelmed by memories attached to their belongings. She listens. “Sometimes, telling the story out loud is the first step in letting go,” she says.

For those sorting through sentimental items, she offers gentle questions:

• Why are you keeping this?

• Does it serve you now?

• Where would you go to find it if you needed it?

It’s not about judgment—it’s about freeing up space, mentally and physically. “Space is a commodity just like time and money,” she says. “Everything you keep should earn its place.”

The Great Wedding Dress Debate (and Other Memory Items)

From wedding gowns to baby clothes to the endless pile of t-shirts, everyone has a “someday box.”

Stephanie’s philosophy? Keep the memory, not the mountain.

• Wedding dresses can be transformed into christening gowns or handkerchiefs instead of being stored for decades in a dusty box.

• T-shirts can become memory quilts, a cozy way to repurpose years of experiences.

• And when it comes to kid artwork—keep a few favorites each year in a labeled file box, not every single scribble. “Five bins of papers won’t make you nostalgic,” she says. “One box you can actually flip through will.”

Why Storage Units Aren’t the Solution

When the conversation turns to America’s growing storage industry, Stephanie doesn’t mince words. “Storage units are great for temporary transitions—like between homes or during a remodel—but long-term? You’re paying rent for things you’re not using.”

She applies her “A-B-C Storage” rule:

• A Storage: Everyday use (easy reach—think kitchen shelves).

• B Storage: Occasional use (closets, garages).

• C Storage: Rarely used (attic, or in this case, a rented storage unit).

“If something lives in ‘C Storage,’ you’ve probably already forgotten it exists,” she says. The better option? Rethink what you’re keeping. “You don’t have to expand your storage—you can reduce what needs storing.”

When Clients Say “I Don’t Have Enough Space”

Stephanie hears this all the time—and usually, it’s not true. “It’s rarely a storage problem. It’s a stuff problem,” she laughs. Rather than adding new sheds or renting units, she helps people work within their limits.

“Look at what you own and ask: what’s really serving me? How often do I use this? Can it serve multiple purposes?” Often, the answer isn’t “buy more bins.” It’s “keep less, but better.”

Paper: The Final Frontier

Paper clutter might be the toughest of all. Bills, bank statements, school papers—it piles up fast. Stephanie’s golden rule: if it’s available online, you don’t need the hard copy.

For the essentials—birth certificates, titles, marriage licenses—she recommends a fireproof box. Everything else can be scanned, shredded, or filed in a simple, labeled system. And for parents drowning in school paperwork, a one-file-per-grade box keeps memories organized without the chaos.

No Judgment, Just Joy

Many clients admit they hesitate to hire a professional organizer because they’re embarrassed. Stephanie gets it. “I’m not coming in to judge you—I’m coming in to help you,” she says. “I’ve got dishes in my own sink. This is real life.”

She treats each home like a partnership, guiding clients toward realistic systems they can sustain. “When you start to see progress, you can feel the stress lift off the room,” she says. “That’s my favorite part—watching people light up when their space finally feels peaceful again.”

How Long Does It Take?

It depends. Some clients need a one-day closet overhaul; others need a whole-home reset. Most start with a six-hour session, which is enough to fully transform a medium kitchen or closet. “The key is to start small, finish strong, and build momentum,” she says. Some even book regular “Stephanie Days” every few months to keep their homes running smoothly.

Practical Takeaway: Work With What You Have

Her bottom-line advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed: “Your space is a container, not a challenge. Fill it only with what supports your life now—not your past or your ‘maybe someday.’”

That mindset shift—seeing your home as a partner instead of a burden—changes everything.

Contact Stephanie Worinkeng

For those in Greenville seeking to declutter, stage a listing, or simply breathe easier at home:

• Website: https://atime2organize.com

• Email: Stephanie@atime2organize.com

• Phone: 864-884-5417

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Bottom Line

Decluttering isn’t just about “stuff”—it’s about freedom. Stephanie Worinkeng’s approach to Decluttering, Staging & Smarter Storage shows that peace of mind starts with systems that fit the people who live in them. Whether prepping a home to sell, resetting for a new chapter, or just taming the daily chaos, the goal is simple: less stress, more space, and a home that works with you—not against you.

Ien Araneta

Journal & Podcast Editor | Selling Greenville