Lost Found Kept: A Memoir - Interview with author Deborah Derrickson Kossmann

Hey Collectors! Between a work injury and my mother passing away this summer has been way too fun! You never know what life has to bring you. Staying grateful!     

Dear Collectors! Please Save the Date! https://mentalhealthsf.formstack.com/forms/2025virtualhdconferencereg June 12 and 13, 2025 I will be speaking at 2:15 on Thursday. This event is FREE! Please support the MHASF and looking forward to seeing you there xoxoxo The 2025 Virtual Mini-Conference on Hoarding Behavior brings together experts in the field of Hoarding Disorder (HD) to discuss new research, share clinical insights, and explore approaches in treating HD. This conference is for individuals with lived experience, their family members, mental health professionals, researchers, clinicians, and any other parties interested. This event is hosted by the Hoarding Behavior Program at The Mental Health Association of San Francisco and funded by the City of San Francisco’s Department of Disability and Aging Services. Here is the link to sign the petition to save the critical programs that help low income and senior collectors!  https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/save-the-hoarding-behavior-program-at-the-mental-health-association-of-san-francisco/  

Hey Collectors! In our last episode, we talked about the practical side of decluttering — having a plan, knowing where things go, and making space in your schedule. But today, we’re going deeper. Because sometimes, the hardest clutter to clear out... isn’t physical. It’s emotional. Are you keeping items out of guilt, obligation, or fear? If you’ve ever held onto something because it reminds you of someone, or because you might need it "someday," or because it cost you a lot of money — this episode is for you.   Until next time,    Rachel xoxo

Hey Collectors!  Today we’re diving into something that seems simple on the surface, but often gets overwhelming fast — decluttering. Whether you're staring at a messy garage, a packed closet, or that junk drawer you’re scared to open... this one’s for you. Before you pull everything out and create an even bigger mess, I want to share the five key things you should know *before* you start. These tips can save you time, stress, and serious frustration. Decluttering is one of those tasks that always takes more time than you plan for. You might think you’re just tackling the bathroom cabinet — but suddenly you’re deep in expired sunscreen and half-used travel bottles from 2017. It's great to be prepared so tune in for five tips to help you feel prepared when starting your decluttering project... 

Hey Collectors! On this episode, we’re joined by Deborah Derrickson Kossmann, psychologist and author of the deeply moving memoir Lost Found Kept. In this conversation, Deborah takes us into the heart of a childhood home filled with memories—and decades of her mother’s compulsive hoarding. Through the emotional excavation of physical space, she uncovers much more: a layered portrait of grief, love, mental illness, and the power of objects to hold meaning. Whether you’ve lived through something similar or are simply drawn to stories of healing and family complexity, this episode is for you. Available here: https://www.lostfoundkept.com/

Hey Collectors!  Todays episode is all about the process. Let me give you a couple of hints - it's not about containers. Sorting, and organizng are different actions. My professional organizer colleagues have created fancy acronyms for the process, I have not. I am sure I could but I have yet to be tempted. My process is just like theirs. All professional organizers more or less have the same process. Some of us are dealing with more stuff than others.  Have you found yourself strolling through Marshalls and couldn't help buying six new containers even though you have no intended purpose for them? Stop it. You're not following the process. Tune in for my abbreviated non acronymically version of how to get organized...

Hey Collectors! On this episode of the Hoardganize Podcast I discuss how to declutter your kitchen of potentially toxic items. Below are some of the utensils and cookware that may contain chemicals that are harmful to you and your family (don't forget your fur kids either).  Utensils & Cookware That May Contain Chemicals 1. Nonstick Cookware (Teflon) Chemical: PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) and formerly PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) Risk: At high temperatures (over 500°F), nonstick coatings can break down and release toxic fumes. Tip: Use nonstick only on low/medium heat, avoid scratched pans, or switch to ceramic-coated alternatives. 2. Plastic Utensils & Storage Chemical: BPA, phthalates, and other plasticizers Risk: Heat (like dishwashers or microwaving) can cause plastics to leach these into food. Tip: Use BPA-free plastics, or switch to glass, stainless steel, or silicone. 3. Aluminum Cookware (especially uncoated) Chemical: Aluminum Risk: Acidic foods (like tomato sauce) can cause leaching; long-term exposure to aluminum is under investigation for health impacts. Tip: Use anodized aluminum or switch to stainless steel. 4. Copper Cookware Chemical: Copper Risk: Can leach into food if not lined (usually with stainless steel or tin). Too much copper can be toxic. Tip: Use only lined copper cookware. 5. Melamine Dishes Chemical: Melamine Risk: Can leach into food, especially when microwaved or used with hot foods. Tip: Avoid microwaving melamine and use ceramic/glass for heating. Remember, you can always see our episodes in person, on our youtube channel! 

Hey Collectors! We all have items that we would rather keep to ourselves, right? SO what if you are going to have house cleaners or professional organizers come over? What do you do with that stuff? It's nothing to be ashamed about, we are all adults here. I promised to be irreverent so here we are ya'll.   Tip #1 The nightstand is a great place to hide stuff. Tip #2 It's ok to tell people not to work in certain areas. We all have an idea of where not to go. TIP #3 If you have your kinky stuff all around the house collect it together and then put it into your nightstand.  Stop letting your anxiety of what we might find hold you back from having your home organized. WE have seen it all. Believe me. It's nothing to be embarrased and ashamed about. And guess what? There is actually a place where it belongs.  Are you a member of our facebook group yet? Search for the Hoardganize Podcast private group to meet other cool Collectors and for exclusive information and rants.  

Hey Collectors! On this Hoardganize podcast episode, Varian Pierce and I discuss the topic of forgiveness. Forgiving ourselves, and forgiving others, and how it helps us grow. A lot of us carry around shame, which Varian describes as the "second arrow".  Do you struggle with constant guilt around your clutter? Tune in! Links: San Francisco Mental Health Association Hoarding Groups: https://www.mentalhealthsf.org/hoarding Buried in Treasures:  https://a.co/d/f8zUyzr

Hey Collectors it's Self Care Sunday! (self care can be anyday) Here are my CLUTTER FREE tips that I cover in the podcast Wash your hair. Conventionally or dry shampoo. Massage your scalp. Use aromatherapy oils peppermint on the temples. Close your eyes. Meditation. Enhance the experience with a little lavender oil in a small cloth and inhale gently. Brush your teeth. Find your dentures spend some time on oral health. Put on nourishing lip balm.  Massage your neck and lymph nodes with moisturizer or oil. Massage towards the heart.  Stretch out your chest and back as best as you can. working on overall fitness. Simple stretching, bone  strengthening exercises all of these are self care  Massage your feet. If you can't reach them do small foot exercises To stretch your tired feet.  Self care can also look like: Turning off the news for a while  Reading a book Learning something new Drinking more water Cooking something for yourself  Getting some fresh air Embracing your spiritual self Guided meditations: https://healingworksfoundation.org/guided-imagery/a-guided-meditation-for-healthful-sleep/ My favorite podcast to listen to while meditating: https://www.sarahblondin.com/podcast