In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp and co-host Tonya Kubo unpack the Ulysses rule—making a decision in a calm moment to protect your tired future self—and apply it to everyday decluttering. If you’ve ever believed your future self will “feel like it later,” this conversation is your gentle wake-up call. Kathi shares real-life “tie yourself to the mast” strategies: put your keys in the lunch bag so you don’t forget it, lay clothes on the bed so they must be put away before sleep, schedule regular donation pickups to create a decluttering deadline, and use grocery pickup, batch cooking, and a small rice cooker to simplify meals and reduce decision fatigue. Tonya adds her own accountability and evening wind-down moves that make mornings smoother for the whole family. Listeners are invited into an easy win: the Junk Drawer Challenge. Post your junk drawer “before” in Clutter Free Academy today and your “after” by Friday. Short, compassionate systems—not willpower—are what keep homes peaceful and clutter-free. Join the community for accountability at kathi.link/CFA.

If your books are managing you (not the other way around), this episode is your 15‑minute reset. Kathi Lipp walks you through a simple, shelf‑by‑shelf plan to create a peaceful, findable home library you’ll actually use—without losing the joy of reading. Listeners will learn:  

• The MEET method to make your library pay you back (Money, Energy, Emotional bandwidth, and Time)  • Kathi’s three zero‑guilt questions to decide what stays and what goes  • Forever Shelf vs Flow Shelf: two simple zones that make your system maintainable  • Why capacity matters (and why you don’t need more shelves)  • How to stop “buying to become” and end guilt stacks  • Practical upkeep: one‑in‑one‑out, return stations, and exit strategies (little libraries, friends, donations)  • Where to house TBR (hint: it’s not your nightstand!)  

Plus, Kathi Lipp shares a favorite Forever Shelf pick and introduces "Jesus Was," a thoughtful, conversation‑starting book she endorsed by her dear friend Susy Flory—perfect for souls that need a gentle reset. Press play and take back your shelves in the next 15 minutes. 

Find this episodes full show notes and resources here.  

Join Kathi as she has a conversation with Lisa Woolery who lost her husband Eric suddenly at age 50. Lisa faced an overwhelming reality: not only was she grieving the love of her life, but she also inherited his extensive collection that filled their 6,700 square foot home. From dozens of guns to barrels of water and MREs, Eric's "beautiful, cluttery" nature had created a different kind of burden for his wife and their two children.  

In this deeply moving episode of Clutter Free Academy, Lisa shares her raw and honest journey of grieving not just her husband, but also dealing with the mountain of possessions he left behind. You'll discover how she navigated the anger, the overwhelm, and ultimately found peace through intentional decluttering.  

Listeners will gain an inside look at someone having to manage a loved one’s clutter after they are gone, learn practical strategies for honoring a loved one's memory without keeping everything, including Lisa's "five box rule" that helped her teenagers choose what mattered most when they downsized. She reveals the difference between sentimental items worth keeping and collections that served their purpose, and how creating a curated space helped her heal and move forward.  

Whether you're dealing with your own loss or simply struggling with a partner's clutter, this episode offers hope, practical wisdom, and permission to choose peace over possessions. 

Find this episode’s full show notes and resources here.  

Can thrifting and staying clutter-free go hand in hand?

Kathi Lipp and our podcast guest today say YES YOU CAN!

Meet Erin Handley: San Francisco Bay Area resident, full-time Pinterest employee, and long-time thrifting enthusiast. Kathi and Erin discuss how thrifting is not acquiring a bunch of items you don’t need. Thrifting gives us a chance to give something a new life or at least a second look. Join them as they dive into three questions to ask before you purchase that thrift store treasure that you have in your cart.

1. Where will it go?
   • Sucker for cool art? Even if it’s cheap or you have to store it long term, say no.
2. What is it for?
   • Need it for a project? Say yes, but is it going to happen in the next 60 days?
3.  What does it improve?
   • Found a vase you love? Okay, but is there a vase you can part with at home?

Erin Handley’s house rule: if one thing comes in, one thing goes out.

Join the free Clutter Free Academy group on Facebook! 

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Links Mentioned: Meet Our Guest: Erin Handley

Erin Handley on the Leading Bold Podcast

Erin Handley on Instagram

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What is Kathi’s favorite thing in Clutter Free Academy? The 30 Day 1K! What is the 30 Day 1K, you may ask? It is a challenge to eliminate 1000 pieces of clutter over 30 days. If this sounds daunting, listen in as Clutter Free Academy queen Tonya Kubo answers common objections to the 30 Day 1K. 

Do any of these resonate with you?

• There’s no way I have 1000 things in my house to get rid of.
• I have so much clutter that 1000 things won’t even make a dent!
• I don’t have time to declutter 1000 things.
• November is so busy. I can’t possibly tackle this challenge then.

Tonya also shares her secret to making the 30 Day 1K work in her home.

How do you join the challenge? Easy - join the free Clutter Free Academy group in Facebook! In November, group members will receive a printed action plan for the month with simple tasks, weekly live coaching workshops, and the encouragement of nonjudgmental friends. This is going to be a life changing 30 days, and we hope you will join us as we get control of our stuff together!

Be sure to sign up here and be notified when the next episode is released.

Links Mentioned: Meet Our Guest: 

Tonya Kubo

Deanna Day Young

Kathi Lipp's Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group

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Can our spaces be organized and look great at the same time?

Yes, they can! Clutter Free Academy's own Deanna Day Young joins Kathi Lipp today in this continuation of last week's episode. (Haven't listened to Episode 586 Unlocking the Power of Organization: Expert Tips from Deanna Day Young yet? Click here! ) This week is all about the Double-A: accessibility and aesthetics. Meaning it is easy to access but looks pretty sitting. Deanna and Kathi chat and laugh their way through the Three Steps to Organization 101. Kitchen ideas? It's in here. Organizing with things you already have? It's in here. What do do with bathroom towels? It's in here, too.

Listen in as Deanna  and Kathi share the Three Steps to Organization 101 plus so many real-life examples:

1. Decluttering
   • You don't need to buy a new item. Kathi uses books as a pedestal to elevate cherished items!
2. Putting things where they make sense
   • Deanna has drawer pulls for her silverware drawer that looks like silverware!
3.  Labeling
   • Laundry soap can be aesthetically pleasing

Links Mentioned: Meet Our Guest: Deanna Day Young

Deanna Day Young

Kathi Lipp's Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group

The Clutter-Free Home

Learn more about Clutter Free for Life

Kathi's Favorites:

• Cabinet Pulls Spoon Knife Fork Shape Door Handles Hole Center 3" Silver
• Quart Compact Stackable Plastic Storage Drawer
• 18 Gallon Holiday Storage Containers, Durable Latching Lids, Clear Bins, Red Lids/Green Handles

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Several years ago, Deanna Day Young joined Kathi Lipp’s Clutter Free Academy. Deanna felt pretty confident about her organizational skills, but she realized there is always more to learn and thought she could learn some good strategies for organization. However, what she actually realized is that she had previously been trying to organize a bunch of clutter! Since then, Deanna has strengthened her decluttering muscles, and on today’s podcast Kathi asks Deanna to share her best advice for someone who is starting out on their decluttering and organization journey. 

Listen in as Deanna shares:

1. What is the most important thing to do first?
2. Three simple steps to organize any space.
3. When to be creative, and when to keep it simple.

Next week, Deanna and Kathi will return and dive deeper into aesthetics. How can we be organized and still make it look great at the same time? 

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Links Mentioned: Meet Our Guest: Deanna Day Young

Deanna Day Young

Angela Sue Garvey

Proverbs 31 Ministries

Kathi's Favorites:

Learn more about Clutter Free for Life

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The Clutter-Free Home

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Welcome to Part 3 of the Abundant Home Conference series! In this segment, Kathi and her guest Amy Betters-Midtvedt talk about having a neurodiverse family and how having a brain that processes differently affects how people declutter. Together they discuss:

• The process of body doubling: helping someone complete a project like decluttering by completing pieces of that project for them while training them to take over the entire process eventually
• Why it's important to decide on systems like organization and decluttering as a team
• Chaotic creativity and why not everything needs to be special all the time

If you missed Part 1 of their conversation, Why Just in Case Is a Trap or Part 2 Fear, Finances, and Finding Peace: Decluttering Your Mind and Home, click the link. Be sure to sign up here and be notified when the next podcast episode drops.

This conversation is a small excerpt from the Abundant Home Conference - a half-day conference held exclusively for members of Kathi Lipp’s Clutter Free for Life membership community. Are you ready to take the next step in your decluttering journey? The step-by-step plan inside Clutter Free for Life can guide you, and the community you find there will encourage you to keep going. It’s time to change the way you think about your home and your stuff! Click here to learn more and join us today, for only $24.99 per month.

Links Mentioned: Meet Our Guest: Amy Betters-Midtvedt

Amy Betters-Midtvedt website

Amy Betters-Midtvedt on Instagram

Amy Betters-Midtvedt on Facebook

Kathi's Favorites:

Learn more about Clutter Free for Life

Kathi Lipp's Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group

The Clutter-Free Home

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Welcome to Part 2 of the Abundant Home Conference series! In this segment Kathi and her guest Amy Betters-Midtvedt face the fears and hidden perfectionism that often sabotage our decluttering efforts. Together they discuss:

• How can you avoid a scarcity mindset and start to think differently about your stuff?
• How do you combat the feeling that the things you have are not enough?
• How can you challenge the idea that your stuff is protecting you and instead realize that it is limiting you?

If you missed Part 1 of their conversation, you can find it here: Why Just in Case Is a Trap. Be sure to sign up here and be notified when the third part of this three-part conversation releases next week.

This conversation is a small excerpt from the Abundant Home Conference - a half-day conference held exclusively for members of Kathi Lipp’s Clutter Free for Life membership community. Are you ready to take the next step in your decluttering journey? The step-by-step plan inside Clutter Free for Life can guide you, and the community you find there will encourage you to keep going. It’s time to change the way you think about your home and your stuff! Click here to learn more and join us today, for only $24.99 per month.

Links Mentioned: Meet Our Guest: Amy Betters-Midtvedt

Amy Betters-Midtvedt website

Amy Betters-Midtvedt on Instagram

Amy Betters-Midtvedt on Facebook Harry Styles Zipper Bag - Orange

Kathi's Favorites:

Learn more about Clutter Free for Life

Kathi Lipp's Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group

The Clutter-Free Home

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• Leave a note in the comment section below.
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Do any of these sound like you?

• I’m afraid to get rid of things, because what if I need it in the future and don’t have money to replace it?
• My kids’ notes and artwork are all so special and I can’t part with any of it!
• I better buy three of those, that way I’ll always be able to find at least one.

If so, then today’s podcast is for you! In this session Kathi chats with self-proclaimed “pack rat” Amy Betters-Midtvedt about her process of digging out from under all the clutter. They talk about green bananas, earring emergencies, and how worry and sentimentality can trip us up. You don’t want to miss it!

This conversation is a small part of the Abundant Home Conference - a half-day conference held exclusively for members of Kathi Lipp’s Clutter Free for Life membership community. Are you ready to take the next step in your decluttering journey? The step-by-step plan inside Clutter Free for Life can guide you, and the community you find there will encourage you to keep going. It’s time to change the way you think about your home and your stuff! Click here to learn more and join us today.

Be sure to sign up here and be notified when the second part of this three-part conversation releases next week.

Also, if you haven't listened to Kathi and Amy laugh through episode 547 Why I Don't Eat Green Bananas Anymore, put that one in your queue!

Links Mentioned: Meet Our Guest: Amy Betters-Midtvedt

Amy Betters-Midtvedt website

Amy Betters-Midtvedt on Instagram

Amy Betters-Midtvedt on Facebook

Noonday

Poshmark

GapKids

Kathi's Favorites:

Learn more about Clutter Free for Life

Kathi Lipp's Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group

The Clutter-Free Home

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• Leave a note in the comment section below.
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Have you ever read the ingredients on the bread you buy from the grocery store and thought, “I can’t even pronounce these words! What are they?” Maybe you’d like to take control over what you put into your meals but don’t know where to start?

Start here!

In this episode, Kathi and Roger Lipp discuss what they have learned on their homestead journey about getting closer to the source of their food and what goes into the meals they prepare. As they continue to celebrate the release of Kathi’s new book “The Accidental Homesteader: What I’ve Learned About Chickens, Compost, and Creating Home”, Kathi and Roger share ways we can all eat like a homesteader even if we don’t have a garden.

For example:

• Making your own bread (Keep scrolling for recipes!)
• Making your own cake & brownie mixes
• Making your own cheese (Kathi and Roger are in LOVE with her homemade mozzarella cheese.)
• Canning and preserving your abundance
• Batch cooking and creating Kathi’s favorite fast food swap out: individual serving cubes of soup

Haven’t listened to Part 1 of Garden Or Grocery Store: Eating Like a Homesteader No Matter Where You Call Home? Don’t miss those tips! Click here to listen.

As promised, here are Kathi’s favorite soup and sandwich bread recipes.

Sandwich Bread 1 cups warm water ½ Tablespoon active dry yeast 2 T honey 2.5 cups all purpose flour, divided 1 teaspoon salt 2 T melted butter, divided

1. Mix the water, yeast, and honey together. Add 2 cups flour, salt and 1 T melted butter together and mix.
2. Put dough on a surface with ¼ cup of flour and knead it for about 5 minutes adding in the other half cup of flour to get a doughy texture.
3. Take your dough ball and put it in a bowl. Cover it with a dishcloth and stick it in the oven with the light on for an hour (it should approximately double in size.)
4. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
5. Butter loaf pan. Shape the dough into roughly the size of the loaf pan.
6. Let it double again, covered.
7. Bake for 30 minutes.
8. Let cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing.

Soup BreadPrep time: 12-16 hours (rise time) Cook time: 45 minutes

Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups water, room temperature to warm 1/2 teaspoon yeast 3 cups flour 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients together in an ovenproof bowl. You may use a stand mixer to combine and leave the dough in the bowl.
2. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and place it in the oven with the oven light on. Let it sit undisturbed for 12-16 hours.
3. Remove the bowl from the oven and preheat the oven to 450°F.
4. Line a Dutch oven with parchment paper. You may find it helpful to crinkle the parchment in your hands so it stays in place.
5. Flour a surface and place the dough on that surface. Stretch and fold the dough ball, then place it in the parchment-lined Dutch oven.
6. Use kitchen shears to make three snips on the top of the bread, allowing the bread to expand.
7. Cook the bread in the covered Dutch oven for 30 minutes.
8. After 30 minutes, uncover the Dutch oven and continue cooking for 15 more minutes.

Serve warm, accompanied by salted butter or a mix of oil and balsamic vinegar.

Yields: Dependent on serving size (typically 8-12 servings)

Kathi also mentioned her favorite cheese making kit. It can be found on Amazon. Kathi is not an affiliate of this product.

• Mozzarella & Ricotta Cheese Making Kit | 5 Piece DIY Kit Includes Cheesecloth, Vegetable Rennet, Citric Acid, Cheese Salt, & Cooking Thermometer

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Links Mentioned:

Guest Host: Roger Lipp

Order Kathi's book The Accidental Homesteader here!

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Is it possible to eat like a homesteader even if you live in an apartment? Yes, it is!

Eating like a homesteader is really about being more purposeful and thoughtful about what you eat and where you source your food. In this episode, Kathi and Roger Lipp discuss what they have learned on their homestead journey about growing their own food in the garden as well as the non-gardening ways they source their food. For example:

• The satisfaction of growing your own food
  • Start with a salsa garden/container garden.
• Don’t have a garden? Try:
  • Shopping at a Farmers' Markets or Roadside Stands
  • Joining a Food Swap or Bartering Group
  • Be a part of a Community Garden
• And what to do if you have an abundance of produce

For those of you wondering where Kathi and Roger’s chickens fit into the “Eating like a Homesteader” plan, don’t be worried. Kathi's philosophy is they don’t want to meet their meat.

Looking for the Meal Planning Calendar Kathi mentioned in this episode? It's right here! Calendar_Meal_Planner

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Links Mentioned:

Guest Host: Roger Lipp

Order Kathi's book The Accidental Homesteader here!

Learn more about Clutter Free for Life

Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group

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• Leave a note in the comment section below.

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Would you like some tips and tools to help you move from last minute scrambler to organized planner? Welcome to Part 2 of How to Plan Like A Homesteader where Kathi and her co host in life and on the mic Roger Lipp discuss strategies for advanced planning.

You might not need to worry about your snow blower not working like they do out in the wilderness they call home, but there are so many things you can plan in advance for to make your life run more smoothly. For example:

• Pet and animal care
• Regular medical appoints to avoid a medical crisis
• And the many joys of putting a vacation on the calendar

If you haven’t listened to 579 How To Plan Like a Homesteader No Matter Where You Call Home, Part 1 yet, click here.

Also…today is the day that Kathi Lipp’s new (and visually stunning) book The Accidental Homesteader: What I’ve Learned About Chickens, Compost, and Creating Home releases! You can still get in on all the preorder goodies but you MUST order it today. How? Listen at the end of the episode to get the details on how to procure your Accidental Homesteader extras!

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Links Mentioned:

Guest Host: Roger Lipp

Pre-order Kathi's book The Accidental Homesteader here!

Notion app

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Join Kathi Lipp and Tonya Kubo as they tackle the challenges and opportunities of laundry room organization. Explore the practical steps you can take to transform your laundry space from chaos to calm. In this episode, discover why your laundry room may be a hidden source of stress and how you can revamp it into a place of order and efficiency. Whether it's optimal storage solutions, must-have products, or debunking the biggest laundry myths, Kathi and Tonya offer practical tips and insights to refresh your routine. This episode is your guide to a clutter-free laundry life, filled with humor, honesty, and hope. Don't miss out on learning how to make laundry less of a chore and more of a breeze. 

You can access this episode’s full show notes and mentioned resources here. 

Would you consider yourself a natural planner, or is it challenging for you to plan ahead? If you think planning doesn’t come easily, then you share that trait with Kathi and Roger Lipp, but moving to the Red House has forced them to plan ahead. In today’s podcast they share their hard-won wisdom with all of us.

Even if you don’t live on acres in the wilderness, you can still apply these lessons to lessen the stress in your life. For example:

• Are you prepared for extreme weather events or other emergencies in your area?
• Have you been thinking longer term in your financial planning?
• What home maintenance issues are going to turn into big problems without attention?
• Are you taking the time to build practical skills?

Kathi and Roger give us some helpful ideas in all these areas and more. Listen and find out how you can experience more peace in your home by planning ahead.  

Sign up here to get an email when Part Two comes out next week, when we will learn seven more areas to think about in order to plan like a homesteader.

Links Mentioned:

Guest Host: Roger Lipp

Pre-order Kathi's book The Accidental Homesteader here!

The Six Types of Working Genius   Christmas Project Planner | Kathi Lipp Profit First

The Automatic Millionaire

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Have you ever been working on a project and had to run to the store to buy something you needed? How about run to the store multiple times to buy what you needed? You might be in need of what Kathi and Roger Lipp call the Magic List!

Kathi and Roger are starting a series titled Accidental Homesteader, where they take some of the principles they’ve learned about homesteading and applied them to everyday life. In this episode it’s all about creating effective, precise, time and money saving lists! Listen in as Kathi and Roger laugh and lay out listing making tips, such as:

• How to create effective shopping lists
• How to organize your To Do lists so things actually get done
• Why it’s important to keep a master list (Kathi keeps hers on her phone!)

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Links Mentioned:

Guest Host: Roger Lipp

Pre-order Kathi's book The Accidental Homesteader here!

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What happens to your time when you have a rare moment, and nothing is scheduled on the calendar? Does it immediately get full of all the things that aren’t on your to-do list, but could be? Jen Cowart, a pastor, Bible teacher, and author, recently experienced a season with extra margin, and she chose to be intentional with her time instead of letting others fill up her calendar. (Can you even imagine?)

In today’s episode, Kathi and Jen discuss how to thrive when your life is just too overwhelming. They talk about:

• How seasons play a role in our schedule
• What a “win” looks like
• Specific times that MUST be carved out
• What to prepare for in order to thrive
• The schedule considerations that matter most

Want to dig deeper? If so, check out Jen’s new Thrive Women’s Bible Study. You can download a free discussion guide for the first two lessons in the Thrive Participant Workbook here.

Jen has two copies of the Thrive Bible Study to give away to Kathi’s listeners. For your chance to win, answer this question in the comments: What area of your life would you really like to get practical about creating margin in?

You are meant to thrive. You may need to get still before the Lord and do a little work, and that work may be to embrace who He created you to be.

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*This episode is sponsored by United Methodist Publishing House.

Links Mentioned: Guest Host: Jennifer Cowart

Thrive Bible Study

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Do you love the excitement and intrigue of that the arrival of a subscription box brings? We do too! But are all subscription boxes equal? Can subscription boxes become just one more thing to declutter?

Join Kathi and her Tik Tok famous guest Meredith Lynch as they discuss decluttering and the world of subscription boxes. Meredith started out as a beauty influencer but pushed back on the fast fashion/fast beauty culture. She is not afraid to speak her mind and has the cease and desist letters from beauty brands to prove it! Kathi and Meredith covered so much in this episode that Kathi has labeled it an XXLarge episode of information, such as:

• The origins of subscription boxes
• How some subscription boxes have become a scam
• The concept of White Labeling - mass producing a product and slapping a designer label on it

But we love new beauty products! Are there any trusted voices out there? YES! Meredith Lynch gives us two people to follow for authentic beauty product insight.

Don't forget to give Clutter Free Academy a one sentence review on your favorite podcast platform! Thanks!

Sign up here for the Clutter Free Academy newsletter and be notified when future episodes are released. Links Mentioned:

Guest Host: Meredith Lynch

Pre-order Kathi's book The Accidental Homesteader here!

Meredith Lynch at meredithmlynch on Tik Tok

Meredith Lynch at meredithmlynch on Instagram

Stefanie Fritz- Luxury Makeup Artist at stefaniefritzxo on Instagram

Jamie Greenberg - Celebrity Makeup Artist at jamiemakeup on Instagram

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Welcome back to the basics! Kathi Lipp is joined by Roger, her husband and fellow declutterer, and they are here to recap some of the best tips they have discovered about decluttering.

How do you declutter quickly? Kathi has an easy to follow decluttering system for you and it only takes 15 minutes.

Step 1 - Gather your tools. Kathi likes to use 3 tote bags. One bag is "give away," one bag is "put away," and one bag is "other rooms." The 2 additional bags Kathi adds to the mix are a garbage bag and a recycling bag.

Step 2 - Pick a small area. This could be a desk, drawer, or shelf. Make sure it is something so small, you don't have to move your feet for the 15 minutes you are decluttering. This will also limit the number of decisions you have to make and avoid B.S.O. (Bright Shiny Object Syndrome).

More decluttering tips from Kathi and Roger:

• Listen to something dedicated to your declutter time. Kathi listens to the Scientology: Fair Game podcast from Leah Remini.
• Body Doubling - Make yourself accountable by telling someone you will be decluttering. Or have someone in the room with you - this is also known as body doubling. It helps to have someone there to help you focus and accomplish your goals. Join Kathi’s Clutter Free Academy group on Facebook for some online accountability with a community who understands!  
• Break big projects into smaller goals. Don't let yourself get overwhelmed. Find doable steps such as spending 15 minutes a day to declutter.
• After each 15 minute decluttering session, set your timer for another 5 minutes to take care of the items you have sorted into different bags or boxes.
• Remember that when you declutter every day, it keeps you from wanting to bring things into your house in the first place.

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Links Mentioned:

Guest Host: Roger Lipp

Pre-order Kathi's book The Accidental Homesteader here!

Scientology: Fair Game Podcast

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Kickstart to Clutter Free eCourse

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In this Best of Series episode, Kathi and her best friend, Roger Lipp, are taking the clutter free journey back to the basics. Do you need specific criteria to guide your decision making for what to keep and what to get rid of? Kathi and Roger are here to remind us of the three clarifying questions we should be asking ourselves as we declutter. Join in the conversation to learn the art of how to keep the best and get rid of the rest by knowing and practicing these three questions as you declutter:

• Do I love it?
• Do I use it?
• Would I buy it again?

Listen in as Kathi and Roger explain how asking yourself these three questions can get you past the mental block of clearing out your clutter.

Links Mentioned:

Guest Host: Roger Lipp

Pre-order Kathi's book The Accidental Homesteader here!

The Clutter-Free Home

Clutter Free Academy

Learn more about Clutter Free for Life

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Do you ever look around your home wondering why it feels more cluttered, despite your decluttering efforts? In this "Best Of" episode, Kathi and her decluttering partner Roger are uncovering this mystery by clueing us into five reasons our homes may be more cluttered:

1. You don’t know what you have, so you keep buying more.
2. You have backups for your backups. (We’re looking at you, broken can-opener in the garage!) 
3. You are storing things for other people, with no limit or deadline.
4. You are holding onto things for “some day.” (Is that item something you would buy again today?)
5. You are keeping tools that were useful in a past season of life. Your life has changed and moved on, so now those items have become clutter. 

Clutter is a battle that has to be fought on every side. Together let’s learn how to break these habits that leave us with more clutter and less peace. Want some encouragement on the journey? Join us on Facebook in Kathi Lipp's Clutter Free Academy.

Sign up here for the Clutter Free Academy newsletter and be notified when future episodes are released.

Links Mentioned: Guest Host: Roger Lipp

Pre-order Kathi's book The Accidental Homesteader here!

Learn more about Clutter Free for Life.

Pinterest

Excel Let's stay connected!

To share your thoughts:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help, and I read each one.

Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe to our newsletter now. Follow Kathi on Social Media: 

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In this Best of episode, Kathi Lipp is talking with Clutter Free community leader, friend, and screenwriter, Grace Church, about how decluttering and creativity can actually help one another. Have you ever struggled to balance decluttering time and creative time? You are not alone. In this episode, Kathi and Grace share how they have found that balance by:

• Shifting their mentality
• Doing a little bit every day
• Establishing routines

If you’ve ever found your creativity blocked by the clutter around you, you won’t want to miss this episode.

Meet Our Guest: Grace Church

You can connect with Grace on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube at “Rise and Write with Grace & James” — or catch her movie “DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH” on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and Tubi!

Links Mentioned:

Pre-order Kathi's book The Accidental Homesteader here!

The Clutter-Free Home

Learn more about Clutter Free for Life.

Grace Church

Diamond in the Rough

Clutter Free

21 Day Declutter Challenge

Let's stay connected

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On this very special podcast Kathi Lipp is joined by Clutter Free queen Tonya Kubo to get all of us excited about the month-long celebration we call No Buy July!

Some may think that No Buy July sounds crazy, after all - it is fun to spend money. But this challenge is meant to be a kind of retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Let's put all our creative energy into doing something that is going to help our houses and our budgets breathe a little easier!

Listen in for all the details, and answers to questions like these:

• What are the "rules" for No Buy July? (Hint - You don't have to be a minimalist to participate.)
• How can I convince my family to join in this challenge?
• What happens if there is an emergency, or if I have a special event coming up?
• What can we do for fun in July without spending money?
• What will I wear? What will we eat? How does this whole thing work?

If you are as excited as we are about No Buy July, then be sure to join us! All you have to do is be part of Kathi Lipp's free Facebook group, Clutter Free Academy. Go here to join, and be sure to answer the questions, then one of our friendly group admins will be sure to get you in.

Throughout the month of July there will be posts in the group with ideas and encouragement, and you can also ask your questions and cheer on one another in the kindest corner of the internet. If you are not on Facebook, email support@kathilipp.org and we will send you the activity guide to give you lots of ideas for making No Buy July a fun experience for you and your family.

P.S. Looking for Tonya Kubo's bread pudding recipe? You can find it here!

Links Mentioned:

Clutter Free Academy

Clutter Free for Life

Tonya's Bread Pudding Recipe

Stove Top Stuffing

Sign up here for Kathi's newsletter and get a free Clutter Free Kit with printables and videos.

Let's stay connected

To share your thoughts:

• Leave a note in the comment section below.
• Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest.

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Did you know the “urge to splurge” is a brain chemistry response and can last from 7 - 12 MINUTES? No wonder it can be a difficult mindset to break! In this Part 2 episode, Kathi and spending coach Paige Pritchard talk about brain chemistry and the way it affects our behavior. Today they finish discussing Paige’s five tools to managing your impulsive shopping. The conversation is fascinating. Here are just a few of the many highlights:

• How to use an Urge Jar to change your behavior (and maybe save enough for a trip to Disneyland).
• Making a list of what you want to buy is actually a healthy choice.
• There is a big difference between an intentional buy and an impulse buy.

Haven’t listened to #569 Urge to Splurge? How to Manage Your Impulsive Shopping - Part 1? Click here.

As promised in the episode, here’s a link to Paige Pritchard’s Free Masterclass Why You Impulse Shop & How To Stop.

Join Kathi and friends for No Buy July! Click here to join her free Facebook community Clutter Free Academy, and get ready to participate in this No Buy challenge that can change your home and your life.

Sign up here for the Clutter Free Academy newsletter and be notified when future episodes are released.

Links Mentioned:

Paige's Free Masterclass Why You Impulse Shop & How To Stop

What to work with Paige directly? Overcoming Overspending Group Program

Guest Host: Paige Pritchard

Organizational Website Notion

Kathi's Favorites:

The Clutter-Free Home

Learn more about Clutter Free for Life.

Clutter Free for Life Facebook Group

Sundance Catalog - Women's Clothing

Giveaway: Paige Pritchard has a FREE Masterclass for you! It's an hour long pre recorded class you can watch at your convenience. Once you sign up, you only have access for a limited time so carve out that hour and start on a path to curbing your urge to splurge.

Here's the link: Why You Impulse Shop & How To Stop with Paige Pritchard

Let's stay connected

To share your thoughts:

• Leave a note in the comment section below.
• Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest.

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.

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In this engaging episode of Clutter-Free Academy, Kathi Lipp and clutter comrade Tonya Kubo are back to tackle the ever-daunting task of laundry. For those feeling overwhelmed by never-ending laundry piles and chaos, this is your chance to reclaim a peaceful and organized home. 

Kathi shares her newfound appreciation for a certain someone’s folding techniques and reveals how a few simple tools, like drawer dividers, can revolutionize your laundry routine. Plus, Tonya gives invaluable advice on managing allergy-friendly laundry needs and keeping the family clad and cheerful. 

Listeners will come away with practical insights on evolving their laundry system, maintaining cleanliness, and battling tough stains with a magical secret weapon. Whether it’s finding joy in organizing or nurturing a household with faith, there’s something special for every laundry warrior ready for change. 

Tune in and transform each laundry day from a dreaded chore to a manageable part of your daily rhythm! 

This episode’s full show notes and mentioned resources can be found here. 

Have you ever struggled with impulsive spending or another “urge to splurge” mind set? You are not alone, friend. Kathi and spending coach Paige Pritchard are digging into the root cause of our impulsive shopping and how to change those behaviors. Today they discuss the first of Paige’s five tips to managing your impulsive shopping, plus answer questions like:

• Why are you shopping?
• What is a de-influencer?
• What is an Urge Jar?

As promised in the episode, here’s a link to Paige Pritchard’s Free Masterclass Why You Impulse Shop & How To Stop.

Join Kathi and friends for No Buy July! Click here to join her free Facebook community Clutter Free Academy, and get ready to participate in this No Buy challenge that can change your home and your life.

Sign up here for the Clutter Free Academy newsletter and be notified when future episodes are released. Links Mentioned:

Paige's Free Masterclass Why You Impulse Shop & How To Stop

What to work with Paige directly? Overcoming Overspending Group Program

Guest Host: Paige Pritchard

Kathi's Favorites:

The Clutter-Free Home

Learn more about Clutter Free for Life.

Clutter Free for Life Facebook Group

Giveaway: Paige Pritchard has a FREE Masterclass for you! It's an hour long pre recorded class you can watch at your convenience. Once you sign up, you only have access for a limited time so carve out that hour and start on a path to curbing your urge to splurge.

Here's the link: Why You Impulse Shop & How To Stop with Paige Pritchard

Let's stay connected

To share your thoughts:

• Leave a note in the comment section below.
• Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest.

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How do you start a conversation with someone who says that absolutely everything is valuable and should be cherished? Especially when that means that you, not they, should be the person to make space for it? 

Kathi and her friend Cheri Gregory are returning today for the second part of their discussion on how to respond responsibly to another person who has a “waste not, want not” mentality. Here are their tips for how to keep the peace without keeping all the stuff:

• For people living in your household, give each person their own space and they can keep what they want in that space.
• Have agreed upon standards for cleanliness, maintenance tasks, and decorating budgets.
• If someone says, “I can fix that,” set a time and have a plan for getting that item fixed. Consider whether or not fixing a particular item is enjoyable and worth the time.
• Realize that you may not agree or change the other person’s mind, and you can still keep boundaries around your own space and belongings.

Did you miss the first part of this conversation? If so, you can listen to that here. 

Sign up here for the Clutter Free Academy newsletter and be notified when future episodes are released.

Links Mentioned:

Cheri Gregory

Books co-authored by Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory:

An Abundant Place

Overwhelmed

You Don’t Have to Try So Hard

Kathi's Favorites:

Subscribe to get your free Clutter Free Kit (handout + video interview with Kathi) and many other goodies.

The Clutter-Free Home

Learn more about Clutter Free for Life.

Kathi Lipp's Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group

Kathi's author page on Amazon

*As an Amazon Associate I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Are you a tinkerer who enjoys repairing and restoring items? What is the last item you updated? Tell us in the comments!

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Sometimes we hear sayings like “waste not, want not” and we assume they are true all the time and in every circumstance. Or we may want to get rid of something, but someone else in our life expects us to keep it. What to do then? Today Kathi is discussing this very issue with her friend and co-author, Cheri Gregory.

Cheri tells the tale of some big items she has recently decluttered and shares how her mindset about those items has changed over time. Some of those shifts in her thinking include:

• Realizing that just because an item was nice several decades ago, doesn’t mean it is still nice.
• Learning to set a time limit on fixing things - just because something could be fixed someday by someone doesn’t mean I have to keep it (broken) forever.
• There is a cost to keeping things - time dealing with them, lost space to enjoy other things, and missed opportunities.

Listen next week to hear Part 2 of the discussion, in which Cheri gives advice for how to start a conversation with someone else who is opposed to our decluttering efforts. Sign up here for the Clutter Free Academy newsletter to be notified when Part 2 is available.  Guest Host: Cheri Gregory

Links Mentioned:

Cheri Gregory

Books co-authored by Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory:

An Abundant Place

Overwhelmed

You Don’t Have to Try So Hard

Kathi's Favorites:Kathi's New Book: Highly practical, humorous, and inspirational, The Accidental Homesteader will encourage you to live with more peace, joy, and contentment. Order your copy of The Accidental Homesteader here.

The Clutter-Free Home

Learn more about Clutter Free for Life.

Kathi Lipp's Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group

Kathi's author page on Amazon

*As an Amazon Associate I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Let's stay connected

To share your thoughts:

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Have you ever dreamed of creating a space just for YOU? This is your episode! Today Kathi Lipp is joined by fellow book lover Amy Betters-Midtvedt. On the daily, Amy uses humor to share her expertise in all things home and parenting but today, they talk about decluttering to create a sacred space. For Amy, it’s for her beloved books. Listen in as Kathi and Amy discuss:

• Managing the push and pull of deciding what stays and what goes
• The benefit of having a reward at the end of your project
• Knowing when to call a trusted professional

Have you listened to Part 1 of this series with Amy Betters-Midtvedt? Click here to listen to episode 565 How to Reclaim a Space In Your Home - Part 1.

Also, if you haven't listened to  Kathi and Amy laugh through episode 547 Why I Don't Eat Green Bananas Anymore, put that one in your queue!

Links Mentioned:

Amy Betters-Midtvedt website

Amy Betters-Midtvedt on Instagram

Amy Betters-Midtvedt on Facebook

5-Shelf Narrow Bookcase

Modern Velvet Single Sofa Chair

Faux Fur Ottoman Stool

Kathi's Favorites:

The Clutter-Free Home

Learn more about Clutter Free for Life.

Kathi Lipp's Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group

30 Qt/7.5 Gal, Pack of 6 Stackable Plastic Storage Containers

In this episode, Kathi and Amy discuss creating a space does not have to be creating a whole room.

It could be a shelf or a wall.

Question:

Look around your home. Is there a nook that could be repurposed?

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Have you ever longed for a space to call your own? Welcome to your tribe! Today Kathi Lipp is joined by fellow book lover and Abundant Home Conference speaker Amy Betters-Midtvedt. Amy is an expert in all things home and parenting stirred with a super sized spoon of humor but today they talk about Amy’s decluttering path to carve out a space for something she loves: books. Listen in as Kathi and Amy discuss:

• Creating small goals to decluttering bins of treasures from the past
• Knowing when to ask for help
• Giving yourself permission to change your plan

Also, if you haven't listened to Kathi and Amy laugh through episode 547 Why I Don't Eat Green Bananas Anymore, put that one in your queue!

Guest Host:  Amy Betters-Midtvedt Links Mentioned:

Amy Betters-Midtvedt Website

Amy Betters-Midtvedt on Instagram

Amy Betters-Midtvedt on Facebook

Kathi's Favorites:

The Clutter-Free Home

Learn more about Clutter Free for Life.

Kathi Lipp's Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group

30 Qt/7.5 Gal, Pack of 6 Stackable Plastic Storage Containers

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To share your thoughts:

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Want to go from full house to living light? Today, we have a case study that will help you get there. Kathi is interviewing author Barb Raveling, who has a history of over-stuffing her closets and hiding things under the bed. The result? Feeling overwhelmed and stressed by clutter. (Can you relate?)

She tried to get organized, made piles and sorted donations, and - nothing changed. “What if I need this in the future?” she cried. In the meantime, her present self was distracted by all the stuff. (Perhaps you have felt this way too?)

About a year ago, Barb and her husband made a huge change. They started traveling every 13 weeks to live in a new place for work, and all they could bring was what fit in the car. Along the way, Barb discovered the freedom of leaving her things behind, and she wants to share what she has learned with you.

Here are Barb’s top tips for downsizing and living with less:

• Bring as little as possible - after a short stay at home Barb packed even less for the next adventure.
• What you do bring, be sure to keep it neatly contained. 
• Think carefully before putting things in storage - is it really worth it?

Letting go of things means letting go of stress. Would you like to join others on a decluttering journey and move toward more peace in your heart and home? Join us for free in Kathi Lipp’s Clutter Free Academy on Facebook (a.k.a. the kindest corner of the internet) and get the encouragement and helpful hints you need along the way. Can't wait to see you there!

Bonus: Be sure to subscribe to the podcast here to be notified when the next episode is released. When you do you will also receive a free Clutter Free Kit with handouts and video interview with Kathi.

Links Mentioned:

Guest Host: Barb Raveling

Say Goodbye to Emotional Eating

eBags Packing Cubes

Collapsible Storage Containers

Moving Bags

Kathi's Favorites:

The Clutter-Free Home

Learn more about Clutter Free for Life.

Let's stay connected

To share your thoughts:

• Leave a note in the comment section below.
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Do you feel life circumstances change so quickly that it’s a struggle to keep your spaces clutter free? Kathi and her husband, declutter buddy, and cohost Roger Lipp are with us today sharing the last three tips in their Top 10 Ways of Getting Clutter Free podcast series. If you haven’t listened to Parts 1 (listen here) and 2 (listen here) of this series, put those in your queue! In today’s Part 3 they discuss:

• How to curate your items ("Curate" is Kathi’s new favorite word! )
• Organizing activity supplies into separate tubs
• Using a spreadsheet to keep an inventory

Links Mentioned:

The Clutter-Free Home

Learn more about Clutter Free for Life.

Good Cook Can Opener, Safe Cut Manual Can Opener

Stackable Plastic Storage Containers with Durable Latching Clear Lids

Bamboo Cheese Board and Knife Sets

Kathi's Favorites:

Kathi Lipp's Clutter-Free Academy Facebook Group

Learn more about Clutter Free for Life.

A Faith That Will Not Fail: 10 Practices to Build Up Your Faith When Your World Is Falling Apart

Kathi Lipp's Clutter-Free Academy Facebook Group

Learn more about Clutter Free for Life.

A Faith That Will Not Fail: 10 Practices to Build Up Your Faith When Your World Is Falling Apart

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Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe to our newsletter now. 

Last week Kathi and Roger Lipp shared the first three of their tips for how to declutter a lot - FAST! To recap:

1. Participate in the 30-day 1k to get rid of 1,000 things in 30 days - join right now for free at Kathi Lipp’s Clutter Free Academy on Facebook!
2. Have your garbage bags and boxes ready for trash, recycling, and donations.
3. Find a declutter buddy.

Today, after Moose stops licking the microphone, the decluttering duo will cover the next three tips on their list:

• Set a number goal.
• Let the date do the deciding.
• Use the "outfit trick."

Come back next week to hear even more ideas for getting rid of your clutter fast! If you need to catch up on Part 1, you can do that here. And be sure to sign up for the Clutter Free Academy newsletter to be notified when Part 3 is available. 

Links Mentioned:

Little Free Library

Large Black Trash Bags

Tall White Trash Bags

Airbnb

Costco First Aid kit

Kathi's Favorites:

Kathi Lipp's Clutter-Free Academy Facebook Group

Learn more about Clutter Free for Life.

Let's stay connected

To share your thoughts:

• Leave a note in the comment section below.
• Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest.

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.

Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe to our newsletter now.

 

 

 

Do you feel like there are not enough hours in your day to tackle a decluttering project? You are not alone, friend. Kathi and her snow bound cohost Roger Lipp are with us today discussing not only decluttering but decluttering when you are short on time. Listen in as they discuss the crazy amount of snow at the Red House as well the first two tips of their top ten ways they have found to get rid of clutter. Ideas such as::

• Using different colored trash bags
• What size boxes to use
• The importance of a declutter buddy

Bonus: As mentioned in the podcast break, here's a link for Michele Cushatt's newest book  A Faith That Will Not Fail.

Double Bonus: As mentioned in the podcast, a picture of how much snow was surrounding the Red House at the time of the interview!

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to be notified when the next episode is released. When you do you will also receive a free Clutter Free Kit with handouts and video interview with Kathi!

Links Mentioned:

The Clutter-Free Home

Learn more about Clutter Free for Life.

ProGrade Contractor Trash Bags

Large Black Drawstring Trash Bags

Tall White Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags

Blue Painter's Tape

Kathi's Favorites:

Kathi Lipp's Clutter-Free Academy Facebook Group

Learn more about Clutter Free for Life.

A Faith That Will Not Fail: 10 Practices to Build Up Your Faith When Your World Is Falling Apart

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• Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest.

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.

Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe to our newsletter now.

 

In today’s episode Kathi dives deep with author Amberly Neese, as they discuss how their clutter journeys and spiritual journeys collide. Feeling guilty about getting rid of things we no longer need, or being paralyzed by the fear of needing more in the future, reveals what we believe about the goodness of God and how much we can trust Him to provide for us.

How do we untangle our faith while working through our cluttered closets?

• Recognize how God provides for our needs - often through the generosity of other people.
• Take the words “bad” and “good” out of the conversation in regards to buying. Recognize the patterns and make different choices in the future. 
• Think of the person who will receive the items you donate and pray for them.
• Keep what you use, and be okay without the excess. A house with less clutter allows for more peace and joy. 

Amberly is giving away 2 copies of her new Bible study - Untangling Faith: Reclaiming Hope in the Questions Jesus Asked. To enter to win, leave a comment below telling Kathi and Amberly what is it that you are untangling in your life? 

Pre-order your copy now in order to access the online study with Amberly. Simply send your purchase receipt to Amberly by email. 

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to be notified when the next episode is released. When you do you will also receive a free Clutter Free Kit with handouts and video interview with Kathi!

Links Mentioned: Guest Host: Amberly Neese

Ready for Anything

Christianbook

Cokesbury

1980s Fun Stuff:

Banana Clips

The Best of Poison

Bananarama

The Bangles

Kathi's Favorites:

The Clutter-Free Home

Learn more about Clutter Free for Life.

"These aren't the droids you're looking for" on YouTube

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Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.

Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe to our newsletter now.

What is it that you are untangling in your life? Tell us in the comments below and enter to win a copy of Amberly Neese's new Bible study!

 

Join Kathi Lipp and her clutter buddy, Tonya Kubo in a conversation focusing on practical steps to streamline laundry chaos for a clutter-free life. Listen in to the first of this two part series as Kathi dives into relatable laundry challenges and shares the systems that have transformed her household management. Whether you're navigating mound-like heaps of clothing or finding yourself rewashing forgotten loads, this episode uncovers strategies to regain control over your laundry routine. Catch some tips for teaching kids to handle laundry, optimal sorting methods, and eco-friendly practices like drying clothes outdoors. A few handy laundry room accessories are highlighted, from shout color catchers to mesh bags, with essential tips like employing white vinegar to eliminate stale laundry odors. Tune in for a laugh, some encouragement, and solutions to make your laundry systems serve you, not the other way around. 

Find this episodes full show notes and resources here. 

Can there be guilt-free home organization? Oh sweet sister, there is! Kathi Lipp and her three-time coauthor Cheri Gregory are with us today discussing the lessons each learned during their recent home renovations. Cheri has three simple strategies for us regarding clutter, home organization and renovations. In Part 2 of Lessons Learned from Living Through a Renovation Part 2, Kathi and Cheri do a deep dive into strategies 2 & 3, as well as giving us gems of advice such as:

• There is satisfaction in waiting for the right item for a space
• Give yourself permission to “waste” some money
• Find places where returning items is easy

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to be notified when the next episode is released. When you do you will also receive a free Clutter Free Kit with handouts and video interview with Kathi!

Links Mentioned: Guest Host: Cheri Gregory

The Clutter-Free Home

Learn more about Clutter Free for Life.

An Abundant Place By Kathi Lipp & Cheri Gregory

Sensitive and Strong By Denise J. Hughes and Cheri Gregory

Sensitive and Strong Community Cafe

Kathi's Favorites:

Overwhelmed by Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory

2 Pcs Wardrobe Clothes Organizer with Support Board

Premium Acacia Wood Napkin Holder

Ultra Fine Continuous Water Mister for Hairstyling, Cleaning, Plants, Misting & Skin Care

Organizer Caddy Tote Divided Basket Bin with Handle

KUT from the Kloth (Kathi’s favorite brand of jeans)

Let's stay connected

To share your thoughts:

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• Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest.

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.

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Have you ever second guessed a decision you’ve made, even after doing thoughtful and thorough research? Have you vacillated between decisions and then ended up doing... nothing? You are not alone, friend. It’s called thrashing and Kathi and her three-time coauthor Cheri Gregory are with us today discussing the concept of thrashing as well as some lessons each learned during their recent home renovations. Cheri has three lessons for us regarding clutter and renovations, the first of which she shares in this episode. Listen in to Part 1 of this two part episode to find out:

Cheri’s #1 sanity saver during the renovation How a renovation can reveal clutter habits you didn’t know you had The importance of “putting a pin” in your decisions

Remember, you can do anything for a short period of time. If you know you’ll be moving soon (or even if you aren’t), start with one area or one room and work from there a little bit each day. You can do it!

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to be notified when the next episode is released. When you do, you will also receive a free Clutter Free Kit with handouts and video interview with Kathi!

Links Mentioned:

An Abundant Place by Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory

Overwhelmed by Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory

Sensitive and Strong by Cheri Gregory and Denise J. Hughes

Sensitive and Strong Community Cafe

Single Burner Portable Electric Stove Drawer Organizer for Clothes

Guest Host:

Cheri Gregory

Kathi's Favorites:

The Clutter-Free Home

Learn more about Clutter Free for Life.

Mars Robot on Tik Tok

Crockpot

Air Fryer

Let's stay connected:

To share your thoughts:

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Question:

What is something you've gotten rid of that you never thought you could OR something that you are contemplating getting rid of that's hard?

To enter, let us know in the comments what is one thing, figuratively or literally, that you want to declutter from your closet.

Today Kathi is talking with her real estate agent, Kelli Simmerok, about tips and tricks to help us stay clutter free whether or not we are selling a house.

Listen in and learn:

• The importance of removing personal items and some furniture before selling.
• How to pack away some of your stuff and create space for the potential buyer.
• Ways to make a great first impression, including front porch flowers and the smell of fresh baking.
• Ideas for saving time in daily routines to allow more time to keep the house ready to show.

Remember, you can do anything for a short period of time. If you know you’ll be moving soon (or even if you aren’t), start with one area or one room and work from there a little bit each day. You can do it!

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to be notified when the next episode is released. When you do you will also receive a free Clutter Free Kit with handouts and video interview with Kathi!

Links Mentioned: Guest Host: Kelli Simmerok

Kelli Simmerok's E-mail

Household Moving Kit

Kathi's Favorites:

The Clutter-Free Home

Learn more about Clutter Free for Life.

Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group

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Have you struggled with grief this past year? Your life has fallen apart due to one big crisis or perhaps a series of crises that feel like death from a million paper cuts. Sweet friend, you are not alone. Join Kathi and her trusted friend and fellow trauma navigator Michele Cushatt as they discuss Michele’s newest book “A Faith That Will Not Fail: Ten Practices To Build Up Your Faith When Your World Is Falling Apart.” The practices in Michele’s newest book are not homework for you to complete. Not even close! They are less about doing and more about being. Kathi and Michele discuss these practices as they share very personal stories of grief and trauma. Listen in as they give a sneak peak into some of the practices that can be found in Michele Cushatt’s latest book, such as:

• When we’re overwhelmed, we need to make things smaller, not bigger.
• One of the best things we can do is get grounded in THIS moment.
• How these practices and more help us lead a clutter free life.

Links Mentioned:

Guest Host: Michele Cushatt Order your Pre Order Bonus today!

Michele Cushatt on Facebook

Michele Cushatt on Instagram

Kathi's Favorites:

A Faith That Will Not Fail: Ten Practices To Build Up Your Faith When Your World Is Falling Apart

Learn more about Clutter Free for Life.

Let's stay connected

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This week Kathi returns with Crystal Paine, author of The Time Saving Mom, for part 2 of their discussion on how to juggle a lot, enjoy your life, and accomplish what matters. Last week Crystal shared the six priorities that keep her from feeling distracted by a million little things. This week Kathi digs in and asks how Crystal makes that work in her day-to-day life.

Crystal and Kathi share about these methods to manage time:

• Using a hybrid of digital and paper planning systems
• Time blocking and space blocking
• Leaving some hours each day unplanned

Crystal lived through an extremely busy season while writing this book, so she claims to be living proof that this system works even when life is turned upside down! Saving time is about focusing on your priorities - it is not about cutting everything out, but living your life intentionally and living a life that matters.

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to be notified when the next episode is released. When you do you will also receive a free Clutter Free Kit with handouts and video interview with Kathi!

Links Mentioned:

Crystal Paine

Money Saving Mom

The Time Saving Mom

Google Calendar

Microsoft Outlook Kathi's Favorites:

The Clutter-Free Home

Learn more about Clutter Free for Life.

Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group

Let's stay connected

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Today Kathi is joined by Crystal Paine, also known as the Money Saving Mom, as they discuss how to juggle a lot, enjoy your life, and accomplish what matters! Crystal is a busy entrepreneur and mother of six who has been on a journey including secondary infertility, foster care, adoption, and caring for a child with special needs. 

How does she decide what to take on and what to say no to at any given time? Crystal shares her six by two priority system - six priorities, focusing on two each day. These are her top priorities:

1. Spiritual health
2. Marriage
3. Kids
4. Home
5. Business
6. Friendships

Rotating the focus of these priorities during the week gives her a little breathing room, while still making sure she accomplishes what matters. Next week Crystal Paine will continue her conversation with Kathi, as they chat about planning systems and how to turn these priorities into action steps.

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to be notified when the next episode is released. When you do you will also receive a free Clutter Free Kit with handouts and video interview with Kathi!

Links Mentioned:

Crystal Paine

Money Saving Mom

The Time Saving Mom

Undone by Michele Cushatt

Renee Swope

Weekend at Bernie’s

Let's stay connected

To share your thoughts:

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Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.

Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe to our newsletter now. Kathi's Favorites:

The Clutter-Free Home

Learn more about Clutter Free for Life.

Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group

Sponsor Highlight: Get affordable, private therapy with BetterHelp anytime, anywhere.

Special offer for our Clutter Free community – get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/clutterfree (code clutterfree will automatically be applied)

Let's stay connected

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Do you feel guilty that you’re not doing more? Keeping your house up to snuff? Taking care of yourself and others? If guilt seems to follow you around wherever you go, then this episode is for you!

Kathi is talking with author and Bible teacher Barb Roose about her struggles with perfectionism and performance, and how that affects both her closet and her faith in God. 

Here are Barb’s 3 rules for a better closet:

1. Don’t wear it if it makes you sad.
2. If it doesn’t fit your current body or style, get rid of it.
3. Don’t let fear or shame make you keep clothing that doesn’t fit your current size.

Barb says that our closets are full of memories, and our relationship with God is the same way. How can we move on from experiences in our past that bring up feelings of guilt today? Barb has been on a spiritual journey: moving from a place where guilt robbed her of feeling like she could connect with God, to a place of freedom and understanding of how big God’s love is.

Her life has been changed by focusing more on the promises of God, and less on her performance for Him. Her favorite prayer in a time of need? “Save me O God.” That 4 word prayer is a whole prayer. Barb reminds us of God’s promise from Isaiah 43: “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.” 

So take a deep breath, remember God’s promises to you, and then do the next right thing.

Giveaway

Barb is giving a copy of her book to one lucky Clutter Free Academy listener! To enter, let us know in the comments what is one thing, figuratively or literally, that you want to declutter from your closet.

Links Mentioned:

Guest Host: Barb Roose

Finding Jesus in the Psalms

Enough Already: Winning Your Ugly Struggle with Beauty

Beautiful Already Bible Study

(in)courage Let's stay connected

To share your thoughts:

• Leave a note in the comment section below.
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Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.

Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe to our newsletter now. Kathi's Favorites: 

The Clutter-Free Home

Learn more about Clutter Free for Life.

Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group

Click here for Kathi's Clutter Free kit (4 steps to a Clutter Free home). 

Sorting and shifting through a life time of memories and mementos can be emotionally and physically overwhelming for our parents and older relatives. But space is a finite resource. So how can we best start this process of helping our parents or older relatives declutter? In Part 2 of this two part series our host Kathi Lipp and her co-conspirator in decluttering Tonya Kubo discuss Korean food and simple, stress relieving strategies to help your parent or older relative declutter such as:

• • Defining the three options for decluttering help
  • Documenting the process to record their memories?
  • What to do when they want you to take some mementos home with you. Be prepared, they WILL want you to take some mementos home with you!

Kathi and Tonya provide a variety of tips and techniques in this episode. Listen in and discover hope and help for the parent, older relative, and you on this clutter free journey.

Links Mentioned:

The Clutter-Free Home

Learn more about Clutter Free for Life. Let's stay connected

To share your thoughts:

• Leave a note in the comment section below.
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Click here for Kathi's Clutter Free kit (4 steps to a Clutter Free home).  Guest Host: Tonya Kubo

Has this happened to you yet? A parent or older relative asks for help decluttering their space. Do they really want help? Are they telling you what they think you want to hear? Having a parent or older relative who needs to declutter is an acute pain point. Kathi Lipp and her guest know this pain far to well. Listen in as Kathi and Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group guru Tonya Kubo discuss those questions as well as:

• Why do they ask their children instead of a friend to help declutter?
• What are they actually asking for when they say declutter?
• Is it okay to let people live the way they want, baring a safety issue?

Kathi and Tonya admit to opening a can of worms in Part 1 of this two part series but they do not leave us empty handed. They provide some practical tips to starting the decluttering process with older relatives and parents to tide us over until Part 2.

Let's stay connected: To share your thoughts:  • Leave a note in the comment section below.  • Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe to our newsletter now. Click here for Kathi's Clutter Free kit (4 steps to a Clutter Free home).  Guest Host: Tonya Kubo Links Mentioned: The Clutter-Free Home Learn more about Clutter Free for Life.

 

 

When decluttering a space, what do you do when you come across something good, but you don’t love it, don’t use it, and wouldn’t buy it again? Some would never get rid of something that is potentially useful. It can be a struggle to know what to do with your stuff!

In today’s episode, Kathi is joined by the ever-effervescent Tonya Kubo as they talk villain origin stories and the clutter quandaries of fancy photo backdrops and chicken diapers. Here are some helpful hints that will help you sort through what to sell, what to donate, and what to toss:

Determine what the item is currently worth. Ask how much time you want to invest in getting rid of it. Would someone else enjoy and get use out of that item? Bottom line: Value your time, value your money, and value the process. You can do this! Need some encouragement? Join us on Facebook in Kathi Lipp’s Clutter Free Academy.

Subscribe to the podcast here and get your free Clutter Free Kit with handouts and video interview with Kathi!

Let’s stay connected:

Leave a note in the comment section below. Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.

Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe to our newsletter now.

Special Guest: Tonya Kubo

Links Mentioned:

Clutter Free Academy

Kathi Lipp’s Clutter Free Academy | Facebook

Gifts Differing: Understanding Personality Type by Isabel Briggs Myers

Buy Nothing Project

 

In this engaging episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp and her clutter comrade, Tonya Kubo, dive into why summer is the ideal time to declutter. As the days get longer, tackle those overwhelming clutter issues that seem impossible during the rest of the year. They share personal insights, practical strategies for overcoming sentimental and overwhelming clutter, and success stories from the Clutter Free for Life community. Whether you're struggling with where to start or how to ensure everyone in the household is on the same page, Kathi and Tonya provide a wealth of support and encouragement. Plus, hear how Clutter Free for Life can help keep you on track with ongoing support and resources. Listen in and start your decluttering journey today. 

This episode’s full show notes with all links and resources can be found here. 

Have you ever found yourself in a crisis? Sometimes we know a crisis is coming and other times, it takes us by surprise. Decluttering might not take top priority during a crisis but decluttering can help us feel that we can handle the crisis so much better. In this episode Kathi and her partner in decluttering and chicken wrangling Roger Lipp discuss their latest adventures homesteading through the latest California “bomb storms” and how decluttering can significantly impact the way you feel during a crisis. Listen in and discover:

• How to plan in advance for a crisis
• Three tips to staying decluttered during a crisis
• The saying, “Madder than a wet hen” is a real thing!

Let's stay connected

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Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.

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Click here for Kathi's Clutter Free kit (4 steps to a Clutter Free home). 

Guest Host: Roger Lipp

Links Mentioned:

The Clutter-Free Home

Learn more about Clutter Free for Life.

Windy weather app

 

Have you wondered why some clutter is harder to make decisions about and why some clutter never seems to disappear? All clutter is not created equal and comes from different sources. So, to make the tough decisions about our clutter we need to determine what type of clutter we're dealing with. Thankfully, we have Kathi and Tonya, leader of all things clutter-free, here helping us figure it out. So, if you want to be clutter-free in 2023 and want to make this your year, tune in to learn how to go straight to the root and determine exactly what clutter you're dealing with: 

• House Clutter
• Heart Clutter  
• Head Clutter 

Guest host: Tonya Kubo

Let's stay connected

To share your thoughts:

• Leave a note in the comment section below.
• Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest.

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one. Kathi's book: The Clutter Free Home

Click here for my Clutter Free kit (4 steps to a Clutter Free home). 

Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe to our newsletter now.

 

What do eating green bananas and decluttering have in common? More than one would think! Join Kathi Lipp and writer, educator, and fellow recovering green banana eater Amy Betters-Midtvedt as they laugh and discuss their way through topics such as:

• How to figure out what we like and not settle all the time.
• How to not get stuck in a poverty mindset.
• Why it’s okay to order an ice cream sundae just for yourself!

And as promised by Kathi in the episode, here’s a copy of Amy’s Green Banana Article for your enjoyment and edification.

There was a time I just ate bananas. Like any banana. I’d buy them put them in my lunch and eat them. Green, light green, yellow, brown I didn’t pay much attention. Then one day I was driving to my awesome college job at Gap kids, and I took a bite of my greenish banana. I realized it wasn’t good. As a matter of fact every time I ate a greenish banana I didn’t really like it. Suddenly I realized I didn’t like green bananas. And I didn’t have to eat any banana I didn’t like. I was a legit grown up I could pick the color of bananas I would eat. I rolled down my window and SPIT OUT the gross banana in my mouth and to this day I’ve never eaten a banana with a grace of green. Life is too short for green bananas. This life lesson has served me well in a million areas of my life. With friendships, jobs, picking out jeans and how I spend my time on a Saturday. The applications are endless. Tonight I share this lesson with you. You don’t have to eat green bananas either my friends. Only eat bananas you really enjoy. Pass it on.

Guest host: Amy Betters-Midtvedt 

Let's stay connected

To share your thoughts:

• Leave a note in the comment section below.
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Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.

Click here for my Clutter Free kit (4 steps to a Clutter Free home). 

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