Ready to finally calm the overwhelm and create a home and life you actually enjoy? The Wannabe Clutter Free podcast is here to help you clear the clutter, simplify your routines, and find freedom in the life you’re building. I’m Deanna Yates, a busy mom who knows what it’s like to juggle family, career, and the never-ending piles of stuff. From selling 80% of what we owned to travel with our toddler, to managing the daily chaos of running a home with a school-aged kid, I’ve learned that living with less isn’t about deprivation. It’s about creating more space, more peace, and more joy. Each week, I share real-life stories, simple decluttering strategies, and mindset shifts that make it easier to let go of what’s weighing you down. You’ll also hear from inspiring guests who share practical tips and fresh perspectives on minimalism, home organization, intentional living, and building habits that last. If you’re tired of feeling buried in clutter and crave a home that feels calm, welcoming, and easy to manage, this show is for you. It’s not about perfection. It’s about progress, freedom, and finding space for what truly matters to you.
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The Shocking Reason Your Home is Cluttered & the 30-Day Fix with Ashlee Piper (Ep 317)
Episode 317
Wednesday, July 8, 2026 • Duration 01:10:01
Have you ever decluttered your home only to watch it slowly fill right back up? This episode is for you.
Ashlee Piper is a sustainability expert, speaker, and author who has been featured on the Today Show, Good Morning America, and CNN, and in Vogue, the New York Times, and Newsweek. She created the No New Things Challenge in 2013. What started as a personal 30-day experiment turned into nearly two years of not buying anything new. The result? She saved over $36,000, paid off $22,000 in debt, reclaimed her time, and completely rewired her relationship with shopping. Her new book, No New Things: A Radically Simple 30-Day Guide to Saving Money, the Planet, and Your Sanity, guides readers through the same challenge.
In this conversation, Ashlee and Deanna dig into what she calls conditioned consumerism, the history of how post-WWII America reprogrammed an entire society from resourceful people into reflexive shoppers, and how that programming is the real reason your home keeps filling up no matter how many times you declutter.
In this episode you will learn:
Why the urge to buy new things is not a personal failing but a historical and marketing construct
The SUPER System: five ways to get your needs met without buying anything new
How to use a trigger-tracking journal to discover the real emotions driving your shopping impulses
The 2-7 minute rule and why riding it out changes everything
How the challenge builds creativity, community, and connection as unexpected side effects
Why Ashlee says women are the most powerful purchasing cohort on the planet and what that means for your household
Pick up No New Things wherever books are sold. You can also find it secondhand at ThriftBooks.
The Hidden Digital Clutter Draining Your Day and the 15-Minute Fix (Ep 316)
Episode 316
Wednesday, July 1, 2026 • Duration 24:54
Have you ever spent a Saturday morning deep cleaning your entire house, and by noon you still feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and a little annoyed at everything? Your house looks great. You should feel amazing. But you don’t.
That’s not you being a perfectionist. It’s the sneaky kind of clutter that almost nobody in the decluttering world ever talks about.
Calendar clutter (or the mental load of keeping everything running)
In this episode I’m bringing it to light and giving you a real system to clear it. You’ll learn the two distinct forms calendar clutter takes (an overbooked calendar full of other people’s priorities, and the quieter weight of undone decisions with no home), the weekly capture method that gets everything out of your head and onto paper, and why protected blank space is not wasted time, it’s the time that makes everything else work.
This is the finale of my four-part series on the invisible weight of clutter, the stuff that doesn’t pile up on your counters but piles up in your mind instead.
In this episode you’ll learn:
Why a clean house doesn’t always feel like a calm house
The two kinds of calendar clutter (most people only ever deal with one)
How to build a “vision filter” so you stop saying yes out of guilt
The weekly capture method for clearing undone decisions out of your head
Why blank space on your calendar is not wasted space
A simple script for saying no without feeling like a flake
The Science of Why Your Spaces Shape You (And How to Take Back Control) with Leidy Klotz | Ep. 307
Episode 307
Wednesday, April 29, 2026 • Duration 01:03:45
Behavioral scientist Leidy Klotz reveals how your home feeds or starves three core psychological needs, why clutter blocks connection, and how to make your spaces actually work for your family.
What if the reason you feel stuck, distracted, or disconnected at home has less to do with your habits and more to do with your spaces?
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Ep 217: Unlock Your Best Life: Letting Go of Mom Guilt with JoAnn Crohn
Episode 217
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 • Duration 45:35
In this episode, Deanna discusses overcoming mom guilt and decluttering with JoAnn Crohn from No Guilt Mom. They delve into practical strategies for balancing self-care and parenting, sharing insights on how to create a happier, more organized home. Tune in to discover how to live your best mom life without the guilt.
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Resources Mentioned (some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you):
In this episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast, the host, Deanna Yates, interviews JoAnn Crohn, founder of No Guilt Mom and a parenting educator and life coach. JoAnn shares her journey from dealing with mom guilt to becoming a role model for mothers everywhere. They dive into the emotional challenges that moms face, particularly when it comes to decluttering their homes and lives. JoAnn provides practical tips on how to balance self-care with parenting duties, manage emotions, and communicate effectively with family members.
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Ep 216: A Busy Mom’s Guide to Finding the Motivation You Need for the Life & Home You Want
Episode 216
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 • Duration 26:41
Feeling stuck and unmotivated? As a mom it’s hard to not be overwhelmed and do the hard things we need to do to get the home and life we want. This episode will help you discover what motivates you, how to get started on tough goals, and how to stick with it when progress feels slow.
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Links in this episode(some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you):
Ever find it tough to get started on those big, daunting tasks? In our latest episode of Wannabe Clutter Free, we dive into why it's so hard to get going and share practical tips to find and keep your motivation high.
We discuss the mental load we all carry, how to break tasks into manageable steps, and the magic of positive self-talk. Plus, we cover how to take that crucial first step and keep moving forward, even when progress feels slow.
Tune in to learn how to connect with your "why," enlist support, and celebrate those small wins. Ready to tackle those hard things? Listen now and get inspired!
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Ep 215: The Minimalist Mom's Guide to Decluttering Sentimental Items with Diane Boden
Episode 215
Wednesday, July 24, 2024 • Duration 46:03
In this episode, Deanna discusses the challenges of sentimental clutter with Diane Boden, the podcast host behind the Minimalist Mom. They delve into practical strategies for decluttering emotional keepsakes and explore how minimalism can enhance family life and personal well-being. Tune in for tips and inspiration for how to enjoy living with less.
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Resources Mentioned (some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you):
In this episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast, host, Deanna Yates, interviews Diane Boden, also known as the Minimalist Mom. Diane shares her journey into minimalism and how it has transformed her family's life. They discuss the emotional challenges of decluttering sentimental items and offer practical advice on how to approach this often difficult task. Diane's insights provide valuable guidance on keeping only the most meaningful possessions and creating a home environment that supports a minimalist lifestyle.
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Ep 214: Creating a Peaceful Home: The Power of Organization with Jane Abrahams
Episode 214
Wednesday, July 17, 2024 • Duration 33:43
In this episode, Deanna discusses the transformative power of organization with Jane Abrahams. Jane shares her expert tips on decluttering and creating a harmonious living space. Discover how simplifying your environment can lead to greater peace and happiness in your daily life.
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Resources Mentioned (some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you):
In this episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast, the host, Deanna Yates, interviews Jane Abrahams, the founder of Jane's Addiction Organization. Jane, a professional organizer based in New York, shares her insights on how decluttering can bring peace and functionality to your home. They explore the emotional aspects of letting go of possessions and how a well-organized space can improve your quality of life. Jane offers practical tips on starting your decluttering journey, overcoming sentimental attachments, and finding joy in a clutter-free environment.
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Ep 213: Packing Light: Traveling Europe as a Family for a Month with Just a Carry-On
Episode 213
Wednesday, July 10, 2024 • Duration 35:41
Traveling and struggling to pack light? Discover how we traveled Europe for 1 month as a family with just carry-on suitcases. Stop paying for baggage fees, fighting with heavy luggage, and enjoy your vacation more.
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Links in this episode(some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you):
Traveling and wondering how you can fit everything you need in a carryon suitcase? You know it would be easier, but it just seems impossible.
Follow host, Deanna Yates, as she breaks down her packing process that’s allowed her to travel all over the world with just carry on luggage - even with a family.
Their latest adventures took the family to Europe for 1 month and not only did they fit everything in carry-ons, they even had enough space to bring several souvenirs back with them!
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Ep 212: The Secrets to a Calm and Effective To-Do List with Alicia Cohen
Episode 212
Wednesday, July 3, 2024 • Duration 44:18
In this episode, Deanna discusses how to create a calm and effective to-do list with Alicia Cohen. They explore strategies for prioritizing tasks, overcoming feelings of overwhelm, and finding balance in busy mom life. Tune in for actionable tips to increase your productivity at home and achieve a more organized and peaceful daily routine.
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Resources Mentioned (some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you):
Ep 211: Clutter and Couples: Creating Harmony at Home with Each Other's Stuff with Colette Roy
Episode 211
Wednesday, June 26, 2024 • Duration 40:58
In this episode, Deanna discusses how clutter affects our relationships with Colette Roy, an author and expert in clutter management and couples’ communication. Tune in to discover actionable steps for managing both physical and emotional clutter and learn how to transform your living space into a harmonious sanctuary.
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Resources Mentioned (some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you):
In this episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast, the host, Deanna Yates, interviews Colette Roy, a Professional Organizer with a wealth of experience in managing both physical and emotional clutter in relationships. They dive deep into the challenges couples face when merging households and the critical role effective communication plays in maintaining harmony. Colette shares her journey and the transformative power of regular, structured communication sessions, offering listeners practical advice on how to set these up and keep them going.
Leidy Klotz, an engineering professor at the University of Virginia, is the author of Subtract and his brand-new book In a Good Place. He has spent over a decade studying the relationship between our physical environments and our psychological well-being, and today he is breaking it all down for us.
This conversation changed how I think about my home. We are not just talking about decluttering (although we do get into that). We are talking about why our spaces either feed or starve our deepest needs, and what we can do about it.
In this episode you will learn:
The three core psychological needs your home either supports or works against
How clutter literally gets between you and the people you love
Why you use your spaces the same way every day (and a simple research-backed way to break out of it)
The renovation trap: when updating your home actually makes it less meaningful
How to involve your kids in decisions about your home (and why it changes everything)
The beautiful story of Josie's Way and what it teaches us about legacy and space
Content note: Leidy shares openly about his daughter Josie, who passed away unexpectedly at four years old. Her story is woven throughout this conversation and is both heartbreaking and deeply beautiful.
Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction and Leidy's background
05:40 The intersection of environment and behavior
11:24 The three core psychological needs: agency, growth, and connection
17:25 Agency and connection in the home (plus tips for renters)
20:30 How clutter literally blocks connection
26:50 Behavioral changes through environmental cues
32:23 The family that moved dinner outside
36:06 Functional fixedness: why adults are worse at this than kids
40:42 Nostalgia, the renovation trap, and protecting what matters
50:57 Josie's Way: remembering through spaces and stories
We’d love to hear how you’re applying the strategies discussed in this episode. Share your stories and tips with us on social media (@wannabeclutterfree). Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes designed to make your busy life a bit easier.
Deanna and JoAnn also explore the importance of self-compassion and how it can help mothers overcome feelings of guilt. They discuss strategies for helping children let go of items they no longer need and the benefits of taking photos of cherished items as a way to preserve memories without the physical clutter. This episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice to help moms lead a more organized, fulfilling, and guilt-free life.
This episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast will help you discover:
Practical strategies for balancing self-care and parenting
Tips for overcoming mom guilt and becoming a role model for your family
Techniques for decluttering both personal and children's items
The importance of self-compassion in managing guilt
Effective communication methods for fostering empathy and understanding in parenting relationships
Are you subscribed to the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those.
And if you enjoyed today’s episode, it would make my day if you left me a rating and review. You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts, a comment on Spotify Podcasts or Goodpods, or connect on guest video interviews on YouTube. Your review helps other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to read. Let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
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We’d love to hear how you’re applying the strategies discussed in this episode. Share your stories and tips with us on social media (@wannabeclutterfree). Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes designed to make your busy life a bit easier.
Are you subscribed to the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those.
And if you enjoyed today’s episode, it would make my day if you left me a rating and review. You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts, a comment on Spotify Podcasts or Goodpods, or connect on guest video interviews on YouTube. Your review helps other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to read. Let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
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We’d love to hear how you’re applying the strategies discussed in this episode. Share your stories and tips with us on social media (@wannabeclutterfree). Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes designed to make your busy life a bit easier.
Throughout their conversation, Deanna and Diane explore the importance of intentional living and how minimalism can lead to greater clarity and joy. They touch on the benefits of prioritizing experiences over material possessions. Diane's personal stories and expert tips offer inspiration and encouragement for anyone looking to embrace a clutter-free life and navigate the emotional aspects of decluttering.
This episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast will help you discover:
How to start decluttering sentimental items without feeling overwhelmed.
Practical strategies for maintaining a minimalist home.
The emotional benefits of letting go of unnecessary possessions.
Tips for adopting a minimalist approach to your home.
Ways to stay motivated and focused on your minimalist journey.
Are you subscribed to the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those.
And if you enjoyed today’s episode, it would make my day if you left me a rating and review. You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts, a comment on Spotify Podcasts or Goodpods, or connect on guest video interviews on YouTube. Your review helps other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to read. Let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
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We’d love to hear how you’re applying the strategies discussed in this episode. Share your stories and tips with us on social media (@wannabeclutterfree). Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes designed to make your busy life a bit easier.
Throughout the conversation, Jane emphasizes the importance of understanding when 'enough' is enough and using what you already own. She also discusses the holistic approach to organizing, which involves not just physical decluttering but also creating mental and emotional space. Whether you’re overwhelmed by clutter or simply looking for ways to streamline your home, this episode provides valuable advice and inspiration to help you create a serene and organized living space.
This episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast will help you discover:
Practical strategies for starting your decluttering journey.
Tips for overcoming emotional attachments to possessions.
The benefits of a clutter-free home on your mental and emotional well-being.
How to identify and appreciate having 'enough' in your life.
Ways to use what you own to create a harmonious living environment.
Are you subscribed to the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those.
And if you enjoyed today’s episode, it would make my day if you left me a rating and review. You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts, a comment on Spotify Podcasts or Goodpods, or connect on guest video interviews on YouTube. Your review helps other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to read. Let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
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We’d love to hear how you’re applying the strategies discussed in this episode. Share your stories and tips with us on social media (@wannabeclutterfree). Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes designed to make your busy life a bit easier.
And if you want even more help with planning out a full capsule wardrobe, don’t miss out on the limited release of the Chaos to Calm Summit: Capsule Wardrobe Edition speaker sessions!
This episode will also help you discover:
The 7 simple steps to planning out your travel wardrobe
Why clothing is not the first thing to consider
How to choose the right color scheme
Simple ideas for upping your creativity with your outfits
The exact 14 clothing pieces I packed for a 28-day trip
Are you subscribed to the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those.
And if you enjoyed today’s episode, it would make my day if you left me a rating and review. You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts, a comment on Spotify Podcasts or Goodpods, or connect on guest video interviews on YouTube. Your review helps other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to read. Let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
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We’d love to hear how you’re applying the strategies discussed in this episode. Share your stories and tips with us on social media (@wannabeclutterfree). Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes designed to make your busy life a bit easier.
In this episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast, the host, Deanna Yates, interviews productivity expert Alicia Cohen. They dive deep into the secrets of creating a calm and effective to-do list. Alicia shares her unique approach to prioritizing tasks and avoiding the pitfalls of hustle culture, offering listeners practical advice on managing their daily responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed. With a focus on aligning tasks with personal energy levels and emotional needs, Alicia provides a refreshing perspective on productivity.
Throughout the episode, Deanna and Alicia discuss the importance of capturing all tasks and ideas in a central system, the benefits of digital and physical capture tools, and the skill of prioritization. They also explore how to set up a to-do list system that not only enhances productivity but also promotes a balanced and fulfilling life. Tune in for actionable tips that will transform your approach to daily tasks and help you achieve a more organized and peaceful routine.
This episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast will help you discover:
Effective strategies for managing to-do lists
The importance of capturing all tasks in a central system
How to prioritize tasks based on personal energy levels
The pitfalls of hustle culture and how to avoid them
Tips for creating a balanced and fulfilling life through better task management
About Alicia Cohen
Alicia Cohen is a productivity expert, specializing in prioritization and time management.
Alicia built her business, Alicia Cohen Designs, based on her own journey of overcoming her overwhelmed and frazzled life -- what she calls the "hamster wheel marathon" -- and now teaches others the methods that she discovered and uses personally.
With Alicia’s support, busy people learn intentional planning, effective productivity, and high-impact mindset shifts that enable them to transform from constantly feeling behind to designing lives that work and feel good.
Are you subscribed to the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those.
And if you enjoyed today’s episode, it would make my day if you left me a rating and review. You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts, a comment on Spotify Podcasts or Goodpods, or connect on guest video interviews on YouTube. Your review helps other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to read. Let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
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We’d love to hear how you’re applying the strategies discussed in this episode. Share your stories and tips with us on social media or via email. Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes designed to make your busy life a bit easier.
Thank you for joining us, and remember, it’s about progress, not perfection. Here’s to a more organized and less stressful life!
Throughout the conversation, Deanna and Colette highlight the parallels between managing physical clutter and fostering healthy relationships. They discuss the importance of small, consistent steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed, and how these practices can create a sanctuary-like home environment.
This episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast will help you discover:
How to set clear communication parameters when moving in together.
The benefits of regular, structured communication sessions for couples.
Practical tips for managing physical and emotional clutter.
The importance of small, consistent steps in maintaining a clutter-free home.
Inspiration for embracing life transitions and new beginnings.
About Colette Roy
Colette's been obsessed with organizing since she was a little girl and had a super tiny bedroom! Her need to keep everything in its place was crucial to her well-being. From there, her obsession with organization evolved into systems she created to operate her residential cleaning company after graduating from the University of Colorado. A decade later, she closed the biz and hightailed it to the Caribbean to learn how to sail with her new husband; during that adventure, she became an overnight minimalist since she was carrying all her belongings!
Are you subscribed to the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those.
And if you enjoyed today’s episode, it would make my day if you left me a rating and review. You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts, a comment on Spotify Podcasts or Goodpods, or connect on guest video interviews on YouTube. Your review helps other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to read. Let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
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We’d love to hear how you’re applying the strategies discussed in this episode. Share your stories and tips with us on social media or via email. Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes designed to make your busy life a bit easier.
Thank you for joining us, and remember, it’s about progress, not perfection. Here’s to a more organized and less stressful life!
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