Wannabe Clutter Free | Declutter, Simplify, Find Freedom – Details, episodes & analysis

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

Mentioned in this episode:

• Effortless Home: DAILY Edition (use code EPISODE316 for $10 dollars off, 48 hours only): https://wannabeclutterfree.com/daily
• Fair Play by Eve Rodsky: https://amzn.to/4wpuSwF
• Niksen: Embracing the Dutch Art of Doing Nothing: https://amzn.to/4weJL4E

Next week: Ashley Piper joins me to talk about her book No New Things.

Your kid won't get rid of anything. You know their room has too much stuff. But every time you try to do something about it, it turns into a battle. What if you never had to be the bad guy again?

Dana K. White is the creator of the No Mess Decluttering Method, the blogger behind A Slob Comes Clean, and the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Decluttering at the Speed of Life. She has spent 17 years teaching overwhelmed, messy people how to get their homes under control without shame or perfection. And now she has taken everything she knows and put it into her very first children's book, Winnie's Pile of Pillows.

In this episode, Dana shares how to use a picture book as an actual decluttering tool, why her container concept works even better on kids than it does on adults, and how to get through a decluttering session with your child without convincing them of anything. This one will change how you approach your kid's stuff.

Covered in this episode:

• How to use Winnie's Pile of Pillows as more than a bedtime story
• Why the container concept makes the space the bad guy instead of you
• The five-minute pickup test that tells you if your child has too many toys
• What to say when your kid insists they need to keep everything
• How to declutter with your child without starting a power struggle
• Why you should never start with your kid's room
• The age when kids can really start to grasp the concept of having enough
• How to pass on a no-shame, no-guilt relationship with stuff to your kids

If you are fighting the toy clutter battle and losing, this episode is for you. Hit play, grab the book, and go find that trash bag.

LEARN MORE

• Winnie's Pile of Pillows by Dana K. White: https://amzn.to/4afYyDH
• A Slob Comes Clean: https://www.aslobcomesclean.com
• Lenora and Her Super Duper Messy Room by Deanna Yates: https://amzn.to/4gDSp89
• Show notes: https://www.wannabeclutterfree.com/315

CONNECT

• Dana K. White on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aslobcomesclean/
• Deanna Yates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wannabeclutterfree/

LISTEN TO MORE

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wannabe-clutter-free-declutter-simplify-find-freedom/id1485473251
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1ATUIVONi0kyoVUKOQV4OT?si=f555de5388164b10
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wannabeclutterfree

You started decluttering. It felt amazing. And then somewhere around day 7, your house felt just as cluttered as when you started, even though you know you did the work. That moment has a name. I call it the motivation cliff, and in this episode I'm explaining exactly why it happens and what to do about it.

In this episode you'll learn:

• What the recalibration dip is and why your brain makes progress invisible
• The one metric that your brain can't trick you on
• How to make decluttering enjoyable enough to actually sustain
• The identity shift that turns you from a starter into a finisher
• Why motivation follows action, not the other way around

This episode is Part 3 of a series. Start with Episode 304 (the 15-minute declutter method) and Episode 305 (the Joy Anchor Method for sentimental items) if you haven't already.

Comment HOME on my latest Instagram post (@wannabeclutterfree) and I'll send you the link to Effortless Home.

Resources mentioned:

• Effortless Home
• 19 for $19 Ultimate Decluttering Bundle (includes the 500 Item Challenge tracker)
• Decluttering Playlist on Spotify
• Episode 304: The 15-Minute Declutter Method
• Episode 305: The Joy Anchor Method

If this episode resonated with you, share it with one person who needs to hear it.

Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and if you have two minutes, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts makes a real difference.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Why the decluttering quit day hits around day 7

01:16 What the motivation cliff is and how to recognize it

04:01 The recalibration dip explained

08:37 Tool 1: Count items out the door, not how your home looks

13:04 Tool 2: Joy during the process, not after it

19:11 Tool 3: Finish what you start, even if it’s small

24:04 How Effortless Home and the 500 Item Challenge tracker can help

28:35 What’s coming next in the series

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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):

• Check out my favorite resources
• Join the Wannabe Minimalist Community on Facebook

Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Website
• Podcast

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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!

Catch the episode here on Apple or here on Spotify and join our community of motivated moms!

This episode will also help you discover:

• How to tap into what motivates you to make big changes
• Why your “why” is so important
• Tips for getting started when motivation is lacking
• Simple ideas for sticking with it when progress is at a snail’s pace
• What “fun” activity inspired this episode

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Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

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Subscribe & Review

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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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• Check out my favorite tools & resources

• Instagram
• Minimalist Moms Podcast

Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Website
• Podcast

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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.

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.

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Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

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Subscribe & Review

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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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• Check out my favorite tools & resources

• Instagram
• Jane’s Website

Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Website
• Podcast

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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.

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.

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Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

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Subscribe & Review

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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):

• Check out my favorite resources
• Travel Luggage Scale
• Chaos to Calm Summit: Capsule Wardrobe Edition (1 Week Only!)
• Join the Wannabe Minimalist Community on Facebook

Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Website
• Podcast

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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!

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

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Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

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Subscribe & Review

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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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• Check out my favorite tools & resources
• Microsoft To-Do's
• Trello
• Asana
• Notion
• Google Task
• Aqua Notes

• Instagram
• Alicia’s Website
• Alicia's Workshop

Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Website
• Podcast

Join the Wannabe Minimalist Community on Facebook

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.

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Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

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Subscribe & Review

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!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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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• Check out my favorite tools & resources

• Instagram
• Colette’s Website
• Clutter and Couples Book

Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Website
• Podcast

Join the Wannabe Minimalist Community on Facebook

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.

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!

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Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

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Subscribe & Review

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!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Deanna discusses how to revitalize your maternal energy and combat burnout with Nikki Oden's actionable plan. Join them as they uncover the transformative power of pre-planning mornings and discovering one's unique gifts and talents, offering invaluable insights for moms seeking balance and resilience in their daily lives.

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• Check out my favorite tools & resources

• Instagram
• Nikki’s Website
• Nikki's Podcast

Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Website
• Podcast

Join the Wannabe Minimalist Community on Facebook

In this episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast, the host, Deanna Yates, interviews Nikki Oden, a lawyer and mom mentor who empowers working moms to combat burnout and reclaim control over their lives. Nikki shares her insights and practical strategies for helping moms own their days and achieve their goals without succumbing to the pressures of mom guilt. Together, they explore actionable steps to revitalize maternal energy and foster resilience in the face of everyday challenges.

Throughout the episode, Nikki Oden shares actionable advice on how to navigate the complexities of modern motherhood. She emphasizes the importance of turning daily fantasies into manageable realities and pre-planning mornings to reduce chaos and stress. Additionally, Nikki discusses the significance of practicing self-compassion and positive self-talk, highlighting the detrimental effects of negative comparisons and the importance of embracing one's unique gifts and talents. With Nikki's guidance, listeners will gain practical insights into prioritizing self-care, nurturing their well-being, and finding balance in their busy lives.

This episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast will help you discover:

• Strategies for turning daily fantasies into manageable realities.
• Practical tips for pre-planning mornings to reduce stress and chaos.
• The importance of practicing self-compassion and positive self-talk.
• How to avoid harmful comparisons and embrace your unique gifts and talents.
• Insights into prioritizing self-care and fostering resilience in motherhood.

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Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

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Subscribe & Review

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!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices