Explore every episode of the podcast Wannabe Clutter Free | Declutter, Simplify, Find Freedom
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Hidden Digital Clutter Draining Your Day and the 15-Minute Fix (Ep 316) | 01 juil. 2026 | 00:24:54 | |
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:
Mentioned in this episode:
Next week: Ashley Piper joins me to talk about her book No New Things. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| How to Declutter With Kids Without the Power Struggles with Dana K. White (Ep 315) | 24 juin 2026 | 00:52:54 | |
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:
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
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| Digital Declutter: Clean Up Your Email, Phone, and Brain for Good (Ep 314) | 17 juin 2026 | 00:35:27 | |
Digital clutter doesn’t pile up on your counter, but it absolutely piles up in your brain. Every unread email, every unused app, every notification going off every eight minutes is quietly draining your focus and your energy. In this episode I’m giving you three moves for your inbox, three moves for your phone, and a simple weekly habit that keeps all of it under control going forward. In this episode you’ll learn:
Resources mentioned:
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 Introduction to Digital Clutter 00:29 Understanding the Impact of Email Clutter 03:44 Reframing Your Email Inbox 05:03 Unsubscribing and Archiving Emails 07:45 The Archive Bomb: Cleaning Out Old Emails 11:49 Organizing Your Email Folders 14:30 Addressing Phone Clutter 16:42 The 30-Day App Audit 18:29 Resetting Notifications for Clarity 21:31 Creating a Favorites List for Important Contacts 22:29 Simplifying Your Phone's Home Screen 24:14 Establishing a Digital Maintenance Habit
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| Declutter for Real Life: Flexible Minimalism Tips for Families with Desirae Endres (Ep 313) | 10 juin 2026 | 00:57:28 | |
Have you ever looked at a "minimalist" home on Instagram and thought, well, that is never going to be me. My kids alone would destroy that in four minutes? Or convinced yourself that your clutter-free journey isn't working because your house just doesn't look the part? You are not alone. And this conversation is for you. ****************
Connect with Desirae:
Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
**************** Desirae Endres is the host of the Minimalish podcast, and her decluttering journey started in 2018 when she sat down as a brand new mom and watched a documentary that completely changed the way she thought about her stuff, her home, and her identity. Since then she has built an entire community around the idea of "minimal-ish" living, not a perfect aesthetic, not a stark white capsule home, just a real and intentional life with less in the way. In this episode, Desirae gets honest about the postpartum anxiety that made her desperate for a calmer home, what it felt like when her husband said their house no longer looked minimal-ish, and the beautiful shift she had about what this whole journey is actually for. We also dig into how to get your kids involved in decluttering without it turning into a battle, and the single most powerful thing you can do to raise kids who genuinely understand how to let go. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Introduction 2:59 Desirae's origin story: the documentary that changed everything 5:37 Why changing your nature is harder than changing what you own 9:21 How decluttering helped manage postpartum anxiety 11:37 Letting go of clothes and letting go of past versions of yourself 15:02 Baby stuff, the "what if" fear, and letting go anyway 20:20 Feeling like an imposter when your home does not look minimal 22:45 The minimalist aesthetic vs. the minimalist mindset 24:56 Accepting certain areas of clutter in your current season 32:43 Teaching kids to declutter: where to start 37:21 The power of narrating your own decluttering out loud 43:28 What age should kids start participating? 47:07 What Desirae wishes someone had told her at the very beginning 49:13 Decluttering as a gateway to bigger life changes 50:09 Rapid fire questions **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com **************** 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.
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| The Paper Clutter System That Took Me From 6 Piles to Zero (Ep 312) | 03 juin 2026 | 00:36:26 | |
Paper doesn't ask permission. It just shows up in your mailbox, your kids' backpacks, and somehow on every flat surface in your home. And if the piles keep coming back no matter how many times you deal with them, it's not a discipline problem. It's a system problem. In this episode I'm sharing the exact system I use to keep paper from taking over, including what to do with everything that comes in, how to handle the stuff that's been piling up for months, and two bonus sections for the things nobody talks about: your kids' school papers and the one document organizer every family needs. In this episode you'll learn:
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 The Sneaky Clutter: Paper Invasion 01:47 Understanding the Paper Pile Problem 06:55 The Paper Jam System: Sorting Made Easy 16:26 Establishing a Weekly Processing Routine 23:16 Managing Kids' School Papers 27:18 Creating an Emergency Binder 30:16 Going Digital: The Future of Paper Management
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| Why Your Schedule Will Never Work Until You Fix Your Home with Lori Oberbroeckling (Ep 311) | 27 mai 2026 | 00:42:23 | |
Time management expert and Secrets of Supermom host Lori Oberbroeckling joins Deanna to talk about why energy runs out before time does, how clutter quietly sabotages your best-laid plans, and the small routine changes that actually stick. ****************
Connect with Lori: Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
**************** You bought the planner. You made the schedule. You had a whole plan. And then a super busy day happened. Sound familiar? This week Deanna sits down with Lori Oberbroeckling, a working mom of four, corporate project management leader, and host of the Secrets of Supermom Show. Lori has spent years helping busy, ambitious moms figure out why their best systems keep falling apart. Spoiler: it is almost never the plan. In this episode, Lori introduces her framework of energy bleeds, energy blocks, and energy boosts, and explains why your home environment plays a much bigger role in your daily productivity than most time management advice will ever admit. When your physical space is draining you before you even start your to-do list, even a perfect schedule cannot save you. Lori also shares the moment she and Deanna both recognized in themselves: we think we need a better planner, when really we need more energy boosts built into our days first. If you have ever felt like you are doing all the right things and still ending every day depleted, this episode is going to reframe everything. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction to Lori Oberbroeckling 03:05 Why home environment matters to your schedule 08:25 Energy bleeds, blocks, and boosts explained 10:01 What to do when you have to do an energy bleed task 16:18 How to find your energy boosts when you do not know what they are 20:24 Flying trapeze and other energy boost revelations 21:32 Why routines fall apart and how to build ones that stick 24:11 Small changes that create big impact for the whole family 26:58 Getting family buy-in with carrots, not sticks 29:28 Why the planner is not the problem 32:27 Where to start when everything feels out of control 34:26 Rapid fire: what clutter free means, what is making Lori happy, and one takeaway **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com **************** 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.
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| How to Declutter Thousands of Photos Without Losing Your Mind (Wannabe Clutter Free Ep 310) | 20 mai 2026 | 00:34:14 | |
Digital clutter doesn’t feel as obvious as a cluttered closet. But if you’ve ever had that pit-in-your-stomach moment of not being able to find a photo that matters, you know this isn’t small. In this episode I’m breaking down the three phases of getting your photos in order (Declutter, Organize, Maintain), the two specific starting points that build momentum without making any hard decisions, and the triple backup system that means you’ll never lose a photo again. In this episode you’ll learn:
Resources mentioned:
This episode is Part 5 of a series. Start with Episode 304 if you haven’t already. Next episode: The Paper Clutter System That Took Me From 6 Piles to Zero 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 02:03 The Invisible Weight of Digital Clutter 04:56 Understanding the Emotional Impact of Photo Clutter' 07:30 Framework for Organizing Photos 09:54 Three Phases of Photo Management 12:31 Practical Tips for Decluttering Photos 15:41 Maintaining Your Photo Organization 18:24 Quick Wins for Photo Organization 20:45The Calendar Method for Photo Management
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| The Real Reason Your Kids Aren't Helping Around the House (And How to Fix It) with Katie Kimball (Ep 309) | 13 mai 2026 | 00:55:17 | |
Your kids are more capable than you think. Katie Kimball, creator of Kids Cook Real Food and founder of the LifeSkillsNow summer camp, shares the practical systems that take kids from passengers to contributors -- and why cooking is the gateway to all of it. ****************
Connect with Katie: Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
**************** What if the key to a calmer home (and a lighter mental load) was already walking around your house asking for snacks? In this episode, Deanna Yates sits down with Katie Kimball of Raising Healthy Families, a former classroom teacher, two-time TEDx speaker, and mom of four. Katie created Kids Cook Real Food (named the best online cooking class for kids by the Wall Street Journal) and runs LifeSkillsNow, a virtual summer camp that teaches kids everything from cooking and budgeting to entrepreneurship and mending their own clothes. This conversation is all about kids as contributors, not passengers. Katie shares how her teaching background shaped the way she thinks about agency, choice, and raising the bar for what kids can actually do. She talks through the moment she realized her mental and physical load didn't have to fall entirely on her, the summer she intentionally taught her kids to cook, and the chore system her family is still using ten years later. You'll also hear why Katie calls cooking the gateway life skill, how the skills gap happened across generations, and the three-part framework she uses to help any parent hand something off to their kid in a way that actually sticks. If you have ever stood in your kitchen thinking it would be faster to just do it yourself, this episode is for you. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
TIMESTAMPS:
**************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com **************** 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.
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| The Nightly 10-Minute Declutter Routine Every Busy Mom Needs (Ep 308) | 06 mai 2026 | 00:25:54 | |
You can declutter your entire home and still end up right back where you started. I know because I’ve lived it. This episode is the piece that makes everything permanent. I’m teaching you the closing shift, the exit bin, and why stacking habits beats scheduling them every time. In this episode you’ll learn:
Resources mentioned:
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 Introduction to Clutter-Free Living 02:18 The Journey to Minimalism 04:45 Establishing a Daily Routine 07:13 The Closing Shift Explained 09:44 The Exit Bin Strategy 12:28 Habit Stacking for Success 14:23 The Invisible Weight of Clutter 21:03 Looking Ahead: Future Topics
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| The Science of Why Your Spaces Shape You (And How to Take Back Control) with Leidy Klotz | Ep. 307 | 29 avr. 2026 | 01:07:39 | |
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. ****************
Connect with Leidy:
Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
**************** 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? 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:
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 **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com **************** 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.
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| Why You Quit Decluttering After One Week and 3 Tools to Fix It | Wannabe Clutter Free Ep. 306 | 22 avr. 2026 | 00:30:07 | |
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:
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.
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
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| How to Declutter Sentimental Items Without Guilt (The Joy Anchor Method) Ep 305 | 15 avr. 2026 | 00:37:24 | |
If you’ve ever held onto something not because you need it but because of what it means to you, this episode is for you. I’m teaching you the Joy Anchor Method, a simple way to keep what matters and let go of what’s weighing you down. What you’ll learn:
Comment PHOTOS on my latest Instagram post (@wannabeclutterfree) to get the link to Photo Freedom Formula. Next episode: The Motivation Cliff – Why You Quit Decluttering at Day 7 (And How to Not) Resources mentioned: 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 The Emotional Weight of Sentimental Clutter 03:01 Understanding the Joy Anchor Method 10:34 Implementing the Joy Anchor Method 21:30 Creating a Photo Bridge for Memories 31:34 Navigating the Motivation Cliff
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| How to Declutter When You Don't Know Where to Start (15-Minute Method) Ep 304 | 08 avr. 2026 | 00:26:28 | |
If you’ve ever said “I want to declutter but I don’t know where to start,” this episode is your answer. I’m breaking down the sequencing mistake that makes decluttering feel impossible, the 15-minute pulse check method you can use in any room today, and a reframe that changed how I think about letting go. Plus, I’ll tell you about Effortless Home, my room-by-room system for busy families who want a clutter free home without the weekend overhaul. What you’ll learn:
Next episode: How to Declutter Sentimental Items Without Guilt (The Joy Anchor Method) Resources mentioned: 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: Introduction to Decluttering 00:23: Identifying the Problem - "You have a sequencing problem." 01:41: Where most people go wrong with decluttering 4:29: Step One - Where to Start for Decluttering Success 07:23: Step Two - 15 Minute Pulse Check 08:51: The Sorting Categories to Get You Moving Quickly 15:41: The Mindset Shift that Flips Decluttering
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| Why Routines Are the Secret to Making Room for Joy (Ep 303) | 01 avr. 2026 | 00:38:14 | |
Do you feel like you're constantly managing your home instead of enjoying it? Like no matter how much you declutter, the chaos just keeps coming back? In this solo episode, Deanna breaks down why routines are the missing piece and how building the right ones can completely change the way your home feels. Resources mentioned:
Links: Effortless Home Course Join the Email List Instagram @WannabeClutterFree In this episode you'll learn:
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 — Introduction 02:15 — Why decluttering without routines doesn't work 05:00 — Decision fatigue and why your brain is exhausted by 4pm 09:30 — Jon Acuff's "the day after perfect" and why day two is the danger zone 13:00 — The STICK framework: five steps to routines that last 20:00 — Why decluttering and routines work together 22:30 — Effortless Home + how to get the link 24:00 — Something exciting is coming soon
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| Discover the Secrets to an Organized and Joyful Home with Ea Fuqua and Meg DeLong (Ep 302) | 25 mars 2026 | 01:08:19 | |
Professional organizers and sisters Meg DeLong and Ea Fuqua share practical, sustainable strategies for organizing your home based on function and intention rather than perfection. Discover how to create spaces that support your lifestyle and embrace real-life solutions without pressure. ****************
Connect with Meg & Ea: Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
**************** What does it actually look like when a professional organizer walks through your front door for the first time? Spoiler: it probably doesn't look like what you're imagining — and it definitely doesn't require a Pinterest-perfect pantry. Meg DeLong and Ea Fuqua are sisters and the founders of The Tidy Home Nashville. In nearly seven years of professional organizing, they've seen it all. And their message? Refreshingly real. Function first. Perfection never. And for the love of all things tidy, stop organizing your fridge. They also just released their first book, Tidying Up, and today they're breaking it all down for us. In this episode, you'll learn:
Time Stamps: 00:00 - Meet Meg & Ea: sisters, professional organizers, and the story behind The Tidy Home Nashville 01:33 - What a first consultation actually looks like (and why you don't need to pre-clean) 09:20 - Function over pretty: building systems that fit how you actually live 22:30 - Why big decluttering sessions backfire — and what to do instead 32:07 - Their new book Tidying Up: room-by-room, no perfection required 44:30 - The anti-fridge stance + intentional living as an organizing philosophy 55:55 - Getting the whole family on board + where to find Meg & Ea **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com **************** 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.
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| The Art of Bending Time: How to Beat Burnout and Get More Done with Michelle Niemeyer (Ep 301) | 18 mars 2026 | 00:54:33 | |
Feeling burned out and stretched too thin? Former attorney turned burnout expert Michelle Niemeyer shares her "bending time" framework to help you find clarity, fill your energy reserves, and get more done in less time without losing yourself in the process. **************** Connect with Michelle Niemeyer:
Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
**************** What if the reason you can't get it all done isn't a time problem but an energy problem? Michelle Niemeyer is a speaker, consultant, and former attorney who burned out after 20+ years in law. That burnout led to an autoimmune diagnosis and became the wake-up call that changed everything. She shares The Art of Bending Time, a framework that helps you expand what you can accomplish by getting clear on what matters, cutting the junk, and filling your energy reserves. The conversation also explores burnout warning signs, why women struggle with guilt around self-care, and how families can function as a team. In this episode, you'll learn:
Time Stamps: 0:00 Introduction 1:20 Who is Michelle Niemeyer and what she does 2:16 What is "bending time" and how it works 3:54 The 80/20 rule and why we waste time on busy work 5:51 Flow state and why physical health matters for productivity 7:11 Why "work-life balance" can actually be destructive 9:25 Signs of burnout: Michelle's personal story 13:56 The clarity exercise: finding what lights you up 17:47 How to weave your "sparks" into daily life 21:06 The power of small moments of connection 26:31 Why women feel guilty taking time for themselves 27:30 Treating your family like a team 33:51 Burnout to autoimmune disease: Michelle's health wake-up call 38:45 Bending time revisited: cutting junk, expanding capacity 41:38 Stop chasing a lifestyle that doesn't light you up 43:29 The boat dock story: things we own but never use **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com **************** 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.
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| Decluttering: A Hidden Political Revolution? (Ep 300) | 11 mars 2026 | 00:34:36 | |
Your clutter isn't a personal failing. It's the intended result of a system that profits from your overwhelm. Episode 300 is about opting out -- and taking back your power. Resources Mentioned:
Three hundred episodes. When I started this show, I thought decluttering was about getting rid of stuff. And it is. But it's not only that. The more I've done this work, the more I've realized the stuff was never really the problem. The problem is what keeps creating the stuff. For episode 300, I finally go there. Your clutter is not an accident. It is not a personal failing. It is, in significant part, the intended result of a trillion-dollar industry that profits from your overwhelm, your insecurity, and your desire to feel better right now. Desire is manufactured. Algorithms aren't showing you what you love -- they're showing you what you're most likely to buy. The "treat yourself" culture is a sales strategy. And the chaos that keeps you too exhausted to pay attention? Worth money to the people selling it. But here's where it gets good: once you see it, you can't unsee it. And that's where your power starts. Buying less is not deprivation. It's defection. Every time you walk past a sale and keep walking, you are opting out of a system that is counting on you not to. Every purchase is a vote for the kind of world you want to live in. In this episode I cover:
If this episode resonated with you, share it with one person who needs to hear it. Text it to a friend who's been drowning in stuff and can't figure out why. The message that clutter is not your fault (and that you have more power than you think) deserves to reach more people. You're how it gets there. Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and if you have two minutes, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts makes a real difference. Thank you for 300 episodes. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 -- Welcome + 300 episodes milestone 2:38 -- The story that changed how I see everything (the Amazon tab moment) 5:46 -- How desire is manufactured (ads, algorithms, "treat yourself" culture) 9:36 -- Why your overwhelm is worth money to someone 11:27 -- No New Things by Ashlee Piper + the reframe 12:42 -- Not buying is not deprivation. It's voting with your dollars 16:10 -- Feeling smaller and disconnected -- and what's still in your control 18:36 -- Mental clutter: what short-form content is doing to your sense of enough 19:57 -- The highlight reel fallacy 22:17 -- 5 practical experiments to start opting out 26:24 -- The hole in the boat: why decluttering without stopping the inflow never works 27:30 -- 300 episodes: what I actually believe 28:37 -- My one ask for episode 300
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| Meal Planning Made Simple: How a Mom of 5 Feeds Her Family Without the Stress with Melissa Griffiths (Ep 299) | 04 mars 2026 | 00:58:51 | |
How do you get dinner on the table every night without losing your mind? Melissa Griffiths shares her monthly meal planning system, how to get kids helping in the kitchen, and how to lighten the mental load around food. ****************
Connect with Melissa Griffiths: Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
**************** What if meal planning didn't have to feel like another thing on your endless to-do list? Melissa Griffiths is the founder of Bless This Mess, a food blog she has been growing for over 13 years to help busy moms put simple, nourishing meals on the table. As a mom of five who recently moved her family from Utah to Vermont, Melissa knows what it takes to feed a family through every season of chaos. In this conversation, Melissa shares her monthly meal planning system, including the master list method and how theme nights can take the decision fatigue out of dinner. We dive into getting kids involved in the kitchen and her "launch list" concept for life skills she wants her kids to have before they leave home. Then the conversation takes an unexpected turn. Melissa opens up about her family's cross-country move after losing a family business, what it was like to downsize by two-thirds, and how to ask your partner for real help with the mental load. Whether you are drowning in dinnertime decisions or just want a simpler approach to feeding your family, this episode will leave you with practical strategies and a fresh perspective. In this episode, you will learn:
Time Stamps: 0:00 Introduction 1:54 Meet Melissa Griffiths 6:23 The monthly meal planning system and master list method 9:12 Theme nights and delegating meal choices to kids 15:49 Getting kids involved in the kitchen without the guilt 20:03 The "launch list" of life skills for kids 23:43 Moving from Utah to Vermont after heartbreak 26:12 Downsizing by two-thirds and why smaller is simpler 35:35 The mental load and sharing invisible labor 42:25 Handling picky eaters with grace **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com **************** 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.
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| Make Downsizing Easier: Helping Your Parents Transition Smoothly with Amy Slenkere-Smith | 25 févr. 2026 | 01:11:53 | |
After losing both in-laws within months of each other, life coach Amy Slenker-Smith shares what she learned helping them downsize and the conversations she wishes more families would start sooner. **************** Connect with Amy Slenker-Smith: Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
**************** Are you dreading the day you'll have to clear out your parents' home while grieving? In this powerful episode, Amy Slenker-Smith shares her deeply personal experience of losing both in-laws within two and a half months of each other, and what she learned helping them downsize years before. Amy walked her in-laws through a massive transition: from 3,400 square feet to a 1,200 square foot apartment. Because of that work, clearing their belongings after they passed took just 3-4 days instead of months. She's sharing exactly how you can give that same gift to YOUR family. In this episode, you'll learn:
Whether you're in the sandwich generation juggling kids and aging parents, starting to think about your own legacy, or already facing a home cleanout, this conversation offers both practical strategies and emotional permission to begin. Amy's reminder that "more is caught than taught" offers a hopeful path: even if your parents won't budge, you can still lead by example in your own home. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:36 Amy's background 6:05 Losing both in-laws within months 10:47 Why hospice is a gift 14:07 The first downsize: 3,400 to 1,200 sq ft 22:43 Why you need more time than you think 26:36 Tips for tight timelines 29:58 Category by category (17 side tables!) 35:53 What your family actually wants 43:30 "I don't want to do this to my kids" 57:05 How to start the conversation 1:00:35 Rapid fire questions **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com **************** 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.
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| Decluttering Skincare Routines: A Dermatologist's Guide to Simplifying Your Teen's Routine with Dr. Angela Casey (Ep 297) | 18 févr. 2026 | 00:56:23 | |
Your teen's bathroom doesn't need 20 products. Double board certified dermatologist and mom of three Dr. Angela Casey breaks down the only steps tweens and teens actually need, the ingredients to avoid, and why simplifying skincare is one of the best habits you can give your kids. **************** RESOURCES
Connect with Dr. Angela Casey: Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
**************** What if the secret to a clutter-free bathroom and healthier skin for your teen came down to doing less, not more? Deanna Yates sits down with Dr. Angela Casey, a double board certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon, and mom of three teen and tween daughters, to talk about why skincare is healthcare and how families can simplify their routines for better results. Dr. Casey is also the founder of Bright Girl, a dermatologist-created skincare line designed specifically for young skin. Whether you're a mom trying to guide your teen through the overwhelming world of skincare or looking to simplify your own routine, this conversation will help you cut through the noise and focus on what actually works. Plus, Deanna shares a personal connection to skin cancer prevention that makes this episode hit close to home. In This Episode, You'll Learn:
Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com **************** 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.
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| Less Stuff, More Life: How a Bestselling Minimalist Actually Lives with Shira Gill (Ep 296) | 11 févr. 2026 | 01:00:25 | |
What does minimalism actually look like for a busy family in a small home? Bestselling author Shira Gill shares her 15-minute win strategy, the simple question she asks before buying anything, and how to stop clutter from creeping back in. **************** RESOURCES
Connect with Shira Gill: Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
**************** What if the key to a clutter-free home isn't following someone else's formula, but creating one that fits your real life? Shira Gill is the bestselling author of Minimalista, Organized Living, and LifeStyled, and has spent 15+ years helping families declutter and simplify. Her work has been featured by Good Morning America, Oprah Daily, Architectural Digest, and The New York Times. Together we dig into what minimalism looks like in a busy household (Shira raises two teens in a 1,200-square-foot bungalow with almost no storage). We explore why everything you bring through the front door becomes your responsibility, why organizing systems should be simple enough for a five-year-old, and her 15-minute win strategy for anyone too overwhelmed to start. Shira also shares how she handles sentimental items, the shoebox test, and why her experience with billionaires confirms that stuff never delivers the happiness we expect. Plus, a fourth book announcement! In This Episode, You'll Learn:
Timestamps: (01:26) Meet Shira Gill: from in-home organizer to bestselling author (plus a fourth book announcement!) (03:20) How writing three books on minimalism changed Shira's own relationship with stuff (06:37) Adapting minimalism for real life with kids, work, and full calendars (10:40) Why everything you bring through the front door becomes your responsibility (13:39) Navigating guilt, waste, and the "fewer, better" approach (20:08) The #30Wears movement and breaking disposable culture (21:11) The biggest misconception about what "organized" really means (27:31) Shira's daily uniform: white shirt, jeans, and the power of decision-free mornings (30:45) The 15-minute win: a game-changing strategy for anyone who feels too overwhelmed to start (35:31) Why clutter keeps creeping back and seasonal maintenance moments that prevent it (40:48) The emotional side of letting go: guilt, sentimental items, and inherited collections (44:13) The shoebox test and keeping one token from a collection (45:53) Minimalism, privilege, and what working with billionaires taught Shira about "enough" (51:20) Where to find Shira and her books **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com **************** 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.
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| End Clutter Chaos: Master the Art of Holistic Decluttering with Katy Wells (Ep 295) | 04 févr. 2026 | 01:11:42 | |
Why does clutter keep coming back no matter what you try? Author Katy Wells shares her holistic approach to decluttering that tackles the root cause, not just the stuff, so you can finally feel at peace in your home. **************** RESOURCES
Connect with Katy Wells: Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
**************** What if the reason clutter keeps coming back has nothing to do with your organizing systems and everything to do with what's going on beneath the surface? In this episode, host Deanna Yates welcomes Katy Wells, author of Making Home Your Happy Place and host of the Maximized Minimalist podcast. Katy shares how she developed her holistic decluttering method after years of trying every hack, bin system, and organizing strategy only to watch her home fall apart two days later. Drawing from her background in holistic wellness, she realized that lasting change required looking at not just the stuff, but the beliefs, emotions, and stories behind it. Together, Deanna and Katy dig into why clutter sometimes serves as a coping mechanism that protects us from feeling harder emotions, the crucial difference between expected mess and actual clutter, and how to release the shame that comes from comparing your home to magazine perfection. They also explore the four main types of clutter (superficial, sentimental, scarcity, and identity), how generational patterns and cultural messaging quietly shape what we keep, and the ART framework for working through sentimental items without regret. Plus, Katy shares practical strategies for getting your partner on board without nagging, helping kids build decluttering as a life skill, and understanding how dopamine actually works when it comes to shopping habits. This is a conversation that will change how you think about your stuff and the space you call home. In This Episode, You'll Learn:
Time Stamps: (00:00) Introduction and guest intro (02:41) Katy's background and holistic decluttering origin story (07:34) When clutter becomes a coping mechanism (10:29) Expected mess vs. clutter: releasing the shame (14:14) The "shoulds" around decluttering and setting your own benchmarks (19:14) The four main clutter types and where to start (24:29) Your "stuff story": how family history and culture shape what you keep (29:17) The ART framework for sentimental items (37:56) Onboarding your partner without nagging (45:51) Helping kids declutter toys and build life skills (50:45) Dopamine and shopping: the motivation molecule (57:00) Social media, comparison, and anchoring to your core values (1:00:14) Where to find Katy and her book **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com **************** 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.
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| Decluttering a Hoarder House in One Year: Lessons in Letting Go with Eileen Stukane (Ep 294) | 28 janv. 2026 | 01:00:14 | |
What can a year of decluttering a hoarder house teach us about letting go? Author Eileen Stukane shares her journey from horror to healing, plus practical tips for helping loved ones and releasing your own grip on stuff. **************** RESOURCES Connect with Eileen Stukane: Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
**************** What would you do if you inherited a home from a family member, a home you'd visited many times and remembered as warm and elegant, only to open the door and find it had become a floor-to-ceiling hoarder house? In this episode, host Deanna Yates talks with author and journalist Eileen Stukane about her memoir, The House That Held Everything. When Eileen and her sister inherited their cousin's childhood home after his death, they were shocked to discover rooms so packed with stuff they could barely get through the front door. What followed was a year-long journey of clearing out the house and uncovering family secrets that had been buried for decades. With an estimated 19 million Americans affected by hoarding, this episode offers hope, understanding, and practical wisdom for anyone who knows someone struggling with this issue or recognizes tendencies in themselves. In this episode, you'll learn:
Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction & Welcome 01:52 Meet Eileen Stukane: From Magazine Editor to Memoir Author 04:18 Inheriting the House: The Shocking Discovery 06:20 From Repulsion to Compassion: Why Eileen Wrote the Book 09:15 Possessions as Mini Autobiographies 14:08 Uncovering Family Secrets 18:15 Discovery via Ancestry.com and the Year-Long Cleanout 23:17 The Photo Museum Tip: Taking Pictures Before Letting Go 24:55 Sorting Categories: Keep, Throw Out, Auction, Donate, Not Sure 29:57 Understanding Why: The Psychology of Hoarding 34:11 Helping a Loved One: Building Trust First 41:00 How the Experience Changed Eileen's Relationship with Stuff 43:44 Rapid Fire Questions 47:09 Closing Thoughts: 19 Million Americans Affected **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com **************** 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.
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| Decluttering Without Guilt: Clearing the F.O.G. That Keeps You Stuck with Ashley Hines (Ep 293) | 21 janv. 2026 | 00:52:51 | |
Decluttering gets easier when you release fear, obligation, and guilt. Ashley Hines shares a holistic approach to organizing that builds self-trust and helps you create a clutter-free home with intention. **************** RESOURCES Connect with Ashley Hines:
Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
**************** Fear. Obligation. Guilt. If decluttering feels emotionally heavy (even when you want a clutter-free home) you’re not doing it wrong. You’re just stuck in F.O.G. In this episode, I’m joined by Ashley Hines, founder of Thee Tailored Life, to talk about the emotional side of decluttering and why letting go can feel so complicated. Ashley introduces her F.O.G. framework (fear, obligation, and guilt) and explains how it quietly shapes our homes, our decisions, and even our sense of identity. We talk about why “should” is such a powerful clutter trigger, why identity-based items are the hardest to release, and what actually changes when you begin trusting yourself again. This conversation is gentle, validating, and deeply grounding, especially if you’ve ever felt bad for wanting less. We cover:
If you’re craving a calmer home and more confidence in your decisions, this episode will meet you right where you are. Time Stamps: 00:00 Welcome + why decluttering feels emotional 02:00 What holistic organizing really means 04:30 Introducing F.O.G.: fear, obligation, and guilt 08:10 Where F.O.G. shows up most in homes 12:45 The problem with “should” 17:30 Identity-based clutter and emotional weight 22:15 Self-trust and decision-making 27:40 A gentle first step for overwhelmed listeners 33:10 Community, sharing, and living with intention 38:30 What freedom actually looks like in a clutter-free home **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com **************** 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.
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| Decluttering from the Root: Emotional Clutter, Systems, and Sanity with Tracy McCubbin (Ep 292) | 14 janv. 2026 | 00:53:55 | |
Clutter isn’t a personal failure. Decluttering expert Tracy McCubbin shares a compassionate, clutter-free approach to emotional clutter, realistic systems, and organizing for real life, not perfection. **************** RESOURCES Tracy’s Books: Deanna’s Bundle of Her Best Decluttering Resources Connect with Tracy McCubbin:
Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
**************** Clutter has a way of feeling personal. But according to Tracy McCubbin, it rarely is. In this honest and grounding conversation, Tracy and Deanna talk about why clutter forms, why it sticks, and how emotional patterns like perfectionism, guilt, and generational habits quietly shape our homes. You will hear why buying more bins does not solve clutter, how to move away from Pinterest perfect organizing, and how to create practical systems that support real life. Tracy shares what it actually looks like to declutter with kindness instead of pressure and why starting small matters more than doing it all at once. This episode is for busy women who want a clutter free home without shame, extremes, or unrealistic expectations. It is especially helpful if you have ever felt like your home should be easier to manage or wondered why organizing advice does not seem to stick. Tracy also shares insights from her books Making Space, Clutter Free and Make Space for Happiness, along with what she is seeing most right now after nearly 20 years as a professional declutterer. If clutter has been weighing on you, this conversation offers a deep breath, a mindset shift, and a realistic path toward intentional living and a clutter free home. We cover:
Time Stamps: 00:00 Welcome + why clutter feels personal 03:10 Emotional attachment and why letting go is hard 06:30 Why clutter is not a personal failure 10:05 How childhood and generational habits shape clutter 13:20 The emotional “blocks” behind clutter 16:45 Why bins don’t fix the problem 25:30 Decluttering without pressure or shame 34:10 Creating judgment-free systems that last 38:40 Delegating, asking for help, and support systems 45:30 Common decluttering myths debunked 50:10 Final thoughts on clutter-free living **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com **************** 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.
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| The Gentle Re-Entry Plan: 5 Moves That Calm the Chaos After a Holiday Break (Ep 291) | 07 janv. 2026 | 00:44:31 | |
Getting back into routine after a break can feel overwhelming. This episode shares a gentle, clutter-free re-entry plan with simple, practical steps to reduce stress, rebuild momentum, and ease back into daily life. Resources Mentioned: Deanna's Best Decluttering Resources Wannabe Clutter Free on Instagram Getting back into real life after a holiday or time off can feel surprisingly hard—especially when clutter, routines, and expectations all come crashing back at once. If you’ve ever thought, “Why does this feel so much harder than it should?”—this episode is for you. Today’s conversation is all about a gentle re-entry to your normal life after a long holiday break. Not snapping back into routine. Not fixing everything at once. Just easing back into daily life in a way that actually feels supportive. You’ll learn how to:
This is a realistic, clutter-free approach designed for high-achieving, modern moms who want their homes (and lives) to feel calmer, lighter, and more manageable again. If you’re craving a smoother transition back to normal life, this episode will help you do it with grace instead of grit. Timestamps: 00:00: Why re-entry after a break feels harder than expected 03:25: The re-entry reality check and letting go of pressure 10:21: The re-entry rule: clear friction before motivation 14:06: Five simple moves to reduce overwhelm fast 26:09: Why visible wins matter more than big progress 33:10: Reclaiming your personal reset point 37:14: What not to do when easing back into routine Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps me create more content to inspire and motivate you to live with less. Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers
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| I Read 100 Books This Year. These 5 Changed How I Declutter, Rest, and Live (Ep 290) | 31 déc. 2025 | 00:33:57 | |
Reading 100 books this year reshaped how I approach decluttering, burnout, and intentional living. These five standouts changed my energy, mindset, and home, without adding clutter. Resources Mentioned: Wannabe Clutter Free on Instagram Reading used to feel impossible for me, until this year. In 2025, I read (and listened to) nearly 100 books, and along the way something surprising happened. My mindset around decluttering, burnout, productivity, and intentional living began to shift in ways I didn’t expect. In this episode, I’m sharing:
My 5 Standout Reads of 2025 Burnout by Emily Nagoski PhD& Amelia Nagoski DMA Why you can’t organize your way out of burnout and how completing the stress cycle changed everything for me. The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon A simple (yes, slightly cheesy) story with a powerful reminder: your energy affects everything - your home included. I Didn’t Do the Thing Today by Madeline Dore A refreshing take on ambition, rest, and worth, without hustle culture or guilt. How to Keep House While Drowning by K.C. Davis A shame-free approach to care tasks that gave me permission to stop tying my worth to a clean house. No New Things by Ashlee Piper A powerful reframe on consumption, shopping habits, and stopping clutter at the source. How I Read 100 Books Without Adding Clutter I listened to all of these books using Libby, a free app connected to my local library. Audiobooks allowed me to “read” while cleaning, driving, or folding laundry and I never had to bring more stuff into my home. What book has changed how you think about your home or life? Send me your recommendations because I’m already building my 2026 reading list. Timestamps: 0:00 – Why I chose books instead of goal-setting to close out 2025 2:15 – How I read nearly 100 books (and why that surprised me most) 4:30 – The types of books that shaped my decluttering mindset this year 7:45 – Burnout and why you can’t organize your way out of stress 11:40 – The Energy Bus and protecting your energy at home 14:50 – I Didn’t Do the Thing Today and releasing productivity guilt 18:10 – How to Keep House While Drowning and shame-free decluttering 22:30 – No New Things and stopping clutter before it starts 26:00 – How Libby helped me read more without adding physical clutter 30:45 – Decluttering books without guilt + my favorite question to ask 33:15 – Final reflections and building a meaningful 2026 reading list Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps me create more content to inspire and motivate you to live with less. Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers
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| Decluttering Can Wait: What to Do When Christmas Is Over and the Mess Is Everywhere (Ep 289) | 24 déc. 2025 | 00:27:31 | |
Holiday clutter doesn’t mean you’re behind. This calming episode offers permission to rest, a gentle after-Christmas reset, and a supportive path toward decluttering and intentional living in the new year. 📌 Resources Mentioned: The days after Christmas can feel louder than we expect. More stuff. More mess. Less energy. In this calming, guilt-free episode, Deanna offers reassurance for overwhelmed homes and hearts. You’ll hear why the post-holiday mess is normal, why nothing needs to be fixed today, and how to give yourself permission to rest without falling behind. Deanna shares a personal story about gift guilt, the pressure to create a “perfect” Christmas, and how more stuff often pulls us away from the connection we’re really craving. You’ll also learn: • Why temporary mess does not require permanent solutions • What not to declutter during the holidays • A low-lift reset for when motivation shows up • How to quiet your nervous system instead of forcing productivity • A gentle path forward for decluttering in the new year And when you’re ready, Deanna invites you to join her January decluttering challenge, where you’ll get a flexible plan, weekly live support, and accountability that feels kind. You’re not behind. The mess is temporary. And you don’t have to do this alone. Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on: Loved this episode? Share it with a friend or leave a review. Timestamps: 00:00 – A calm reminder for overwhelmed homes 02:45 – Why the holidays feel loud and heavy 05:15 – Gift guilt and the myth of “more is better” 07:30 – The moment that changed how Deanna sees Christmas 10:05 – The holiday emergency reset: what not to do 12:30 – Why rest matters more than organizing right now 14:55 – A low-lift option if motivation shows up 17:10 – The mess is temporary and you didn’t fail 19:15 – A gentle invitation to the January decluttering challenge 23:05 – Coming back to presence, connection, and breath Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps me create more content to inspire and motivate you to live with less. Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers
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| This Decluttering Method Helped Me Clear 500 Items Fast | 17 déc. 2025 | 00:41:18 | |
I decluttered 500 items in four days! Decluttering doesn’t always look like overflowing junk drawers or packed closets. Sometimes it looks like a home that feels “fine”…but still holds more than you need. 📌 Resources Mentioned: Get the Declutter 500 Items Challenge course for just $1! In this episode, Deanna shares a personal experiment that completely surprised her. Using a flipped version of a traditional decluttering challenge, she removed 500 items from her home in just four days without creating mess, stress, or burnout. You’ll hear why starting big worked better than starting small, how gamifying decluttering changed everything, and why flexibility matters more than perfection when you’re letting things go. Deanna also walks through exactly where those 500 items came from, what was harder to declutter than expected, and how donating with intention made the process even more meaningful. If you’ve been craving a clutter-free home that feels lighter, calmer, and easier to maintain, this episode will show you what’s possible, even if you already think you’ve “done the work.” What you’ll learn:
Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on: Loved this episode? Share it with a friend or leave a review. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to the Decluttering Challenge 06:05 Why traditional decluttering challenges didn’t work for me 11:59 Day-by-Day Decluttering Process 17:48 How I counted items without stress or rules 23:54 What I did with the decluttered items 30:07 What surprised me most about the process 35:56 Why I’m doing this challenge again Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps me create more content to inspire and motivate you to live with less. Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers
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| When Your Energy Creates Your Clutter: How to Shift Your Space in 3 Seconds with Jena Lorén (Ep 287) | 10 déc. 2025 | 00:58:40 | |
Discover how your personal energy shapes the clutter in your home and learn simple, powerful mindset shifts to create a more clutter-free, aligned, and intentional life. **************** Resources Connect with Jena Lorén
Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
**************** Your personal energy is woven into every corner of your home, and today’s conversation with Consciousness Architect Jena Lorén will change the way you see your space forever. We explore why clutter often has nothing to do with laziness or lack of willpower and everything to do with unseen emotional patterns, old identities, and ego tricks that quietly shape your habits. Jena shares her powerful 3-second mindset reset, her story of purging 80 percent of her belongings, and how to identify the ego archetypes (rebel, realist, illusionist, martyr) that show up in your clutter patterns. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, ashamed, or frustrated by the state of your home, this episode gives you a compassionate and practical path forward. You’ll learn how circulation, alignment, and awareness can transform your space into one that supports your highest self. We cover:
Time Stamps: 00:00 – The energetic link between your home and your inner world 03:07 – How personal energy imprints itself on your space 07:04 – Purging 80% of your belongings and choosing a new identity 12:43 – “What if I need this?” and the scarcity trap 15:20 – Circulation: the hidden key to abundance 18:24 – Why receiving feels unsafe for so many women 23:38 – The true root of procrastination around clutter 31:42 – The four ego archetypes and how they shape your home 42:03 – How ego shows up when you try to declutter 51:56 – The simple 3-second shift to reconnect with your future self **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com **************** 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.
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| A Clutter-Free Christmas: How to Simplify the Season Without Losing the Magic (Ep 286) | 03 déc. 2025 | 00:37:22 | |
Want a calmer, cleaner, clutter-free holiday season? This episode walks you through how to simplify Christmas in a way that feels peaceful, joyful, and actually doable for busy families. Deanna shares how her family is decorating more slowly this year, how she’s focusing on cozy moments over perfection, and the simple choices that help keep December from spiraling into chaos. What you’ll learn
Whether your holidays feel too busy, too full, or just too much, this episode will help you create more intention, more breathing room, and more meaning this season. 📌 Resources Mentioned: Deanna's 19 Best Decluttering Courses for $19 Full show notes: wannabeclutterfree.com/286 Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
Loved this episode? Share it with a friend or leave a review. Timestamps: 00:00: Decorating slowly this year + why it feels right 02:15: Letting go of traditions that no longer serve you 04:25: Planning holiday activities earlier for less overwhelm 06:00: What to expect in this clutter-free holiday episode 07:10: The emotional clutter of December and how to release it 09:00: How to talk to family about clutter-free gifts 13:50: The four-gift practice for kids (want, need, wear, read) 15:00: Clutter-free gift ideas that still feel special 20:00: Guilt around giving less + Deanna’s personal story 26:10: Pre-holiday decluttering and prepping for Christmas morning 29:40: The Santa Bag Trick for younger kids 31:00: Weekly challenge: pick one clutter-free shift for this season Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps me create more content to inspire and motivate you to live with less. Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers
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| How Gratitude Makes Decluttering So Much Easier (Ep 285) | 26 nov. 2025 | 00:29:12 | |
Feeling overwhelmed by decluttering? Gratitude can change everything. Learn how a gratitude-based mindset helps you let go without guilt, stay present, and create a more intentional, clutter-free home, even during the busy holiday season. Hear one powerful client story, plus three simple gratitude practices you can start using today. You’ll learn:
📌 Resources Mentioned: Deanna's 19 Best Decluttering Courses for $19 Full show notes: wannabeclutterfree.com/285 Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
Loved this episode? Share it with a friend or leave a review. Timestamps: 00:00 Navigating a full season and why gratitude matters right now 01:00 How gratitude creates a growth mindset for decluttering 02:30 Seeing what works in your home instead of what’s missing 04:00 Making kinder decisions and letting go without guilt 06:00 Gratitude as a tool for releasing old seasons and stories 08:00 A client transformation: shifting from guilt to gratitude 11:30 How gratitude shifts your energy, your mood, and your home 14:30 Three simple gratitude practices to make decluttering easier Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps me create more content to inspire and motivate you to live with less. Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers
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| How to Talk to Aging Parents About Decluttering (Without the Family Drama) with Jeannine Bryant (Ep 284) | 19 nov. 2025 | 00:50:13 | |
Learn how to approach aging parents about decluttering, navigate sibling emotions, and prepare for estate sales with compassion, clarity, and less clutter this holiday season. **************** Resources Mentioned: Connect with Jeannine Bryant Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
**************** The holidays often bring family, memories… and stuff. If you’ve ever looked around your parents’ house and thought, “Someday we’ll have to deal with all of this,” this conversation is for you. In this heartfelt episode, rightsizing expert Jeannine Bryant joins me to talk about how to compassionately approach decluttering with aging loved ones. We cover:
Whether you’re helping your parents downsize, sorting through family heirlooms, or simply preparing for future transitions, this episode will help you navigate it all with grace. Time Stamps: 00:00 – Welcome & Thanksgiving week reflections 02:00 – What “rightsizing” really means (and why it’s different from downsizing) 05:00 – The emotional side of letting go and facing mortality 08:00 – When keepsakes shift from comfort to burden 10:00 – Separating love, memories, and stuff 13:00 – Why your kids don’t want your stuff (and that’s okay) 16:00 – How to talk with siblings who attach emotions to things 18:00 – What to keep, what to display, and what to release 23:00 – Family conversations to have during the holidays 27:00 – How estate sales actually work (and what to expect) 33:00 – The hidden cost of “saving everything” 36:00 – Practical right-sizing tips to start now 39:00 – Donate early, not later — why it matters 41:00 – Clutter-free gifting and experience-based holidays 42:00 – Rapid fire: What clutter-free means to Jeannine 44:00 – Key takeaways + gratitude for our loved ones **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com **************** 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.
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| Closet Therapy: How Decluttering Your Wardrobe Can Heal Your Soul with Shaniece Jones (Ep 283) | 12 nov. 2025 | 00:52:18 | |
Discover how decluttering and organizing your closet can ease stress and restore balance. Shaniece Jones shares how “closet therapy” helps you create peace, clarity, and a clutter-free mind. **************** Resources Mentioned: Connect with Shaniece Jones Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
**************** What if your closet could tell the story of your inner world? Professional organizer and “Closet Therapist” Shaniece Jones joins Deanna to reveal how decluttering your space can become a powerful tool for emotional healing and intentional living. From grief and burnout to clarity and calm, Shaniece shares her journey from biologist to organizer, showing how our closets mirror our mental health and how small changes can create massive shifts in how we feel. You’ll learn how to turn your closet into a peaceful retreat. Don’t worry. Luxury labels or walk-in wardrobes are not required. We Cover:
Time Stamps: 00:00 – Welcome & Preview 02:44 – Shaniece’s Journey: From Biologist to Closet Therapist 04:59 – Grief, Loss & Finding Clarity Through Decluttering 10:07 – Turning Your Closet into a Safe Haven 12:25 – The Mindset Shift that Makes Organizing Easier 16:42 – What Science Teaches Us About Clutter & Mental Health 24:15 – How Life Transitions Show Up in Our Spaces 26:55 – Creating an Elevated, Peaceful Space (Without “Luxury” Budgets) 35:21 – Letting Go of the “What-If” Items 43:22 – Rapid Fire: Clutter-Free, Happiness & First Steps **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com **************** 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.
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| The Hidden Cost of Clutter: How to Reclaim Calm in Your Home and Life (Ep 282) | 05 nov. 2025 | 00:30:45 | |
If your home feels heavy or chaotic lately, you’re not imagining it. Studies from UCLA and Harvard show that clutter increases stress hormones, drains focus, and fuels burnout, especially for women. In this final episode of the EMPOWERING Life series, Deanna breaks down how clutter blindness sneaks in, why “stuff” silently steals your energy, and how to finally feel at ease in your own space. You’ll walk away with six practical ways to reclaim your calm, one corner at a time and a few mindset shifts to help you release guilt and redefine what “home” really means. You’ll learn:
📌 Resources Mentioned: Full show notes: www.wannabeclutterfree.com/282 Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
Loved this episode? Share it with a friend or leave a review. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome + Series Wrap-Up 02:50 What “Home Environment” Really Means 04:45 Clutter Blindness Explained (and the science behind it) 06:00 UCLA Study: How Clutter Raises Stress 07:10 Harvard Research: Decision Fatigue & Mental Load 10:00 Why Clutter Competes for Your Attention 12:00 Client Story: Rachel’s 15-Minute Reset 15:30 Mini Home Peace Assessment 18:00 Six Practical Ways to Reclaim Calm 26:30 Permission to Redefine Home 28:30 Final Thoughts & Next Week’s Episode Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps me create more content to inspire and motivate you to live with less. Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
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| Decluttering Wellness: How to Simplify Your Health and Feel Good Again with Jenn Trepeck (Ep 281) | 29 oct. 2025 | 00:49:31 | |
Feeling overwhelmed by wellness advice? Learn how to uncomplicate your health and build simple, clutter-free systems that fit real life with Jenn Trepeck, author of Uncomplicating Wellness. **************** Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Jenn Trepeck Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
**************** Feeling like wellness has become another thing on your to-do list? Jenn Trepeck is here to change that. She’s an award-winning health coach, podcast host, and author of Uncomplicating Wellness, and she’s helping us make wellness simple, sustainable, and stress-free. In this conversation, we’re talking about how to let go of perfection, rebuild trust with your body, and create systems that make wellness feel natural (not another chore). You’ll learn why “you’re not the problem, the system is,” and how to make small, intentional changes that lead to big results. If you’re ready to un-complicate your health and your home, this episode will help you reconnect to what really matters and take consistent action. All without burnout. We Cover:
Time Stamps: 00:00 – Welcome + Episode Overview 00:42 – Special Announcement: Uncomplicating Life Mini-Summit 02:17 – Meet Jenn Trepeck 03:57 – The Problem with Wellness Systems 08:38 – Making Wellness Fit Real Life 10:37 – How Decluttering & Health Intersect 14:00 – Defining Wellness Beyond the Physical 17:00 – Biohacking vs. Bio-Stacking 21:23 – Building Better Wellness Habits 24:00 – Making Good Habits Easier to Keep 29:00 – Rebuilding Self-Trust with Your Body 35:45 – Staying Consistent During Chaotic Seasons 38:48 – How to Uncomplicate Wellness in Your Own Life 41:00 – Rapid Fire: Jenn’s Tips for Living Simply **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com **************** 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.
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| Downsize with Purpose: How to Keep What Matters and Let Go of the Rest with Tracy Hoth (Ep 280) | 22 oct. 2025 | 00:44:54 | |
Feeling overwhelmed by stuff? Learn how to downsize with purpose as organizer Tracy Hoth shares practical steps to keep what matters and live a more intentional, clutter-free life. **************** Resources Mentioned: Connect with Tracy Hoth Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
**************** What if downsizing wasn’t about “getting rid of stuff” but about creating space for the life you actually want? In this episode, host Deanna Yates chats with Tracy Hoth, a professional organizer and certified life coach, about how to downsize with purpose. Tracy shares her powerful SPACE method, mindset shifts for letting go, and the importance of having a clear vision before you even start decluttering. They also talk about navigating emotional downsizing—especially when helping aging parents or moving through big life transitions—and how to make peace with what you choose to keep or release. This is the perfect listen for anyone craving a calmer, more intentional, and clutter-free life. We Cover:
Time Stamps: 00:00 – Introduction & Episode Overview 00:07 – Meet Tracy Hoth: Professional Organizer & Life Coach 00:23 – What “Downsizing with Purpose” Really Means 01:41 – How to Start When You Feel Overwhelmed 02:30 – Why Sorting Comes Before Decluttering 09:19 – How to Decide What Truly Matters 13:25 – Tracy’s SPACE Method for Organizing 18:00 – How Life Stages Affect Downsizing 20:55 – Talking to Parents About Decluttering 24:23 – How Mindset Shapes Your Clutter Habits 29:41 – The Unexpected Benefits of Downsizing 31:23 – Letting Go Without Regret 36:49 – Practical Tips for Getting Started 38:21 – Final Thoughts & Next Steps **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com **************** 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.
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| The ‘Set It and Forget It’ Budget System for a Clutter-Free Life with the Budget Besties (Ep 279) | 15 oct. 2025 | 00:56:24 | |
Learn how to declutter your finances with the Budget Besties’ “set it and forget it” system. Simplify your money, automate your spending, and start living intentionally, without giving up life’s little joys. **************** Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Shana & Vanessa Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
**************** Ever feel like you make good money but have nothing to show for it? You’re not alone. In this fun and practical episode, Deanna sits down with Vanessa and Shana, best friends and master financial coaches known as the Budget Besties, to break down their “Bougie on a Budget” system—a simple, clutter-free approach to money that works automagically. Together, they share how to create a set-it-and-forget-it budget that feels effortless, organized, and totally doable. You’ll learn how to separate your money into purposeful “buckets,” automate your spending, and finally feel in control of your finances (without cutting out your pumpkin spice lattes). Whether you’re tired of tracking every expense or want to bring the same calm to your finances that you’ve brought to your home, this conversation will show you how to make your money work for your intentional life. We Cover:
Time Stamps: 00:00 – Welcome and episode overview 02:37 – Meet Shana & Vanessa, the Budget Besties 04:00 – Why women who make good money still feel broke 06:00 – Why most budgets fail (and how to fix it) 08:30 – The “Bougie on a Budget” one-page system 13:00 – What “automagical” budgeting really looks like 16:00 – Organizing your bank accounts for effortless spending 20:30 – The curling iron story: a surprising budgeting analogy 25:00 – Modern money management tools that simplify your life 27:30 – The credit card debate: rewards vs. reality 33:00 – Compromise strategies for couples and families 37:00 – Can you really automate it and forget it? (real-life proof) 40:30 – How best friends built a business around financial freedom 43:00 – Overcoming shame and clutter (at home and with money) 46:00 – Where to find the Budget Besties and their system 50:00 – Final thoughts and a simple financial action step **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com **************** 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.
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| How to Finally Get Organized (and Stay That Way) with Meggie Mangione (Ep 278) | 08 oct. 2025 | 00:52:48 | |
Tired of decluttering on repeat? Learn how to create a clutter-free home that lasts with author Meggie Mangione. Real talk, practical systems, and zero judgment for busy, modern women. **************** Resources Mentioned: Connect with Meggie Mangione
Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
**************** Are you tired of organizing the same spaces over and over again? In this episode, Deanna sits down with Meggie Mangione, author of Give Clutter the Middle Finger and creator of Organized Life Design, to talk about what it really means to get organized and how to stay that way. Meggie shares why true organization isn’t about perfection or Pinterest-worthy bins, but about creating a home that feels calm, functional, and aligned with who you are. We Cover:
Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com **************** 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.
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| Clutter, Self-Worth & Spiritual Freedom: Why Letting Go Heals More Than Your Home (EMPOWERING Series Pt. 9: Ep 277) | 01 oct. 2025 | 00:38:39 | |
Does clutter make you feel guilty, drained, or “less than”? In this episode, Deanna Yates explores the deep connection between clutter, self-worth, and spiritual well-being. What you’ll hear in this episode:
📌 Resources Mentioned: Full show notes: www.wannabeclutterfree.com/277 Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
Loved this episode? Share it with a friend or leave a review. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Episode Update 00:33 EMPOWERING Life Recap 02:56 The Importance of Worth and Why 09:37 Personal Story: Clutter and Motherhood 15:26 Clutter and Self-Worth Connection 24:30 Practical Guidance and Mindset Shifts 32:42 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps me create more content to inspire and motivate you to live with less. Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
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| Declutter Your Digital Life and Calm Tech Chaos with Amanda Jefferson (Ep 276) | 24 sept. 2025 | 00:52:27 | |
Discover Amanda Jefferson’s simple strategies to declutter your digital life. Learn to streamline emails, photos, and passwords with her FOCUS Method and reclaim calm, clutter-free living. **************** Resources Mentioned: Connect with Amanda Jefferson
Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
**************** Technology is supposed to make life easier—but often it leaves us drowning in emails, overflowing photo libraries, and password chaos. If your phone or laptop feels like a black hole, this episode is for you. I’m joined by tech and productivity coach Amanda Jefferson, who shares her Tech TRAPS framework (the five biggest digital clutter culprits) and her FOCUS Method for reducing mental load. We dive into practical tips for managing emails, organizing photos, and simplifying your digital tools. Amanda also opens up about how staying organized online helped her family navigate one of life’s toughest seasons. If you’ve been craving a calmer, clutter-free digital life, you’ll leave this episode with quick wins and inspiring new habits you can start today. We Cover:
Time Stamps: 00:00 – Welcome + Amanda’s intro 04:00 – What digital clutter really is 06:45 – The 5 Tech TRAPS explained 08:00 – Simple tech tips that save time instantly 10:00 – Where to start when everything feels overwhelming 12:53 – The FOCUS Method to reduce mental load 17:30 – Tackling photo overload without guilt 22:00 – How digital organization supported Amanda during her father’s illness 25:30 – The environmental cost of digital storage 28:00 – Email decluttering tips (delete vs. archive) 34:00 – Why digital clutter adds to mental load 38:00 – Amanda’s Busy Woman’s Tech Survival Guide 41:00 – Final rapid-fire Q&A with Amanda 45:00 – Outro + preview of next week with Meggie Mangione **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com **************** 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.
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| How to Live Clutter-Free: Your Top Questions Answered (Ep 275) | 17 sept. 2025 | 00:37:25 | |
Ever feel guilty letting go of things, or wonder if you’re just hiding clutter in bins? In this Q&A, Deanna Yates answers listener questions about decluttering guilt, saying no to social overload, managing digital clutter, and telling the difference between real organizing and disguised clutter. I’m answering listener questions about:
📌 Resources Mentioned: Full show notes: www.wannabeclutterfree.com/275 Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
Loved this episode? Share it with a friend or leave a review. Timestamps: 00:00: Welcome + Why I Love Q&A Episodes 01:51: Decluttering guilt: erasing history, wasting money, letting go 12:32: Saying no to social overload without losing friends 20:44: Tackling digital clutter + managing notifications 24:56: Are you really organizing or just hiding clutter? 32:02: Final thoughts + upcoming episodes Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps me create more content to inspire and motivate you to live with less. Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
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| Digital Clutter Reset: Quiet the Pings, Clear the Chaos (Ep 274) | 10 sept. 2025 | 00:42:38 | |
You don’t need more willpower, you need better defaults. This week’s Digital Clutter Reset gives you a simple, family-friendly system to cut notification noise, clean up apps, email, files, and photos, and reclaim time, energy, and sleep. What you'll learn:
The 7-Day Digital Clutter Reset (quick view)
📌 Resources Mentioned: Full show notes: www.wannabeclutterfree.com/274 Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
Loved this episode? Share it with a friend or leave a review. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome 01:30 What counts as digital clutter 04:30 Why it overwhelms (attention, stress, sleep) 11:00 Track your numbers 17:30 7-Day Reset overview 18:00 Day 1: Audit & Decide the Vibe 20:00 Day 2: Notifications (batching/VIP) 22:00 Day 3: Apps cleanup 24:30 Day 4: Email overload relief 26:30 Day 5: Files & desktop calm 29:00 Day 6: Photo clean-up + ritual 32:00 Day 7: Automate & measure 34:30 Make it family-proof 36:30 Recap Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps me create more content to inspire and motivate you to live with less. Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
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| Let Go, Simplify & Spark Joy with KonMari Consultant Stacy Lee (Ep 273) | 03 sept. 2025 | 00:50:05 | |
Decluttering isn’t just about stuff, it’s about freedom. Certified KonMari consultant Stacy Lee joins Deanna to share how letting go of clutter and guilt can spark joy, simplify your routines, and create intentional spaces that support the life you want. **************** Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Stacy Lee Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on: **************** Clutter isn’t just about the stuff piling up in your home, it’s also about the guilt, resistance, and overwhelm tied to letting go. In this uplifting conversation, professional organizer and certified KonMari consultant Stacy Lee shares how to apply the KonMari Method to simplify your home, mindset, and lifestyle. We talk about why clutter makes us feel stuck, how small intentional steps can lead to big change, and how to reframe decluttering so it feels empowering instead of stressful. Stacy also shares inspiring client stories and practical ways to bring more joy into your everyday routines. Whether you’re battling piles of clothes, drowning in kids’ artwork, or simply craving more peace in your daily life, this episode will give you tools and encouragement to create a clutter-free home you love. We Cover:
If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of where to start, this episode will give you the inspiration and tools you need to create a home (and a life) that truly sparks joy. Time Stamps: 00:00 – Welcome + Fall is the perfect time to declutter 01:16 – Stacy’s journey to becoming a KonMari consultant 03:19 – Applying KonMari to both home + lifestyle 07:02 – Powerful client transformation stories 10:50 – Decluttering with kids and families 14:04 – Managing life transitions + letting go 18:50 – Embracing minimalism + finding joy 20:41 – Tackling guilt + sustainable decluttering 22:10 – Intentional living vs consumerism 27:39 – Practical decluttering tips you can start today 31:54 – Understanding “functional joy” + gratitude 36:57 – How tidying supercharges lifestyle + mindset 39:18 – Rapid-fire questions with Stacy **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com **************** 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.
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| Breaking Free from Perfectionism & People Pleasing with Kamini Wood (Ep 272) | 27 août 2025 | 00:51:32 | |
Perfectionism and people pleasing sneak into our homes, schedules, and even our self-worth. Certified life coach Kamini Wood joins Deanna to share how limiting beliefs create clutter, how to set healthy boundaries, and simple mindset shifts that bring balance, joy, and a clutter-free life filled with intention. **************** Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Kamini Wood Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on: **************** High achievers often pride themselves on getting things done—but at what cost? When perfectionism, people pleasing, and limiting beliefs drive our choices, the result is often burnout, resentment, and clutter (both in our homes and in our minds). In this powerful conversation, I sit down with certified life coach Kamini Wood, who helps high achievers release old patterns, overcome self-sabotage, and create balanced, purpose-driven lives. Together, we explore how perfectionist pressure sneaks into our organizing habits, why people pleasing keeps us holding on to stuff we don’t love, and the tools we can use to finally feel free. We Cover:
If you’ve ever felt like you “should” be able to handle it all on your own, this episode is the reminder that you don’t have to—and that freedom comes when you let go of the clutter, inside and out. Time Stamps: 00:00 Welcome & Deanna’s high achiever confession 00:42 Meet Kamini Wood 03:59 Common limiting beliefs holding women back 06:43 Balancing productivity with rest and self-care 08:12 Emotional awareness: feelings as data points 14:34 The “Next Thing” trap for high achievers 17:06 Creating calm vs. chasing Pinterest-perfect homes 23:08 Energy management and shifting values 26:17 Boundaries & the messy process of delegation 27:08 The lasagna story: letting go of perfection 28:45 Radical acceptance in everyday life 31:04 Parenting, modeling, and breaking old patterns 33:03 Repairing relationships with self-awareness 36:23 People pleasing through clutter & gift guilt 42:25 One simple mental decluttering exercise 43:36 Rapid fire questions & closing thoughts **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com **************** 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.
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| Clutter Keeps You Lonely. Here's How to Declutter and Boost Your Social Life (Wannabe Clutter Free Ep 271) | 20 août 2025 | 00:35:29 | |
Clutter shouldn’t keep you from community. If you’ve ever said “maybe next month” because the house feels out of control, this one’s for you. Research shows more than half of people have canceled hosting due to the state of their home, and 73% hide parts of their house from guests. Today we make connection light, doable, and fun, without chasing perfection.
📌 Resources Mentioned:
Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
Loved this episode? Share it with a friend or leave a review. Timestamps: 00:00 Cold open: when clutter cancels connection 01:03 Why clutter hurts your social life 02:06 The stats you need to hear (you’re not alone) 05:46 Real-life hurdles for busy families 09:02 Mindset reset: people over perfection 11:08 Systems that make hosting easy 19:09 Building Community Outside the Home 21:25 Creating Company Ready Zones 28:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps me create more content to inspire and motivate you to live with less. Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
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| Minimal-ish Made Simple: How to Declutter Without Losing Your Sanity with Desirae Endres (Ep 270) | 13 août 2025 | 00:49:51 | |
Teacher, mom of two, and Minimal-ish podcast host Desirae Endres shares how to embrace a clutter-free life without rigid rules. Discover small, realistic steps to simplify your home, schedule, and mental load—especially during busy seasons like back-to-school—so you can focus on what truly matters. **************** Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Desirae Endres Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on: **************** Back-to-school season is here, and if your calendar (and home) already feel overwhelmed, this conversation will be the deep breath you’ve been craving. Today I’m joined by Desirae Endres, a full-time teacher, mom of two girls, and host of the Minimal-ish podcast. Desirae’s approach to minimalism isn’t about rigid rules or picture-perfect rooms—it’s about making space for what truly matters, even in the middle of carpools, sports practices, and lesson plans. We cover:
If you’ve ever felt discouraged because minimalism seemed too strict or unrealistic for your family, this episode will show you a gentler, more flexible way forward. Time Stamps: 00:00 Welcome & Introduction 00:46 Meet Desirae Endres 02:21 Desirae’s Journey to Minimalism 06:30 Realistic Minimalism in a Busy Life 12:37 Managing Kids’ Toys & Clutter 18:36 Balancing Priorities & Letting Go 23:47 Navigating Different Parenting Stages 25:46 Minimalism with Joy & Spontaneity 30:56 Managing Mental & Emotional Clutter 35:59 Practical Tips for Decluttering 40:57 Rapid Fire Questions & Closing Thoughts **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com **************** 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.
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| Make Your Life Happier: Small Habits for Big Joy with Gretchen Rubin (Ep 269) | 06 août 2025 | 01:05:28 | |
Happiness starts at home and Gretchen Rubin’s here to prove it. The 7x best-selling author joins Deanna Yates to explore the connection between clutter and happiness, building habits that stick, and how knowing your personality can help you create a home that supports your well-being. It’s a practical and uplifting conversation for anyone ready to live lighter and happier. **************** Resources Mentioned (some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you):
Connect with Gretchen Rubin Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on: **************** Your home holds the key to your happiness and 7x best-selling author, Gretchen Rubin, is here to show us why. In this episode, host Deanna Yates talks with happiness expert Gretchen Rubin for a down-to-earth conversation about how the things in our homes affect how we feel, think, and live. They dive into the deeper connection between outer order and inner calm, why it’s not about having a perfect home but a supportive one, and how to create better habits using your own personality type, not someone else’s system. You’ll also hear about Gretchen’s Secrets of Adulthood, her fresh take on small wins, sensory delight, emotional clutter, and her favorite tip for dealing with all the little things kids bring home. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your stuff or unsure where to start, this episode will help you rethink how to create a home that truly supports your happiness. 🎧 This episode will help you discover:
Time Stamps: 00:00 Welcome + Guest Overview 02:54 Gretchen shares what she’s currently learning about herself 04:38 How clutter influences happiness 08:47 Simple ways to create outer order 22:09 The Four Tendencies explained 31:49 Designing your space to support habits 33:00 Why convenience beats willpower 36:31 What are “Secrets of Adulthood”? 37:38 Emotional side of decluttering 46:48 Rediscovering joy in your quirks 56:54 Lightning round: habits, happiness, and favorite tips 59:29 Final takeaways + what to do next **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com **************** 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.
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| Is Clutter Harming Your Physical Health? [Pt 6 of the Empowering Life Series (Ep 268)] | 30 juil. 2025 | 00:33:09 | |
Clutter can do more than stress you out, it can damage your physical health. In this eye-opening episode of Wannabe Clutter Free, Deanna continues her Clutter F.R.E.E.D.O.M. series by focusing on Resilience, or how clutter impacts your physical health. You’ll learn how clutter increases your stress hormones, disrupts healthy habits, and even leads to hidden dangers like mold, pests, and poor air quality. Deanna shares a personal story of returning from a month-long trip to find mold in her closet—and how minimalism saved her time, energy, and sanity. Plus, she walks you through five practical ways to declutter your home so it actively supports your physical health and wellbeing. Whether it’s making your kitchen easier to cook in or clearing airflow zones to help with allergies, this episode delivers quick wins and long-term relief. In this episode, you’ll learn:
Challenge of the Week: Take 10 minutes to declutter one space that physically stresses you out. Notice how your body feels afterward. Resources Mentioned:
Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
Loved this episode? Share it with a friend or leave a review. Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss next week’s exciting guest: Gretchen Rubin! Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Upcoming Episode Teaser 00:55 Today's Topic: Clutter and Physical Health 04:24 The Impact of Clutter on Physical Health 10:19 Real-Life Story: Mold and Clutter 17:50 Five Practical Tips to Declutter for Better Physical Health 27:57 Conclusion and Next Week's Preview Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps me create more content to inspire and motivate you to live with less. Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
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| Tired of Clutter Piles? Discover the Easiest Way to Get Rid of Them (Ep 267) | 23 juil. 2025 | 00:34:02 | |
Tired of donation piles taking over your home? Are you guilty of stuff shifting? For years I would declutter, but then as the things would sit in a pile in the corner of the room or in our garage, they would often migrate back into our home. This created a vicious cycle of decluttering, second guessing, and re-cluttering. The problem was that sometimes getting the clutter out and to the donation center was more work than the act of decluttering. Then, I stumbled upon a simple low-effort, but high-impact way to get the clutter out without having to make multiple trips to the donation center or post each item for sale (or gift) online. I recently used this advice in my life again and not only was ie easy and successful, it brought our neighborhood together. If you’ve ever had donation piles that just move from one room to another, this one’s for you. You’ll learn:
**************** Links in this episode (some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you):
**************** Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:33 Personal Updates and Summer Routine 02:50 The Struggle of Decluttering 09:00 Introducing the Free Sale Concept 10:45 How to Host a Successful Free Sale 17:02 Expert Tips for a Smooth Free Sale 28:09 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps me create more content to inspire and motivate you to live with less.
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