Wannabe Clutter Free | Declutter, Simplify, Find Freedom

Decluttering can be made even more difficult when you are working through a big transition in life like becoming an empty nester or helping your aging parents downsize. Hear how one woman worked through both transitions at the same time. Links in this episode (may be affiliate links): Book: The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning Follow Jenifer on Instagram Follow Jennifer on Facebook Follow me on: Instagram Facebook Wannabe Minimalist Family Community Have you heard these myths about empty nest decluttering and transitioning to a new phase of life?Myth #1: You have to get rid of everything sentimental.Myth #2: You should declutter your entire home all at once.Myth #3: Transitioning to an empty nest means feeling lonely and lost.In this episode, our guest Jennifer Strohecker will debunk these myths and share the truth about decluttering and embracing a new phase of life as she has been through this life transition recently on her decluttering journey.In this episode, you will be able to: Grasp the art of decluttering once the children leave the nest, transitioning towards a simpler lifestyle. Learn compassionate strategies to help your elderly parents in their decluttering journey. Uncover the concept of Swedish Death Cleaning to ease the process of parting ways with sentimental items. Master the balance between practicality and sentimentality while organizing your house. Realize the value of embracing imperfection and authenticity for a more fulfilling life. My special guest today is Jennifer Strohecker:A former educator who took her talents for teaching and nurturing others from the classroom to the field of transformational coaching; Jennifer's journey of personal discovery led her to empowering women to redefine their lives post-retirement or once the children have flown the nest.She is a master of change, empowering women to live productive, joyful lives by giving them the tools to manage stress, shift their mindset, and create positive habits.**********Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com**********Subscribe & ReviewAre you subscribed to the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those.And if you enjoyed today’s episode, it would make my day if you left me a rating and review. You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts, a comment on Spotify Podcasts or Goodpods, or connect on guest video interviews on YouTube. Your review helps other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to read. Let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Routines are about identifying and aligning our daily activities with what truly matters. They help manage time effectively and reduce mental clutter by serving as a mental reminder for everyday tasks. Here’s how to create routines that work for you and your family.Links in this episode (may be affiliate links): Book: 168 Hours Blade Buddy Sign up for Free Doable Dozen Workshop Follow me on: Instagram Facebook Wannabe Minimalist Family Community Being a mom is quite the adventure, isn't it? It's this amazing journey where you're constantly juggling a million things at once, all while trying to keep some sense of order in your life. That's where Deanna Yates from the Wannabe Clutterfree podcast comes in! She's here to show us how routines can be our secret weapon in the crazy whirlwind of life.And you know what? As summer starts winding down and the school season kicks in across the USA, routines become even more important. They're like the guiding star that helps us find that perfect balance between relaxing and achieving our goals. So, let's dive into the magic of routines together! 🌟✨This episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast will help you discover: Why routines are important, especially for moms How routines create freedom in your life The 3 tasks I look for when creating routines 7 steps to creating a routine that works for you How to involve your family so they buy-in **********Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com**********Subscribe & ReviewAre you subscribed to the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those.And if you enjoyed today’s episode, it would make my day if you left me a rating and review. You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts, a comment on Spotify Podcasts or Goodpods, or connect on guest video interviews on YouTube. Your review helps other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to read. Let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The mental load is a term for the behind-the-scenes work involved in managing a household and family. My guest this week shares how to let it go using the Fair Play Method so you can thrive not just at home, but in every area of life too.Links in this episode: Book: Strong Women Lift Each Other Up Book: Fair Play Documentary: https://www.fairplaylife.com/documentary Valerie's Website: https://strideproductivity.com Valerie's Podcast: https://strideproductivity.com/schoolpickup/ Valerie's Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/strideproductivity Find more resources here: https://wannabeclutterfree.com/resources Follow me on: Instagram Facebook Wannabe Minimalist Family Community Do you feel bogged down with the overwhelming burden of the mental load that comes with motherhood? Is the invisible work of managing the home (and constant to-do list) making your relationships at home suffer?What if I told you there was a better way? One in which you didn't have to take it all on and just grin and bear it.It’s possible and my guest this week is here to show us how.As a productivity specialist, Valerie Recore, uses her background as a Certified Fair Play Method Facilitator to help moms gain a sense of control, spend more time with their families, and end their days feeling accomplished.With a background in mental health and corporate training, she’s ready to guide you toward a better relationship with time. If you’re ready to start feeling more peace a at the end of the day, she’s here to help.This episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast will help you discover: Ways to talk to your partner about housework Why all the tasks shouldn't automatically fall on mom How to divvy up tasks in a way that works for everyone A surprising way to make sure everyone gets a break Tips for getting your kids more involved too **********Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com**********Subscribe & ReviewAre you subscribed to the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those.And if you enjoyed today’s episode, it would make my day if you left me a rating and review. You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts, a comment on Spotify Podcasts or Goodpods, or connect on guest video interviews on YouTube. Your review helps other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to read. Let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Links mentioned in this episode (some may be affiliate links):Get more show notes and additional free resources at wannabeclutterfree.com/167Discover my favorite resources hereTidy Home Academy - Empowering you to declutter and organize so you can have the tidy, happy home you crave. Discover how implementing the right systems can get your home clean and keep it that way. Avalanche Declutter Challenge - Completely transform your home in just 30 days with this free challengeHappier at Home Guide - 5 simple steps you can take today to tidy up, take back your sanity, and thrive at home.Wannabe Minimalist Community - come join my private group filled with amazing people just like you who are on their journey toward minimalism and simplifying**********************Decluttering is not always an easy endeavor. In fact, it can force you to look within yourself and go deeper than just asking "Do I need this?" or "Does it bring joy?"It involves embracing honesty so you can get to the real heart of the matter.On today’s episode I’m pulling back the curtain in my life as I’m discussing being vulnerable with decluttering and how it can lead to more self acceptance and love—not always an easy thing for me.While it can be challenging because decluttering forces us to confront our fears, it can also empower us to nurture acceptance of our true self.By the end of this episode, my hope is that you will take a moment to reflect and see if you are being open in your life. When you’re open to that self acceptance you can get the results you actually want - not ones you think you want because you see others doing it that way, and not holding yourself back because you’re scared of what it would mean to really go after your dream.This episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast will help you discover: How clearing physical clutter can clear mental clutter Why embracing vulnerability starts with uncovering emotions The real reason we shouldn’t strive for perfection How social media plays into being vulnerable Tips for letting go of sentimental gifts from loved ones while still being kind **********************Music:Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.comHappy by MBB https://soundcloud.com/mbbofficial Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/Happy-MBB Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/g6swHZbWtRc **********************Subscribe & ReviewAre you subscribed to the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those.And if you enjoyed today’s episode, it would make my day if you left me a rating and review. You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts, a comment on Spotify Podcasts or Goodpods, or connect on guest video interviews on YouTube. Your review helps other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to read. Let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Links mentioned in this episode (some may be affiliate links):Get more show notes and additional free resources at wannabeclutterfree.com/166Discover my favorite resources hereTidy Home Academy - Empowering you to declutter and organize so you can have the tidy, happy home you crave. Discover how implementing the right systems can get your home clean and keep it that way. Avalanche Declutter Challenge - Completely transform your home in just 30 days with this free challengeHappier at Home Guide - 5 simple steps you can take today to tidy up, take back your sanity, and thrive at home.Wannabe Minimalist Community - come join my private group filled with amazing people just like you who are on their journey toward minimalism and simplifying**********************If you have kids, you know that they have their own ideas about everything. The same is true in our household and I wanted to get the true confessions from our daughter about what it’s like to declutter when your mom considers herself a minimalist.I was thrilled that she didn’t hold back and what I was hoping would be a 20 minute conversation turned into 45 minutes of thoughtful commentary.It was cool to get her ideas on what she would change about her room, how she feels about decluttering, what she regrets letting go of, if she’s jealous of friend’s things, and her advice for you too.Give it a listen because the perspective shift is enlightening and I think you’re going to get some tips you never expected.This episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast will help you discover: A kid’s view on decluttering How to help your kids declutter What you should never do when decluttering with kids Why timing is important for decluttering with kids Tips for handling your kids’ BIG attachments to things **********************Music:Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.comHappy by MBB https://soundcloud.com/mbbofficial Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/Happy-MBB Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/g6swHZbWtRc **********************Subscribe & ReviewAre you subscribed to the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those.And if you enjoyed today’s episode, it would make my day if you left me a rating and review. You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts, a comment on Spotify Podcasts or Goodpods, or connect on guest video interviews on YouTube. Your review helps other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to read. Let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Links mentioned in this episode (some may be affiliate links):Get more show notes and additional free resources at wannabeclutterfree.com/165Discover my favorite resources hereTidy Home Academy - Empowering you to declutter and organize so you can have the tidy, happy home you crave. Discover how implementing the right systems can get your home clean and keep it that way. Avalanche Declutter Challenge - Completely transform your home in just 30 days with this free challengeHappier at Home Guide - 5 simple steps you can take today to tidy up, take back your sanity, and thrive at home.Wannabe Minimalist Community - come join my private group filled with amazing people just like you who are on their journey toward minimalism and simplifying**********************It’s back to school time and one of the things that makes this time of year easier for my family is having really good routines in place.A good routine is like a really good navigation system. Yes, you still have to do the driving, but it takes much less brain power and you don't get lost along the way.But, it’s not as easy as just ripping off the bandaid and starting the routine back up on the first day of the new school year. There are steps that can help ease the transition from laid-back summer to school-mode for both you and your kids.That’s what I’m covering on this episode of the podcast so that you can be set up for success no matter where you’re starting from.This episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast will help you discover: The benefits of routines for kids Tips for starting (or re-starting) routines The 2 routines every home needs to stay sane Examples of routines that we use in our home Secrets for making routines sticky and more successful **********************Music:Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.comHappy by MBB https://soundcloud.com/mbbofficial Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/Happy-MBB Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/g6swHZbWtRc **********************Subscribe & ReviewAre you subscribed to the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those.And if you enjoyed today’s episode, it would make my day if you left me a rating and review. You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts, a comment on Spotify Podcasts or Goodpods, or connect on guest video interviews on YouTube. Your review helps other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to read. Let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Links mentioned in this episode (some may be affiliate links):Get more show notes and additional free resources at wannabeclutterfree.com/164Discover my favorite resources hereTidy Home Academy - Empowering you to declutter and organize so you can have the tidy, happy home you crave. Discover how implementing the right systems can get your home clean and keep it that way. Avalanche Declutter Challenge - Completely transform your home in just 30 days with this free challengeHappier at Home Guide - 5 simple steps you can take today to tidy up, take back your sanity, and thrive at home.Wannabe Minimalist Community - come join my private group filled with amazing people just like you who are on their journey toward minimalism and simplifying**********************What do you do when you become a minimalist, but you’re already married and your partner’s hesitant to declutter?That’s the issue my guest on the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast was facing in 2018 when she stumbled upon minimalism and wanted to change her life.What’s unfolded over the years since then has been eyeopening for both she and her husband and she’s sharing the good, the bad, and the in-between with us today.Suzanne Goulden has been a minimalist since 2018. She’s made many observations about creating a minimalist home. It’s a process and a journey.While recovering from non-functioning burnout, since 2021, Suzanne had to revaluate priorities and learn to make intentional lifestyle choices in order to prioritize self-care. Through her blog, her goal is to inspire people like you to live a simpler life and feel the stress fall away.This episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast will help you discover: A fun approach when decluttering with people who love stuff The 2 questions she asks when evaluating stuff How Suzanne solved the problem of her husband misplacing things What to do when you declutter something you discover you need Tips for starting your decluttering and minimizing journey **********************Music:Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.comHappy by MBB https://soundcloud.com/mbbofficial Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/Happy-MBB Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/g6swHZbWtRc **********************Subscribe & ReviewAre you subscribed to the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those.And if you enjoyed today’s episode, it would make my day if you left me a rating and review. You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts, a comment on Spotify Podcasts or Goodpods, or connect on guest video interviews on YouTube. Your review helps other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to read. Let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Links mentioned in this episode (some may be affiliate links):Get more show notes and additional free resources at wannabeclutterfree.com/163Discover my favorite resources hereTidy Home Academy - Empowering you to declutter and organize so you can have the tidy, happy home you crave. Discover how implementing the right systems can get your home clean and keep it that way. Avalanche Declutter Challenge - Completely transform your home in just 30 days with this free challengeHappier at Home Guide - 5 simple steps you can take today to tidy up, take back your sanity, and thrive at home.Wannabe Minimalist Community - come join my private group filled with amazing people just like you who are on their journey toward minimalism and simplifying**********************If you struggle with decluttering and organizing, the thing you just might need is a fresh start.A fresh start is any milestone or significant event that marks a new beginning or a potential change in your life.Why are these fresh start dates so powerful for decluttering? Well, they give us a chance to reflect on where we are and where we want to be.They act as a natural reset button, encouraging us to let go of things that we may not have even noticed and make room for space to breathe. It’s not about getting rid of stuff for the sake of making room for the newest trends. It’s about creating space for the person you want to be, the home you want to create, and the life you want to be living.Fresh starts allow us to let go of the shackles of the past and move forward (maybe not confidently), but bravely.Plus, when you're a busy parent, having a decluttered home can make a world of difference in reducing stress and creating a more peaceful environment for you and your family so it’s worth giving fresh starts a try.This episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast will help you discover: 5+ fresh start dates that can improve your decluttering How to avoid the pitfalls of starting fresh The difference between calendar and event-based fresh start dates Why fresh start dates work well for kids Tips for handling unexpected fresh starts **********************Music:Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.comHappy by MBB https://soundcloud.com/mbbofficial Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/Happy-MBB Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/g6swHZbWtRc **********************Subscribe & ReviewAre you subscribed to the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those.And if you enjoyed today’s episode, it would make my day if you left me a rating and review. You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts, a comment on Spotify Podcasts or Goodpods, or connect on guest video interviews on YouTube. Your review helps other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to read. Let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Links mentioned in this episode (some may be affiliate links):Get more show notes and additional free resources at wannabeclutterfree.com/162Discover my favorite resources hereTidy Home Academy - Empowering you to declutter and organize so you can have the tidy, happy home you crave. Discover how implementing the right systems can get your home clean and keep it that way. Avalanche Declutter Challenge - Completely transform your home in just 30 days with this free challengeHappier at Home Guide - 5 simple steps you can take today to tidy up, take back your sanity, and thrive at home.Wannabe Minimalist Community - come join my private group filled with amazing people just like you who are on their journey toward minimalism and simplifying**********************Have you heard the saying that happiness is a choice? Well, when the pandemic hit in 2020 that’s what one mama in California decided to test it out.Instead of focusing on all the negative that was happening in the world, she started to document the little joys and happy moments of family life.It’s lead her on a journey she never expected to be on and she is here to share the experience with us.Amy Nesbitt is a full time, corporate world working mama to two boys in Silicon Valley. She is a forever learner passionate about wellness for herself, her family, and helping other mamas find wholeness in their life.You can find her spreading the joy for accessible Japanese cooking and culture on her Youtube "This Japanese American Life" or her food Instagram "AmyNsEats" because you have to enjoy the ordinary moments!This episode of the Wannabe Minimalist Show will also help you discover: What it means to choose joy How we can add more joy to our busy lives Tips for including your kids (and fun!) in your daily tasks Why kids toys on the floor are not always clutter All about a free summit (I’m speaking too!) that Amy is hosting to help busy moms reconnect with themselves **********************Music:Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.comHappy by MBB https://soundcloud.com/mbbofficial Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/Happy-MBB Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/g6swHZbWtRc **********************Subscribe & ReviewAre you subscribed to the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those.And if you enjoyed today’s episode, it would make my day if you left me a rating and review. You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts, a comment on Spotify Podcasts or Goodpods, or connect on guest video interviews on YouTube. Your review helps other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to read. Let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Links mentioned in this episode (some may be affiliate links):Get more show notes and additional free resources at wannabeclutterfree.com/161Discover my favorite resources hereTidy Home Academy - Empowering you to declutter and organize so you can have the tidy, happy home you crave. Discover how implementing the right systems can get your home clean and keep it that way. Avalanche Declutter Challenge - Completely transform your home in just 30 days with this free challengeHappier at Home Guide - 5 simple steps you can take today to tidy up, take back your sanity, and thrive at home.Wannabe Minimalist Community - come join my private group filled with amazing people just like you who are on their journey toward minimalism and simplifying**********************Do you struggle to declutter with your partner? Maybe they don't think your home is cluttered, or they like to shop, or what I hear most often is they have a lot of hobbies that you never see them do so you’re not sure why they want to keep all that stuff.What is one to do when you want to live in a clutter free home and your partner is not on the same page?Thankfully, my guest this week on Wannabe Clutter Free is well versed in helping people communicate with their partners through the trials and tribulations of marriage and parenthood.Michelle Purta is a mom of 3, marriage coach and host of The Marriage & Motherhood Podcast. She helps parents feel like a couple again by teaching them how to manage conflict together and make their relationship a priority while raising kids.After experiencing her own relationship struggles and becoming a mom, she noticed how challenging parenthood was on marriage and how many issues couples were facing that were completely fixable. Now she's on a mission to help parents realize that they don't have to choose between being a good parent or a good partner, because they can be both!This episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast will also help you discover: How to broach tough conversations Where you should start when asking a partner to declutter What you can do when you have generous family members Ideas for how to talk about decluttering Practical ways to rally your family toward a goal **********************Music:Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.comHappy by MBB https://soundcloud.com/mbbofficial Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/Happy-MBB Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/g6swHZbWtRc **********************Subscribe & ReviewAre you subscribed to the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those.And if you enjoyed today’s episode, it would make my day if you left me a rating and review. You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts, a comment on Spotify Podcasts or Goodpods, or connect on guest video interviews on YouTube. Your review helps other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to read. Let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices