ClutterBug - Organize, Clean and Transform your Home & Life

Ever feel like happiness is always just out of reach? This discussion dives into the concept of 'destination addiction' and the hedonic treadmill, revealing how we often chase goals but remain unsatisfied. Discover how social media and society contribute to this cycle of wanting more, and learn about the emotional highs and lows tied to major milestones. It's a refreshing reminder to slow down, appreciate the present, and find joy in the life you already have.

In this discussion, Dr. Ari Tuckman, a psychologist and leading expert on adult ADHD, reveals how ADHD can impact focus and self-esteem. He shares insights from his book, highlighting the connection between clutter and overwhelm. Dr. Tuckman debunks medication myths, emphasizing it's a helpful tool, but not a cure. He encourages listeners to celebrate small wins and cultivate self-compassion. Whether diagnosed or just feeling lost in adulthood, this conversation offers validation, laughter, and practical strategies for navigating life's challenges.

Courtney Carver, bestselling author of "Soulful Simplicity" and a key figure in the simplicity movement, discusses her transformative journey after an MS diagnosis. She emphasizes the importance of decluttering not only physical spaces but also our calendars and minds. Courtney shares strategies for simplifying life, including Project 333, which encourages a minimalist wardrobe. With insights on setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care, she inspires listeners to breathe easier and embrace a less overwhelming existence.

Have you ever torn your house apart looking for something that was exactly where it should have been? Or spent hours tidying, only to find the mess returned overnight? You’re not alone—and you’re not a failure. In this episode, I dive deep into the powerful science behind clutter and how it impacts your brain, your stress levels, and even your physical health. Discover how decluttering isn’t just about a Pinterest-perfect home—it’s about rewiring your brain for clarity, calm, and joy. You’ll learn: Why clutter overwhelms your brain and saps your energy How a tidy space can boost your focus, creativity, and sleep Simple, science-backed tricks to master motivation and beat decision fatigue How minimalism might be the mental freedom you’ve been craving So grab a trash bag, hit play, and let’s declutter together—because your sanity is worth it.   Show Notes & Links: Join the Take Your House Back Course (on sale now!) https://www.takeyourhouseback.com/courses/take-your-house-back?ref=5bbd37 All Day Declutter Event – May 3rd Be part of a community declutter day with real-time coaching and support from Cas, Dana, and Dawn.   Studies & Research Mentioned: Visual Clutter Affects Brain Function McMains & Kastner – Princeton Neuroscience Institute https://www.princeton.edu/news/2011/01/13/too-much-information-study-shows-overload-affects-brain-function Desk Clutter & Productivity Same Princeton lab study – desk simulation showed 20% faster performance in tidy spaces (See link above) Clutter and Chronic Procrastination Joseph Ferrari’s work on clutter and avoidance behavior https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Joseph-Ferrari Cortisol Levels in Cluttered Homes UCLA “No Place Like Home” study (Saxbe & Repetti, 2010) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20384438/ 15-Minute Tidy-Up and Anxiety Reduction Study by Our Mental Health (Nov 2024) https://www.ourmentalhealth.org Clean Desks Boost Accuracy & Creativity Colton Moulton (2015) – anecdotal reference, source not available Implementation Intentions Increase Follow-Through Gollwitzer & Sheeran (2006) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0065260106380050   Tools and Methods Mentioned: 20/20 Rule – The Minimalists https://www.theminimalists.com/clutter/ Pomodoro (20/10 Timer Method) https://francescocirillo.com/pages/pomodoro-technique Temptation Bundling – Katy Milkman https://behavioralscientist.org/how-to-make-temptation-work-for-you/   Tag me on social media (@clutterbug_me) and share your wins! Your progress might just inspire someone else to start closing the clutter tabs in their brain too.   #clutterbug #podcast #mondaymotivation #thepowerofdecluttering

Do you ever feel like you're drowning in stuff... but you still don’t know how to let it go? In this episode, I sit down with the lovely Julia Ubbenga from Rich In What Matters — a minimalist mama of five who transformed her entire life by decluttering not just her home, but her heart, soul, and mind. We dive deep into why we hold onto clutter, how consumerism traps us emotionally, and what it really means to live an intentional, clutter-free life. Julia’s story is powerful — from $40K in debt and postpartum depression to building a simpler, calmer, more joyful life (with five kids, no less!). If you’ve ever held onto something out of guilt, or felt like your stuff is managing you, this episode will hit home. ✨ We chat about: The emotional side of decluttering Breaking the “stuff = love” mindset Why you’re not failing — you’re just overwhelmed Simple mindset shifts to stop the buying cycle Decluttering as self-worth and self-care How to get started when it all feels like too much 🌿 Connect with Julia: → Blog: https://richinwhatmatters.com → Instagram: @richinwhatmatters → Grab her book "Declutter Your Soul, Heart & Home" wherever books are sold! 👇 What’s ONE item you’re finally ready to release? Let’s start there. Leave it in the comments — I’m cheering you on     You can find more Clutterbug content here: Website: http://www.clutterbug.me YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@clutterbug TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@clutterbug_me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clutterbug_me/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Clutterbug.Me/   #clutterbug #podcast #mondaymotivation #intentionalliving RichInWhatMatters  

What if the secret to feeling better isn’t therapy or self-help books—but simply moving a chair or clearing a counter? In this episode, Cas explores the surprising science behind how your physical environment directly affects your mood, motivation, and mental health. Learn how small, free changes to your space can trigger dopamine, reduce stress, and spark an upward spiral of positivity. From the power of beauty to the psychology of control, this episode is your permission slip to make things a little prettier—and feel a whole lot better. ✨ Because pretty isn’t shallow—it’s powerful.   You can find more Clutterbug content here: Website: http://www.clutterbug.me YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@clutterbug TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@clutterbug_me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clutterbug_me/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Clutterbug.Me/   #clutterbug #podcast #mondaymotivation  

Struggling with something? Great news—it's part of the journey to mastery! Embrace your challenges as opportunities for growth. Discover how resilience turns failures into fuel for success. Learn about designing systems that work for every day (even the tough ones), and how AI can be a helpful assistant in this process. Plus, find out why community support is essential for personal transformation. Get ready to step out of your comfort zone and unlock your true potential!

In this insightful conversation, KC Davis, author and therapist, shares her expertise on managing household tasks and emotional well-being. She discusses the importance of reframing chores as acts of self-care and explains executive functioning's role in daily life, especially for those with ADHD. KC offers practical strategies for creating sustainable routines, emphasizes the need for self-compassion, and shares guilt-free shortcuts for organizing and meal prep. Her refreshing perspective encourages embracing a 'messy living' approach for personal growth.

I'm on a mission to juggle a full-time job and three kids, while still finding time to indulge in the little pleasures—like cooking with fresh ingredients, arranging flowers, crafting and enjoying a slower pace. In this podcast episode, I’m sharing practical time-saving tips and honest insights on living more intentionally. If you’re craving extra hours in your day to focus on what really matters, join me and let’s uncover a more peaceful, purposeful life—together.   Thank you to Caraway for sponsoring today's podcast. Visit Carawayhome.com/clutterbug you can take an additional 10% off your next purchase. This deal is exclusive for our listeners, so visit Carawayhome.com/clutterbug or use code Clutterbug at checkout.      You can find more Clutterbug content here: Website: http://www.clutterbug.me YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@clutterbug TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@clutterbug_me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clutterbug_me/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Clutterbug.Me/   #clutterbug #podcast #mondaymotivation #mindsetshift

Struggling to stick to your goals? Discover how to make habits effortless and automatic without relying on willpower! Learn about habit stacking and the power of small, consistent actions for sustainable change. The podcast shares fun strategies like gamification to transform your daily routine. Embrace the idea that small steps can lead to big changes, proving that progress doesn't always require hard work. This insightful conversation emphasizes the joy in consistent habit formation!