Wannabe Clutter Free | Declutter, Organize, Calm the Chaos

Deanna Yates | Professional Organizer, Decluttering Coach, Wannabe Minimalist
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Ready to stop the overwhelm and start enjoying your life more? This podcast will help you declutter the piles of stuff, organize the things you want to keep, and learn to let go of the rest with positive mindsets and encouragement. As a busy mom who's been there, done that, I share stories of the crazy - like selling 80% of what we owned to travel with our toddler to the mundane - like having to run a home now that our kiddo's in school. Living with less is not about deprivation - just the opposite! Decluttering can open you up for a life of freedom you never knew was possible. And you won’t hear it just from me - there are amazing guests too! It’s practical, doable, and simple for those of us that wannabe clutter free.

  1. Make Your Life Happier: Small Habits for Big Joy with Gretchen Rubin

    1 DAY AGO

    Make Your Life Happier: Small Habits for Big Joy with Gretchen Rubin

    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): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get my children's book: Lenora and Her Super Duper Messy Room⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get all the links and resources at wannabeclutterfree.com/266⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Gretchen Rubin ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Gretchen’s Website⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Podcast⁠ Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ **************** 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: Why small shifts can have a big impact on your joy The link between clutter, clarity, and calm How to design habits that stick (based on your personality) Simple ways to make decluttering more doable How rediscovering yourself helps you create a space that feels like home 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 4m
  2. Is Clutter Harming Your Physical Health?

    30 JUL

    Is Clutter Harming Your Physical Health?

    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: Why clutter raises your cortisol levels (and what to do about it) How to avoid tripping hazards and health risks in your home The link between clutter and poor air quality What happened when Deanna came home to mold (and how she fixed it) 5 actionable ways to declutter for better physical health Why a 10-minute daily decluttering habit can do more than a weekend binge Challenge of the Week: Take 10 minutes to declutter one space that physically stresses you out. Notice how your body feels afterward. Resources Mentioned: Burnout by Emily Nagoski Dehumidifier Bags Full show notes: wannabeclutterfree.com/268 Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wannabeclutterfree/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wannabeclutterfree/ All Podcast Episodes: https://wannabeclutterfree.com/podcast Join the Wannabe Minimalist Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wannabeminimalist 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    32 min
  3. Tired of Clutter Piles? Discover the Easiest Way to Get Rid of Them

    23 JUL

    Tired of Clutter Piles? Discover the Easiest Way to Get Rid of Them

    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: Why donation piles often stay stuck for months (or years!) How Free Sales make decluttering easier and faster Simple steps to host one—even with minimal time and effort Pro tips to make it fun, successful, and stress-free How Deanna used a Free Sale to get rid of 75+ items in one weekend! **************** Links in this episode (some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you): Follow me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@wannabeclutterfree⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Full show notes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wannabeclutterfree.com/267⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Check out my favorite resources⁠ **************** 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    33 min
  4. Clutter Free Confidence: How to Trust Your Decisions without Overthinking with Todd Smith

    16 JUL

    Clutter Free Confidence: How to Trust Your Decisions without Overthinking with Todd Smith

    Feeling stuck between what feels right and what others expect? In this episode, Deanna and Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) expert Todd Smith explore how clutter fuels overthinking and how to build clutter-free confidence by trusting your intuition. Learn how to simplify decisions and let go of guilt for good. **************** Resources Mentioned (some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get my children's book: Lenora and Her Super Duper Messy Room⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get all the links and resources at wannabeclutterfree.com/266⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Todd Smith ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Todd’s Website⁠⁠ Podcast Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ **************** In this episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast, host Deanna Yates is joined by Todd Smith, creator of the top-ranked podcast Stress Management for Highly Sensitive People. Together, they dive into what it means to live as a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) in a world that often feels too loud, too fast, and too demanding. Todd shares how learning to trust his intuition helped him break free from emotional clutter and chronic stress, and how HSPs (and sensitive moms especially) can do the same. They explore how physical clutter mirrors mental overload, how guilt and external pressure can cloud your judgment, and why tuning into your inner voice is the real key to clarity. Whether you’re deeply sensitive or simply stuck in a cycle of overthinking and overwhelm, this conversation will help you clear space for confident, clutter-free decision-making. 🎧 This episode will help you discover: What it really means to be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) How physical and emotional clutter impacts your ability to make aligned decisions How to tell the difference between intuition and overthinking Why family expectations and social pressure can block your clarity Simple practices to declutter your mind and create more emotional space Time Stamps: 00:00 – Introduction and Episode Overview 00:24 – Meet Todd Smith: Helping Highly Sensitive People 02:56 – Understanding Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) 06:32 – The Work of Byron Katie: Managing Stress 12:55 – Decluttering and Emotional Attachment 19:15 – Dealing with Family and Social Pressure 24:31 – Trusting Your Intuition 25:25 – Intuition vs. Overthinking 26:42 – How Environment Shapes Sensitivity 28:45 – Cultural Perceptions of HSPs 30:54 – Sensitivity as an Evolutionary Advantage 31:36 – How to Hear Your Inner Voice 35:24 – Letting Go of the Need for “Perfect” Decisions 37:39 – The 3 Secrets for Highly Sensitive People 42:22 – Rapid Fire Questions + Final 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    51 min
  5. Clutter is Not Sexy: Why a Messy Home Impacts Your Love Life

    9 JUL

    Clutter is Not Sexy: Why a Messy Home Impacts Your Love Life

    If your bedroom feels more chaotic than cozy, clutter might be sabotaging your relationship. Links in this episode (some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you): Follow me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@wannabeclutterfree⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Full show notes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wannabeclutterfree.com/265 ⁠Check out my favorite resources **************** In this episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast, host Deanna Yates shares how the physical clutter in your home can quietly build resentment, reduce intimacy, and increase arguments with your partner. Backed by research (including a stat that 40% of couples argue over clutter!), this episode explores the emotional and mental load clutter creates—and how to fix it. You’ll learn: ✅ Why clutter causes stress in romantic relationships ✅ How to declutter your bedroom to rekindle connection ✅ The power of a “Couples Corner” and how to create one ✅ A simple weekly ritual to improve communication and teamwork Whether you’re married, partnered, or in a long-term relationship, these practical tips will help you clear the physical and emotional mess that’s standing between you and the connection you crave. If you’ve been feeling scattered, foggy, or stretched too thin, this episode will help you clear the noise (both around you and within you). Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 01:27 Clutter’s Impact on Romantic Relationships 01:57 The Clutter F.R.E.E.D.O.M. Method Explained 03:14 Why Clutter Causes Relationship Stress 04:32 Shocking Stats & Psychological Insights 08:19 Gender Differences & the Mental Load 14:51 Creating a Peaceful Bedroom Retreat 18:15 Establishing a Couple’s Corner 21:19 Clutter-Free Communication Ritual 24:01 Final Thoughts and Action Steps 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    29 min
  6. Decluttering the Mental Load: Creating a More Balanced Home Life with Paige Connell

    2 JUL

    Decluttering the Mental Load: Creating a More Balanced Home Life with Paige Connell

    Struggling under the weight of doing it all? In this episode, Deanna is joined by Paige Connell—a working mom of four—to talk about decluttering the mental load. They dive into invisible labor, the pressure modern moms face, and how to create more balance at home through honest conversations and shared responsibility. **************** Resources Mentioned (some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you): ⁠⁠⁠⁠Get my children's book: Lenora and Her Super Duper Messy Room⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get all the links and resources at wannabeclutterfree.com/264⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Paige Connell ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paige’s Website⁠ Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ **************** In this episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast, Deanna Yates is joined by Paige Connell—a working mom of four and a powerful voice for moms navigating the mental load of motherhood. Together, they unpack the invisible labor so many women carry: remembering appointments, managing the household, keeping the family running… and somehow staying sane through it all. Paige brings honesty, humor, and a big dose of validation as she shares her own experiences and the collective wisdom of the community she’s built on Instagram and TikTok. This isn’t about doing more—it’s about letting go of the idea that you have to do it all. If you’re feeling burned out from being the default parent, struggling to find balance at home, or wondering how to have more equitable conversations with your partner—this episode is for you. We talk about real-life strategies to simplify your mental load, how to advocate for change inside and outside the home, and why asking for help is a radical (and necessary) act of self-care. In this episode, you’ll learn: What the mental load looks like in everyday life—and why it’s so draining How to talk with your partner about sharing the load without starting a fight Simple ways to create more connection, peace, and partnership at home Why building a support system is essential (not selfish) How even small shifts can declutter the overwhelm and help you breathe easier Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:51 Starting the Conversation with Paige Connell 03:14 Balancing Motherhood and Career 04:26 Addressing Societal Expectations and Double Standards 08:42 Equity in Household Responsibilities 14:22 Common Misconceptions About Working Moms 20:04 Starting Conversations at Home 26:50 Addressing Defensiveness in Conversations 28:55 Understanding Societal Pressures on Partners 31:09 Navigating Parenting and Mental Load 35:50 Building Community and Support Systems 36:50 Advocating for Family-Friendly Work Policies 43:05 Practical Tips for Sharing Responsibilities 46:13 Conclusion and Final 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    55 min
  7. Clearing Clutter to Reignite Your Creativity with Ashlee Gadd

    25 JUN

    Clearing Clutter to Reignite Your Creativity with Ashlee Gadd

    In this episode, Deanna discusses the importance clearing clutter in order to fully embrace creativity during the messy, beautiful seasons of motherhood. She’s joined by Ashlee Gadd, author of Create Anyway, to explore how moms can embrace their creative passions without guilt, set healthy boundaries with social media, and find fulfillment in the margins of daily life. **************** Resources Mentioned (some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you): ⁠⁠⁠Get my children's book: Lenora and Her Super Duper Messy Room⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Get all the links and resources at wannabeclutterfree.com/261⁠⁠ Connect with Ashlee Gadd ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Ashlee’s Website Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ **************** In this inspiring episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast, Deanna Yates is joined by Ashlee Gadd, a writer, photographer, founder of Coffee + Crumbs, and author of Create Anyway: The Joy of Pursuing Creativity in the Margins of Motherhood. If you’ve ever felt like motherhood and creativity were at odds, or if your creative spark has been buried under laundry piles and mental to-do lists, this conversation is for you. Ashlee and Deanna dive into what it really means to be a creative mom, why making space for your own passions isn’t selfish, and how to clear the mental clutter that holds so many of us back from pursuing the things we love. We talk about mom guilt, social media pressure, carving out time in small pockets, and showing up imperfectly, but consistently, for yourself. If you’ve been craving a little more beauty, expression, or joy in your everyday life, this episode will feel like a deep exhale and a warm reminder: you don’t have to wait for the perfect time to create…you get to start now. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why creativity is essential (not a luxury) in motherhood How to navigate social media without getting lost in comparison Simple mindset shifts to clear mental clutter and unlock creativity What it means to create in the margins of your day (and why that’s enough) Gentle encouragement to show up imperfectly and create anyway Time Stamps: 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 01:41 Meet Ashley Gadd 02:39 The Power of 'Create Anyway' 04:22 Navigating Social Media and Creativity 08:43 Evolving Creative Work Through Motherhood 12:33 Embracing Creativity in Everyday Life 16:58 Everyone is Creative 19:14 The Ongoing Journey of Creativity 21:10 Embracing Imperfection in Life 21:31 Clearing Mental Clutter for Creativity 24:34 The Importance of Curating Your Inputs 27:04 Balancing Motherhood and Creativity 29:43 Staying Motivated and Consistent 31:22 Practical Tips for Creativity 34:50 Encouragement for Moms 36:13 Final Thoughts and Resources 36:58 Rapid Fire Questions and Wrap-Up **************** 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    44 min
  8. Clear Space, Calm Mind: Decluttering for Better Mental Health (Ep 262)

    18 JUN

    Clear Space, Calm Mind: Decluttering for Better Mental Health (Ep 262)

    Links in this episode (some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you): ⁠⁠Lenora and Her Super Duper Messy Room – Get the book on Amazon⁠⁠ Follow me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@wannabeclutterfree⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the ⁠⁠⁠Wannabe Minimalist Family Facebook Group⁠⁠⁠ Full show notes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠wannabeclutterfree.com/262⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ **************** Does your home feel chaotic and overwhelming? Does your brain feel the same? You’re not imagining it.  In this episode, Deanna Yates explores how physical clutter contributes to mental overload, stress, and burnout, especially for high-achieving, modern moms who feel like they “should” be able to handle it all. This episode is part of the Find Your Number series within the Clutter F.R.E.E.D.O.M. Method, and today’s focus is your Inner World (Mental Health). You’ll discover how clutter impacts your cortisol levels, creates guilt and shame cycles, and weighs down your emotional bandwidth. But most importantly, Deanna offers actionable, compassionate strategies to help you: Understand the hidden toll of mental clutter Break free from the “should” cycle of perfectionism Reduce overwhelm with simple, doable steps Shift your environment to support your peace of mind Reframe decluttering as self-care, not punishment If you’ve been feeling scattered, foggy, or stretched too thin, this episode will help you clear the noise (both around you and within you). Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:23 The Impact of Clutter on Mental Health 01:02 Mental Health and High Achieving Moms 02:35 The Science Behind Clutter and Stress 05:25 Personal Story and Reframing Tools 07:24 Identifying and Addressing Mental Clutter 11:03 Practical Steps to Declutter Your Space 15:12 Mind Sweep and Parking Lot Techniques 19:42 Final Thoughts and Encouragement 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    26 min
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About

Ready to stop the overwhelm and start enjoying your life more? This podcast will help you declutter the piles of stuff, organize the things you want to keep, and learn to let go of the rest with positive mindsets and encouragement. As a busy mom who's been there, done that, I share stories of the crazy - like selling 80% of what we owned to travel with our toddler to the mundane - like having to run a home now that our kiddo's in school. Living with less is not about deprivation - just the opposite! Decluttering can open you up for a life of freedom you never knew was possible. And you won’t hear it just from me - there are amazing guests too! It’s practical, doable, and simple for those of us that wannabe clutter free.

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