The Clutter Conversations

Katie Hoschouer
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A podcast for anyone who has ever dealt with clutter, personally or professionally.

Episodes

  1. 20/09/2024

    Tackling Phone Distractions and Mental Clutter with Angie Hyche

    Send us a text Discover the secrets to decluttering your life, both physically and mentally, with Angie Hyche, an author, speaker, podcaster, and certified professional organizer. Join us as Angie opens up about her journey from organizing client homes to focusing on writing and podcasting, sharing her profound insights on clutter that extend well beyond just physical items. Angie emphasizes the often-overlooked aspects of mental and schedule clutter, guiding us on how to identify and manage "attention clutter" to help prioritize what truly matters. We explore the love-hate relationship many of us have with our smartphones and their pervasive impact on our mental clarity and personal relationships. Uncover startling statistics about phone usage and learn about "phubbing," the act of snubbing someone with your phone. Angie offers practical tips like using airplane mode or focus settings to foster better connections and reduce mental distractions. By being mindful of our phone habits, we can significantly enhance our attention spans and improve our interactions with others. Lastly, Angie shares her expertise on maximizing productivity through trusted systems. Drawing inspiration from David Allen's "open loops" idea, we discuss the benefits of using reminder apps, digital calendars, and brain dumps to manage our mental load effectively. Hear personal anecdotes and strategies for staying organized, even for those with ADHD, to regain control and focus on the present. Whether overwhelmed by physical clutter, mental distractions, or an overloaded schedule, Angie's practical advice offers valuable lessons to help you prioritize and simplify your life. For more information or to schedule a FREE consult call with Katie, be sure to check out KCH Organizers!

    42 min

  2. 06/09/2024

    Transforming Challenges into Growth: Navigating Personal and Financial Decisions

    Send us a text Ever wondered how to wrangle those chaotic days into a well-ordered timeline? Let Katie Hoschouer guide you through her practical and effective time management techniques, using simple phone alarms and timers. Katie's methodical approach can help you maximize productivity and keep you on track, no matter how hectic your schedule gets. Discover how being conscious of your time can transform your daily routine into a more controlled and efficient system. When is it time to say goodbye to your old wheels? We share our family's journey through the emotional and financial decisions involved in replacing our aging SUVs. With our daughter Faith heading off to college, the debate over keeping the family’s 2012 VW Passat or investing in a new vehicle brought to light the practical and sentimental values we attach to our cars. From the struggle of maintaining a professional image to the satisfaction of making an old car work for us, we discuss how these choices reflect personal growth and the importance of decluttering negative attitudes. Ever felt stuck or unmotivated? Find out how to break through those barriers with actionable advice on self-motivation and accountability. We exchange humorous stories, like our robot vacuum Miriam's unexpected adventures, and share tips on how a supportive community can enhance your personal journey. Learn about the power of mindset shifts, the Pomodoro technique, and why building a consistent routine can make all the difference. Plus, join our Clutter Conversations Facebook community for ongoing support and encouragement. For more information or to schedule a FREE consult call with Katie, be sure to check out KCH Organizers!

    38 min

  3. 15/08/2024

    Navigating College Prep: Embracing Change and Streamlining Life

    Send us a text Preparing to send our oldest child off to college has thrown us into a whirlwind of emotions and logistical challenges. Jason and I open up about our personal journey through this major transition, sharing both the heartwarming and the hectic moments. You’ll hear firsthand how we’ve tackled packing, organizing, and setting realistic goals, including our decision to shift the podcast to an every-other-week schedule to better manage our time and stress. Our Sunday routine has become a cornerstone in managing the chaos of everyday life. We dive into how dedicating this day to household chores and planning for the week helps us stay ahead of car troubles, financial hiccups, and even unexpected rodent guests. Balancing work with leisure, we emphasize a proactive mindset and the strength of teamwork in keeping our home running smoothly and harmoniously. For those with ADHD tendencies—or anyone seeking to streamline their life—we share practical strategies that have revolutionized our routines. From designating specific spots for essential items to the lifesaving convenience of grocery delivery services, you'll find tips that make home organization and shopping more manageable. We also explore our "app" strategy: assess, plan, and partner up, showing how prioritizing tasks and leveraging community support can make life’s complexities more manageable. Don't miss out on joining the conversation in our "Clutter Conversations" group on Facebook, or reach out via email for more tips and support. For more information or to schedule a FREE consult call with Katie, be sure to check out KCH Organizers!

    42 min

  4. 02/08/2024

    Mastering School Mornings: Building Independence Through Routine

    Send us a text How can you transform chaotic school mornings into a serene start to the day? Join us on this heartwarming episode of Clutter Conversations, where my youngest child, Lydia, an eighth-grader, and I unravel the secrets behind effective morning routines. Lydia offers a candid glimpse into her morning, relying on both my 6:30 AM wake-up calls and her trusty Alexa device. We stress the importance of kids taking charge of their mornings gradually, helping parents ease their children into self-sufficient habits that build over time. As we gear up for a new school year and my middle kid’s earlier start time, the episode delves into how established morning rituals can make all the difference. From the importance of early wake-ups, enjoying a peaceful coffee, and pet care to getting ready efficiently, we cover it all. Lydia and I also discuss the intricacies of managing schoolwork, preparing backpacks, and handling unexpected tech issues like a faulty laptop charger. We reflect on how diligent study habits, older siblings, and homeschooling have positively shaped academic discipline. The episode wraps up with a powerful discussion on fostering independence from a young age. Lydia shares how gaining responsibility has made her more efficient over the years. We explore the challenges she faced in her younger years and how those experiences contributed to her growth. By nurturing these skills early, we aim to pave the way for a more prepared and self-reliant future for our children. Listen in for practical tips, heartfelt reflections, and inspiring moments that will motivate both parents and kids to embrace a smoother start to their day. For more information or to schedule a FREE consult call with Katie, be sure to check out KCH Organizers!

    35 min

  5. 19/07/2024

    Conquering Your To-Do List: Practical Strategies for Tackling Small Projects and Errands

    Send us a text Are you tired of perpetually cluttered to-do lists that never seem to shrink? Listen to our latest episode of Clutter Conversations and unlock the secrets to conquering those annoying small tasks and projects. From dealing with a broken suitcase that’s been collecting dust to integrating less appealing chores into your daily routine, we discuss actionable strategies for breaking down tasks into manageable steps and finding the perfect spots to store project-related items. Discover the power of phone alerts, strategic item placement, and making tasks convenient enough to overcome procrastination. In this episode, we delve into the profound impact that small tasks can have on your overall productivity. Learn about the art of habit stacking and how to seamlessly blend less exciting tasks into your existing habits. We also cover the importance of maintaining a consistent routine and efficiently managing to-do lists by prioritizing top tasks and allowing flexibility with your expectations. Finally, we encourage you to join the Clutter Conversations Facebook group, where you can share your success stories and challenges, and even have your experiences featured in future episodes. Tune in to transform your approach to task management and reclaim control over your to-do list! For more information or to schedule a FREE consult call with Katie, be sure to check out KCH Organizers!

    21 min

  6. 05/07/2024

    Understanding Chronic Disorganization: Strategies for a Stress-Free, Organized Life

    Send us a text What if your clutter is more than just a mess? What if it's a chronic issue affecting your well-being and relationships? Join us on the Clutter Conversation podcast as we unpack the complexities of chronic disorganization (CD). With insights from the Institute of Challenging Disorganization, we distinguish CD from occasional clutter—and from hoarding—by highlighting its persistent nature, history of failed organizing attempts, and the overwhelming feelings it brings. Personal anecdotes bring these concepts to life, setting the stage for deeper discussions in future episodes. Ever found your spoons in your kids' rooms? You're not alone! Keeping an organized household, especially with children, can be both amusing and exhausting. We tackle the humorous yet frustrating saga of missing silverware and explore how personalized organizational systems can make a difference. Drawing on advice from home care guru, the Fly Lady, we talk about the importance of daily routines and maintaining a clean sink. We also touch on the emotional toll of trying to stay organized, particularly when mental health and personal circumstances come into play. Thinking of seeking professional help for chronic disorganization? We've got you covered. Learn about resources like the Institute for Challenging Disorganization and their Clutter Hoarding Scale. Discover practical strategies for breaking down large projects and the critical role of maintaining routines, even when faced with challenges like chronic pain. We emphasize the value of involving family members in these efforts, ensuring long-term success. Finally, we wrap up on a lighter note by celebrating Jason's triumph in organizing the barbecue drawer, coupled with our playful debate about who did more work, adding a dash of humor to our collaborative journey. Don't miss out—subscribe and stay tuned for more insights on achieving a stress-free, organized life! Resources Conquering Chronic Disorganization by Judith Kolberg (https://amzn.to/4eRBA6E) Making the SHiFT: True stories of how people affected by chronic disorganization learn to live a deserving life by Jen Cazeras, CPO-CD (https://amzn.to/3xKy64W) I’m Right Here: 10 ways to get help for hoarding and chronic disorganization by Jill B. Yesko (https://amzn.to/4bugXKQ) For more information or to schedule a FREE consult call with Katie, be sure to check out KCH Organizers!

    36 min

  7. 28/06/2024

    Achieving Quick Wins in Home Organization: Practical Tips and Real-Life Stories

    Send us a text Ever feel like your home organization projects are endless and overwhelming? What if we told you that you could achieve significant progress with just a few simple steps? In this episode of Clutter Conversations, we focus on achieving quick wins in home organization without the need for large-scale overhauls. By aligning your vision with reality through a practical four-step process, we show you how to tackle smaller, manageable projects—like organizing your Tupperware and food storage containers—to gain a gratifying sense of accomplishment in a short amount of time. Join us as we share a humorous and relatable discussion about the common struggle of missing container lids, complete with a funny anecdote involving a soap mishap in a teen's room. We transition to practical tips on preparing to purchase new food storage containers and the benefits of breaking down large household projects into smaller, more manageable tasks. Listen in as Jason recounts his experience with reorganizing a single drawer, and Katie emphasizes the importance of personalizing spaces to suit your needs. This episode is packed with practical advice and real-life stories that will inspire you to make functional and well-organized changes to your home environment. For more information or to schedule a FREE consult call with Katie, be sure to check out KCH Organizers!

    36 min

  8. 21/06/2024

    Life Done Simply: Aimee Olsen's Journey to Minimalism

    Send us a text What if the stuff you own ends up owning you? Join us on the Clutter Conversation as we chat with Aimee Olsen from Life Done Simply, who shares her remarkable journey from a high-flying career to minimalist living in a cozy 180-square-foot RV. Aimee’s transition from a 1,400-square-foot condo to a minimalist RV lifestyle brings to light the concept of right-sizing—aligning your life with your personal values rather than a fixed number of possessions. Aimee provides a step-by-step guide on decluttering not just your space, but also your time and commitments, emphasizing the importance of annual purges to maintain alignment with your goals. We dive into the nitty-gritty of minimalist living on the road, discussing everything from resisting marketing temptations to the emotional challenges of letting go of impractical items—like an now-infamous waffle maker. We explore how quality and functionality should always trump sheer quantity, especially when living in a confined space. Tune in to hear personal anecdotes and practical tips on off-grid living, solar power setups, and clever storage solutions that make life simpler and more joyful. In our final segment, we explore the balance between owning possessions and not letting them own you. Discover Aimee’s favorite travel destinations, the challenges of full-time travel, and how to set up those perfect campfires. We also offer advice for families looking to align their possessions with their values and manage the sentimental aspects of game collections. Join us for an enriching conversation that not only highlights the joys and challenges of simplifying life but also offers practical tips for anyone considering a minimalist lifestyle. For more information or to schedule a FREE consult call with Katie, be sure to check out KCH Organizers!

    41 min

  9. 14/06/2024

    Welcome to the Clutter Conversations

    Send us a text Have you ever wondered what it takes to transform a cluttered space into an organized oasis? Join me, Katie, as I celebrate a decade of helping people conquer their chaos in our very first episode of "Clutter Conversations"! Along with my husband and producer, Jason, we set the stage for an engaging series filled with real-life stories and expert advice to help you reclaim your space and peace of mind.  In this inaugural episode, I'll share the pivotal moment in 2014 that launched my organizing career and offer a sneak peek into the exciting interviews we have lined up. We will discuss our experience of paying off nearly $78,000 in debt (in just over 2 years, on one income, in the San Francisco Bay Area). We also briefly take a peek at one of the many services offered by LCH Organizers, Student Success Strategies.  Within the realm of The Clutter Conversations, you can anticipate  Learning the different pathways to organization, whether you lean towards minimalism or maximalism.Understanding that beautiful spaces can also be functional and teaching organizational skills is more impactful than just cleaning up. We will discuss Marie Kondo’s evolving approach and how no one solution fits everyone. Learning to live the principle of not letting your belongings control you. Learn about the WIDE variety of specialties found in the Professional Organizing industry and resources to find someone that fits you and your needs. Stay tuned for future episodes filled with more insights and interactive discussions. Your feedback is invaluable, and I can't wait to hear from you as we embark on this clutter-busting adventure together! For more information or to schedule a FREE consult call with Katie, be sure to check out KCH Organizers!

    35 min

  10. 13/06/2024

    From Retail to Leadership: Hadiyah Alexander's Inspiring Journey with NAPO

    Send us a text Ever wondered how someone transitions from a retail job at the Container Store to leading a state-wide chapter of a national organization? Meet Hadiyah Alexander, the newly appointed president of the Arizona chapter of NAPO, as she takes us through her incredible journey on Clutter Conversations. From her humble beginnings to becoming a professional organizer and entrepreneur, Hadiyah shares her fascinating experiences with Home Sweet Home—where she helps tech professionals declutter before big moves. Learn how she manages her whirlwind schedule, balancing her bustling business with her new leadership role. Hadiyah’s story is not just about professional growth; it’s about breaking barriers and finding inner strength. As the first Black president of NAPO's Arizona chapter, she openly discusses the emotional rollercoaster of stepping into such a significant position. Hear firsthand how self-care rituals like meditation and prayer helped her conquer self-doubt and embrace her potential. Hadiyah’s insights offer a raw and inspiring look into the transformative power of leaving unfulfilling roles to fully invest in oneself. We also touch on the significance of maintaining strong client relationships and the satisfaction Hadiyah finds in creating organized spaces, especially her favorite—coffee stations. Plus, we introduce our Clutter Conversations group on social media. Don't miss out on this compelling conversation packed with valuable insights and inspiration! For more information or to schedule a FREE consult call with Katie, be sure to check out KCH Organizers!

    25 min

  11. 13/06/2024

    Turning Teenage Chaos into Household Harmony

    Send us a text What if there was a way to turn teenage rebellion into a harmonious home environment? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Jenna Renzo, a conflict coach and mediator, who sheds light on the intricate dynamics between parents and teens. From balancing the demands of schoolwork and social media to maintaining household responsibilities, Jenna offers actionable strategies to uphold parental respect while granting teenagers the autonomy they crave. Listen as we share personal homeschooling anecdotes, delve into the realities of establishing routines, and discover how natural consequences can be a powerful teacher. As a professional organizer since 2014, I reflect on the emotional connections tied to organization within families. We discuss the delicate balance between my love for order and the chaotic reality of my children's rooms. Recognizing individual differences in how people handle clutter is crucial, and we emphasize the importance of allowing children control over their own spaces—even if it turns their rooms into "junk drawers." This episode is a heartfelt exploration of understanding and respecting one's organizational needs while navigating a child's growth and ever-changing priorities. In our final segments, we tackle effective communication and conflict resolution techniques to manage family dynamics. Jenna introduces the concept of a "safe word" for managing heated situations and the importance of setting a time frame for resolving issues. We also touch on the whimsical side of our discussions, like associating personality traits with dog breeds, which keeps our conversations genuine and relatable. Tune in for a blend of valuable insights and lighthearted moments that will resonate with anyone juggling clutter, conflict, and family life. For more information or to schedule a FREE consult call with Katie, be sure to check out KCH Organizers!

    36 min
  • 11 Episodes

About

A podcast for anyone who has ever dealt with clutter, personally or professionally.

Information

  • Creator
    Katie Hoschouer
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 The Clutter Conversations
  • Show Website
    The Clutter Conversations