Decluttering Untangled with Heather Tingle : How to declutter when you're overwhelmed, ADHD or Autistic

Heather Tingle
  • 5.0 (21)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
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In this podcast, Heather will teach you what really works, and what doesn't, to successfully declutter your home - as when you're overwhelmed, ADHD or Autistic, it isn't just a case of hiring a skip and having a big sort out - it's not that easy! ​ Heather is an expert in working with families that live in chaos, and all the challenges that brings. She is Autistic and has ADHD so knows all about how neurodiversity links to clutter. As a naturally messy person herself, she can show you how to live in a clean, clutter free and organised home regardless of the issues you face. She thrives on creating strategies and systems that work for real families. Transforming your cluttered homes to calm, safe spaces can also improve your mental, physical and financial health, learn all about it in this podcast.Heather Tingle has been a member of The Association of Professional Declutterers and Organisers since 2016. She and her family have had hoarding tendencies, living in messy homes, stuck in that never ending, exhausting cycle of chores and tidying. She decluttered her home and found a new, calmer and more content way to live. She now supports clients in person and online to achieve the same outcome in their own homes - and now you can learn how she does it through this podcast too! 

  1. 3H AGO

    112 - How To Stop Moving the Same Piles Over and Over

    Send me a text message about this podcast Summary In this episode of Decluttering Untangled, Heather Tingle discusses the common struggles faced by individuals attempting to declutter their homes, particularly those who may be neurodivergent or dealing with hoarding tendencies. She emphasises the difference between actual decluttering and the act of churning, where individuals may feel productive but are merely moving items around without reducing clutter. Heather provides insights into the emotional aspects of decluttering, the importance of making decisions about what to keep or let go, and offers practical strategies to break the cycle of churning. The episode concludes with encouragement to start small and be kind to oneself throughout the decluttering process. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Decluttering Challenges 02:48 Understanding Churning vs. Decluttering 05:41 The Emotional Impact of Churning 08:56 Strategies to Break the Cycle 11:49 Building a Positive Decluttering Habit Support the show If you'd like to say 'Thank you', by buying me a virtual coffee (it'll actually buy me a cup of tea!), you can do so HERE. It will mean I can afford to continue to give help for free and continue with this podcast. Get started with my Zoning and Getting Started Workshop, everything you need to know on how to get started and have the best success when decluttering. Join my free Declutter Community for real support, tips and advice from Heather and other Untanglers that are just like you! Follow me on Facebook Buy my Declutter Your Home Planner from Amazon to start to declutter your home yourself! (affiliate link) Grab my current freebies to support a cleaner, tidier home. Follow me on instagram Feel free to email me: help@untangledbytingle.com Please note, I may not be able to reply, but do read all emails to me and appreciate them massively.

    13 min

  2. DEC 5

    111 - Why Daily Decluttering and Habits Fail And What To Do Instead.

    Send me a text message about this podcast In this episode, Heather explores why the idea of daily decluttering sounds great in theory but often falls apart in real life, especially for neurodivergent people. Many of her clients believe that doing a bit every day is the only way to make progress, and they put huge pressure on themselves to stick to it. Heather shares two client scenarios from this week that show exactly why that approach fails and how small changes created much more ease and momentum. She also explains the difference between energy giving tasks and energy draining tasks, and how this shifts depending on what else is happening in someone’s life and how well their brain is functioning that day. Understanding this makes a massive difference to how sustainable decluttering becomes. This episode is especially helpful for anyone who has ever started strong on a daily habit, missed one day, and then felt unable to start again. Heather offers a kinder and far more realistic approach that works with a neurodivergent rhythm rather than against it. In this episode, Heather talks about • Why daily decluttering routines collapse for neurodivergent brains • How daily pressure creates burnout, boredom and guilt • Two real client stories that show the power of flexible consistency • Why energy levels affect what feels possible from one day to the next • How to build a weekly rhythm that adapts to life instead of demanding perfection • A gentler way to make steady progress without forcing daily habits 00:00 The Pressure of Consistency in Decluttering 06:05 Flexibility Over Rigidity in Decluttering Practices 11:16 Finding Balance: Energy and Motivation in Decluttering Support the show If you'd like to say 'Thank you', by buying me a virtual coffee (it'll actually buy me a cup of tea!), you can do so HERE. It will mean I can afford to continue to give help for free and continue with this podcast. Get started with my Zoning and Getting Started Workshop, everything you need to know on how to get started and have the best success when decluttering. Join my free Declutter Community for real support, tips and advice from Heather and other Untanglers that are just like you! Follow me on Facebook Buy my Declutter Your Home Planner from Amazon to start to declutter your home yourself! (affiliate link) Grab my current freebies to support a cleaner, tidier home. Follow me on instagram Feel free to email me: help@untangledbytingle.com Please note, I may not be able to reply, but do read all emails to me and appreciate them massively.

    13 min

  3. NOV 28

    110 - How to Get Your Home Ready for Visitors When You’re Already Overwhelmed

    Send me a text message about this podcast Summary In this episode of Decluttering Untangled, Heather Tingle discusses the pressures of hosting during the festive season and offers practical advice for making your home welcoming without overwhelming yourself. She emphasises the importance of setting boundaries, managing expectations, and focusing on key areas of your home to create a comfortable environment for guests. Heather encourages listeners to embrace imperfection and prioritize their mental health while navigating the challenges of hosting. Chapters 00:00 The Pressure of Hosting During the Festive Season 04:01 Creating a Welcoming Environment Without Overwhelm 09:00 Simple Sensory Tweaks for a Cozy Atmosphere 12:13 Setting Boundaries and Embracing Imperfection Support the show If you'd like to say 'Thank you', by buying me a virtual coffee (it'll actually buy me a cup of tea!), you can do so HERE. It will mean I can afford to continue to give help for free and continue with this podcast. Get started with my Zoning and Getting Started Workshop, everything you need to know on how to get started and have the best success when decluttering. Join my free Declutter Community for real support, tips and advice from Heather and other Untanglers that are just like you! Follow me on Facebook Buy my Declutter Your Home Planner from Amazon to start to declutter your home yourself! (affiliate link) Grab my current freebies to support a cleaner, tidier home. Follow me on instagram Feel free to email me: help@untangledbytingle.com Please note, I may not be able to reply, but do read all emails to me and appreciate them massively.

    15 min

  4. NOV 21

    109 - Dealing with the Dining table dump zone

    Send me a text message about this podcast Summary In this episode of Decluttering Untangled, Heather Tingle discusses the common issue of dining tables becoming cluttered and underutilised spaces in homes. She explores the reasons behind this phenomenon, particularly in neurodivergent households, and offers practical solutions for reclaiming the dining table as a functional space. Heather emphasizes the importance of understanding the emotional and practical barriers to decluttering and provides actionable tips to minimize clutter and restore the dining table's original purpose. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dining Table Clutter 02:20 Understanding the Use of Dining Tables Today 05:31 Strategies to Reclaim Your Dining Table 08:13 Addressing the Clutter Under the Table Support the show If you'd like to say 'Thank you', by buying me a virtual coffee (it'll actually buy me a cup of tea!), you can do so HERE. It will mean I can afford to continue to give help for free and continue with this podcast. Get started with my Zoning and Getting Started Workshop, everything you need to know on how to get started and have the best success when decluttering. Join my free Declutter Community for real support, tips and advice from Heather and other Untanglers that are just like you! Follow me on Facebook Buy my Declutter Your Home Planner from Amazon to start to declutter your home yourself! (affiliate link) Grab my current freebies to support a cleaner, tidier home. Follow me on instagram Feel free to email me: help@untangledbytingle.com Please note, I may not be able to reply, but do read all emails to me and appreciate them massively.

    10 min

  5. NOV 14

    108 - How to let go when you’re not ready yet

    Send me a text message about this podcast Summary: Struggling to make decluttering decisions? You’re not alone. In this episode, Heather explores why so many of us need time to process before letting things go and why that pause is not procrastination. You’ll learn how to work with your brain rather than against it, how to avoid “maybe piles,” and how irritation and repetition can actually help you make calmer, more confident decluttering choices that stick. Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome and introduction Heather explains why this topic matters, especially for neurodivergent listeners who often feel pressure to make quick decisions. 01:00 – Why your brain needs processing time How emotional attachment, fear of regret and decision fatigue affect decluttering. 02:30 – The danger of forced decisions Why rushing to decide often leads to guilt, panic or keeping everything. 03:45 – How to pause without procrastinating The difference between productive processing and avoidance. 05:00 – Keep similar items together (and skip the maybe pile) How to give yourself time without creating another job you’ll avoid. 07:00 – The irritation stage Why noticing annoyance or relief around your stuff gives you useful data for next time. 08:30 – A story about the pan lid Heather shares a client example that shows how clarity often comes naturally over time. 10:00 – Building trust in your own decisions How slow processing helps you rebuild confidence and reduce guilt. 11:30 – Letting go with kindness Recognising when you’ve processed enough and can finally say goodbye to an item without regret. 13:00 – Final thoughts and permission to pause Heather wraps up with encouragement to go at your own pace and trust that processing time is progress. Support the show If you'd like to say 'Thank you', by buying me a virtual coffee (it'll actually buy me a cup of tea!), you can do so HERE. It will mean I can afford to continue to give help for free and continue with this podcast. Get started with my Zoning and Getting Started Workshop, everything you need to know on how to get started and have the best success when decluttering. Join my free Declutter Community for real support, tips and advice from Heather and other Untanglers that are just like you! Follow me on Facebook Buy my Declutter Your Home Planner from Amazon to start to declutter your home yourself! (affiliate link) Grab my current freebies to support a cleaner, tidier home. Follow me on instagram Feel free to email me: help@untangledbytingle.com Please note, I may not be able to reply, but do read all emails to me and appreciate them massively.

    13 min

  6. NOV 7

    107 - How to declutter collectables and collections

    Send me a text message about this podcast Summary In this episode, Heather untangles the fine line between a comforting collection and overwhelming clutter. She explores why collecting feels so soothing for neurodivergent brains, how it can quietly shift into pressure or guilt, and what questions to ask if your “treasures” have taken over. You’ll learn how to spot when you’re keeping things for love, nostalgia, or the hope they’ll be worth something one day, and how to keep the joy without drowning in stuff. Chapters: Intro: When Treasures Take Over Why We Collect When Comfort Turns Into Clutter Are You Still Enjoying It? Holding On to Past You The “It Might Be Worth Something” Trap The Emotional Layer Behind Collecting Keeping What Truly Matters Redefining What You Keep The Sunk Cost Reminder Loving Collections Without Letting Them Take Over Support the show If you'd like to say 'Thank you', by buying me a virtual coffee (it'll actually buy me a cup of tea!), you can do so HERE. It will mean I can afford to continue to give help for free and continue with this podcast. Get started with my Zoning and Getting Started Workshop, everything you need to know on how to get started and have the best success when decluttering. Join my free Declutter Community for real support, tips and advice from Heather and other Untanglers that are just like you! Follow me on Facebook Buy my Declutter Your Home Planner from Amazon to start to declutter your home yourself! (affiliate link) Grab my current freebies to support a cleaner, tidier home. Follow me on instagram Feel free to email me: help@untangledbytingle.com Please note, I may not be able to reply, but do read all emails to me and appreciate them massively.

    14 min

  7. OCT 31

    106 - How to declutter the under stairs cupboard

    Send me a text message about this podcast Summary In this episode of Decluttering Untangled, Heather Tingle discusses the challenges of decluttering the under stairs cupboard, a common clutter magnet in many homes. She explores the reasons behind its tendency to accumulate clutter, especially for those with neurodivergent brains, and offers practical strategies for tackling this space. Heather emphasises the importance of understanding the purpose of the cupboard, categorising items, and implementing effective organising strategies to create a functional and stress-free environment. Chapters 00:00 The Nightmare of the Under Stairs Cupboard 02:41 Understanding the Clutter Magnet 05:56 Practical Steps to Declutter 08:34 Organising for Accessibility and Efficiency Amazon UK affiliate link to battery powered motion sensor lights HERE Support the show If you'd like to say 'Thank you', by buying me a virtual coffee (it'll actually buy me a cup of tea!), you can do so HERE. It will mean I can afford to continue to give help for free and continue with this podcast. Get started with my Zoning and Getting Started Workshop, everything you need to know on how to get started and have the best success when decluttering. Join my free Declutter Community for real support, tips and advice from Heather and other Untanglers that are just like you! Follow me on Facebook Buy my Declutter Your Home Planner from Amazon to start to declutter your home yourself! (affiliate link) Grab my current freebies to support a cleaner, tidier home. Follow me on instagram Feel free to email me: help@untangledbytingle.com Please note, I may not be able to reply, but do read all emails to me and appreciate them massively.

    12 min

  8. OCT 24

    105 - How to pace yourself when decluttering

    Send me a text message about this podcast Summary In this episode of Decluttering Untangled, Heather Tingle emphasises the importance of pacing oneself during the decluttering process. She discusses how rest is essential for maintaining energy and making effective decisions. Heather also highlights the emotional aspects of decluttering, encouraging listeners to be kind to themselves and to plan their decluttering efforts around their energy levels. The conversation covers strategies for managing time and energy, the significance of rewards, and the necessity of allowing oneself to rest and recover throughout the decluttering journey. Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Pacing in Decluttering 02:45 Understanding Energy and Rest in the Decluttering Process 05:56 Planning and Timing for Effective Decluttering 08:35 Emotional Aspects of Decluttering 11:17 Finding Balance: Rest and Productivity in Decluttering Link to Untangled Life Membership information and waitlist HERE Support the show If you'd like to say 'Thank you', by buying me a virtual coffee (it'll actually buy me a cup of tea!), you can do so HERE. It will mean I can afford to continue to give help for free and continue with this podcast. Get started with my Zoning and Getting Started Workshop, everything you need to know on how to get started and have the best success when decluttering. Join my free Declutter Community for real support, tips and advice from Heather and other Untanglers that are just like you! Follow me on Facebook Buy my Declutter Your Home Planner from Amazon to start to declutter your home yourself! (affiliate link) Grab my current freebies to support a cleaner, tidier home. Follow me on instagram Feel free to email me: help@untangledbytingle.com Please note, I may not be able to reply, but do read all emails to me and appreciate them massively.

    14 min
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About

In this podcast, Heather will teach you what really works, and what doesn't, to successfully declutter your home - as when you're overwhelmed, ADHD or Autistic, it isn't just a case of hiring a skip and having a big sort out - it's not that easy! ​ Heather is an expert in working with families that live in chaos, and all the challenges that brings. She is Autistic and has ADHD so knows all about how neurodiversity links to clutter. As a naturally messy person herself, she can show you how to live in a clean, clutter free and organised home regardless of the issues you face. She thrives on creating strategies and systems that work for real families. Transforming your cluttered homes to calm, safe spaces can also improve your mental, physical and financial health, learn all about it in this podcast.Heather Tingle has been a member of The Association of Professional Declutterers and Organisers since 2016. She and her family have had hoarding tendencies, living in messy homes, stuck in that never ending, exhausting cycle of chores and tidying. She decluttered her home and found a new, calmer and more content way to live. She now supports clients in person and online to achieve the same outcome in their own homes - and now you can learn how she does it through this podcast too! 

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