The JJs Declutter Podcast

Julie Weisgerber and Janis Kosmala

The big question is this: How can we stop procrastinating, take control of clutter (and cleaning) in a way that really sticks, and avoid feeling overwhelmed along the way? We created The JJs Declutter Podcast because, as professional decluttering coaches, we know that organizing your home doesn’t have to be an endless, stressful chore. Our mission is to share practical, real-world solutions that make keeping your spaces tidy a whole lot easier. And yes, we sprinkle in some humor too! Each episode is designed to inspire, give you quick wins, and help you build a clutter-free lifestyle, so your home can feel peaceful, functional, and yours again. Join us for a little laughter and a lot of learning. Let’s dive in!

  1. A is for What "Actually" Counts ~ Alphabet Decluttering s2e5

    1D AGO

    A is for What "Actually" Counts ~ Alphabet Decluttering s2e5

    A is for What Actually Counts  Ready to conquer your clutter this February? Join Julie and Janis as they kick off the February Alphabet Declutter Challenge with the most important question: What actually counts as decluttering? Spoiler alert: You're probably overthinking it! In this episode, we're breaking down exactly how the Alphabet Challenge works and giving you permission to get creative, bend the rules, and stop stressing about doing it "perfectly." Because here's the truth: The alphabet is your framework, not your prison warden! What You'll Learn: Think Categories, Not Single Items: When we say "A is for Accessories," we mean tackle that jewelry box and scarf drawer - not find one lonely ankle bracelet from 1987 and call it victory. There's No Finish Line for Each Letter: You don't have to completely solve a category in one day. Sustainable decluttering means making progress, not achieving perfection. Spend 12 minutes or an hour—both are wins! Get Creative with Tricky Letters: Struggling with X, Q, or Z? Make X "extra stuff," Q "things you're questioning," or Z "zones you never use." The challenge adapts to YOUR home and YOUR clutter. Customize Your Challenge: Let the alphabet meet you where you are. Cat lover? C-Day just got interesting. Crafter? S-Day for supplies might require reinforcements. Reader? B-Day could be significant with your books. Minimal kitchen? Breeze through K-Day in 20 minutes. Skip Days Without Guilt: Life happens! Jump back in tomorrow. Want to start with C for your disaster car instead of A? Do it! The Alphabet Police aren't coming to arrest you. Key Takeaways:  Categories over single items (but single items count too!)Creativity over rigidityProgress over perfectionSmall Do-able Doses make big impact Whether you complete the whole alphabet or just half, that's 13+ categories you're addressing that you probably wouldn't have touched otherwise. And guess what? You can repeat this challenge again and again as your clutter situation changes!   Join us LIVE February 1st at 4pm PST for our Jumpstart Party! (Fair warning: zero birthday cake, but we'll cheer you on as you declutter those dusty cake pans!) Ready to dive in? Visit www.abcdeclutter.com to join the challenge!   Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!

    17 min
  2. Magazine Moments:  Clutter Free Valentine’s Day s2e4

    JAN 27

    Magazine Moments: Clutter Free Valentine’s Day s2e4

    Magazine Moments:  Clutter Free Valentine’s Day Valentine's Day has quietly become one of the biggest retail spending holidays -and most of what's purchased never makes it past a few weeks. Julie and Janis are flipping the script on cupid's favorite holiday with a decluttering twist that'll make your heart (and your home) sing!  -  What You'll Discover:  Ditch the disposable roses and dusty teddy bears! This episode explores how to create a truly meaningful Valentine's Day without adding clutter to your home or stress to your budget. Using real spending data and trends, we reveal why smart celebrators are choosing experiences over stuff—and how that shift creates deeper, lasting connections.  The Love Language Reality Check: We break down all five love languages and explain why so many well-meaning gestures completely miss the mark. Spoiler Alert: Love is often present, but expressed in ways the other person doesn't fully receive. Ouch!  Key Takeaways:  Why Valentine's spending is skyrocketing (and how to opt out intentionally)Clutter-free gift ideas for EVERY love language that focus on presence, not presentsHow Galentine's celebrations, self-care, and even pet gifting are changing the holiday landscapePractical ways to show love through words, time, and service without buying more stuffHow to declutter expectations and outdated traditions that no longer serve you Your Challenge: Identify YOUR love language and your loved one's language. Then choose ONE intentional, clutter-free way to express love this Valentine's Day that they'll actually feel and remember. Whether you're celebrating with a partner, friends, family, or yourself, this episode helps you rethink Valentine's Day in a way that feels personal, sustainable, and genuinely meaningful. No chocolate boxes gathering dust required!   #ClutterFreeValentinesDay #MinimalistValentines #DeclutterPodcast #MeaningfulGifts #ExperienceOverThings #IntentionalLiving #LoveLanguages #DeclutterYourLife #SimplifyYourLife #SustainableGifting  #ValentinesDayIdeas #GalentinesDay #ConsciousConsumerism #ThoughtfulGifts #DeclutterHolidays #AntiConsumerism #MinimalistLiving #BudgetFriendlyValentines #JJsDeclutterPodcast #ClutterCrushers   Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!

    17 min
  3. The Village That Had Too Many Letters: A Decluttering Fairy Tale  s2e3

    JAN 20

    The Village That Had Too Many Letters: A Decluttering Fairy Tale s2e3

    The Village That Had Too Many Letters: A Decluttering Fairy Tale  Ever feel like your home is drowning in stuff? You're not alone! Join Julie and Janis as they share a whimsical fairy tale about Alderwick—a village where storage bins multiply like rabbits and possessions pile up faster than good intentions.   What You'll Discover: In this episode, we explore the enchanting story of a village overwhelmed by well-meaning clutter. When belongings start mysteriously disappearing, the villagers panic - until they realize nothing important is actually missing. Follow Juniper, the wise village mender, as she discovers why possessions were leaving and what they really needed. The Big Lesson: Your possessions are like letters of the alphabet. Too few and life feels unfinished. Too many and the meaning gets lost. The goal isn't to erase your alphabet - it's to build words that make sense for the life you're living RIGHT NOW. Key Takeaways:  Why items "stop doing their jobs" and how to recognize when it's time to let goThe gentle art of asking "Where do you belong now?" instead of "What if I need this later?"How to create balance without becoming a minimalistWhy decluttering is about the life you're ACTUALLY living, not the seventeen new hobbies you might develop someday Your Mission (Should You Choose to Accept It): Pick ONE area this week and ask yourself: "Which letters no longer belong in my sentence?" Thank each item for its service, then decide - does it move on or need a new job?  (you don't need to thank the inanimate object if you don't want to ... you can just say "bah bye!") BONUS: Join our February "Decluttering Through the Alphabet" challenge! One letter per day builds your decluttering muscles through small, doable doses that create lasting habits. Download your FREE tracking calendar in the show notes.   No shame. No judgment. Just gentle progress toward a home that tells YOUR story.   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@abcdeclutterwithjj Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/abcdecluttercommunity Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abcdeclutterwithjj  Website: https://www.abcDEclutter.com Podcast website: https://www.TheJJsDeclutterPodcast.com eMail: hello@abcdeclutter.com   #DeclutterPodcast #DeclutteringTips #HomeOrganization #OrganizingTips #ClutterFree #DeclutterYourLife #SimplifyYourLife #MinimalistLiving #OrganizedHome #DeclutterChallenge  #OrganizationHacks #HomeOrganizing #TidyHome #DeclutterMotivation #LessStuffMoreLife #IntentionalLiving #SimpleLiving #OrganizedLife #DeclutterCoach #ProfessionalOrganizer  #JJsDeclutterPodcast #ClutterCrushers #SmallDoableDoses #AlphabetDeclutter #DeclutterFairyTale #EmotionsFirstDecluttering #ABCDeclutter  Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!

    12 min
  4. Let It Go! A Wintertime Decluttering Tale s2e2

    JAN 13

    Let It Go! A Wintertime Decluttering Tale s2e2

    Let It Go! A Wintertime Decluttering Tale Winter has arrived in Frosthome… and so has the clutter. In this episode of The JJs Declutter Podcast, Julie and Janis share a fractured fairy tale with a powerful message. Let It Go! A Wintertime Decluttering Tale follows Queen Elsa-Light, a kind ruler who freezes decisions instead of making them and slowly buries her kingdom under coats, scarves, and sentimental snowflakes. Through humor, storytelling, and very relatable winter clutter struggles, this episode explores how indecision and procrastination can freeze us in place and how small, intentional steps can melt overwhelm. After the story, Julie and Janis unpack the decluttering lessons hidden inside the tale and offer practical, doable strategies you can use right now, especially during winter when coats, hats, and closets are front and center. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why frozen decisions keep clutter stuck in your homeHow procrastination disguises itself as “waiting for the perfect time”Why decluttering doesn’t have to be all-or-nothingHow a Decluttering Dozen (just 12 minutes) creates real progressSimple ways to declutter winter coats, hats, scarves, and glovesWhere to donate winter items so they can actually be usedHow to manage multipurpose closets without overwhelmWhy entryways matter more than you think and how to keep them clearThis Episode’s Decluttering Challenge: Pick one closetSet a timer for 12 minutesWork on one small section onlyStop when the timer ends or reset if you feel goodNo pulling everything out, no perfection requiredSmall steps. Real momentum. No frozen decisions required. Winter Decluttering Tips Mentioned: Cull coats you never reach for during the seasonDonate winter wear to dry cleaners, shelters, Buy Nothing groups, or local charitiesDo a weekly flat surface sweep in your entrywayUse a basket or bin to collect items that don’t belong and put them awayJoin the JJ Decluttering Community: Want encouragement, accountability, and zero judgment? Visit www.abcdeclutter.com Join the private Facebook group: ABC Declutter With JJ – Community Share your progress, ask questions, and celebrate every small win. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@abcdeclutterwithjj Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/abcdecluttercommunity Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abcdeclutterwithjj Website: https://www.abcDEclutter.com Podcast website: https://www.TheJJsDeclutterPodcast.com eMail: hello@abcdeclutter.com  #DeclutterYourHome #WinterDecluttering #DeclutteringDozen #LetItGoClutter #ClosetDeclutter #IntentionalLiving #DeclutterMotivation #TheJJsDeclutterPodcast Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!

    18 min
  5. The Post-Holiday Reset: Your Pantry, Wallet, and Sanity (Without the Guilt Trip)

    JAN 6

    The Post-Holiday Reset: Your Pantry, Wallet, and Sanity (Without the Guilt Trip)

    Magazine Moments: Post-Holiday Reset Episode Description The holidays are over, the decorations are shoved back into bins, and now you're standing in the middle of the mess thinking, "What just happened to my life and my bank account?" Between leftover cookies, wrecked sleep schedules, and uninvited credit card bills, it's a lot. In this Magazine Moments episode, Julie and Janis tackle the post-holiday reset from three practical angles: your overstuffed pantry, your crying wallet, and your completely destroyed routine. Because guilt isn't productive, and misery isn't a goal. What You'll Learn Shop Your Pantry First Why the average family wastes $3,000 annually on uneaten food (that's a vacation, not garbage!)How to audit what you already own and build meals around itThe genius of the "use-first bin" for opened or expiring itemsSmart storage tricks like freezing tomato paste in ice cube traysNo Spend January Challenge How to stop the flow of new clutter into your houseCommon rules: no coffee shops, shop the pantry first, delete Amazon (harsh but effective)Why online grocery pickup deserves a standing ovationThe difference between intentional spending and mindless drive-through decisionsTransitioning Back to Normalcy Why structured (not rigid) routines help you adjust 40% fasterThe 15-minute bedtime shift that's 60% more effective than forcing immediate changeWhy your body needs recovery, not punishment, after December's chaosHow to handle the "holiday hangover" when it's suddenly just... Tuesday Key Takeaways The post-holiday reset doesn't need to be harsh. Pick ONE thing - pantry, spending, or sleep.  Small changes compound. Give yourself grace because you're human, and this is a transition, not a failure. Featured Resources FoodDrinkLife.com - Shop Your Pantry FirstLifeWithLesMess.com - No Spend ChallengeZenNutri.com - Transition Back to Normalcy After the Holidays Follow us! Join our community! Share with your friends! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@abcdeclutterwithjj Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/abcdecluttercommunity Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abcdeclutterwithjj Website: https://www.abcDEclutter.com Podcast website: https://www.TheJJsDeclutterPodcast.com eMail: hello@abcdeclutter.com  Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!

    15 min
  6. Why Your New Year's Resolution Already Failed (And What to Do About It)

    12/30/2025

    Why Your New Year's Resolution Already Failed (And What to Do About It)

    Why Your New Year's Resolution Already Failed (And What to Do About It)Let's be honest—if you made a New Year's resolution on January 1st, you're probably side-eyeing it like it's decorative decor, not an actual plan. And the stats back this up: only 25% of people stick with resolutions past 30 days, and fewer than 10% actually finish what they started. But here's the relief—it's not your fault. The Science of Why Resolutions Fail According to research from Crucial Learning and Yale, most resolutions fail because they never become habits. And since 40% of what we do daily is habitual (brushing teeth, making coffee, washing your hands after you pee... especially if you're a guy), creating actual habits is the key to success. The Three Brain Traps: Hyperbolic Discounting - Your brain wants immediate gratification over long-term gains. That's why scrolling on the couch beats organizing the garage every single time.Identity Attachment - When "I missed a session" becomes "I'm a failure," you've turned a setback into a character assassination. Your clutter isn't a moral failing—it's just stuff.The Intention-Action Gap - We ignore predictable obstacles every year, thinking "this time will be different" without changing the plan.The Revolutionary Solution: Wait Until April Psychology Today research suggests January might actually be the worst time to start new habits. You're fighting post-holiday burnout, financial stress, short dark days, and depleted mental resources. Why April Works: More energy and sunlightTime for genuine reflectionLess stress and social pressureSpring's natural season of growthWhat to Do Now Use January through March as your planning season. Notice what's bothering you, explore strategies, and join our Clutter Crushers community. Then launch in April with energy, clarity, and a solid plan. Remember: Real change happens when you're ready—not just because the calendar says so. Join us! Follow Us! Subscribe to Us!  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@abcdeclutterwithjj Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/abcdecluttercommunity Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abcdeclutterwithjj Website: https://www.abcDEclutter.com Podcast website: https://www.TheJJsDeclutterPodcast.com eMail: hello@abcdeclutter.com  Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!

    19 min
  7. Looking Back with Gratitude: Celebrating Your Year's Wins s1e56

    12/23/2025

    Looking Back with Gratitude: Celebrating Your Year's Wins s1e56

    🎉 Episode 56: Looking Back with Gratitude – Celebrating Your Year’s Wins As the year wraps up, Julie and Janis invite you to put down the self-criticism, step away from the “good riddance” posts, and take a gentler, more empowering look back. This episode is all about finding and celebrating your wins, even if this year felt messy, exhausting, or downright hard. Instead of focusing on what went wrong, the JJs guide you through a thoughtful Year-in-Review framework that helps uncover progress you may have overlooked. From decluttering wins and habit changes to personal growth, relationships, finances, health, and plain old survival, no victory is too small to count. You’ll learn why your brain naturally fixates on the negative, how acknowledging wins rewires your mindset, and why progress does not have to be dramatic to be meaningful. Whether you cleared a junk drawer, set one boundary, asked for help, paid a bill, survived a hard season, or simply kept showing up, this episode reminds you that those things matter. Julie and Janis also share practical ways to celebrate your wins: writing them down, sharing them with supportive people, creating visual reminders, and starting a simple “Wins of the Week” practice so future reflections feel lighter and more encouraging. This is not toxic positivity. It’s balanced reflection, honest compassion, and building momentum rooted in gratitude instead of defeat. So grab something cozy, give yourself 12 intentional minutes, and let’s end the year proud of what you accomplished, survived, and learned. 💬 Share your wins with us in ABC Declutter with JJ – Community on Facebook or at www.abcdeclutter.com. We can’t wait to celebrate with you. Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and — as always — Keep Decluttering! #DeclutterWithTheJJs #CelebrateYourWins #YearInReview #GratitudePractice #SmallWinsMatter #DeclutterMindset #IntentionalLiving #ProgressNotPerfection #EndOfYearReflection #MindsetShift #DeclutteringJourney #SimpleLiving Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!

    21 min
  8. The Grinch Who Swept Christmas - E55

    12/16/2025

    The Grinch Who Swept Christmas - E55

    Welcome back to the JJ's Declutter Podcast ~ Fractured Fairy Tales Edition!  We're heading back to Whoville, where the halls are decked, the stockings are hung, and the glitter is absolutely everywhere. Full-on festive explosions that would make even the most enthusiastic decorator question their life choices.   The Holiday Chaos It's early December in Whoville—garland on banisters, bows on pets, twinkle lights tangled in ways that defy physics. But in his cave on Mount Messmore, the Grinch sits clutching his "Silent Night, Please" mug, glaring at the chaos below. His cave is still recovering from last year's holiday hangover—broken ornaments everywhere, fake snow stuck to everything, and a half-melted candle shaped like Santa's leg. The Spirit Returns When the Grinch declares he'll skip Christmas and cleaning altogether, the Spirit of Clean floats in! "You learned to declutter last year, but look at this place! You've got more glitter than a kindergarten art room!" She's here to help him manage the holiday chaos with simple maintenance routines. "Joy doesn't have to mean junk, and celebration doesn't require chaos." The #Tidy12 Festive Edition The Spirit hands him a timer: 12 minutes. "Pick one small area. This isn't about perfection, it's about progress." The Grinch protests but hustles through sweeping, wiping, and muttering. When the timer dings, he smiles: "It's clean! And I didn't die!" "That's the magic of the #Tidy12. You don't need hours, you just need focus and 12 minutes." Taming the Tinsel Next: organizing holiday decorations. Unlabeled bins, broken ornaments mixed with good ones, enough fake snow to trigger an avalanche. "You've got to categorize," the Spirit explains. "If it doesn't spark joy or fit in a labeled tote, it's time to let it go. Remember our Keep or Let's Go system?" The Grinch sorts everything into 3 neat bins: Tree, Trim, and To Donate. "You're clinging less and cleaning more—keeping it intentional instead of keeping everything." Party Prep Panic Cindy Lou invites the Grinch to tomorrow night's party. He freezes: "Tomorrow night?" The Spirit asks: "What's the rule?" "Don't panic, plan it." He sets his timer and does a pre-party power clean—wiping counters, loading the dishwasher, scrubbing his sink until it shines like a Christmas star. The Whoville Secret At the party, the Grinch is amazed—everyone's homes are festive and tidy. Cindy Lou shares their secret: "We clean as we go. Do a quick #Tidy12 session each day! The best gift you can give yourself is not waking up to a mess that steals your holiday joy." Christmas Morning The Grinch wakes to a quiet, cozy, clean cave. "It feels good to live in a space that sparkles without overwhelming me. I can actually enjoy the holiday instead of drowning in clutter." The Spirit asks what he learned: "That joy and clutter don't have to be roommates. That small doable doses actually work. And that maintenance makes the magic last longer." "May your days be merry, and your surfaces clear." The Lesson You can have a beautifully decorated home and your sanity with simple routines. With a daily #Tidy12 session, bin labeling, and a clean-as-you-go mindset, you can keep your home festive and functional. Join the Clutter Crushers Club at www.abcdeclutter.com!   #Decluttering #HolidayCleaning #Tidy12 #ClutterCrushersClub #KeepOrLetsGo #DeclutterCoach Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!

    17 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The big question is this: How can we stop procrastinating, take control of clutter (and cleaning) in a way that really sticks, and avoid feeling overwhelmed along the way? We created The JJs Declutter Podcast because, as professional decluttering coaches, we know that organizing your home doesn’t have to be an endless, stressful chore. Our mission is to share practical, real-world solutions that make keeping your spaces tidy a whole lot easier. And yes, we sprinkle in some humor too! Each episode is designed to inspire, give you quick wins, and help you build a clutter-free lifestyle, so your home can feel peaceful, functional, and yours again. Join us for a little laughter and a lot of learning. Let’s dive in!

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