The JJs Declutter Podcast

Julie Weisgerber and Janis Kosmala
  • 5.0 (2)
  • How To
  • Updated Weekly

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. Backyard Decluttering for Summer Fun, S3E5

    1d ago

    Backyard Decluttering for Summer Fun, S3E5

    Your backyard is calling — and it's asking you to please remove the empty pots, tangled hoses, and dead planters that have been haunting the porch since last October. 🌿 Julie & Janis are back with a fresh Magazine Moment, diving into Bonnie Ferrero's article from Backyard Garden Lover: *12 Easy Fixes to Declutter the Yard and Make It Pop!* Same small-doable-doses energy you love — just taken outside! 12 Easy Fixes **1. Gather & Remove Yard Clutter** Walk your property with a trash bag and a bin. Toss what's garbage, store what belongs elsewhere, and give everything a permanent home. **2. Trim & Define Overgrown Edges** Clean edging along walkways and driveways is like lipstick — it pulls the whole look together. Edge every few mows to maintain those crisp lines! **3. Pull Weeds from Visible Flower Beds** Pull after rain when soil is soft, get the entire root, then apply 2-3 inches of fresh mulch to suppress regrowth. Cardboard under mulch works wonders for the whole season! **4. Prune Dead or Unruly Branches** Remove dead, broken, or crossing branches to restore plant shapes and promote health. Research the best pruning time for your specific plants first! **5. Sweep Porches & Walkways** Make sweeping a weekly habit. Julie's tip: boiling water on cobblestone walkways kills weeds between bricks — fast, easy, and chemical-free! **6. Store Your Garden Hose Properly** Neatly coiled hoses last longer, prevent kinking, and eliminate tripping hazards. A wall hook, hose reel, or retractable reel all work beautifully. **7. Patch & Seed Bare Lawn Spots** Rake, seed, top-dress with compost, and water daily until established. Fuller lawn, happier yard. **8. Clean Up Around Tree Bases** Create a 2-3 foot mulched ring around tree trunks — keeps things tidy AND protects tree health. Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk itself! **9. Refresh or Remove Dead Planters** Plant skeletons = instant eyesore. Empty, clean, and replant — or trade pots with neighbors like Julie's street does. Community pot swap, anyone? 😄 **10. Brighten Your Hardscape** Sweep and scrub patios and outdoor furniture. A power washer at the start and end of summer makes a dramatic difference fast. **11. Fix or Replace Broken Outdoor Lighting** Leaning, broken solar lights do more harm than good. Straighten, clean the solar panels, or replace entirely. Fewer working lights beats a full set that looks neglected. **12. Add Fresh Mulch** Mulch is the single most powerful quick-win for your yard — suppresses weeds, retains moisture, and makes everything look professionally landscaped. Start with your most visible beds first! --- **Connect With Us!** 📘 Facebook: ABC DEclutter with JJ 💻 www.ABCDeclutter.com Tired of playing catch-up indoors too? Join the **Clutter Crushers Club** — live decluttering sessions four times per month, real community, zero judgment. 👉 www.ABCDEclutter.com -- #BackyardDeclutter #YardCleanup #SpringYard #GardenTips #CurbAppeal #DeclutterOutdoors #YardMakeover #GardenCleanup #MulchIt #WeedControl #LawnCare #OutdoorLiving #PatioLife #SpringCleaning #SmallDoableDoses #DeclutterPodcast #JJsDeclutter #MagazineMoments #ClutterCrushersClub #ABCDeclutter #BackyardGoals #GardenOrganization #OutdoorReset #SolarLights #PowerWash #YardWork #GardenLife #SpringGardening #HomeAndGarden #SimpleLiving Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!

    20 min
  2. Cleaning The Porch ... s3e4

    May 26

    Cleaning The Porch ... s3e4

    Winter left behind pollen, dirt, dead plants, broken planters, and outdoor clutter that quietly multiplied while nobody was paying attention. Sound familiar? 🌸   Julie and Janis are stepping outside today to tackle one of the most overlooked spaces in your home — the porch, patio, deck, or entry zone. Whether you've got a grand wraparound porch worthy of sweet tea commercials, or one tiny concrete square with a lonely chair and a determined spider, this episode is for you.   But first — a fractured fairy tale. Meet Lady Petunia, Sir Harold, and the mysterious Widow Gertrude, whose porch had disappeared entirely beneath Tarp Mountain. The Porch Fairy is coming, and she's carrying garbage bags, vinegar spray, and a clipboard. 📋     Start With a Clean Slate  Move everything into one sorting zone. Items like: furniture, mats, planters, boots, and all the "I'll deal with this later" itemsSweep thoroughly, then wash surfaces with warm water and vinegar or gentle soapEven a tiny entry porch feels dramatically fresher once the grime layer disappears The Decluttering Reckoning  Cracked planters, rusted chairs, and citronella candles melted into prehistoric fossils? Let them goNobody needs 17 half-used bags of potting soil or 6 rusty watering cansAsk yourself: does this actually support how I use this space NOW? (Not your fantasy life as a Victorian garden duchess with unlimited free time 😄) Porch Safety ... Don't Skip This!  Wet moss, loose rugs, cracked steps, and tangled extension cords are serious tripping hazardsCheck for wasp nests under eaves, loose boards, rusty nails, and wobbly furnitureLook for spider egg sacs near the foundation, especially brown or red widow spiders (Janis has a very direct approach involving a utility lighter 🔥)Replace burnt-out bulbs and keep pathways clear, especially for older adults and guests Patio Furniture & Cushions  Wipe everything down before setting it back up for the seasonWash cushion covers and dry FULLY (damp cushions develop that unmistakable forgotten-basement-towel smell fast)If nobody enjoys the furniture anymore, don't let it take up valuable space just because it once looked charming in 2009 Making It Inviting Again  A few intentional decorations beat overcrowding every surface with seasonal chaosOne healthy plant beats seven dead ones every single timeThink about how you want the space to FEEL = peaceful, cozy, welcoming, functional? Maintenance is Everything  A quick weekly sweep prevents giant seasonal overhauls laterOutdoor storage bins are NOT magical portals where broken things become useful againSmall resets keep the porch from sliding back into chaos territoryConnect With Us! Free Facebook Community: ABC DEclutter with JJ - Community also: 💻 www.ABCDeclutter.com Ready for Real Support? Join the Clutter Crushers Club which is our live decluttering sessions 4x a month, real accountability, zero judgment. 👉 www.ABCDeclutter.com   Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify ... the JJs are getting better at their closing, and they deserve it! 😄       #SpringPorchCleanup #PorchDeclutter #OutdoorLiving #PatioRefresh #SpringCleaning #DeclutterOutdoors #PorchGoals #OutdoorSpaces #SeasonalCleaning #PorchLife #PatioFurniture #SpringReset #DeclutterPodcast #JJsDeclutter #ClutterCrushersClub #ABCDeclutter #SmallDoableDoses #OutdoorDecor #PorchDecor #SpringOutdoor #HomeOrganization #ClutterFree #IntentionalLiving #SimpleLiving #DeclutteringJourney #ProgressNotPerfection #OutdoorCleaning #FrontPorch #BackPatio #SpringRefresh Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!

    15 min
  3. Cleaning (& decluttering) Your Pet's Stuff s3e3

    May 19

    Cleaning (& decluttering) Your Pet's Stuff s3e3

    Fur tumbleweeds. Mystery smells. Slobbery toys. Pet beds that have somehow collected half the outdoors.  Sound familiar? 🐾   If you share your home with a pet, you already know they bring us boundless joy, companionship, and entertainment. They also bring chaos, sticky leashes, and enough scattered toys to twist an ankle on at 2am. (Don't ask. Just turn on a light.)   Julie & Janis are diving nose-first into the world of cleaning pet stuff today and they brought a fractured fairy tale to kick things off.  Meet Mama Bear, Sir Barksalot, Princess Whisker Beans, and Nugget the parsley-eating guinea pig, who is completely unbothered by all of this.  The good news? You don't need harsh chemicals, complicated routines, or an entire weekend to get on top of pet mess.  Just a few simple habits and one very heroic product called enzyme cleaner.     Featured Story: Mama Bear and the Three Pet Beds 🐻   A fractured fairy tale about one brave woman, three very spoiled pets, and a toy basket that turned into a full archaeological dig.  Featuring a suspicious glittery sock, a leash that was somehow sticky, and a plush toy named Mr. Pickles who had clearly survived several emotional battles.  You'll want to listen for this one. 😄    Pet Food Dishes & Feeding Stations  Daily washing with hot water and natural dish soap prevents bacteria, odors, and that mysterious medieval-tavern crustStainless steel bowls are easiest — scratched plastic traps smells like a champDon't forget the feeding mat — it's collecting drips, crumbs, and slobber puddles with impressive efficiencyLingering odors? Enzyme cleaner is your best friend Collars, Harnesses & Leashes They quietly collect the entire outdoors. Dirt, rainwater, grass, and whatever swamp puddle your dog found three counties awaySoak in warm water with gentle soap regularly to keep them fresher and lasting longerInspect while cleaning = check for fraying, cracked clips, and worn spots before your walk turns into an unexpected freedom paradeLeather needs gentler care; fabric can handle an old toothbrush around the hardware The Pet Toy Basket (A.K.A. The Archaeological Dig)  Washing toys regularly reduces germs AND keeps that stale dog toy smell from taking over the roomPlush toys → mesh laundry bag → washing machineRubber and hard toys → soak in warm soapy waterIf stuffing is escaping dramatically like a disaster movie scene, it's time to say goodbye Pet Beds  Basically giant odor sponges wrapped in fur. Vacuum BEFORE washing or your machine becomes a furry snow globeWash the cover regularly and dry completely to avoid that damp rainstorm smellBaking soda freshens foam inserts between washesEnzyme cleaners are fantastic for accident spots (they deserve tiny superhero capes, honestly) Kennels & Travel Crates  Easy to ignore ... but fur, crumbs, and mystery smells are quietly building their own civilization in the cornersRemove blankets first, vacuum out debris, then wipe with a pet-safe cleanerDon't forget the travel crate in your vehicle! Check those corners and seams where grime loves to hideA clean crate = a calmer, more comfortable pet during travel Pet Food Bins & Storage  Kibble oils build up over time and turn rancid. Don't pour fresh food on top without ever emptying the container!Wash and FULLY dry before refilling to keep food fresher and pests awayWipe down scoops and measuring cups while you're at itEnthusiastic eaters who fling kibble like confetti are a real odor source ... keep that feeding station clean! Bathing Pets & Laundering Pet Clothes  Bathe pets at least every 2 months to prevent that signature dog smellJanis's holy grail product: BioGroom Groom N Fresh shampoo = they loved it so much they bought a gallon with a pump (it lasted 14 years, longer than the original dog 😄)Janis's De-Skunk Solution (yes, really): 1 quart hydrogen peroxide + 4 tablespoons baking soda + 2 teaspoons Dawn dish soap: mix into a paste, add peroxide, wait for fizzing, transfer to spray bottle, apply outside with gloves, avoid eyes/mouth/nose, rinse after 5 minutes. Works on collars too!Pet clothes: fasten the Velcro FIRST or your laundry becomes one giant tangled fabric octopus (Release the Kracken!! 🐙 )Air dry to prevent shrinking into doll clothes Simple Pet Cleaning Routines — The Real Secret  Wash bowls dailyWipe feeding mats regularlySort through toys once a weekWash pet beds every few weeks before the odors become sentientTiny habits prevent giant cleaning marathons. Sound familiar, Declutterers? 😉 Key Takeaways You don't need perfection. You definitely don't need a 12-step spreadsheet for your dog's squeaky broccoli collection. A little consistency, some natural cleaners, and a trusty enzyme spray keep your home fresher, healthier, and far less crunchy underfoot. Your pets probably won't notice the effort, but your nose absolutely will. Connect With Us! Join our FREE Facebook Community: ABC DEclutter with JJ - Community  💻 Visit us at: www.ABCDeclutter.com Want Support Beyond the Podcast? If pet mess has you feeling behind on your whole house ~ not just the fur tumbleweeds ~ come join the Clutter Crushers Club, our membership community where we declutter TOGETHER in live sessions twice a month. Real people, real homes, zero judgment. 👉 Join us at www.ABCDeclutter.com If You Enjoyed This Episode Share it with your fellow pet lovers! And please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify ... it helps more pet-covered, good-smelling people find us. 🐾 Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and ~ as always ~ Keep Decluttering! (They almost nailed the closing this time. Progress.) YouTube Tags how to clean pet stuff, cleaning dog bowls, how to wash pet beds, pet odor removal, enzyme cleaner for pets, how to clean dog leash and collar, pet toy cleaning tips, how to clean dog kennel, pet food bin cleaning, how to de-skunk a dog, biogroom groom n fresh review, homemade de-skunk solution, how to wash pet clothes, pet cleaning routine, natural pet cleaning tips, dog smell elimination, cat odor removal, pet bed washing tips, clean pet crate, decluttering podcast, jjs declutter, julie and janis, clutter crushers club, simple pet care routine, pet hygiene tips, reduce pet odors at home, magazine moments podcast, small doable cleaning habits, squeaky toy cleaning, pet collar washing tips #PetCleaning #CleanPetStuff #PetOdorRemoval #EnzymeCleaner #DeclutterPodcast #PetBedCleaning #DogBowlCleaning #PetCollarCare #PetToyWashing #DogSmellElimination #NaturalPetCare #PetHygiene #CleanDogCrate #PetFoodStorage #DeSkunkDog #BioGroomShampoo #PetClothesWashing #PetCareRoutine #SmallDoableHabits #JJsDeclutter #ClutterCrushersClub #ABCDeclutter #DogMom #CatMom #PetParent #FurTumbleweeds #HappyPets #HealthyPets #HomeOrganization #ClutterFree #SimpleLiving #IntentionalLiving #PetMess #CleanHome #TinyHabitsBigResults Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!

    16 min
  4. Letting the Light In: The JJs' Guide to Clean Windows s3e2

    May 12

    Letting the Light In: The JJs' Guide to Clean Windows s3e2

    You've decluttered the counters, organized the closets, and tackled the pantry. But when did you last actually CLEAN your windows? 👀 Here's the thing about dirty windows ~ you don't notice them until they're clean.  And then suddenly it's like, *whoa, is this the same room?* Julie & Janis are keeping it simple (as always) with a no-fuss, no-overwhelm approach to window cleaning that fits perfectly into your decluttering routine.  No spending your entire Sunday scrubbing glass with a toothbrush.  No fancy products required. Just small, doable steps that make a BIG visual impact ~ and one surprisingly satisfying challenge at the end. Oh, and Janis uses Windex on ants ... We're not here to judge. - Clean windows are one of those small wins that instantly make your whole space feel brighter, lighter, and more put together - The mindset shift: we're not aiming for perfection ~ we're aiming for improvement - Filmy and streaky to mostly clear? That. Is. A. Win. The 3 Mistakes That Make Window Cleaning Harder Than It Needs To Be - Cleaning in direct sunlight (you'll be chasing streaks like it's a full-time job) - Using too much product (more cleaner = more residue = more streaks ... always streaks) - Trying to do every window in one go (nope, not the JJs way!) Your Simple Supply List - A microfiber cloth or two - Basic glass cleaner OR water + a little vinegar - Optional: a squeegee (but truly optional — this is NOT a barrier to entry situation) - Julie & Janis's personal go-to: *Norwex window cloths*  just water, zero product, beautiful results The JJs' Step-by-Step Window Cleaning Method 1. Start with the frame and sill FIRST ~ skip this and you're basically making mud on your glass 2. Lightly spray cleaner on the glass or your cloth (light spray ~ we are not soaking the window!) 3. Wipe in a consistent pattern = top to bottom OR side to side, just pick one 4. Dry with a clean microfiber cloth = your secret weapon against streaks 5. Optional: finish with a squeegee for that chef's-kiss polished look (wipe the blade between each swipe!) The Decluttering Connection - What lives around your windows?  Clutter. Heavy curtains, random windowsill items, things blocking the light entirely - Before or while you clean, clear the sill and ask yourself: *Is this adding to the space, or blocking the light?* - Clean windows + clear sills = a whole new energy in the room Small Doable Doses ~ The JJs Way - You do NOT need to clean every window today - Start with ONE ~ the one you look out of most, or the one that gets the best light - Set your #DeclutteringDozen timer for 12 minutes and go - Maintenance tip: a quick wipe every couple of weeks means it never becomes a big job again Busting Your Window Cleaning Excuses - "I don't have time" → You have 12 minutes - "I'll do it when I can do ALL the windows" → That's the all-or-nothing trap, and we're not doing that here - "My windows are really bad" → Then even a small improvement will feel AMAZING ## The JJ Challenge Clean one window. Just one.  Clear the sill, wipe the glass, let the light in.  Then come tell us  which window did you pick? 🪟✨ --- **Want More Than a Challenge?** If you love the idea of doing this WITH people instead of alone, come join the *Clutter Crushers Club* ~ our membership community where we tackle our homes together in live decluttering sessions twice a month. Real accountability. Real results. Zero judgment.  Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!  *(They got it right on the second try this episode. Progress, people. Progress.)*  Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!

    13 min
  5. Magazine Moments- 10 Instant Cures for Any Kitchen Odor s3e1

    May 5

    Magazine Moments- 10 Instant Cures for Any Kitchen Odor s3e1

    You cleaned the kitchen, wiped the counters, and even tackled the stovetop. So why does it STILL smell like last Tuesday's fish dinner in there? 🐟  Julie & Janis dive into BobVila.com's "10 Instant Cures for Any Kitchen Odor" — and things got spicy. There was a vodka recipe (not a cocktail, we promise), a sponge debate, and the revelation that apple pie might be the most alluring scent known to mankind. You're welcome.  Feed Lemons to Your Garbage Disposal Save citrus peels in the fridge or freezer for a quick sink refresh. Janis's pro tip: freeze lemon rinds WITH vinegar in ice cube trays — cleans the blades AND deodorizes!Keep Your Sponges Dry (Or Better Yet…) Just toss the stinky thing! Their go-tos: Scrub Daddy sponges and compostable Swedish dishcloths.Spritz a Homemade Freshener Julie's recipe: ¾ vodka + ¼ water + 10-20 drops essential oil. Spritz the kitchen or your mattress. Warning: do NOT drink this. 😄Clean Your Garbage Can & Recycling Bin Quick wipe-down every time you take out the trash. Little drips = big odors.Cancel Out Cooking Smells Boil 1 cup water + 3 tablespoons white vinegar on the stovetop. The steam neutralizes pungent cooking odors throughout the kitchen.Start a Stove Simmer Simmer water + mint + orange rind + lemon slices + cinnamon on low. It'll make the whole house smell amazing. Janis's tip: baking a frozen apple pie before an open house? Irresistible. Science says so.Put Baking Soda in Your Fridge Skip the big box — use a small ramekin and refresh every couple of weeks. Julie's tip: store baking soda sealed in Tupperware so it doesn't absorb cupboard odors first!Don't Forget Your Exhaust Fan Check stove filters monthly — grease and dust trap odors. Vacuum the bathroom exhaust fan too!Scour the Drain Scrub that slimy drain catcher or toss it in the dishwasher. Refresh: 1 cup salt + 1 cup baking soda + boiling water. Let sit, then flush with cold water. (Check your pipe material first!)Bake Some Lemons Place lemon and orange rinds on a sheet pan and bake to release the oils. Julie's note: or just clean the oven 😂 Bonus Tip: Bake cookies. Or apple pie. Science is science. Connect With Us!  Join our FREE Facebook Community: ABC DEclutter with JJ ~ Community 💻 www.ABCDeclutter.com   Ready for Real Accountability? Join the Clutter Crushers Club = live decluttering sessions twice a month. No judgment. Just action, laughter, and real results. 👉 www.ABCDeclutter.com Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Julie says you should because The JJs are "so amazing" — and honestly, she's not wrong!  #KitchenCleaning #HomeDeodorizer #GarbageDisposalHack #BakingSodaHack #DIYAirFreshener #NaturalHomeTips #CleanKitchen #StoveSimmer #KitchenRefresh #HomemadeCleaning #WhiteVinegarHacks #CitrusCleaning #ScrubDaddy #SwedishDishcloth #ExhaustFanCleaning #KitchenOrganization #CleanHomeHappy #JJsDeclutter #ClutterCrushersClub #ABCDeclutter #HomeOrganization #ClutterFreeLiving #SimpleLiving #IntentionalLiving #NaturalHousehold #FreshKitchen #SpringCleaningTips #HomeHacks #CleaningWithoutChemicals #SmallDoableDoses    Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!

    16 min
  6. Sentimental & Heirloom Items: Treasure or Burden? s2e17

    Apr 28

    Sentimental & Heirloom Items: Treasure or Burden? s2e17

    Do you have boxes in your basement you haven't opened in years?  Filled with your grandmother's china you've never used, twenty years of your kids' artwork, and lots of "other stuff"?  You're not alone.  Julie and Janis tackle the hardest part of decluttering: sentimental and heirloom items that aren't just stuff, they're memories, stories, and connections to people you love. What You'll Discover: Sentimental items are uniquely challenging because you can't just apply logic. That's your mother's wedding dress, your father's toolbox, your grandmother's quilt. These items carry emotional weight that has nothing to do with usefulness.  Today, we share two approaches: the "skim" for quick breathing room, and the "deep dive" for creating intentional legacy. The Truth Bomb Your grandmother's china isn't trash, but it might end up at Goodwill if nobody knows why it matters.  The difference between treasure and trash?  The Story.  That's it ... That's the secret. Key Takeaways: Why Sentimental Items Overwhelm Us Sheer volume, paralyzing guilt, and confusion about what's actually important Comfort Items vs Legacy Items Not everything sentimental needs to be passed down. Think: ceramic frog collections vs Dad's daily coffee mug The Skim Approach 12-minute Decluttering Dozen to remove obvious non-sentimental items and build your decluttering muscles The Deep Dive Approach Curating your legacy like a museum curator—quality over quantity, 5 meaningful items beat 50 mystery boxes The Storytelling Framework Five questions that preserve a lifetime in 30 seconds  (Who owned it? When did they use it? Why did it matter? How did you get it? What do you wish they knew?) Keepsake Notes Physical tags that travel with items. Item name, owner, story, intended recipient, your name and date (3 minutes creates forever of meaning) Your Kids Want Different Things Stop projecting, start asking. Have the conversation about what they actually want Gift While You're Alive See their faces light up, answer questions, tell stories in person, get the thank-you hugs NOW The Real Challenge: Sentimental decluttering brings up grief, guilt, complicated family dynamics, and memories you've been avoiding. You might need support to sort through not just the physical items but the emotions attached to them. Ready for Help?  Schedule a one-on-one assessment call with The JJs at www.abcdeclutter.com We'll help you figure out whether you need a skim or deep dive approach, we'll talk about your family dynamics and timeline, and create a plan that feels doable.  This work matters too much to keep avoiding. Those boxes in your attic aren't legacy, they're homework for your kids.  Legacy happens when you share with love, document with care, and gift with intention.  One person's trash is another person's treasure, but only if you give them the treasure map.  That map? It's the story. And you're the only one who can draw it. #SentimentalDecluttering #HeirloomItems #DeclutterPodcast #LegacyPlanning #FamilyHeirlooms #DeclutteringTips #LetGoWithLove #IntentionalLiving #MemoryKeeping #TeaAndTreasures #SentimentalClutter #PassingDownHeirlooms #FamilyLegacy #DeclutterSentimental  #HeartfeltDecluttering #KeepsakeNotes #LivingLegacy #GiftingWhileLiving #JJsDeclutterPodcast #Declutterers #ComfortVsLegacy #InheritedItems #GrandmasChina #FamilyTreasures #DeclutterWithPurpose #MeaningfulKeepsakes #StorytellingMatters #LegacyNotClutter #DeclutteringDozen #ABCDEclutter Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!

    20 min
  7. Taming Paper Chaos ~ Stop Drowning in the Paper Pile s2e16

    Apr 21

    Taming Paper Chaos ~ Stop Drowning in the Paper Pile s2e16

    We live in the digital age where everything is supposedly paperless now. So why does it look like your kitchen counter is auditioning for a recycling center? 📄📄📄 Paper clutter is relentless = mail, bills, receipts, school notices, medical documents, coupons, kids' artwork ... it just. keeps. coming.  Unlike other clutter, you can't just glance at a pile and make quick decisions.  Every. Single. Sheet. might be important, might be total junk ... You just won't know until you read it.   In this episode, Julie and Janis break down their simple 5-category paper system so you always know exactly what to do with every piece of paper that walks through your door. No more "just in case" piles, or paper avalanches. There will be no more finding a bill from 2019 under a pizza coupon.   What You'll Learn:  Why paper clutter hits different = and why the fear of tossing something important keeps the piles growingThe 5 Paper Categories = a simple framework that makes every paper decision automaticHow to set up a physical system = that actually keeps paper under control long-termThe daily 3-minute mail habit = that prevents future piles from ever formingThe weekly paper sweep = to keep your action folder from becoming yet another pileThe annual archive purge = yes, you CAN shred those old tax returns (eventually!) The 5 Paper Categories:  📋 Action / Act Now = Bills, permission slips, invitations. Needs doing, then gets tossed.🗄️ Archive / File = Birth certificates, wills, insurance policies, sentimental keepsakes. Keep long-term, store securely.🏠 Household = Coupons you'll actually use, appliance manuals, kids' schedules. Actively used, regularly purged.♻️ Trash / Recycle = Junk mail, expired coupons, old newspapers. Spoiler alert: this should be your biggest category.🔒 Shred = Anything with personal info: old bank statements, paid bills, pre-approved credit offers. Your Challenge This Week:  Set up your 5 paper category spots (folders, trays, bins ~ whatever works for you!)Do one 12-minute Decluttering Dozen session on your biggest paper pileStart sorting mail immediately = 3 minutes a day standing by your recycling bin keeps the piles away for good (and it rarely takes all 3 of those minutes!) 📌 Resource Mentioned:   FDIC Emergency Financial First Aid Kit = A free checklist recommended by the U.S. government of the critical documents you'd need in an emergency (evacuation, fire, natural disaster). Search "FDIC Emergency Financial First Aid Kit" to download it free. Keep it in a fireproof, waterproof container and update it annually!  https://www.fema.gov/emergency-financial-first-aid-kit       📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@abcdeclutterwithjj  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abcdeclutterwithjj/  📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/abcdecluttercommunity  🖥️ Website: https://www.abcdeclutter.com/  🎙️ Podcast Website: https://www.thejjsdeclutterpodcast.com/  📧 Email: hello@abcdeclutter.com  #PaperClutter #TamingPaperChaos #Declutter #Decluttering #HomeOrganization #OrganizeYourHome #PaperOrganization #ClutterFree #DeclutterWithMe #PaperPiles #HomeOfficeOrganization #DocumentOrganization #DeclutterChallenge #DecisionFatigue #OrganizingTips #DeclutterMotivation #ClearTheClutter #TidyHome #JJsDeclutter #SimplifyYourLife  Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!

    20 min
  8. DOOM Boxes = Didn't Organize, Only Moved s2e15

    Apr 14

    DOOM Boxes = Didn't Organize, Only Moved s2e15

    Someone's coming over in 30 minutes. You panic.  You start shoving things into boxes, bags, baskets ~ anything with a lid.  You tell yourself you'll deal with it later.  Later never came. Now those boxes live in your closet. Some of them have been there so long they've become furniture. Welcome to the DOOM box episode. What's a DOOM Box? DOOM = Didn't Organize, Only Moved.  It's not storage ~ it's a box of delayed decisions.  A chaotic mix of important papers, random junk, things from three different rooms, and that one thing you've been meaning to return for eight months.  You relocated the problem instead of solving it. What You'll Learn: Why DOOM boxes form ~ and how hotspots from last episode are the #1 culpritThe DOOM box hunt ~ how to find and count every box, bag, bin, and basket hiding in your home (yes, check the oven ~ Julie learned that one the hard way 🔥)What your number means ~ and why it's just data, not a character flawWhy willpower alone won't fix it ~ and what you actually need to break the cycleThe clear-and-reclutter trap ~ why busting boxes without fixing your systems just creates new ones in 6 monthsYour Challenge This Week: Set your timer for 12 minutes (the Decluttering Dozen!) and go on a DOOM box hunt.  Count every single one.  Write down that number.  Then decide what you're going to do with that information. 5 or fewer? Pat yourself on the back ~ manageable situation!6–10? You're not alone, and you're not failing.More than 10? You don't have a DOOM box problem. You have a systems problem ~ and that's fixable.Ready to Actually Fix This? The Clearing Your Clutter course is underway, but it's not too late! Week 2 is all about DOOM boxes ~ which means you can jump in right now. Get live coaching, a community of fellow declutterers, and proven systems that stop the clutter from coming back. Details at abcdeclutter.com 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@abcdeclutterwithjj  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abcdeclutterwithjj/  📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/abcdecluttercommunity  🖥️ Website: https://www.abcdeclutter.com/  🎙️ Podcast Website: https://www.thejjsdeclutterpodcast.com/  📧 Email: hello@abcdeclutter.com  #DOOMBox #DOOMBoxes #DidntOrganizeOnlyMoved #Declutter #Decluttering #ClutterFree #HomeOrganization #OrganizeYourHome #DeclutterWithMe #HiddenClutter #PanicCleaning #ClearingYourClutter #DecisionFatigue #DeclutterChallenge #DeclutterMotivation #OrganizingTips #TidyHome #CleanHome #JJsDeclutter #SimplifyYourLife  Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!

    14 min
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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!

Information

  • Creator
    Julie Weisgerber and Janis Kosmala
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    79
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The JJs Declutter Podcast
  • Show Website
    The JJs Declutter Podcast