The Declutter Queen

Avery Cundill

The Declutter Queen- a podcast designed to give you tips and tricks on how to declutter your life, physically and emotionally! With our helpful information you can be living clutter free in no time. If you’ve ever looked around your home and wondered how it became so crowded, felt overwhelmed by overflowing closets, or watched as emails piled up in your inbox, this is the show for you. But decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of stuff; it’s about understanding why we hold on in the first place, and how letting go can create space—not only in our homes, but in our minds and lives. In a world of constant consumption and endless upgrades, we often find ourselves surrounded by more than we need, struggling to organize and maintain it all. The clutter can quickly become a source of stress, anxiety, and guilt—impacting our relationships, our productivity, and, most importantly, our ability to enjoy the moments that matter. That’s where The Declutter Queen comes in. Every other week, Avery Cundill, the Declutter Queen, brings you a blend of practical advice, real-life stories, and compassionate strategies for decluttering every aspect of your life. With a supportive and non-judgmental approach, Avery breaks down the habits, beliefs, and emotional attachments that keep us stuck—whether it’s holding onto a sweater you haven’t worn in years, saving every email just in case, or saying yes to too many commitments. Episodes go far beyond tidying tips. Expect deep dives into topics like: - Tackling those notorious "junk drawers" and conquering sentimental clutter - Strategies for digital decluttering, from taming your inbox to organizing your photo library - Custom routines for maintaining order in high-traffic spaces like kitchens, closets, and garages - Letting go of guilt from gifts and purchases, and learning how to say goodbye to things without regret - Decluttering your calendar: making space in your schedule so you can focus on what lights you up - Addressing the mental and emotional roadblocks that make decluttering feel so hard—and celebrating the victories, big and small Along the way, you’ll gain new perspectives on consumer culture, perfectionism, and the stories we inherit about “stuff” and self-worth. Avery combines warmth, humor, and actionable steps, helping you move past overwhelm and into a life that feels lighter, calmer, and more intentional. Whether you’re taking your first steps to clear out physical clutter or ready to dig deep into the mindset shifts that spark lasting change, The Declutter Queen is your trusted guide. Find clarity, reclaim your energy, and make room for joy, creativity, and peace. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and everywhere you get your podcasts. For extra resources, supportive community, and every episode, visit thedeclutterqueen.ca. Start your decluttering journey today. The freedom you crave is just one episode away.

  1. Too Much Thyme? Decluttering Your Spices Without Losing Flavor

    4d ago

    Too Much Thyme? Decluttering Your Spices Without Losing Flavor

    Avery Cundill, along with her daughter Lily Rich, tackle two surprisingly common clutter zones on The Declutter Queen: the spice cabinet and the calendar. Avery walks listeners through a straightforward process for decluttering kitchen spices, from identifying expired stock to organizing by category and storing smarter. The episode then shifts to a conversation with Lily, a busy university student navigating the chaos of an over scheduled life. Together, they explore why calendars become overwhelmed and how to create breathing room without sacrificing meaningful commitments. 3 rules for decluttering your spice cabinet: 1. Most ground spices lose potency after 1–3 years. If it smells like nothing, it tastes like nothing. Let it go. 2. Group spices by use: daily (salt, pepper, garlic), baking (cinnamon, nutmeg), global flavors (curry, za'atar). Keep what you actually cook with front and center. 3. You can cook eclectically with 10–15 spices. That jar of amchur powder you Googled once? If you're not using it, it's taking up space you deserve back. Do you need a more personalized decluttering touch? Avery offers a one on one consultation where you can go over your specific decluttering needs and start the road to a happier clutter free life. Contact the declutter Queen at avery@averycundill.com Follow Me on Instagram. Want FREE Declutter Hacks? Sign up here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    26 min
  2. The Garage

    May 21

    The Garage

    I turn my focus to one of the most intimidating spaces in many homes: the garage. I talk about how garages stop being a home for our cars and instead become black holes for forgotten projects, expired paint cans, broken tools, dusty holiday decorations, old furniture, and boxes labeled “miscellaneous.” Because the garage is out of our main sightlines, it often becomes “storage for indecision” – the place we toss things when we don’t want to decide whether to keep them or let them go. Over time, the whole family uses it as a dumping ground, and the result is total overwhelm. But I emphasize that a cluttered garage is not a permanent problem; with the right system and mindset, it’s absolutely fixable. I walk listeners through five practical steps to declutter the garage: first, set the scope by choosing just one zone to work on instead of tackling the entire garage. Second, group by category so you can see everything clearly and spot duplicates. Third, make clear decisions item by item by asking whether you use it, whether it still works, and whether you’d buy it again. Fourth, toss, donate, or rehome using a simple rule of three and responsible disposal for things like paint and chemicals. Finally, store smart with clear labeled bins, vertical storage, wall hooks, shelves, and pegboards, while keeping the floor as clear as possible. From there, I shift into mindset and maintenance: setting a monthly reminder to tidy, making sure everyone in the household knows what goes where, and refusing to use the garage as a “decide later” zone. I offer a challenge to listeners to pick just one corner of their garage this week, sort it, let go of what they don’t use, and notice the momentum that follows. In the second half, I’m joined by my cousin Debbie Myers, who asks how to get motivated to declutter. I share five motivation-boosting strategies: shrinking the task until it feels easy, attaching decluttering to daily triggers, using a simple trash/donate/keep system, decluttering with a “body double” like a podcast or a friend, and stopping before exhaustion so the process feels doable and even satisfying. Do you need a more personalized decluttering touch? Avery offers a one on one consultation where you can go over your specific decluttering needs and start the road to a happier clutter free life. Contact the declutter Queen at avery@averycundill.com Follow Me on Instagram. Want FREE Declutter Hacks? Sign up here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    25 min
  3. Declutter To Sell: Why Less Sells For More (Part 1)

    Apr 9

    Declutter To Sell: Why Less Sells For More (Part 1)

    This episode focuses on why decluttering is so powerful when you’re selling your home. I share how I recently went through this myself and learned that this isn’t a quick weekend tidy—it can take weeks, and that’s okay. I explain that buyers aren’t buying our stuff; they’re buying the idea of their lives in our space. Clutter makes rooms feel smaller, more personal, and less inviting, while a neutral, clean, intentional space lets buyers imagine their own furniture, routines, and memories there. I walk through what “clutter” really means when selling—personal photos, piles of paper, overstuffed shelves, crowded countertops, even oversized furniture that blocks flow. I also highlight the return on investment: decluttered homes tend to sell faster and for three to five percent more, and you’ll be ahead when it’s time to pack. Then, with Realtor Ty Mitchell from Winnipeg, we dig into real-world examples from his listings: how depersonalizing, removing bulky items, and even using storage solutions or virtual staging can make a huge difference. Throughout, I encourage listeners to start small—just one room, or even one table—and to expect a “second declutter” pass once they think they’re done. Do you need a more personalized decluttering touch? Avery offers a one on one consultation where you can go over your specific decluttering needs and start the road to a happier clutter free life. Contact the declutter Queen at avery@averycundill.com Follow Me on Instagram. Want FREE Declutter Hacks? Sign up here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    29 min
  4. Closet Weight: Coats, Jackets and The Heavy Stuff

    Mar 12

    Closet Weight: Coats, Jackets and The Heavy Stuff

    I’m tackling one of the sneakiest clutter zones in most homes: coats and jackets. From puffy parkas and trench coats to hoodies and that one “special occasion” faux fur, outerwear piles up fast. I walk you through a simple four-step coat declutter method: gather everything into one place, sort by type and frequency, limit based on your real lifestyle today, and then donate, sell, or store what you don’t need thoughtfully. I also share my favorite maintenance strategy, the one in, one out rule, including how my husband and I used it while traveling. In the second half of the episode, I’m joined by my friend Sangeet Bhatia, who opens up about her emotional but empowering journey decluttering decades of photos and her children’s memorabilia. She shares how she decided what to keep, what to let go of, and how much lighter her home feels now. If you’re ready to clear physical, emotional, and even “aspirational” weight from your closets and storage spaces, this episode will give you both practical steps and real-life encouragement. Do you need a more personalized decluttering touch? Avery offers a one on one consultation where you can go over your specific decluttering needs and start the road to a happier clutter free life. Contact the declutter Queen at avery@averycundill.com Follow Me on Instagram. Want FREE Declutter Hacks? Sign up here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    26 min
  5. Sole Searching

    Feb 26

    Sole Searching

    Avery focuses on simplifying our lives by confronting emotional clutter—starting with shoes and then textbooks with her Aunt Vicky. Avery explains that shoes often symbolize versions of ourselves (professional, vacation, fitness) and that guilt over what we paid for them keeps us stuck. She shares a four-step shoe declutter method: gather all shoes, sort into keep/let go/unsure piles, reality-check against your current lifestyle, then clean, donate, repurpose, or discard. Shoes are reframed as tools, not identity. Avery then issues a simple challenge: declutter just five pairs. In the second half, (Tea With the Queen) Avery's Auntie Vicky Shemie seeks help decluttering sentimental textbooks. Avery guides her through mindset questions (use vs. symbolism, realistic future use, inspired vs. weighed down) and the same three-pile approach. She suggests donating, recycling, or keeping only a few meaningful books and even using photos as memory keepers, emphasizing emotional relief and lighter living. Do you need a more personalized decluttering touch? Avery offers a one on one consultation where you can go over your specific decluttering needs and start the road to a happier clutter free life. Contact the declutter Queen at avery@averycundill.com Follow Me on Instagram. Want FREE Declutter Hacks? Sign up here. And I promised you a checklist and resource guide.... **Step 1 – Gather & Categorize** - Choose one area (room, shelf, category like clothes/books/kitchen).   - Pull **everything out** so you can see it clearly.   - Group similar items together (by type, use, or room). **Step 2 – Three-Pile Sort** For each item, ask: - Do I **use** this regularly?   - Does it fit my **current life** (not a fantasy version of me)?   - Do I actually **like** it? Then sort into: - **Keep** – useful, loved, or clearly needed.   - **Let Go** – not used, not liked, or doesn’t fit your life.   - **Unsure** – small pile; box and label **“Revisit in 30 days”**. **Step 3 – Reality Check** - Look at your **keep** pile: does it match how you actually live?   - Edit again if it still feels crowded or overwhelming. **Step 4 – Move It On** - **Clean** items that will be donated or sold.   - **Donate / sell / recycle** what you can.   - **Trash** only what’s broken, unsafe, or unusable.   - Take bags **out of the house as soon as possible**. General Donation & Recycling Ideas Try local options first: - **Charity shops & thrift stores** that fund community programs.   - **Shelters** and **community centers** (clothing, linens, household goods).   - **Schools, libraries, and daycare centers** (books, supplies, games).   - **Faith-based organizations** (often run clothing or household drives). Category-specific ideas: - **Household goods & decor:** thrift stores, refugee support programs, “buy nothing” groups.   - **Clothing & accessories:** charity shops, clothing closets, job-readiness programs.   - **Toys & kids’ items:** family shelters, community centers, preschools.   - **Electronics:** e‑waste or electronics recycling events, municipal depots.   - **Paper, cardboard, and damaged textiles:** city **recycling** or textile drop-off programs where available. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    22 min

About

The Declutter Queen- a podcast designed to give you tips and tricks on how to declutter your life, physically and emotionally! With our helpful information you can be living clutter free in no time. If you’ve ever looked around your home and wondered how it became so crowded, felt overwhelmed by overflowing closets, or watched as emails piled up in your inbox, this is the show for you. But decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of stuff; it’s about understanding why we hold on in the first place, and how letting go can create space—not only in our homes, but in our minds and lives. In a world of constant consumption and endless upgrades, we often find ourselves surrounded by more than we need, struggling to organize and maintain it all. The clutter can quickly become a source of stress, anxiety, and guilt—impacting our relationships, our productivity, and, most importantly, our ability to enjoy the moments that matter. That’s where The Declutter Queen comes in. Every other week, Avery Cundill, the Declutter Queen, brings you a blend of practical advice, real-life stories, and compassionate strategies for decluttering every aspect of your life. With a supportive and non-judgmental approach, Avery breaks down the habits, beliefs, and emotional attachments that keep us stuck—whether it’s holding onto a sweater you haven’t worn in years, saving every email just in case, or saying yes to too many commitments. Episodes go far beyond tidying tips. Expect deep dives into topics like: - Tackling those notorious "junk drawers" and conquering sentimental clutter - Strategies for digital decluttering, from taming your inbox to organizing your photo library - Custom routines for maintaining order in high-traffic spaces like kitchens, closets, and garages - Letting go of guilt from gifts and purchases, and learning how to say goodbye to things without regret - Decluttering your calendar: making space in your schedule so you can focus on what lights you up - Addressing the mental and emotional roadblocks that make decluttering feel so hard—and celebrating the victories, big and small Along the way, you’ll gain new perspectives on consumer culture, perfectionism, and the stories we inherit about “stuff” and self-worth. Avery combines warmth, humor, and actionable steps, helping you move past overwhelm and into a life that feels lighter, calmer, and more intentional. Whether you’re taking your first steps to clear out physical clutter or ready to dig deep into the mindset shifts that spark lasting change, The Declutter Queen is your trusted guide. Find clarity, reclaim your energy, and make room for joy, creativity, and peace. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and everywhere you get your podcasts. For extra resources, supportive community, and every episode, visit thedeclutterqueen.ca. Start your decluttering journey today. The freedom you crave is just one episode away.

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