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. Spring Cleaning Plan for Real Life s2e11

    2D AGO

    Spring Cleaning Plan for Real Life s2e11

    Forget the fantasy version of spring cleaning ... the one where you have unlimited energy, matching baskets in every room, and nobody needs you all weekend.  In this episode, Julie & Janis bust the biggest spring cleaning myths and give you a real-life plan that actually works.  Spoiler Alert: spring cleaning is a season, not an event! 🌸 What We Cover This Episode Busting the Fantasy  Deep cleaning the whole house in a weekend? Unlimited energy? Snow White and the forest animals showing up to help? Yeah, that's not happening.  Life has jobs, kids, pets, and interruptions, and that's okay! The goal is a plan that bends but doesn't break. The 5 Signature Techniques for Your Spring Cleaning Season Small Doable Doses = The backbone of the whole plan. Break bigger projects into zones and tackle them one at a time. Bathroom? Counter, glass, tub, toilet, floor — each one is its own win!Decluttering Dozen = 12 minutes on the clock, focused on decluttering. Long enough to make a difference, short enough to not wipe you out. Closets, junk drawers, paper piles — done is done!12-Minute Tidy = Also 12 minutes, but this one's about resetting and light cleaning after decluttering. Start high, work down, let gravity do the heavy lifting.Flat Surface Scramble = Grab a basket, sweep every flat surface in the room, and relocate anything that doesn't belong there. Visual calm = instant motivation to keep going.Keep or LETS-GO Sorting = Keep, LE (Lives Elsewhere), T (Trash), S (Sentimental), GO (Goes Out). Simple, effective, and no second-guessing!Your Real-Life Spring Cleaning Plan  Pick a few focus zones ... not the whole house. Do one Small Do-able Dose daily. On busy days, squeeze in a #DeclutteringDozen.  When motivation dips, run a quick Flat Surface Scramble. And if you miss a day? No guilt, just don't miss more than two in a row.  Consistency over intensity, every single time. 💡 Key Takeaway You don't need more time — you just need kinder systems. Spring cleaning works when it fits YOUR real life. 🔗 Connect With The JJs 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  #SpringCleaning #SpringDecluttering #DeclutterFirst #RealLifeCleaning #TheJJsDeclutterPodcast #ABCDeclutter #DeclutteringDozen #SmallDoableDoses #FlatSurfaceScramble #KeepOrLETSGO #HomeOrganization #ClutterFree #12MinuteTidy #DeclutterCoach #ProgressOverPerfection #ConsistencyOverIntensity #CleaningTips #OrganizeYourHome #DeclutterYourLife #TidyHome Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!

    20 min
  2. Stop Cleaning Your Clutter (& Other Lies We Tell Ourselves) s2e10

    MAR 10

    Stop Cleaning Your Clutter (& Other Lies We Tell Ourselves) s2e10

    Are you cleaning your clutter… or just relocating it?  There's a difference, and in this episode, Julie & Janis are keeping it real.  No fluff, no shame, just the honest truth about the cycle we get stuck in, the lies we tell ourselves, and the simple shift that will actually break it.     🧹 What We Cover This Week Cleaning Clutter vs. Actually DE-cluttering  Shuffling piles from one surface to another, wiping counters around things, washing dishes that aren't dirty, folding clothes you never wear ... sound familiar? We've all done it!  The problem is that busy doesn't equal productive, and movement without decision-making just keeps you stuck in an endless loop.   The Greatest Hits: Lies We Tell Ourselves "I might need this someday." ~ Someday isn't on the calendar."But it was expensive!" ~ The money was spent ages ago. It's not stored in the item."I'll deal with it later." ~ Later usually means more tired. "I just need the right system." ~ A system won't fix excess. Decluttering will."I'll do it when life calms down." ~ Clutter makes life louder, not quieter! The Correct Order (Yes, There Is One!)  Declutter first. Then clean. Then reset. It's faster, less exhausting, and way less resentment-inducing.  Use a #DeclutteringDozen ~ just 12 minutes on the timer ~ and do ONE small area at a time. Progress beats perfection every single time. This Week's Challenge: Pick one spot you're always cleaning around.  Remove just a few items first. Then clean it.  Notice how long it actually takes (we almost always overestimate! )  Take a before-and-after photo and share it in our community. Small wins count. Every. Single. Time.   💡 Key Takeaway   Clutter isn't a cleaning problem — it's a decision problem. Clutter is delayed decisions. You're not behind. You're just building a better system that works for YOUR life.     🔗 Connect With The JJs   🌐 ABCDeclutter.com🎙️ TheJJsDeclutterPodcast.com💬 ABC Declutter with JJ Community on Facebook  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      #Decluttering #StopCleaningYourClutter #ClutterIsADecisionProblem #DeclutterFirst #TheJJsDeclutterPodcast #ABCDeclutter #HomeOrganization #ClutterFree #DeclutteringDozen #SmallDoableDoses #DOOMBox #OrganizeYourHome #DeclutterCoach #ClutterHelp #MindsetShift #ProgressOverPerfection #DecisionFatigue #DeclutterYourLife #CleaningTips #TidyHome   Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!

    16 min
  3. Spring Decluttering is Better than Spring Cleaning, S2E9

    MAR 3

    Spring Decluttering is Better than Spring Cleaning, S2E9

    Magazine Moments with The JJs for March Spring cleaning season is HERE ~ and while 8 out of 10 Americans plan to participate, 67% feel stressed or overwhelmed before they even pick up a sponge. Sound familiar? In this Magazine Moments episode, Julie and Janis dig into two articles that are packed with stats, cleaning tips, and ~ most importantly ~ the case for why decluttering first is the real secret to a cleaner, calmer home all year long. 🌸 The stats are both encouraging AND a little hilarious. Did you know 81% of people struggle to stay motivated during spring cleaning? You're not lazy ~ you're in excellent company! Julie and Janis break down: The top areas Americans tackle (floors, baseboards, behind furniture, storage spaces, and windows) Why 60% of people say a clean space boosts their mood ~ motivation to keep going! From BecomingMinimalist.com by Joshua Becker:  Spring Decluttering is Better Than Spring Cleaning This is the one phrase we want you to walk away with today! Joshua makes the case ~ and we wholeheartedly agree ~ that decluttering before you clean makes EVERYTHING easier. Key takeaways: Declutter your living spaces FIRST — then clean. There's zero reason to dust around things you're about to donate! Start with your easiest wins: living room, bedroom, or even your car. Skip the attic and the sentimental deep-dive for now Stay in your OWN lane — you can only declutter YOUR stuff unless someone gives you the green light! 💡 Julie & Janis's Reminders Never buy storage containers until AFTER you've finished decluttering ~ you likely already have what you need! Label everything. You will be very grateful later that you did. Don't mix cleaning products  (baking soda and dish soap = fine; bleach and ammonia = NOT fine) Ask for help! Nobody said you have to do all of this alone. Use the Keep or LETS-GO system as you sort: Keep (stays in place), LE (Lives Elsewhere), T (Trash/recycle), S (Sentimental ~ set aside), GO (Goes Out ~ donate, sell, or return to owner) 📎 Articles Mentioned Forbes Spring Cleaning  (March 2024) https://www.forbes.com/sites/terriwilliams/2025/03/30/spring-cleaning-2025-myths-misconceptions-and-cleaning-tips/ Spring Decluttering is Better Than Spring Cleaning ~ BecomingMinimalist.com by Joshua Becker https://www.becomingminimalist.com/spring-decluttering/ Join 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! 🎉 Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!

    25 min
  4. The "Just One Area" Spring Reset

    FEB 24

    The "Just One Area" Spring Reset

    Spring Cleaning Season is here ~ and so is the pressure to bleach your grout, alphabetize your spice rack, & deep-clean every room by April 1st or officially lose your adulting card. 🙄 Yeah… we're not doing that.   Julie & Janis introduce the Just One Area Spring Reset ~ a no-pressure, no-overwhelm approach that trades the all-day purge fest for something way more sustainable: one area, one intention, one manageable win. Why traditional spring cleaning sets you up to fail If you've ever turned one junk drawer into five piles, eaten lunch, declared it bedtime, and then lived with those piles for a week ~ you are not alone. The JJs explain why going big actually backfires ~ and why small, doable doses are the real secret. How to choose your ONE area Not every space is created equal. The JJs walk you through picking a spot that is:  Small enough to finish in 15–45 minutesAnnoying you enough to actually matterVisible enough that finishing it feels rewarding Great starting spots: that one kitchen drawer, the entryway landing zone, a single pantry shelf, or the linen closet still holding twin sheets for a bed you haven't owned in a decade. What to AVOID This is not the week for old photos, memory boxes, or anything that will have you sitting on the floor crying at 2pm. Save the sentimental stuff for another day ~ today we're going for quick wins. The 4-Step Just One Area Reset Process  Set your intention: What do you want this space to DO for you? Function over fantasy, friends.Empty only what you can handle: Use a tray, towel, or small bin to contain the chaos. Decluttering avalanches are real & they are not cute.Make fast decisions: No maybe piles. Use your KEEP or LETS-GO system: Keep it, Let it Live Elsewhere, Toss it, Set it aside as Sentimental, or let it GO out the door.Reset for real life: Skip the Pinterest-worthy bins & use what you already own. If it's too hard to put away, it won't stay tidy. Design your space for tired-Tuesday-you. Use a timer! Set it for 12 minutes (hello, Decluttering Dozen!), beat the clock, & be genuinely shocked by how much you can do. Before & after photos are highly encouraged ~ you'll want proof of this victory.     The Payoffs Are Real:   ✅ Instant relief and calm  ✅ Easier cleaning (you're not cleaning around stuff anymore)  ✅ Less searching, less visual noise, less stress  ✅ You stop buying things you already own but couldn't find  ✅ You start believing: "I'm someone who can handle my space." Your Challenge This Week: Pick ONE area. Set your timer for 12 minutes. Go.  Then come tell us what you tackled ~ we genuinely want to know!   📣 Julie's pick: Her entryway  📣 Janis's pick: The junk drawer (where the Christmas cards went to hide — it's a whole situation) Connect With Us: 🌐 www.abcdeclutter.com  🎙️ www.thejjsdeclutterpodcast.com  📘 Facebook: ABC DEclutter With JJ - Community Remember: Progress = success. Trying = success. Showing up = success.   #Decluttering #SpringCleaning #SpringReset  #SmallDoableDoses #DeclutteringDozens #JustOneArea #TheJJsDeclutterPodcast #ABCDeclutter #ClutterCrushers  #ClutterFreeHome #TidyHome #SpringMotivation #RealLifeCleaning #DeclutterChallenge  Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!

    22 min
  5. Decluttering With Spring Goals In Mind s2e7

    FEB 17

    Decluttering With Spring Goals In Mind s2e7

    It's still cold outside, your garage is a disaster, and you STILL haven't put away the holiday decorations. So why are we talking about spring goals? Because waiting until spring shows up is how you end up standing in your driveway, holding a tomato plant, and wondering where on earth your shovel went.   Julie and Janis are flipping traditional goal setting on its head. Instead of starting with a to-do list for spring, they're starting with the stuff that's blocking your spring plans RIGHT NOW. Because the goals aren't the problem—the clutter is.   When the things you need are broken, buried, or scattered, everything feels harder than it needs to be. Motivation drains fast when you have to dig through chaos just to get started. Let's fix that before spring actually arrives!   Work Backward From Your Actual Goals  Why "get organized" is too vague (and leads to still having a cluttered garage in July)How to identify what's REALLY blocking your spring plansThe power of asking: "Does this item support what I actually want to do this spring?"Julie's confession about her garage full of garden pots (classic DOOM - Didn't Organize, Only Moved!) Declutter By Category Based on Your Spring Plans Gardening Goals:  Clear out broken tools, 5-year-old seed packets, and pots you don't even likeWhy seeing all that chaos registers as "work" instead of "joy" in your brainJulie's heirloom seed story (15 years old, two plants grew, and it was PERFECT)Pro tip: Sprinkle old seeds in alleys as you walk—some might grow! Outdoor Entertaining:  Start with wobbly, uncomfortable, or embarrassing furniture (it's supporting accidents, not connection!)The melted spatulas, mismatched plates, and 2015 citronella candles that don't smell like citronella anymorePicture the gathering you actually want, then declutter the gap between here and there Getting Active:  The emotional weight of bikes, weights, and yoga mats bought with the best intentionsTruth bomb (Let's Talk Reality): Keeping something you don't like doesn't make you more likely to use it ~ it just keeps the guilt goingMake what you DO use easy to grab (and pump up those bike tires ~ don't ask Julie how she knows!) The Garage - Final Boss of Clutter:  Where "I'll deal with this later" goes to retirePrioritize what supports your goals for easiest accessGentle reminder: If you're storing adult kid's belongings for years, it's time for a conversation Spring Cleaning vs. Decluttering  You can't clean clutter, you can only move it around ~ "clutter shuffling"Always declutter FIRST, then cleanCleaning around excess stuff turns every task into an obstacle course Your Action Plan  Write down your top 3 spring goalsIdentify what's blocking themSchedule short #DeclutteringDozen sessions (just 12 minutes!) to remove those hurdlesHave your LETs~GO bags ready (Lives Elsewhere, Trash, Sentimental, Goes Out)No perfection required ~ just progress!   Ready for real support and accountability? Stop playing catch-up alone. Join the Clutter Crushers Club and declutter WITH us twice a month in live sessions. No judgment, just action and community support from people who actually GET IT. 👉 Visit www.ABCDeclutter.com to join today!   Don't forget to like, share, subscribe, and leave us a review! We'll see you next week!  Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!

    14 min
  6. Catch-Up Cleaning For Busy Homemakers! s2e6

    FEB 10

    Catch-Up Cleaning For Busy Homemakers! s2e6

    Are you feeling buried under catch-up cleaning? You're not alone! In this episode, Julie and Janis tackle the overwhelm of getting your home back on track when life has simply gotten in the way ... and boy! can it get in the way! Forget any guilt or shame ~ we're sharing real, practical strategies that work for actual busy lives (not those fantasy lives where the laundry folds itself!). What You'll Learn: The "spy mission" reconnaissance technique using our famous 12-minute Decluttering DozenHow to identify clutter blindness with a simple photo trickThe "Big Three Method" for maximum impact with minimum effortThe crucial 3-step catch-up cleaning formula (why order matters!)How to avoid the "reorganization rabbit hole" and productive procrastination trapsWhat "good enough clean" really means (hint: your baseboards can wait!)The magic of the "closing shift" for daily maintenanceWhy your worth isn't determined by your countertopsKey Concepts:  ✨ Small Do-able Doses over marathon cleaning sessions  ✨ The LETS-GO System (Lives Elsewhere, Trash, Sentimental, Goes Out)  ✨ Progress over perfection, always!  ✨ DOOM: Didn't Organize, Only Moved (stop shuffling clutter!) Remember: Martha Stewart has a staff. You're human, and being behind doesn't make you a failure ~ it makes you normal! Ready for Support? Join our free community at www.abcdeclutter.com or level up with the Clutter Crushers Club for live sessions and coaching. Jump into our February Decluttering the Alphabet Adventure Challenge anytime! 📺 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   #CatchUpCleaning #DeclutteringTips #BusyMomLife #CleaningMotivation #HomeOrganization #MessyHouseHelp #SmallDoableDoses #ProgressNotPerfection #DeclutteringDozen #ClutterFree #OrganizedHome #CleaningHacks #MomLifeHacks #RealLife #OverwhelmedMom #CleaningRoutine #HomeMaintenance #JJsDeclutter #DeclutterPodcast #ClutterCrushers #LETSGO #GoodEnoughClean #ClosingShift #ClutterBlindness #RealisticCleaning #MessyHomeRealLife #DeclutterYourLife #OrganizingTips #BusyHomemaker #CleaningTips  Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!

    20 min
  7. A is for What "Actually" Counts ~ Alphabet Decluttering s2e5

    FEB 3

    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
  8. 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
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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
    68
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The JJs Declutter Podcast
  • Show Website
    The JJs Declutter Podcast

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