Wannabe Clutter Free | Declutter, Organize, Calm the Chaos

Deanna Yates | Professional Organizer, Decluttering Coach, Wannabe Minimalist
  • 4.5 (315)
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Wannabe Clutter Free | Declutter, Organize, Calm the Chaos

Ready to stop the overwhelm and start enjoying your life more? This podcast will help you declutter the piles of stuff, organize the things you want to keep, and learn to let go of the rest with positive mindsets and encouragement. As a busy mom who's been there, done that, I share stories of the crazy - like selling 80% of what we owned to travel with our toddler to the mundane - like having to run a home now that our kiddo's in school. Living with less is not about deprivation - just the opposite! Decluttering can open you up for a life of freedom you never knew was possible. And you won’t hear it just from me - there are amazing guests too! It’s practical, doable, and simple for those of us that wannabe clutter free.

  1. Stress-Free Holidays: Decluttering, Organizing, and Simplifying Tips to Help Busy Moms

    2 DAYS AGO

    Stress-Free Holidays: Decluttering, Organizing, and Simplifying Tips to Help Busy Moms

    Manage the busy holiday season with ease. In this episode, Deanna offers practical advice for setting intentions, decluttering, and managing time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Busy moms will find actionable tips on creating holiday traditions that matter, involving kids in decluttering, and streamlining holiday prep to focus on joy and gratitude. **************** Links in this episode (some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you): Check out my favorite resources Join the Wannabe Minimalist Community on Facebook Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on: Instagram Facebook Website Podcast **************** As the holiday season approaches, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the tasks, expectations, and to-do lists that come with it. But what if this year, you could create a holiday season filled with calm, joy, and meaningful moments? In today’s episode, we’re diving into practical, stress-reducing tips for busy moms who want to enjoy the magic of the season without the overwhelm. I’ll guide you through decluttering and organizing your space, streamlining holiday tasks, managing your time, and creating simple traditions that bring joy without added pressure. Whether you’re looking for ways to reduce holiday clutter or want to make more space for family moments, this episode is here to help you step into the holiday season with peace and intention. 5 Key Takeaways: Set Intentions for a Meaningful Holiday: Decide what you want this season to feel like. By choosing a few top priorities, you can let go of unnecessary tasks and focus on what truly matters. Declutter for Calm: Clear out key areas like the kitchen, entryway, and living spaces to create a welcoming and less chaotic environment. Involve your kids in decluttering their toys to make room for new items and practice giving back. Organize Your Holiday Essentials: Set up a “holiday command center” to keep track of events, to-dos, and lists in one place, and establish a simple wrapping station to reduce last-minute stress. Simplify Your Traditions: Review your holiday traditions and keep only the ones that bring joy. Focus on experiences over things, and create easy, memorable moments like family movie nights and neighborhood light walks. Take Care of Yourself: Remember to build in small moments of self-care to recharge, say no to commitments that don’t align with your values, and embrace a holiday season that prioritizes peace over perfection. Tune in for actionable advice and gentle encouragement — because this season should feel just as good for you as it does for everyone else. Let’s make this holiday one you’ll actually enjoy! 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 01:08 Setting Intentions for the Holiday Season 04:00 Decluttering Before the Holidays 12:15 Involving Kids in Decluttering 16:31 Managing and Organizing for the Holidays 19:27 Decluttering Holiday Decor 22:43 Mastering Holiday Time Management 28:11 Simplifying Holiday Traditions 31:24 Self-Care During the Holiday Season 33:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com **************** Subscribe & Review Don't forget to subscribe to the show so you don't miss any tips for organizing, decluttering, and simplifying your home and life. And if you enjoyed today’s episode, please consider leaving a rating and review on Apple, Spotify, Goodpods, or YouTube. Let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you! **************** We’d love to hear how you’re applying the strategies discussed in this episode. Share your stories and tips with us on social media (@wannabeclutterfree). Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes designed to make your busy life a bit easier.

    40 min
  2. Raising Resilient Kids: How to Instill Grit for Lifelong Success with Dan Allbaugh

    OCT 30

    Raising Resilient Kids: How to Instill Grit for Lifelong Success with Dan Allbaugh

    In this episode, Deanna discusses the crucial role of grit in childhood success with award-winning author Dan Allbaugh. They explore how perseverance and effort can shape a child's development and long-term achievements. Dan shares practical tips for parents on fostering resilience and embracing challenges, highlighting why grit can be more impactful than innate talent. **************** Resources Mentioned (some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you): Check out my favorite tools & resources Connect with Dan Allbaugh Dan’s Website The Gritty Kids Book Series Gritty Kids App on iOS Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on: Instagram Facebook Website Podcast **************** In this episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast, host, Deanna Yates, interviews award-winning author Dan Allbaugh about the transformative power of grit when it comes to childhood success. Dan shares insights from his book The Gritty Little Lamb, exploring how passion and perseverance can lead children to overcome challenges and thrive in various aspects of life. They discuss the importance of praising effort over outcomes, inspired by the research of Angela Duckworth, and how parents can cultivate resilience in their children through everyday experiences. Throughout the conversation, Deanna and Dan delve into practical strategies for fostering a growth mindset, emphasizing the need for balance between protection and allowing children to face struggles. Dan offers valuable advice on modeling perseverance, celebrating small victories, and breaking tasks down to manage frustrations effectively. This episode is a must-listen for parents looking to empower their kids with the grit needed for long-term success. This episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast will help you discover: The definition of grit and its significance in a child's development. Practical tips for parents to instill resilience in their children. Why focusing on effort rather than outcomes can foster a growth mindset. How to create an environment that encourages children to embrace challenges. Insights from Dan’s experiences and his educational resources for parents and kids. **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com **************** Subscribe & Review Are you subscribed to the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. And if you enjoyed today’s episode, it would make my day if you left me a rating and review. You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts, a comment on Spotify Podcasts or Goodpods, or connect on guest video interviews on YouTube. Your review helps other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to read. Let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you! **************** We’d love to hear how you’re applying the strategies discussed in this episode. Share your stories and tips with us on social media (@wannabeclutterfree). Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes designed to make your busy life a bit easier.

    42 min
  3. Design the Life You Want: Essential Habits for Success with Kate House

    OCT 23

    Design the Life You Want: Essential Habits for Success with Kate House

    In this episode, Deanna discusses how to design the life you truly want with guest Kate House. They dive into the essential habits and mindset shifts that lead to long-term success, focusing on intentional living and goal-setting. Discover practical steps to break free from feeling stuck and start creating a life aligned with your true desires. **************** Resources Mentioned (some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you): Check out my favorite tools & resources Connect with Kate House Instagram Website Live By Design Podcast Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on: Instagram Facebook Website Podcast **************** In this episode of Wannabe Clutter Free, host Deanna Yates sits down with Kate House, host of the Live By Design Podcast and a goal-setting expert dedicated to helping women live intentionally and achieve personal growth. Kate shares her inspiring journey from feeling overwhelmed and unfulfilled to living a life of purpose, driven by mindful habits and thoughtful goal-setting. Deanna and Kate dive deep into how small, consistent actions can lead to big changes, and why having a clear vision for your life is essential for breaking free from the cycle of overwhelm. They discuss the transformative power of mindset shifts, how to set meaningful goals that align with your values, and the role seasonal goal-setting can play in adapting to life’s changes. This conversation is packed with practical strategies for anyone ready to take control of their life, create lasting habits, and achieve their most meaningful goals. Kate’s insights will help you shift from living by default to designing a life filled with clarity, confidence, and intention. This episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast will help you discover: How to set intentional goals that align with your values The importance of seasonal goal-setting and adapting to life's changes Small, impactful habits that lead to long-term success Strategies for overcoming perfectionism and self-doubt How to stay motivated and focused on what truly matters **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com **************** Subscribe & Review Are you subscribed to the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. And if you enjoyed today’s episode, it would make my day if you left me a rating and review. You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts, a comment on Spotify Podcasts or Goodpods, or connect on guest video interviews on YouTube. Your review helps other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to read. Let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you! **************** We’d love to hear how you’re applying the strategies discussed in this episode. Share your stories and tips with us on social media (@wannabeclutterfree). Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes designed to make your busy life a bit easier.

    49 min
  4. Why Minimalism is the Key to Less Stress and More Joy with Sarah Horgan

    OCT 16

    Why Minimalism is the Key to Less Stress and More Joy with Sarah Horgan

    In this episode, Deanna and guest Sarah Horgan talk about Sarah's inspiring journey from battling stage four cancer to embracing minimalism. Sarah shares how letting go of physical and emotional clutter transformed her life, offering practical tips for living with intention and reducing stress. **************** Resources Mentioned (some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you): Check out my favorite tools & resources Connect with Sarah Horgan Instagram Website Simple + Intentional Podcast Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on: Instagram Facebook Website Podcast **************** In this episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast, the host, Deanna Yates, interviews Sarah Horgan, a working mom and kindergarten teacher from Toronto, who shares her powerful story of resilience and transformation. After being diagnosed with stage four cancer, Sarah made the life-altering decision to embrace minimalism. She opens up about how decluttering not only helped her simplify her physical space but also brought clarity and peace to her mind and heart. They dive deep into the emotional and practical aspects of letting go of perfectionism and embracing a more intentional life. Throughout their conversation, Sarah offers valuable insights into how minimalism has empowered her to reduce stress, improve her mindset, and create a more meaningful life for herself and her family. She also shares the challenges of balancing motherhood, a career, and recovery, all while cultivating a clutter-free, intentional home. Whether you’re a busy parent, dealing with your own health challenges, or just feeling overwhelmed by clutter, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable tips to help you live with more purpose. This episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast will help you discover: How to embrace minimalism in the face of life’s biggest challenges Practical tips for letting go of perfectionism and people-pleasing The emotional benefits of decluttering your space and mind Ways to maintain balance as a working parent while simplifying your life Insights into Sarah’s new online community for women seeking intentional living **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com **************** Subscribe & Review Are you subscribed to the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. And if you enjoyed today’s episode, it would make my day if you left me a rating and review. You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts, a comment on Spotify Podcasts or Goodpods, or connect on guest video interviews on YouTube. Your review helps other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to read. Let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you! **************** We’d love to hear how you’re applying the strategies discussed in this episode. Share your stories and tips with us on social media (@wannabeclutterfree). Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes designed to make your busy life a bit easier.

    46 min
  5. Declutter Your Home and Mind: A Minimalist Journey with Shannon Leyko

    OCT 9

    Declutter Your Home and Mind: A Minimalist Journey with Shannon Leyko

    Join Deanna Yates and Shannon Leyko as they tackle decluttering and minimalism through tough conversations about what to do with sentimental items and handling unwanted gifts from family. Learn practical tips to simplify your home, manage guilt, and create space for what matters most. Tune in for expert advice on realistic minimalism! **************** Resources Mentioned (some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you): Check out my favorite tools & resources Code Kingdoms Connect with Shannon Leyko Instagram Website Paring Down Podcast Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on: Instagram Facebook Website Podcast **************** In this episode of Wannabe Clutter Free, Deanna Yates sits down with Shannon Leyko, author, podcast host, and minimalist expert, to discuss the emotional challenges of decluttering, especially when sentimental items and family dynamics are involved. Shannon, a mother of three and military wife, shares her deeply personal journey of simplifying her life while balancing family, loss, and the emotional weight of possessions tied to loved ones. Together, Shannon and Deanna tackle the tough conversations we often face with family members—whether it’s about gifts that don’t fit our needs or sentimental heirlooms we feel obligated to keep. They explore why it’s so hard to let go, the guilt many of us feel, and how we can shift our mindset to embrace minimalism with intention and grace. Whether you’re just starting your decluttering journey or you’re already on the path to a simplified life, this episode provides practical advice and relatable stories to help you move forward. Shannon offers tips on involving kids in the decluttering process, how to handle unwanted gifts, and the importance of making space for what truly matters without feeling judged or overwhelmed. In this episode, you’ll discover: • Why sentimental items hold so much emotional weight and how to decide what to keep • Practical steps to begin decluttering your home, no matter how overwhelmed you feel • How to kindly and effectively handle family members who give clutter-causing gifts • What to do if a family member asks about a gift you’ve decluttered • Strategies for involving your children in the decluttering process • How to develop a minimalist mindset that promotes long-term simplicity and peace **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com **************** Subscribe & Review Are you subscribed to the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. And if you enjoyed today’s episode, it would make my day if you left me a rating and review. You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts, a comment on Spotify Podcasts or Goodpods, or connect on guest video interviews on YouTube. Your review helps other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to read. Let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you! **************** We’d love to hear how you’re applying the strategies discussed in this episode. Share your stories and tips with us on social media (@wannabeclutterfree). Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes designed to make your busy life a bit easier.

    49 min
  6. Proven Strategies to Declutter and Organize Your Family’s Photos with Haleh Shoa

    OCT 2

    Proven Strategies to Declutter and Organize Your Family’s Photos with Haleh Shoa

    In this episode, Deanna Yates chats with photo organization expert Haleh Shoa about transforming photo clutter into an organized collection. They share practical tips for decluttering both digital and physical photos, along with advice on preserving cherished memories for future generations. Whether you’re overwhelmed by digital images or old albums, this episode offers actionable steps to bring order to your family’s photo library and turn it into a source of joy. **************** Resources Mentioned (some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you): Check out my favorite tools & resources Connect with Haleh Shoa Instagram Website Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on: Instagram Facebook Website Podcast **************** In this episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast, host Deanna Yates chats with photo organization expert Haleh Shoa about transforming photo chaos into a well-organized treasure trove of memories. Haleh, founder of Picturli, offers her expert tips on managing both digital and physical photo collections, breaking down simple, actionable steps for anyone overwhelmed by their growing library of images. Together, they explore the emotional value of photos, common pitfalls to avoid when tackling disorganized collections, and the best ways to preserve your memories for the long haul. Whether you have thousands of digital images or boxes of old photo albums, this episode provides a roadmap to simplify your photo organization process and turn it into a source of joy, not stress. Tune in to discover: • Proven strategies to declutter and organize digital and physical photos • The most common photo organizing mistakes and how to avoid them • Essential tips for backing up and protecting your digital memories • How to honor the emotional connections tied to your family’s photos • Fun ways to get the whole family involved in preserving your story **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com **************** Subscribe & Review Are you subscribed to the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. And if you enjoyed today’s episode, it would make my day if you left me a rating and review. You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts, a comment on Spotify Podcasts or Goodpods, or connect on guest video interviews on YouTube. Your review helps other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to read. Let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you! **************** We’d love to hear how you’re applying the strategies discussed in this episode. Share your stories and tips with us on social media (@wannabeclutterfree). Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes designed to make your busy life a bit easier.

    38 min
  7. Declutter Your Life One Step at a Time with Jessica Litman

    SEP 25

    Declutter Your Life One Step at a Time with Jessica Litman

    In this episode, Deanna discusses how small, manageable steps can lead to big decluttering wins with organization expert Jessica Litman. Together, they explore the concept of micro decluttering and how busy individuals, especially moms, can tackle clutter one step at a time. Jessica shares practical tips to help listeners create a more organized, stress-free home environment. **************** Resources Mentioned (some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you): Check out my favorite tools & resources Connect with Jessica Litman Instagram Website Podcast Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on: Instagram Facebook Website Podcast **************** In this episode of Wannabe Clutter Free, host Deanna Yates chats with Jessica Litman, also known as The Organized Mama, about the power of micro decluttering. Jessica reveals expert strategies for taking small, manageable steps to create a clutter-free home, perfect for busy moms who want to stay organized without feeling overwhelmed. Jessica shares her journey from teaching to becoming an organization pro, offering practical tips you can start using today. Learn how to build a decluttering plan that fits into your hectic schedule, form lasting habits, and keep your space consistently tidy—all without spending hours cleaning. This episode is packed with actionable advice to help you tackle clutter quickly and efficiently. Tune in to discover: • How to use micro decluttering in short bursts of time • The best areas to declutter for fast results • Simple habits to keep clutter away for good • How to prioritize tasks without stress • Tips for organizing family spaces with ease If you’re ready to simplify your home, this conversation will give you the tools to start right now! **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com **************** Subscribe & Review Are you subscribed to the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. And if you enjoyed today’s episode, it would make my day if you left me a rating and review. You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts, a comment on Spotify Podcasts or Goodpods, or connect on guest video interviews on YouTube. Your review helps other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to read. Let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you! **************** We’d love to hear how you’re applying the strategies discussed in this episode. Share your stories and tips with us on social media (@wannabeclutterfree). Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes designed to make your busy life a bit easier.

    35 min
  8. Preparing for Christmas Now: How to Set Gift Boundaries with Family

    SEP 18

    Preparing for Christmas Now: How to Set Gift Boundaries with Family

    In this episode, we tackle the challenge of managing holiday gift expectations by helping you navigate tough conversations with family about giving fewer physical gifts and focusing on experience-based presents instead. Learn practical strategies for setting boundaries with kindness, reducing holiday clutter, and creating meaningful memories with your kids this Christmas season. **************** Links in this episode (some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you): Check out my favorite resources Join the Wannabe Minimalist Community on Facebook Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on: Instagram Facebook Website Podcast **************** Are you already dreading the avalanche of toys and trinkets that Christmas brings? You’re not alone! In this episode of Wannabe Clutter Free, we're diving into how you can start prepping for a more intentional, clutter-free holiday season—right now, in September. If you’re a busy, overwhelmed mom who dreams of a calmer Christmas with fewer gifts and more meaningful moments, this episode is for you. We’ll explore why early planning is the key to reducing holiday stress, and how to have those tricky conversations with family about cutting back on physical gifts. Learn how to gently guide grandparents, aunts, and uncles toward experience gifts or contributions to a big-ticket item without offending anyone or feeling guilty. From practical tips to conversation starters, we’ve got you covered with all the tools you need to set clear gift boundaries and create a more joyful holiday season for your family. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why starting your Christmas planning in September can save you stress and headaches later. The challenge of too many gifts and how it affects your home and your sanity. Creative ideas for experience gifts that grandparents and extended family will love giving. Step-by-step strategies for having kind and effective conversations about gift expectations. How to handle pushback and stay firm on your family’s holiday vision. The benefits of reducing physical gifts: less clutter, more joy, and lasting memories. Let’s make this Christmas the most relaxed, clutter-free, and memorable one yet! Tune in now, and take the first step toward reclaiming your holiday season. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 02:29 Planning for Christmas Early 04:49 Challenges of Too Many Gifts 07:48 Shifting to Experience Gifts 12:54 Having Difficult Conversations About Gifts 16:38 Handling Pushback and Benefits of Less Clutter 20:25 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com **************** Subscribe & Review Are you subscribed to the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. And if you enjoyed today’s episode, it would make my day if you left me a rating and review. You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts, a comment on Spotify Podcasts or Goodpods, or connect on guest video interviews on YouTube. Your review helps other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to read. Let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you! **************** We’d love to hear how you’re applying the strategies discussed in this episode. Share your stories and tips with us on social media (@wannabeclutterfree). Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes designed to make your busy life a bit easier.

    29 min
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4.5
out of 5
315 Ratings

About

Ready to stop the overwhelm and start enjoying your life more? This podcast will help you declutter the piles of stuff, organize the things you want to keep, and learn to let go of the rest with positive mindsets and encouragement. As a busy mom who's been there, done that, I share stories of the crazy - like selling 80% of what we owned to travel with our toddler to the mundane - like having to run a home now that our kiddo's in school. Living with less is not about deprivation - just the opposite! Decluttering can open you up for a life of freedom you never knew was possible. And you won’t hear it just from me - there are amazing guests too! It’s practical, doable, and simple for those of us that wannabe clutter free.

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