Wannabe Clutter Free | Declutter, Simplify, Find Freedom

Latest Episodes:

Ep 201: From Kindergarten Classroom to Clutter-Free: The Power of Play with Elizabeth Manley Apr 17, 2024

Show notes

Discover how play shapes child development in our podcast, where we explore balancing fun and organizing toys to minimize clutter. Learn about the benefits of play for skills growth, the downsides of too much screen time, and effective strategies for creating a learning-friendly environment at home. We also discuss tips for playful learning, the benefits of minimalism, decluttering strategies, and the principles of intentional parenting. Tune in to transform your approach and enhance your child's potential.

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Resources Mentioned (some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you):

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Key Takeaways:

The Power of Play: Discover how essential play is to a child's development, and how reducing toy clutter can significantly enhance their growth and creativity.
Screen Time Concerns: Learn about the negative effects of excessive screen time on children, such as weakened fine motor skills and diminished focus, and hear expert screen time management strategies.
Engaging Children in Developmental Play: Get practical tips for engaging children in play that promotes development using minimal toys, focusing on outdoor activities and creative play with simple items like sticks.
Minimizing Toys: Understand the benefits of keeping toys to a minimum to enhance a child's focus and creativity, with suggestions for implementing a minimalist approach to your child’s play environment.
Promoting Imaginative Play: Gain insights on fostering more engaged and imaginative play, which can help counteract the drawbacks of digital distractions.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Welcome to Wannabe Clutter Free: Episode 201 Overview
00:38 Supporting the Show: How You Can Help
02:20 Meet Elizabeth Manley: The Importance of Play
03:25 The Critical Role of Play in Development
10:14 Screen Time and Its Impact on Kids
13:54 Managing Screen Time: Family Strategies
20:49 Encouraging Play Over Screen Time
24:00 The Journey to Change and the Power of Persistence
24:32 Decoding the Toy Dilemma: How Much is Too Much?
24:43 The Magic of Minimal Toys and Outdoor Play
26:34 Embracing Play and Imagination Over Material Abundance
30:45 The Educational Value of Play and Preparing for Kindergarten
38:35 The Joyful Mama, Joyful Kiddos Bundle: A Treasure Trove for Parents
42:02 Reflections on Clutter-Free Living and Family Time
45:47 Closing Thoughts and Invitations for Engagement

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Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

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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!

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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 or via email. Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes designed to make your busy life a bit easier.

Thank you for joining us, and remember, it’s about progress, not perfection. Here’s to a more organized and less stressful life!

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Ep 200: Reflecting on the Past Decade of Our Decluttering and Minimalism Living Journey Apr 10, 2024

Show notes

Join Deanna Yates as she explores a decade-long journey of decluttering and embracing minimalism. Discover valuable insights on living with less, the impact of mindset shifts, and how adapting to life's changes—like traveling and raising a family—can enhance and enrich a minimalist lifestyle.

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Do you ever take time to reflect back on your progress over the years?

I know it’s super important to build in moments of reflection so you can cherish how far you’ve come even when you feel there is still further to go. So, that’s what I’m doing today as part of our 200th episode celebration!!

I’m reflecting not only on the journey of the podcast, but diving into several lessons I’ve learned on my personal decluttering adventure over the last decade. I look back on each year and share the biggest lesson from each milestone - whether that’s because of where we were living at the time or what was happening in our life at that moment.

This episode dives deep into our adventures since 2014, detailing her travels, learnings, and experiences in minimalism, decluttering, and living with less. Each year brings unique lessons, from the importance of letting go and the cycle of stuff, to capsule wardrobes and understanding your personal values.

These lessons are shared in hopes that they will help you understand the journey toward a life with less may not always be easy, but it is definitely worth the effort.

This episode will also help you discover:

The impact of decluttering on your mindsets
Why decluttering should be seen as a journey, not a destination
How your life circumstances affect your decluttering efforts
Ways letting go can free you up for more
Tips for creating your own personal minimalism journey

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Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

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Subscribe & Review

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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.

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Ep 199: The Amazing Scientific Benefits of Decluttering and Minimalism with Emily McDermott Apr 03, 2024

Show notes

Join Deanna Yates and Emily McDermott as they reveal the transformative power of minimalism and decluttering. Discover practical tips and scientific insights to help you see your clutter in new light, tackle the mental hurdles of letting go, and begin your journey with easy decluttering steps. Uncover the simplicity and power of a minimalist lifestyle to see if it might be a fit for your family.

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Resources Mentioned (some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you):

Connect with Emily McDermott

Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:

Join the Wannabe Minimalist Community on Facebook

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Key Takeaways:

Embrace the Minimalist Lifestyle: Learn how minimalism isn't just about having fewer things but about leading a richer life.
Understand the Psychological Effects of Clutter: Discover the science behind how clutter can increase stress and affect your daily life.
Practical Decluttering Tips: Get actionable tips to kickstart your decluttering efforts, focusing on non-sentimental areas like your car.
Organizing Strategies: Find out how to make time in your busy schedule for organizing and how it can lead to greater creativity and personal growth.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction to the clutter-free journey with Deanna Yates.
01:00 - How to support the show and keep the decluttering tips coming.
02:26 - Meet Emily McDermott and hear about her minimalism journey.
03:41 - Dive into decluttering with Emily’s personal story and tips for starting small.
09:37 - Explore family dynamics and minimalism, and how to navigate them.
12:55 - Discuss potential decluttering regrets and how to move past them.
17:48 - Uncover the science behind decluttering and its benefits.
22:25 - Learn about clutter's impact on stress and eating habits.
23:32 - A personal story on preparing for a party and decluttering success.
25:26 - Discover the benefits of a decluttered space for children.
27:00 - Practical advice on where to start your decluttering journey.
30:13 - Tips for finding time to declutter in a busy schedule.
32:57 - How creating a motivating decluttering playlist can help.
34:53 - Rapid fire questions with Emily for a deeper insight into a clutter-free life.
38:56 - Conclusion and what to look forward to in future episodes.

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Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

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Subscribe & Review

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Thank you for joining us, and remember, it’s about progress, not perfection. Here’s to a more organized and less stressful life!

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Ep 198: Overcoming Decision Fatigue and Clutter as a Busy Mom in Minutes a Day Mar 27, 2024

Show notes

Do you find yourself more tired and overwhelmed as day wears on? Decision fatigue may be the reason why.

In this episode, host, Deanna Yates delves into the topics of decision fatigue and the impact of clutter on our daily lives, offering practical advice and strategies to help you regain control and reduce stress. She emphasizes the importance of tackling one thing at a time, like decluttering for ten minutes daily and setting boundaries on new acquisitions to prevent decision overload.

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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

Podcast Feed for Supporters

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Baumeister et al., 1998: A foundational study on decision fatigue and its effects.

Princeton University Neuroscience Institute: Research on how clutter affects the brain and decision-making.

Favorite Books about Habits and More

Join the Wannabe Minimalist Community on Facebook

Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:

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Key Takeaways:

Decision Fatigue: Understand how making numerous decisions throughout the day can wear down your ability to make good choices, leading to stress and overwhelm.
The Impact of Clutter: Learn about the science behind how clutter can exacerbate decision fatigue and what you can do to combat it.
Practical Strategies: Get actionable tips on simplifying decision-making, decluttering your home, and developing habits that support a more organized and less stressful life.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] Introduction to the episode’s theme and its relevance for busy moms.
[02:08] Understanding Decision Fatigue: What It Is and Why It Matters
[06:11] The Link Between Clutter and Decision Fatigue
[10:26] Practical Tips to Combat Decision Fatigue and Declutter Your Life
[31:09] Long-Term Solutions for Maintaining a Clutter-Free Home
[33:22] Wrapping Up and Next Steps

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Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

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Subscribe & Review

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Thank you for joining us, and remember, it’s about progress, not perfection. Here’s to a more organized and less stressful life!

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Ep 197: From Clutter to Clarity: The Path to Minimalist Parenting with Author Christine Koh Mar 20, 2024

Show notes

Join host Deanna Yates in this enlightening episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast as she chats with Dr. Christine Koh, a former music and brain scientist turned minimalist parenting advocate. They dive deep into the transformative world of minimalism, discussing the journey of decluttering, the power of micro decluttering, and how minimalism impacts parenting.

Links in this episode (some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you):

Resources Mentioned

Check out my favorite resources
Podcast Feed for Supporters
Minimalist Parenting by Christine Koh & Asha Dornfest: A guide to simplifying your family's life.
Christine Koh's Podcast: For more insights and tips on embracing minimalism.

Connect with Christine Koh

Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:

Join the Wannabe Minimalist Community on Facebook

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What You'll Learn

Christine Koh's Journey: From a decade-long career in academia to embracing minimalism in parenting and life.
A Minimalist Approach to Parenting: How decluttering extends beyond the physical to emotional and digital aspects.
Micro Decluttering: Breaking down decluttering into manageable steps to make the process less overwhelming.
The Joy of Letting Go: Christine shares personal stories highlighting the fulfillment that comes from donating items and simplifying life.
Beyond Physical Decluttering: Discussion on decluttering our schedules and commitments for a more meaningful life.
Practical Tips: Christine offers practical advice for families looking to embark on their decluttering journey.

Episode Highlights

[00:03:45] Christine's Transition to Minimalism: A look into Christine's decision to shift towards a minimalist lifestyle and its impact on her family.
[00:10:22] Micro Decluttering Explained: Christine introduces the concept of micro decluttering and shares how it can be applied in everyday life.
[00:18:39] Letting Go with Love: Christine recounts the touching story of decluttering her daughter's stuffed animals and the lessons learned.
[00:27:50] Current State of Minimalism: Christine reflects on how her minimalist practices have evolved over the years.
[00:35:00] Biggest Surprises in Decluttering: Christine discusses the unexpected outcomes and surprises encountered during her decluttering journey.

Closing Thoughts

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to introduce minimalism into their parenting and daily life. Christine Koh's insights and personal stories provide a practical roadmap for decluttering and finding joy in simplicity.

Remember, the journey to a clutter-free life is filled with small, manageable steps. Let's embrace the minimalist path together.

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Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

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Ep 196: The Magic of Tiny Habits: Decluttering Your Way to a Peaceful Home Mar 13, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast, host Deanna Yates discusses the transformative power of small actions and the importance of incorporating tiny habits into daily routines to declutter your home, clear your mind, and change your life.

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

Podcast Feed for Supporters

Avalanche Declutter Challenge

Episode 195 with Janet M. Taylor

Episode 163 about Fresh Starts

Spring Cleaning Challenge

Favorite Books about Habits and More

Join the Wannabe Minimalist Community on Facebook

Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:

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For busy moms, the quest for a clutter-free home can seem like a never-ending battle. But what if small, simple actions could lead to big changes in your living space and mental well-being? In our latest podcast episode, we unlock the secrets to integrating decluttering into your hectic life, proving that you don't need to overhaul your entire home to see a difference.

As Spring ushers in a season of renewal, we invite you to use this time of fresh starts as a catalyst for your decluttering journey. With practical tips and motivational insights, we show how dedicating just a few minutes each day to tidying up can not only transform your space but also bring peace and order to your busy world. Join us to discover how tiny, consistent steps can lead to a serene, organized home, offering a fresh start for you and your family.

Key Takeaways:

Decluttering isn’t just about creating a tidier space; it’s about creating a more peaceful, stress-free environment for you and your family.
Small, consistent actions can lead to significant changes. You don’t need to overhaul your home in one day; start small and build from there.
The Spring season is a perfect time for fresh starts and decluttering. Use this time of renewal to motivate your cleaning efforts.
Even the busiest moms can find a few minutes a day for decluttering. It’s about prioritizing and making the most of the time you have.
Tiny habits and habit stacking are your best friends when it comes to integrating decluttering into your daily life seamlessly.

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Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

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Ep 195: Mastering the Art of Home Organization - A Chat with Organizing Expert Janet M. Taylor Mar 06, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast, the host, Deanna Yates, interviews Janet M. Taylor, a professional organizer, to discuss effective strategies for decluttering and organizing your home. Janet, known as "Janet The Organizer," shares her expertise and practical tips for creating systems and routines that can help you maintain order in your living space.

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

Podcast Feed for Supporters

Follow my guest, Janet M. Taylor on:

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Join the Wannabe Minimalist Community on Facebook

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This episode provides valuable insights and practical advice for anyone looking to declutter and organize their living space effectively. Whether you're a busy parent or simply seeking to create a more organized home environment, Janet Taylor's expertise and tips will inspire you to take action towards a clutter-free lifestyle.

This episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast will help you discover:

The significance of personalized organization methods
Strategies for addressing home frustration
Practical tips for effective systems and routines
Fostering family cooperation in organizing
Janet Taylor's favorite space for relaxation

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Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

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Ep 194: Why It's Not Selfish to Declutter and Organize as a Busy Mom Feb 28, 2024

Show notes

This episode looks and 11 ways busy moms can practice self-love through decluttering and why it’s not selfish. It emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, digital decluttering, involving the family, and celebrating progress in creating a more organized and peaceful home environment.

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

Podcast Feed for Supporters

Ep 160: Making Decluttering More Fun

CatalogChoice.org

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In episode 194 of the Wannabe Clutter-Free podcast, host Deanna Yates explores decluttering as an act of self-love, especially relevant in the context of Valentine's Day and extending love to oneself.

Yates shares her personal journey of decluttering, describing how it reflected her life, personality, and tough questions, and how it ultimately became a form of self-compassion and self-love. Throughout the episode, she emphasizes the importance of decluttering not just physical spaces but also mental and emotional clutter.

She offers 11 tips for busy moms to incorporate decluttering into their lives as an act of self-care, so they can let go of the stuff holding them back and be the woman, wife, and mom they truly want to be.

This episode will also help you discover:

The impact of decluttering on personal growth
Why it’s important to set realistic goals on your decluttering journey
The difference between realistic goals and expectations
Ways to include your family in decluttering
Tips for setting boundaries in life to help free up space

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Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

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Ep 193: Let's Get More Time in Our Busy Mom Life with Toni-Ann Mayembe Feb 21, 2024

Show notes

Struggling to find time in your already packed schedule? Toni-Ann is here to help us busy moms find more time, help us avoid a common pitfall, and let us know what’s really working in her life now.

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

Follow my guest, Toni-Ann Mayembe on:

Episode 71 of Wannabe Clutter Free Podcast

Episode 219 of Real Happy Mom

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In the 193rd episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast, the host, Deanna Yates, interviews Toni-Ann Mayembe about time management techniques specifically intended for busy moms. Toni-Ann, a wife, mom, full-time dentist, Navy reservist, blogger and podcaster at Real Happy Mom shares her effective time management strategies that have worked for her.

These techniques includes setting priorities, using digital tools such as Trello, saying 'no' more often to certain requests, and investing in services that save time like grocery delivery services or house cleaning.

The episode also talks about an upcoming free online event organized by Toni-Ann, called 'Let's Get More Time', which provides information on gaining more time by using digital tools.

This episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast will help you discover:

The importance of time management for busy moms
5 simple things that can improve your week
Why we need to set boundaries and say no more
A common pitfall we need to avoid as busy moms
How you can splurge on the right time saving services

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Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

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Ep 192: Simplify Your Life Right Now with These Must-Have Apps Feb 14, 2024

Show notes

Discover the must-have apps loved and regularly used by host, Deanna Yates as she reveals her top picks. Get valuable insights into a range of essential applications that will help you simplify your everyday life while enhancing your efficiency.

Links in this episode (some may be affiliate links. thanks for supporting the show at no additional cost to you)

Check out my favorite resources

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With so many things vying for our attention on a daily basis, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and stressed out.

And while our phones are amazing, they can add to the noise too.

In this episode I discuss my favorite apps that I use regularly (if not daily) to simplify my life, increase my productivity, and lower my frustration and stress levels.

This episode will also help you discover:

How I meal plan and grocery shop in 2 simple steps
The one app that tracks everything from my business to my personal life
My favorite way to find movies to watch (this one is a game-changer!!)
Why a super popular app made my list
Tips for using your phone to set your intention and focus attention on what matters

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Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

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Subscribe & Review

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