Routines are about identifying and aligning our daily activities with what truly matters. They help manage time effectively and reduce mental clutter by serving as a mental reminder for everyday tasks. Here’s how to create routines that work for you and your family.
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Book: 168 Hours

Blade Buddy

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Wannabe Minimalist Family Community


Being a mom is quite the adventure, isn't it? It's this amazing journey where you're constantly juggling a million things at once, all while trying to keep some sense of order in your life. That's where Deanna Yates from the Wannabe Clutterfree podcast comes in! She's here to show us how routines can be our secret weapon in the crazy whirlwind of life.
And you know what? As summer starts winding down and the school season kicks in across the USA, routines become even more important. They're like the guiding star that helps us find that perfect balance between relaxing and achieving our goals. So, let's dive into the magic of routines together! 

Ep 169: Why Routines Matter Most for Moms and How to Create Your Routine

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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Discover how to navigate the Emotional Cycle of Change in decluttering your home. Learn practical tips for each stage to effectively organize your home and manage stress. Join Deanna Yates for transformative insights!
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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
Kelly & Conner’s Emotional Cycle of Change
The 12 Week Year Book
Join the Wannabe Minimalist Community on Facebook
Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:

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Have you ever set a goal with lots of excitement only to quickly lose that momentum once you started to work on that goal?
You are not alone!
And the Emotional Cycle of Change is a big reason we quit on our goals before we complete them.
We’re diving into the Emotional Cycle of Change, a powerful model developed in the mid-1970s by Don Kelley and Daryl Conner on episode 203. We'll explore how this model can guide busy moms through the emotional ups and downs of decluttering and organizing their homes.
Whether you’re just starting or are stuck in the middle, understanding these emotional stages can help you manage your space—and your stress—more effectively.
This episode will also help you discover:

The 5 stages of the Emotional Cycle of Change

Why change is so difficult

How to stop quitting your goals

Ways to make decluttering easier

Tips for moving through the hardest part of change


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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 (@wannabeclutterfree). Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes designed to make your busy life a bit easier.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 203: Embrace the Emotional Cycle of Change to Finally Beat Decluttering Despair

In this episode, Deanna Yates and guest Stephen Johnston discuss the transformative power of decluttering during adversity. Explore how Stephen turned challenges into a positive by founding Race Against Blindness, and the role of decluttering in creating meaningful memories.
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Resources Mentioned (some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you):

A Race Against Blindness

Enter the Race Against Blindness Giveaways

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Podcast Feed for Supporters


Connect with Stephen Johnston

Website

Instagram


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

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Facebook

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Join the Wannabe Minimalist Community on Facebook

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Key Takeaways:

The transformative power of turning adversity into positive action

Practical strategies for overcoming challenges through decluttering

Insights into managing priorities and setting boundaries amidst adversity

The significance of creating lasting memories and finding joy in the face of adversity


Episode Highlights:

00:00 Welcome to the Clutter-Free Journey 

00:10 Facing Adversity with Stephen Johnston 

00:10 The Power of Community Support 

01:47 Stephen's Mission: A Race Against Blindness 

10:47 The Adventure Van: Embracing Life's Journey 

16:45 Minimalism on the Road: The Van Life Experience 

19:10 Reentry: Adjusting Back to 'Normal' Life 

21:04 Mental Decluttering: Prioritizing What Matters 

23:40 Mastering Prioritization and Saying No 

26:13 The Power of Modeling Behavior for Children 

27:12 Balancing Strength and Vulnerability as a Parent 

30:15 The Mission of A Race Against Blindness 

39:15 The Challenges and Triumphs of Fundraising 

42:58 Rapid Fire Questions: Insights and Aspirations


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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!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 202: How Decluttering Helped This Dad Overcome His Hardest Moments

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):

Get the FREE Joyful Mama, Joyful Kiddos Bundle (with my Toy Clutter Rescue Guide Included!)

Check out my favorite tools & resources

Podcast Feed for Supporters


Connect with Elizabeth Manly

Website

Instagram


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

Instagram

Facebook

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Podcast


Join the Wannabe Minimalist Community on Facebook

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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!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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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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
Join the Wannabe Minimalist Community on Facebook
Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:

Instagram

Facebook

Website

Podcast


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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
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 200: Reflecting on the Past Decade of Our Decluttering and Minimalism Living Journey

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):

Check out my favorite tools & resources

Podcast Feed for Supporters

Statistics and Studies

Simplify Parenting

Decluttering Playlist on Spotify

Connect with Emily McDermott

Website

Instagram


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

Instagram

Facebook

Website

Podcast


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
****************
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 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!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 169: Why Routines Matter Most for Moms and How to Create Your Routine

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