Decluttering Untangled with Heather Tingle : How to declutter when you're overwhelmed, ADHD or Autistic

Send me a text message about this podcast

Summary

In this episode of Decluttering Untangled, Heather Tingle shares her personal journey with clutter, exploring her childhood experiences, struggles in adulthood, and the transformative power of decluttering. She discusses the emotional connections to her belongings, the impact of mental health on her clutter, and how discovering decluttering sparked a significant change in her life. Heather emphasises the importance of creating a home that reflects one's true self and the freedom that comes with letting go of excess.

Takeaways

• Sentimentality can lead to clutter and emotional attachment.
• Childhood experiences shape our relationship with belongings.
• Decluttering is a process that requires time and effort.
• Emotional connections to items can complicate the decluttering process.
• It's important to prioritise personal feelings over societal expectations when decluttering.
• Decluttering can lead to a lighter, more fulfilling life.
• Creating a home that reflects your personality is essential.
• Neurodivergence can influence how we manage clutter and belongings.
• The journey of decluttering can be empowering and transformative.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Personal Background

05:12
Childhood Sentimentality and Clutter

10:26
Struggles with Clutter in Adulthood

15:34
The Turning Point

23:42
Embracing Change and Moving Forward

Join my free Declutter Community for real support, tips and advice from Heather and other Untanglers that are just like you!

Follow me on Facebook

Buy my Declutter Your Home Planner from Amazon to start to declutter your home yourself! (affiliate link)

Grab my current freebies to support a cleaner, tidier home.

Follow me on instagram

Send me a text message about this podcast

Summary

In this episode, Heather Tingle reflects on a year of decluttering insights, sharing 28 tips derived from past podcasts. The conversation covers various themes including impulse spending, the importance of decluttering before moving, managing social anxiety, decision fatigue, and effective packing strategies. Heather emphasizes the need to enjoy life and possessions, the distinction between hoarding and chronic disorganization, and the significance of creating a home that works for the individual. The episode concludes with motivation strategies for decluttering and making a home aesthetically pleasing while being functional.

Takeaways

• Impulse spending often stems from emotional triggers.
• Creating a gap between desire and purchase can reduce impulse buys.
• Decluttering before moving saves time and money.
• Social anxiety can be managed with practical strategies.
• Books should be evaluated individually, not as a collection.
• Finding space to declutter can be creative and unconventional.
• Decision fatigue can be mitigated by preparing in advance.
• Packing efficiently can enhance travel experiences.
• Hoarding is a mental health issue, distinct from disorganization.
• Children should be involved in deciding what artwork to keep.

Use code TINGLE at checkout for a 10% discount with My Little DaVinci Frames.(affiliate link)

Chapters

00:00
Celebrating a Year of Decluttering Insights

06:05
The Importance of Decluttering Before Moving

11:53
The Challenge of Decluttering Books and Cards

18:08
Managing Decision Fatigue in Decluttering

24:07
Distinguishing Hoarding from Chronic Disorganization

30:06
Finding Motivation to Declutter

Join my free Declutter Community for real support, tips and advice from Heather and other Untanglers that are just like you!

Follow me on Facebook

Buy my Declutter Your Home Planner from Amazon to start to declutter your home yourself! (affiliate link)

Grab my current freebies to support a cleaner, tidier home.

Follow me on instagram

Send me a text message about this podcast

Welcome to the 1-Year Anniversary Episode of Decluttering Untangled!
In this special milestone episode, Heather Tingle celebrates one incredible year of helping listeners untangle their homes and minds. Today, Heather shares her top 17 decluttering tips from the past year, offering a powerful recap that you can come back to anytime you need a refresher.

Whether you're a longtime listener or just tuning in, this episode is packed with actionable advice for creating a clutter-free home that truly works for you.
From mastering the art of “zoning” to navigating emotional attachments, Heather covers all the foundational principles that have resonated most with the Untangling community. Listen in to hear about strategies specifically tailored for neurodivergent minds, including the PAVES system and unique approaches to decluttering when dealing with depression, overwhelm, or simply a lack of time.

Highlights in this episode:

• The Power of Zoning: Set up specific zones in your home to make finding things easier and the start of a long term declutter plan.
• Do It Now Mentality: Small actions add up—Heather’s approach helps you make the most of every moment.
• Decision-Making Based on Emotions, Not Logic: Learn why keeping only what you truly love can transform your space.
• The PAVES System: A personalised blueprint to keep you on track, even when life feels overwhelming.
• Creating an Effective Exit Plan: Avoid the common pitfall of letting donation bags pile up by having a plan for items to leave your space.
• Managing Holiday Clutter: Tips for keeping Christmas clutter under control and reducing waste.
• Decluttering with Depression: Heather shares her personal experience and strategies for managing clutter when mental health is a challenge.
• Floordrobes and Wardrobe Solutions: Practical tips for handling clothes clutter in a way that works with your habits.

Whether you’re just starting your decluttering journey or are looking to stay motivated, this episode is filled with insights and gentle encouragement. Heather’s unique approach is tailored to support neurodivergent thinkers and anyone who needs a bit of extra help organising their space and mind.

Thank you to everyone who has listened, shared, and supported Decluttering Untangled over the past year. Your feedback and stories make this journey so rewarding. Here’s to another year of untangling our lives!

Want to Help More People Find Us?
If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with someone who might find it helpful. Every review and share helps us reach more people who need support on their decluttering journey.

Tune in, get inspired, and keep untangling!

Join my free Declutter Community for real support, tips and advice from Heather and other Untanglers that are just like you!

Follow me on Facebook

Buy my Declutter Your Home Planner from Amazon to start to declutter your home yourself! (affiliate link)

Grab my current freebies to support a cleaner, tidier home.

Follow me on instagram

Send me a text message about this podcast

In this episode of Decluttering Untangled, Heather Tingle explores the pressures of striving for a "perfect" neurotypical home and why it's time to let go of unrealistic expectations. Heather explains how neurodivergent individuals can create a home that truly works for them, rather than mimicking the pristine, minimalist aesthetic often seen on social media.

Heather dives into the differences between neurotypical and neurodivergent homes, shedding light on why traditional organisation systems and routines often don’t align with the needs of those with ADHD, autism, or other neurodivergent traits. She encourages listeners to redefine what “organised” looks like, focusing on accessibility and ease rather than aesthetics alone.

Here’s what's covered:

• Breaking the “Perfect Home” Illusion: Why we need to stop chasing after homes that look neurotypical, clutter-free, and completely pristine.
• Why Insta-Worthy Isn’t Always Realistic: A look at why those picture-perfect homes often don’t work for neurodivergent brains, and how they can actually add stress instead of bringing comfort.
• Creating a Home That Works for You: Practical tips to make your space accessible and functional based on your needs, whether that means visible storage, unconventional routines, or personalised organisation.
• Redefining Beauty and Functionality: How to make your home feel welcoming and beautiful without sacrificing ease or piling on more unrealistic expectations.
• Sensory-Friendly Spaces: The importance of sensory comfort—like lighting, textures, and sounds—in creating a home that feels truly yours.

Listeners will come away with practical tips on:

• Creating systems that prioritise accessibility over appearance.
• Incorporating sensory-friendly elements to make their spaces more comfortable.
• Building routines that account for motivation, executive function challenges, and fluctuating energy levels.
• Embracing visible storage solutions and learning how to adapt them to look beautiful once the routine is established.

Heather’s insights offer permission to embrace a unique, personal approach to home organisation. Tune in for an empowering discussion on making your space a true reflection of yourself—free from the pressure to conform to neurotypical standards.

Join my free Declutter Community for real support, tips and advice from Heather and other Untanglers that are just like you!

Follow me on Facebook

Buy my Declutter Your Home Planner from Amazon to start to declutter your home yourself! (affiliate link)

Grab my current freebies to support a cleaner, tidier home.

Follow me on instagram

Send me a text message about this podcast

Episode Overview:

In this episode of Decluttering Untangled, Heather dives into the often overlooked topic of asking for help when it comes to decluttering. She shares her own personal experience of seeking assistance, not with decluttering specifically, but in other areas of life, and how that has made a significant impact on her well-being. Heather candidly discusses the guilt and shame many of us feel when we think we should be able to manage everything ourselves—whether it’s clutter in our homes or tasks in our daily lives.

Through her story, Heather draws important parallels between her recent experiences and the struggles many of us face with decluttering. She emphasizes that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a necessary step toward reclaiming our time, energy, and peace of mind.

Key Takeaways:

• It’s okay to ask for help: Whether you're dealing with clutter or other challenges, getting support doesn’t make you weak; it can actually free up your energy for things you love.
• Outsourcing tasks: Heather shares how hiring a PA and simplifying her meals with pre-prepared options lifted a huge burden from her shoulders. This analogy helps listeners understand that it’s okay to get assistance with decluttering too.
• Help won’t magically appear: You have to actively seek it out. Heather provides practical tips for finding the right help—whether it’s a professional, a friend, or a decluttering coach like herself.
• What are you putting off?: Identify the tasks that weigh you down and explore how you can outsource, swap tasks, or simplify your to-do list.
• Energy management is key: By getting the right help and letting go of perfectionism, you can save energy for the things that truly matter to you.

Actionable Tips:

1. Identify what’s draining your energy: Whether it’s meal planning, household chores, or dealing with clutter, figure out what you can delegate or simplify.
2. Don’t wait for a crisis: Ask for help before things get overwhelming. It doesn’t need to be a huge intervention—sometimes a little support is all you need.
3. Find help that fits you: Whether it’s a professional, a friend, or even a community, finding the right kind of support is crucial. Be open to trying different approaches.
4. Join Heather’s Community: For more tips, support, and guidance, join the free Untangled by Tingle Facebook Community group, where Heather and a community of like-minded people share their decluttering journeys.

Get More Support:

• Join the Decluttering Untangled Facebook community for daily encouragement and tips.
• Need structured help? Check out Heather’s Declutter Planner on Amazon to guide you through the process step by step.
• Ready for personalized assistance? Book a 1:1 Video Session or an in-home decluttering service with Heather today.
• 
  

Join my free Declutter Community for real support, tips and advice from Heather and other Untanglers that are just like you!

Follow me on Facebook

Buy my Declutter Your Home Planner from Amazon to start to declutter your home yourself! (affiliate link)

Grab my current freebies to support a cleaner, tidier home.

Follow me on instagram

Send me a text message about this podcast

In this episode of Decluttering Untangled, Heather dives deep into the challenge of finding motivation to declutter, especially for those of us who struggle with staying focused or feeling overwhelmed by clutter. Whether you're neurodivergent or just facing a decluttering slump, Heather offers practical insights and mindset shifts to help you get started—no motivation required!

Key Discussion Points:

• Reframe How You Think About Motivation: We often wait for motivation to strike before we start a task, but Heather explains how this can actually work against us—especially if we’re neurodivergent. The traditional concept of motivation doesn’t always align with how we operate, and that’s okay!
• Side Quests: A Handy Hack: Heather introduces the idea of "side quests"—little tasks you've been avoiding—that can be tackled when you're procrastinating on the bigger jobs. This can help you feel accomplished and create momentum without the pressure of completing the main task.
• Rethinking Motivation for Neurodivergent People: If you struggle with executive functioning or feel overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Heather shares why some of us can’t just "get motivated" and how traditional advice like visualising the end result might not work for everyone.
• Eat the Cake, Not the Frog: Forget about "eating the frog" (doing the hardest task first). Heather suggests doing the easy, quick wins first to build momentum and dopamine—a key ingredient for actually getting things done!
• Practical Tips to Get Started: Heather offers micro steps to trick yourself into starting, like simply walking into the room you want to declutter or handling the easiest task you see first. By building in small wins, you create motivation as you go, rather than waiting for it to show up at the start.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• P of the PAVES System: Heather refers to her earlier episode about the PAVES system for effective planning and decluttering strategies. Be sure to check it out in episode 006 for more in-depth tips.

Connect with Heather:

• Have you tried any of the tips from this episode? Let Heather know how you got on! You can message her through the Untangled by Tingle Facebook Community group or drop her a review to help the podcast reach more listeners.

Closing Thought:
Remember, waiting for motivation is often the very thing that prevents you from making progress. Instead, break tasks down into easy steps and trick your brain into starting. You’re in control of how you approach the clutter, and small wins build big results over time.

Subscribe & Review:
If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review and share it with a friend who might need a little decluttering motivation!

Join my free Declutter Community for real support, tips and advice from Heather and other Untanglers that are just like you!

Follow me on Facebook

Buy my Declutter Your Home Planner from Amazon to start to declutter your home yourself! (affiliate link)

Grab my current freebies to support a cleaner, tidier home.

Follow me on instagram

Send me a text message about this podcast

Episode Summary: In this episode of Decluttering Untangled, Heather Tingle dives into the world of vacuum storage bags, a popular solution for maximising space. Heather covers the pros and cons of using these bags for decluttering and storage, and shares her personal insights into when and where vacuum storage is most useful.

If you’ve ever wondered whether vacuum storage bags could help you clear space in your home or declutter more effectively, this episode will provide practical advice on how and when to use them—and when to avoid them. From space-saving benefits to potential issues with long-term use, Heather helps you untangle whether vacuum storage bags are right for you.

What Are Vacuum Storage Bags?

• • Vacuum storage bags are thick plastic bags that compress items like clothes and bedding by sucking the air out with a vacuum cleaner.
• Pros of Using Vacuum Storage Bags:
  • Space Saving: Can reduce the volume of stored items by up to 80%, making them ideal for small spaces or items not used regularly.
  • Durability: They’re tough and durable, useful for moving house or storing items for a short period.
  • Great for Craft Storage: Perfect for storing excess materials like wool or fabric, especially when you’re short on space.
  • Protection: Keeps items safe from dust, damp, moths, and bugs (provided the items are pest-free before storing).
  • Budget-Friendly Moving: Reducing the volume of items can lower the cost when moving, as movers charge by volume.
• Cons of Using Vacuum Storage Bags:
  • Not Ideal for Long-Term Storage: Over time, the seals can fail, air can seep in, and they may not be as effective.
  • Quality Issues: Cheaper bags may have poor seals, leading to frustration when they don’t hold the vacuum properly.
  • Unsuitable for Frequent Use: Not practical for items you access often, as resealing them each time can be cumbersome.
  • Damage to Certain Fabrics: Items like down duvets, leather, and delicate fabrics can be damaged by the vacuum compression.
  • Plastic Odours and Sweating: The plastic can sometimes make items smell and can even cause them to sweat if stored in fluctuating temperatures.
  • Requires Dry, Clean Items: If anything is slightly damp or not fully clean, mould or mustiness can develop in storage.

Closing Thought: Remember, decluttering isn't about just finding new storage solutions—it’s about letting go of the excess. Vacuum storage bags can be a helpful tool, but only in specific situations.

Link to vacuum storage bags * Affiliate link

Join my free Declutter Community for real support, tips and advice from Heather and other Untanglers that are just like you!

Follow me on Facebook

Buy my Declutter Your Home Planner from Amazon to start to declutter your home yourself! (affiliate link)

Grab my current freebies to support a cleaner, tidier home.

Follow me on instagram

Send me a text message about this podcast

Summary:
In this episode, Heather continues from the last episode by tackling the challenging topic of replacing broken items and dealing with the emotional impact of losing sentimental belongings. She shares personal experiences and offers guidance on making peace with the loss of meaningful objects. Heather also provides practical tips on evaluating whether to repair, repurpose, or replace an item, emphasising how to retain the associated memories without being overly attached to physical items.

Key Topics Covered:

1. The Impact of Losing Sentimental Items
   Heather shares a personal story about a beloved mug from a trip to New York that broke, explaining how she navigated the emotions tied to the loss and the thought process of deciding what to do next.
2. Common Reactions and Considerations When Something Sentimental Breaks:
   • Initial thoughts: "Can I fix it?"
   • Potential repurposing options (e.g., using broken crockery for mosaics or plant drainage).
   • Why replacing the item often doesn't work emotionally, even if it's an exact replica.
3. Guidelines for Handling Sentimental Losses:
   • Acknowledge the Loss: It's okay to feel upset over a broken or lost item.
   • Feel Gratitude for the Memory: Shift focus to appreciation for the experience or person the item represented.
   • Remember the Memory Isn’t Tied to the Item: Items serve as doorways to memories, but they don’t own the sentiment.
4. Questions to Ask Before Deciding to Replace or Repair:
   • Can it be fixed? Is it worth the hassle or expense?
   • Do you have other items that also link to this memory?
   • Would you buy it again if you didn’t already own it?
   • If you choose to replace, will seeing the new item make you feel better or worse?
5. Alternative Ways to Preserve Memories:
   • Take a photograph of the item.
   • Write down the story behind the item to revisit the memory later.
   • Reflect on other ways to honour the memory, such as a new memento.

If you’ve struggled with letting go of sentimental items or want to share your thoughts on this episode, join the conversation in the Facebook community! Let’s continue to support each other on this untangling journey.

Join my free Declutter Community for real support, tips and advice from Heather and other Untanglers that are just like you!

Follow me on Facebook

Buy my Declutter Your Home Planner from Amazon to start to declutter your home yourself! (affiliate link)

Grab my current freebies to support a cleaner, tidier home.

Follow me on instagram

Send me a text message about this podcast

Episode Summary: In this episode Heather delves into the thought process behind why we often hold onto broken or replaced items. She shares insights from working with clients and explores how emotional attachment, overwhelm, and "just in case" thinking can lead to clutter accumulation. From kettles that sort of work to socks with holes, Heather explains why it's okay to let go of items that no longer serve you and offers practical strategies for moving forward. Tune in to learn how to break the cycle of keeping unnecessary items and feel lighter in the process.

Key Takeaways:

• The Broken Kettle Dilemma: Heather discusses a client’s hesitation to throw away a kettle that doesn’t work well anymore, despite buying a replacement. She breaks down the emotional reasons for keeping it and why letting go can feel overwhelming.
• Facing Overwhelm: If an item still works "kind of" but isn't functioning fully, consider taking the first small step to fix it, like ordering a repair kit. If it doesn’t work after that, it's okay to move on.
• The Sunk Cost Fallacy: Holding onto expensive broken items won’t get your money back. Heather encourages listeners to listen to Episode 20 for more about this psychological phenomenon.
• Backup Items: Keeping a broken item “just in case” is a common but flawed mindset. Heather asks, if the new item broke, what would you actually do? Usually, the answer is just buying another new one.
• The Sock Dilemma: Heather shares another client’s experience with holding onto a pair of favorite but holey socks. She explores the emotional side of keeping such items, especially when they provide sensory comfort, and offers practical steps to evaluate whether it’s worth repairing or letting go.

Practical Tips:

• When you replace an item, try to let go of the old one as soon as you can.
• Take baby steps with overwhelming tasks—open the new item, unwrap it, and start the process.
• Use apps like Olio or platforms like Facebook Marketplace to give away broken items that someone else might be able to repair or use for parts.
• Reframe your thoughts about backup items by asking, “If I didn’t have this, what would I do?”
• Be honest with yourself about whether you’ll actually repair a damaged item. If you haven’t done it yet, it’s likely you won’t.

Call to Action: If this episode resonated with you, take a look around your home. Is there something broken or replaced that you’ve been holding onto? Maybe now’s the time to let it go.  Pop into the Facebook Community and share your thoughts.

Subscribe & Review: Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode! If you found this helpful, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform to help others discover Decluttering Untangled.

Join my free Declutter Community for real support, tips and advice from Heather and other Untanglers that are just like you!

Follow me on Facebook

Buy my Declutter Your Home Planner from Amazon to start to declutter your home yourself! (affiliate link)

Grab my current freebies to support a cleaner, tidier home.

Follow me on instagram

Send me a text message about this podcast

Episode Description:
In today’s episode of Decluttering Untangled, I dive into the often-overlooked chaos of bedding and share my best tips for organising it to make your life easier. From storage hacks and cleaning advice to practical solutions for physically challenging bedding tasks, I’m covering it all. Learn how to keep your duvets, pillows, and sheets under control and stop feeling overwhelmed by the mess in your linen cupboard.

Key Takeaways:

• Duvet Hack for the Short & Petite: Use food bag clips to secure duvet corners while you wrestle them into covers.
• Label Your Bedding: Mark your duvets with “S” (short) and “L” (long) to avoid confusion when making the bed.
• Best Storage Options: Consider Ikea DIMPA bags for easy, moisture-proof storage.
• Declutter Old Bedding: Donate old bedding to pet shelters, Baby Basics,  textile recycling, or charities but be sure to check their requirements first.
• How Many Sets Do You Really Need? Aim for three sets per bed: one in use, one in the wash, and one spare.
• Kids’ Bed Accident Hack: Layer waterproof sheets with bedding for quick middle-of-the-night changes.
• Organise with Pillowcases: Store bedding sets inside one pillowcase to keep everything together.
• Storing Tips: Keep bedding close to the bed it’s for (like under-bed storage) and add a laundry sheet to keep them smelling fresh.

Final Thought:
Changing bedding regularly isn’t always realistic for everyone—especially if you’ve got physical limitations like me. Don’t stress yourself if you're not doing it as often as you'd like. The goal is to declutter and simplify to make life easier, not harder.

Stay Connected:
Be sure to subscribe to the podcast for more practical decluttering tips, and don’t forget to join our Facebook group to share your own stories and successes!

Link to DIMPA BAGS (Amazon UK Affiliate link)
Link to Baby Basics (UK)

Join my free Declutter Community for real support, tips and advice from Heather and other Untanglers that are just like you!

Follow me on Facebook

Buy my Declutter Your Home Planner from Amazon to start to declutter your home yourself! (affiliate link)

Grab my current freebies to support a cleaner, tidier home.

Follow me on instagram