Links mentioned in this episode (some may be affiliate links):
Get more show notes and additional free resources at wannabeclutterfree.com/133
Discover my favorite resources here
Tidy Home Academy - Empowering you to declutter and organize so you can have the tidy, happy home you crave. Discover how implementing the right systems can get your home clean and keep it that way. 
Avalanche Declutter Challenge - Completely transform your home in just 30 days with this free challenge
Happier at Home Guide - 5 simple steps you can take today to tidy up, take back your sanity, and thrive at home.
Wannabe Minimalist Community - come join my private group filled with amazing people just like you who are on their journey toward minimalism and simplifying
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One of the things that holds people back from decluttering and embracing a more minimalist lifestyle are hosting big family gatherings. I hear this from readers, listeners, and clients. They want to get rid of the clutter, but there are a lot of unknowns.
It can be scary to think that letting go of stuff will make it possible to open your home up to visitors. Will they be comfortable? Will we have everything we need? What happens if more people show up than you had planned for?
This is where we found ourselves over the recent Christmas holiday when our gathering went from 2 house guests to 6 house guests (in addition to our family). And this is the recap of how it went…the good, the bad, and the surprising.
This episode of Wannabe Minimalist will also help you discover:

How less stuff makes it easier to say yes

What to do when you run out of bath towels

A solution that works in a pinch for additional sleeping

How we managed without enough plates

The answer to if we would do it again


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Music:
Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Happy by MBB https://soundcloud.com/mbbofficial 
Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0
Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/Happy-MBB 
Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/g6swHZbWtRc 
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Subscribe & Review
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!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 133: How We Hosted a Big Christmas in a Minimalist House

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.

Education

Training

Language Courses

Higher Education

K-12

Educational Technology

Home & Garden

Leisure

Self-Improvement

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!
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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 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
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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 199: The Amazing Scientific Benefits of Decluttering and Minimalism with Emily McDermott

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:

Instagram

Facebook

Website

Podcast


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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
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 198: Overcoming Decision Fatigue and Clutter as a Busy Mom in Minutes a Day

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

Website

Christine's Substack

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

Ep 197: From Clutter to Clarity: The Path to Minimalist Parenting with Author Christine Koh

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:

Instagram

Facebook

Website

Podcast


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

Ep 133: How We Hosted a Big Christmas in a Minimalist House

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