In this episode, JM and Valerie walk you through how to declutter with purpose—without losing what matters. Learn why clutter builds up, how it affects your well-being, and seven practical tips to clear space, ease stress, and create a home that reflects your next season of life. From sentimental items to daily habits, this is your guide to decluttering for a calmer, more joyful retirement.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why retirement is the ideal time to declutter – Create space for peace, not just stuff.
  
  
• How to start small and stay consistent – Use focused zones and monthly habits to reduce overwhelm.
  
  
• Practical tips for letting go of excess – From duplicates to sentimental items, clear what no longer serves you.
  
  
• How decluttering supports emotional well-being – Reduce stress and make room for joy in your next chapter.

LINKS AND RESOURCES WITH THIS EPISODE:

• "Put That Stuff Down" and its sequel (book) - A recommended read exploring the complex relationship between trauma, PTSD, and clutter. It offers personal stories, psychological insights, and practical advice. Click here to learn more: https://up.dowellht.com/bestseller-clutter-and-trauma
• Join the thousands of people using the post-trauma secrets and decluttering by starting here: https://dowellht.com/freeyourself

Thanks so much for joining us today. Want to subscribe to Post-Trauma Secrets and Decluttering? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

iTunes not your thing? Find us on Spotify or Stitcher

Support the show

In this episode, Valerie and JM unpack the hidden force behind overwhelm: decision fatigue. From nonstop choices to emotional burnout, they explain why clutter often builds up when your brain is maxed out—not because you’re lazy, but because you're overloaded. You’ll learn small, actionable steps like the “Decision-Free Five,” reset baskets, and no-think routines to reduce pressure and reclaim energy. This conversation offers relief, clarity, and a powerful reframe: you're not broken—you’re just tired.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why clutter is linked to decision fatigue – Understand the hidden mental load behind everyday mess.
  
  
• How to recognize overwhelm, not laziness – Reframe clutter as a symptom, not a failure.
  
  
• Simple tools to reduce decision pressure – Use reset baskets, no-think routines, and the “Decision-Free Five.”
  
  
• How small wins restore clarity and energy – Learn how to rebuild momentum without burnout.

LINKS AND RESOURCES WITH THIS EPISODE:

• "Put That Stuff Down" and its sequel (book) - A recommended read exploring the complex relationship between trauma, PTSD, and clutter. It offers personal stories, psychological insights, and practical advice. Click here to learn more: https://up.dowellht.com/bestseller-clutter-and-trauma
• Join the thousands of people using the post-trauma secrets and decluttering by starting here: https://dowellht.com/freeyourself

Thanks so much for joining us today. Want to subscribe to Post-Trauma Secrets and Decluttering? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

iTunes not your thing? Find us on Spotify or Stitcher

Support the show

In this episode, Valerie and JM unpack the emotional disconnect behind aesthetically beautiful spaces that feel hollow. They explore how life transitions, loss, and emotional needs often get left out of design trends. You’ll learn how to bring soul back into your space with texture, memory, and meaning—so it reflects who you are now, not just how it looks. Redesign your space not for style, but for healing.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why styled homes can still feel empty – Understand the emotional gap behind picture-perfect spaces.
  
  
• How life transitions impact your environment – Explore how your home may no longer reflect who you are.
  
  
• Ways to add meaning back into your space – Use texture, memory, and comfort to create connection.
  
  
• Simple design shifts that support healing – Add warmth through scent, light, sound, and personal items.

LINKS AND RESOURCES WITH THIS EPISODE:

• "Put That Stuff Down" and its sequel (book) - A recommended read exploring the complex relationship between trauma, PTSD, and clutter. It offers personal stories, psychological insights, and practical advice. Click here to learn more: https://up.dowellht.com/bestseller-clutter-and-trauma
• Join the thousands of people using the post-trauma secrets and decluttering by starting here: https://dowellht.com/freeyourself

Thanks so much for joining us today. Want to subscribe to Post-Trauma Secrets and Decluttering? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

iTunes not your thing? Find us on Spotify or Stitcher

Support the show

In this episode, Valerie and JM explore the difference between laziness and depression, using side-by-side comparisons, personal stories, and trauma-informed insight. You’ll learn how mental exhaustion mimics avoidance, how shame blocks healing, and three small tools to regain clarity and energy. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or broken—this conversation will help you see the truth behind your struggle and remind you that you’re not alone.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• How to tell the difference between laziness and depression – Learn key emotional and behavioral signs.
  
  
• Why self-blame keeps you stuck – Understand how shame masks deeper struggles.
  
  
• Three small tools to rebuild energy and clarity – Start with emotion naming, energy tracking, and one square foot.
  
  
• The truth about mental exhaustion – Discover why burnout isn’t weakness—it’s a signal to heal.

LINKS AND RESOURCES WITH THIS EPISODE:

• "Put That Stuff Down" and its sequel (book) - A recommended read exploring the complex relationship between trauma, PTSD, and clutter. It offers personal stories, psychological insights, and practical advice. Click here to learn more: https://up.dowellht.com/bestseller-clutter-and-trauma
• Join the thousands of people using the post-trauma secrets and decluttering by starting here: https://dowellht.com/freeyourself

Thanks so much for joining us today. Want to subscribe to Post-Trauma Secrets and Decluttering? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

iTunes not your thing? Find us on Spotify or Stitcher

Support the show

In this episode, Valerie and JM share Barbara’s powerful empty-nest decluttering story and the trauma-informed steps they used to help her move forward. From creating memory boxes to reframing guilt as growth, this episode is a compassionate guide for parents transitioning into a new chapter. Learn how to release what no longer serves you and make room for peace, purpose, and possibility.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• How to declutter after kids move out – Navigate the emotional side of empty-nest transitions.
  
  
• Why guilt makes letting go harder – Learn how to release items without shame or pressure.
  
  
• Use the Keep, Donate, Memory Box system – Create structure that honors the past while clearing space.
  
  
• How decluttering creates new purpose – Reclaim rooms and routines for your next chapter.

LINKS AND RESOURCES WITH THIS EPISODE:

• "Put That Stuff Down" and its sequel (book) - A recommended read exploring the complex relationship between trauma, PTSD, and clutter. It offers personal stories, psychological insights, and practical advice. Click here to learn more: https://up.dowellht.com/bestseller-clutter-and-trauma

• Join the thousands of people using the post-trauma secrets and decluttering by starting here: https://dowellht.com/freeyourself

Thanks so much for joining us today. Want to subscribe to Post-Trauma Secrets and Decluttering? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review! iTunes not your thing? Find us on Spotify or Stitcher

Support the show

In this episode, Valerie and JM introduce the DO Well® Method—a four-part, science-backed approach to healing through decluttering. You’ll learn how stress, mindset, time, and space are connected—and why lasting change comes from addressing all four. With real-life transformation stories and practical insights, this trauma-informed method helps you clear more than just your home. It’s a path to emotional clarity, resilience, and sustainable peace.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• What the DO Well® Method is – A trauma-informed system for lasting life and home transformation.
  
  
• How clutter reflects deeper emotional pain – Learn why decluttering is about healing, not just tidying.
  
  
• The 4 pillars: Stress, Mind, Time, Space – Discover how each area supports sustainable progress.
  
  
• Real stories of transformation – See how others have used this method to find peace and clarity.

LINKS AND RESOURCES WITH THIS EPISODE:

• "Put That Stuff Down" and its sequel (book) - A recommended read exploring the complex relationship between trauma, PTSD, and clutter. It offers personal stories, psychological insights, and practical advice. Click here to learn more: https://up.dowellht.com/bestseller-clutter-and-trauma

• Join the thousands of people using the post-trauma secrets and decluttering by starting here: https://dowellht.com/freeyourself

Thanks so much for joining us today. Want to subscribe to Post-Trauma Secrets and Decluttering? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review! iTunes not your thing? Find us on Spotify or Stitcher

Support the show

In this episode, JM and Valerie share the ultimate 2025 decluttering checklist—from kitchen drawers to digital overload to forgotten sentimental items. You’ll hear real-life stories of people who reclaimed their homes and their clarity by letting go of what no longer serves them. With tips for home, tech, finances, and lifestyle, this episode gives you everything you need to simplify your space—and your mind—starting today.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• Top 100 items to declutter in 2025 – Clear physical, digital, and emotional clutter fast.
• Room-by-room checklist for a clutter-free home – From kitchen drawers to garage shelves.
• How to tackle digital and financial clutter – Simplify your phone, inbox, and subscriptions.
• Letting go of sentimental items without guilt – Make space by honoring what truly matters.

LINKS AND RESOURCES WITH THIS EPISODE:

• "Put That Stuff Down" and its sequel (book) - A recommended read exploring the complex relationship between trauma, PTSD, and clutter. It offers personal stories, psychological insights, and practical advice. Click here to learn more: https://up.dowellht.com/bestseller-clutter-and-trauma

• Join the thousands of people using the post-trauma secrets and decluttering by starting here: https://dowellht.com/freeyourself

Thanks so much for joining us today. Want to subscribe to Post-Trauma Secrets and Decluttering? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review! iTunes not your thing? Find us on Spotify or Stitcher

Support the show

In this episode, JM and Valerie explore the connection between clutter and attachment styles: secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized. Through real-life examples and a quick self-assessment quiz, you’ll learn how your emotional patterns show up in your space—and how to work with them instead of against them. Whether you hold on tightly or keep everything at arm’s length, this episode offers insights to help you create a space that supports your emotional well-being.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• How clutter reflects attachment styles – Discover the link between emotional patterns and your space.
  
  
• Traits of secure vs. anxious attachment – Learn why some people keep balance, while others hold on.
  
  
• Avoidant and disorganized clutter habits – Understand the extremes of minimalism and chaos.
  
  
• How to identify your clutter style – Use a quick quiz to spot emotional patterns behind your belongings.

LINKS AND RESOURCES WITH THIS EPISODE:

• "Put That Stuff Down" and its sequel (book) - A recommended read exploring the complex relationship between trauma, PTSD, and clutter. It offers personal stories, psychological insights, and practical advice. Click here to learn more: https://up.dowellht.com/bestseller-clutter-and-trauma

• Join the thousands of people using the post-trauma secrets and decluttering by starting here: https://dowellht.com/freeyourself

Thanks so much for joining us today. Want to subscribe to Post-Trauma Secrets and Decluttering? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review! iTunes not your thing? Find us on Spotify or Stitcher

Support the show

In this episode, Valerie and JM get honest about the emotional layers that make decluttering feel overwhelming—even when your home looks “clean.” They unpack the neuroscience of why clutter is so triggering, share their personal story of burnout, and challenge the polished perfection of most organizing content. With insights on trauma, identity, and the reality of ongoing healing, this episode reframes decluttering as a journey of emotional clarity—not just tidy spaces.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why decluttering feels emotionally exhausting – Understand the brain’s response to unresolved clutter.
  
  
• How trauma and identity are tied to clutter – Learn why letting go is more than just organizing.
  
  
• The truth behind “perfect” decluttering videos – Discover why real transformation looks messy.
  
  
• Why decluttering is ongoing work – See it as a healing process, not a one-time fix.

LINKS AND RESOURCES WITH THIS EPISODE:

• "Put That Stuff Down" and its sequel (book) - A recommended read exploring the complex relationship between trauma, PTSD, and clutter. It offers personal stories, psychological insights, and practical advice. Click here to learn more: https://up.dowellht.com/bestseller-clutter-and-trauma

• Join the thousands of people using the post-trauma secrets and decluttering by starting here: https://dowellht.com/freeyourself

Thanks so much for joining us today. Want to subscribe to Post-Trauma Secrets and Decluttering? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review! iTunes not your thing? Find us on Spotify or Stitcher

Support the show

In this episode, Valerie and JM walk through Leslie’s 20-year journey of caregiving, grief, and emotional attachment—and how the trauma-informed DO Well Method helped her reclaim space, freedom, and joy. You’ll learn how clutter often holds meaning, why slow and compassionate support matters, and how decluttering can restore not just your home, but your life. 

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why clutter often represents grief and survival – Understand the emotional roots behind what we keep.
  
  
• How the DO Well Method supports healing – Learn the trauma-informed steps that guide gentle decluttering.
  
  
• What real transformation looks like – See how small shifts can restore space, freedom, and connection.
  
  
• How to begin when it feels overwhelming – Start with one drawer, one emotion, one step toward peace.

LINKS AND RESOURCES WITH THIS EPISODE:

• "Put That Stuff Down" and its sequel (book) - A recommended read exploring the complex relationship between trauma, PTSD, and clutter. It offers personal stories, psychological insights, and practical advice. Click here to learn more: https://up.dowellht.com/bestseller-clutter-and-trauma

• Join the thousands of people using the post-trauma secrets and decluttering by starting here: https://dowellht.com/freeyourself

Thanks so much for joining us today. Want to subscribe to Post-Trauma Secrets and Decluttering? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review! iTunes not your thing? Find us on Spotify or Stitcher

Support the show