The JJs Declutter Podcast

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You know that narrow strip between your house and the fence? 

The one where broken pots go to retire, garden hoses go to tangle, and old lawn chairs go when you feel too guilty to throw them away? 👀
 
That's your side yard ~ and it's basically the junk drawer of your outdoor spaces.

Today, Julie and Janis are helping you reclaim it AND your whole yard, so it becomes a place you actually WANT to spend time in. 

Picnics, backyard campouts, fairy gardens (yes, really) ~ it's all possible when the clutter is gone!
 
 
Why the Side Yard Becomes a Dumping Ground 

• Out of sight, out of mind ... and that's exactly the problem
• Common culprits: compacted mulch bricks, mismatched pot saucers, expired garden chemicals, and reusable bags that somehow migrate outside

Important Safety Note 

• Old garden chemicals, paint, and batteries do NOT go in regular trash
• Search your local hazardous waste disposal site ~ it's often required by law!

Keep or LETS GO — Outdoors Edition 

• Keep:  Do I actually use it?
• LE Lives Elsewhere:  Does it belong in the garage or house?
• T Trash:  Broken beyond saving?
• S Sentimental:  Need more time to decide?
• GO Goes Out:  Can someone else use this?

The Two Decluttering Dozen Method 

• Session 1 (12 min): Sort everything into Keep or LETS GO categories
• Session 2 (12 min): Execute = trash goes out, donations pile up, 'keeps' get organized
• Pro tip: Use a tarp as your sorting surface ~ when you're done, just bundle it up!

What Should Actually Live in Your Side Yard 

• Garbage & recycling bins on a hard surface
• Garden tools in a wall-mounted organizer or galvanized bucket
• Garden hose on a proper reel or wall hook ... that's it!

What's Possible When It's Clear 

• Picnic-ready yard = just a blanket, food, and clear space
• Backyard campouts kids remember for decades
• Simple intentional decor: bistro table, a few planters, a birdbath
• Fairy gardens for the grandkids (Julie may or may not have tiny friends hiding in her flower beds right now 🧚)

Your Outdoor Action Plan 

1. Pick ONE outdoor zone this week
2. First #DeclutteringDozen: Sort
3. Second #DeclutteringDozen: Execute
4. Stand back and ask "well ... what could this be?"

 Ready to stop doing this alone? The Clutter Crushers Club meets live on Zoom  The First & Third Tuesdays & the opposite Wednesdays each month at 4pm Pacific. That's 6+ hours of dedicated decluttering every month with people who genuinely get it.

👉 ABCDeclutter.com

If this podcast made you laugh, think, or finally pick up a timer ~ please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It takes 60 seconds and genuinely makes our day! 🌟


#SideYardDeclutter #OutdoorDecluttering #YardOrganization #BackyardGoals #KeepOrLETSGO #DeclutteringDozen #SpringYardCleanup #GardenToolStorage #ClutterCrushersClub #JJsDeclutter #ABCDeclutter #DeclutterPodcast #OutdoorLiving #BackyardCampout #FairyGarden #IntentionalLiving #SmallDoableDoses #YardCleanup #SimpleLiving #DeclutteringJourney

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Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!

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Your backyard is calling — and it's asking you to please remove the empty pots, tangled hoses, and dead planters that have been haunting the porch since last October. 🌿

Julie & Janis are back with a fresh Magazine Moment, diving into Bonnie Ferrero's article from Backyard Garden Lover: *12 Easy Fixes to Declutter the Yard and Make It Pop!* Same small-doable-doses energy you love — just taken outside!

12 Easy Fixes

**1. Gather & Remove Yard Clutter**
Walk your property with a trash bag and a bin. Toss what's garbage, store what belongs elsewhere, and give everything a permanent home.

**2. Trim & Define Overgrown Edges**
Clean edging along walkways and driveways is like lipstick — it pulls the whole look together. Edge every few mows to maintain those crisp lines!

**3. Pull Weeds from Visible Flower Beds**
Pull after rain when soil is soft, get the entire root, then apply 2-3 inches of fresh mulch to suppress regrowth. Cardboard under mulch works wonders for the whole season!

**4. Prune Dead or Unruly Branches**
Remove dead, broken, or crossing branches to restore plant shapes and promote health. Research the best pruning time for your specific plants first!

**5. Sweep Porches & Walkways**
Make sweeping a weekly habit. Julie's tip: boiling water on cobblestone walkways kills weeds between bricks — fast, easy, and chemical-free!

**6. Store Your Garden Hose Properly**
Neatly coiled hoses last longer, prevent kinking, and eliminate tripping hazards. A wall hook, hose reel, or retractable reel all work beautifully.

**7. Patch & Seed Bare Lawn Spots**
Rake, seed, top-dress with compost, and water daily until established. Fuller lawn, happier yard.

**8. Clean Up Around Tree Bases**
Create a 2-3 foot mulched ring around tree trunks — keeps things tidy AND protects tree health. Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk itself!

**9. Refresh or Remove Dead Planters**
Plant skeletons = instant eyesore. Empty, clean, and replant — or trade pots with neighbors like Julie's street does. Community pot swap, anyone? 😄

**10. Brighten Your Hardscape**
Sweep and scrub patios and outdoor furniture. A power washer at the start and end of summer makes a dramatic difference fast.

**11. Fix or Replace Broken Outdoor Lighting**
Leaning, broken solar lights do more harm than good. Straighten, clean the solar panels, or replace entirely. Fewer working lights beats a full set that looks neglected.

**12. Add Fresh Mulch**
Mulch is the single most powerful quick-win for your yard — suppresses weeds, retains moisture, and makes everything look professionally landscaped. Start with your most visible beds first!

---

**Connect With Us!**
📘 Facebook: ABC DEclutter with JJ
💻 www.ABCDeclutter.com

Tired of playing catch-up indoors too? Join the **Clutter Crushers Club** — live decluttering sessions four times per month, real community, zero judgment. 👉 www.ABCDEclutter.com

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#BackyardDeclutter #YardCleanup #SpringYard #GardenTips #CurbAppeal #DeclutterOutdoors #YardMakeover #GardenCleanup #MulchIt #WeedControl #LawnCare #OutdoorLiving #PatioLife #SpringCleaning #SmallDoableDoses #DeclutterPodcast #JJsDeclutter #MagazineMoments #ClutterCrushersClub #ABCDeclutter #BackyardGoals #GardenOrganization #OutdoorReset #SolarLights #PowerWash #YardWork #GardenLife #SpringGardening #HomeAndGarden #SimpleLiving

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Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!

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Winter left behind pollen, dirt, dead plants, broken planters, and outdoor clutter that quietly multiplied while nobody was paying attention. Sound familiar? 🌸
 
Julie and Janis are stepping outside today to tackle one of the most overlooked spaces in your home — the porch, patio, deck, or entry zone. Whether you've got a grand wraparound porch worthy of sweet tea commercials, or one tiny concrete square with a lonely chair and a determined spider, this episode is for you.
 
But first — a fractured fairy tale. Meet Lady Petunia, Sir Harold, and the mysterious Widow Gertrude, whose porch had disappeared entirely beneath Tarp Mountain. The Porch Fairy is coming, and she's carrying garbage bags, vinegar spray, and a clipboard. 📋
 
 
Start With a Clean Slate 

• Move everything into one sorting zone. Items like: furniture, mats, planters, boots, and all the "I'll deal with this later" items
• Sweep thoroughly, then wash surfaces with warm water and vinegar or gentle soap
• Even a tiny entry porch feels dramatically fresher once the grime layer disappears

The Decluttering Reckoning 

• Cracked planters, rusted chairs, and citronella candles melted into prehistoric fossils? Let them go
• Nobody needs 17 half-used bags of potting soil or 6 rusty watering cans
• Ask yourself: does this actually support how I use this space NOW? (Not your fantasy life as a Victorian garden duchess with unlimited free time 😄)

Porch Safety ... Don't Skip This! 

• Wet moss, loose rugs, cracked steps, and tangled extension cords are serious tripping hazards
• Check for wasp nests under eaves, loose boards, rusty nails, and wobbly furniture
• Look for spider egg sacs near the foundation, especially brown or red widow spiders (Janis has a very direct approach involving a utility lighter 🔥)
• Replace burnt-out bulbs and keep pathways clear, especially for older adults and guests

Patio Furniture & Cushions 

• Wipe everything down before setting it back up for the season
• Wash cushion covers and dry FULLY (damp cushions develop that unmistakable forgotten-basement-towel smell fast)
• If nobody enjoys the furniture anymore, don't let it take up valuable space just because it once looked charming in 2009

Making It Inviting Again 

• A few intentional decorations beat overcrowding every surface with seasonal chaos
• One healthy plant beats seven dead ones every single time
• Think about how you want the space to FEEL = peaceful, cozy, welcoming, functional?

Maintenance is Everything 

• A quick weekly sweep prevents giant seasonal overhauls later
• Outdoor storage bins are NOT magical portals where broken things become useful again
• Small resets keep the porch from sliding back into chaos territory

Connect With Us!

Free Facebook Community: ABC DEclutter with JJ - Community
also: 💻 www.ABCDeclutter.com

Ready for Real Support?
Join the Clutter Crushers Club which is our live decluttering sessions 4x a month, real accountability, zero judgment. 👉 www.ABCDeclutter.com
 
Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify ... the JJs are getting better at their closing, and they deserve it! 😄
 
 
 
#SpringPorchCleanup #PorchDeclutter #OutdoorLiving #PatioRefresh #SpringCleaning #DeclutterOutdoors #PorchGoals #OutdoorSpaces #SeasonalCleaning #PorchLife #PatioFurniture #SpringReset #DeclutterPodcast #JJsDeclutter #ClutterCrushersClub #ABCDeclutter #SmallDoableDoses #OutdoorDecor #PorchDecor #SpringOutdoor #HomeOrganization #ClutterFree #IntentionalLiving #SimpleLiving #DeclutteringJourney #ProgressNotPerfection #OutdoorCleaning #FrontPorch #BackPatio #SpringRefresh

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Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!

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Fur tumbleweeds. Mystery smells. Slobbery toys. Pet beds that have somehow collected half the outdoors. 

Sound familiar? 🐾
 
If you share your home with a pet, you already know they bring us boundless joy, companionship, and entertainment. They also bring chaos, sticky leashes, and enough scattered toys to twist an ankle on at 2am. (Don't ask. Just turn on a light.)
 
Julie & Janis are diving nose-first into the world of cleaning pet stuff today and they brought a fractured fairy tale to kick things off. 

Meet Mama Bear, Sir Barksalot, Princess Whisker Beans, and Nugget the parsley-eating guinea pig, who is completely unbothered by all of this. 

The good news? You don't need harsh chemicals, complicated routines, or an entire weekend to get on top of pet mess. 

Just a few simple habits and one very heroic product called enzyme cleaner.
 
 
Featured Story: Mama Bear and the Three Pet Beds 🐻
 
A fractured fairy tale about one brave woman, three very spoiled pets, and a toy basket that turned into a full archaeological dig. 

Featuring a suspicious glittery sock, a leash that was somehow sticky, and a plush toy named Mr. Pickles who had clearly survived several emotional battles. 

You'll want to listen for this one. 😄
 
 Pet Food Dishes & Feeding Stations 

• Daily washing with hot water and natural dish soap prevents bacteria, odors, and that mysterious medieval-tavern crust
• Stainless steel bowls are easiest — scratched plastic traps smells like a champ
• Don't forget the feeding mat — it's collecting drips, crumbs, and slobber puddles with impressive efficiency
• Lingering odors? Enzyme cleaner is your best friend

Collars, Harnesses & Leashes

• They quietly collect the entire outdoors. Dirt, rainwater, grass, and whatever swamp puddle your dog found three counties away
• Soak in warm water with gentle soap regularly to keep them fresher and lasting longer
• Inspect while cleaning = check for fraying, cracked clips, and worn spots before your walk turns into an unexpected freedom parade
• Leather needs gentler care; fabric can handle an old toothbrush around the hardware

The Pet Toy Basket (A.K.A. The Archaeological Dig) 

• Washing toys regularly reduces germs AND keeps that stale dog toy smell from taking over the room
• Plush toys → mesh laundry bag → washing machine
• Rubber and hard toys → soak in warm soapy water
• If stuffing is escaping dramatically like a disaster movie scene, it's time to say goodbye

Pet Beds 

• Basically giant odor sponges wrapped in fur. Vacuum BEFORE washing or your machine becomes a furry snow globe
• Wash the cover regularly and dry completely to avoid that damp rainstorm smell
• Baking soda freshens foam inserts between washes
• Enzyme cleaners are fantastic for accident spots (they deserve tiny superhero capes, honestly)

Kennels & Travel Crates 

• Easy to ignore ... but fur, crumbs, and mystery smells are quietly building their own civilization in the corners
• Remove blankets first, vacuum out debris, then wipe with a pet-safe cleaner
• Don't forget the travel crate in your vehicle! Check those corners and seams where grime loves to hide
• A clean crate = a calmer, more comfortable pet during travel

Pet Food Bins & Storage 

• Kibble oils build up over time and turn rancid. Don't pour fresh food on top without ever emptying the container!
• Wash and FULLY dry before refilling to keep food fresher and pests away
• Wipe down scoops and measuring cups while you're at it
• Enthusiastic eaters who fling kibble like confetti are a real odor source ... keep that feeding station clean!

Bathing Pets & Laundering Pet Clothes 

• Bathe pets at least every 2 months to prevent that signature dog smell
• Janis's holy grail product: BioGroom Groom N Fresh shampoo = they loved it so much they bought a gallon with a pump (it lasted 14 years, longer than the original dog 😄)
• Janis's De-Skunk Solution (yes, really): 1 quart hydrogen peroxide + 4 tablespoons baking soda + 2 teaspoons Dawn dish soap: mix into a paste, add peroxide, wait for fizzing, transfer to spray bottle, apply outside with gloves, avoid eyes/mouth/nose, rinse after 5 minutes. Works on collars too!
• Pet clothes: fasten the Velcro FIRST or your laundry becomes one giant tangled fabric octopus (Release the Kracken!! 🐙 )
• Air dry to prevent shrinking into doll clothes

Simple Pet Cleaning Routines — The Real Secret 

• Wash bowls daily
• Wipe feeding mats regularly
• Sort through toys once a week
• Wash pet beds every few weeks before the odors become sentient
• Tiny habits prevent giant cleaning marathons. Sound familiar, Declutterers? 😉

Key Takeaways
You don't need perfection. You definitely don't need a 12-step spreadsheet for your dog's squeaky broccoli collection. A little consistency, some natural cleaners, and a trusty enzyme spray keep your home fresher, healthier, and far less crunchy underfoot. Your pets probably won't notice the effort, but your nose absolutely will.

Connect With Us!

Join our FREE Facebook Community: ABC DEclutter with JJ - Community

 💻 Visit us at: www.ABCDeclutter.com

Want Support Beyond the Podcast? If pet mess has you feeling behind on your whole house ~ not just the fur tumbleweeds ~ come join the Clutter Crushers Club, our membership community where we declutter TOGETHER in live sessions twice a month. Real people, real homes, zero judgment.

👉 Join us at www.ABCDeclutter.com


If You Enjoyed This Episode
Share it with your fellow pet lovers! And please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify ... it helps more pet-covered, good-smelling people find us. 🐾


Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and ~ as always ~ Keep Decluttering!

(They almost nailed the closing this time. Progress.)


YouTube Tags

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Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!

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 You've decluttered the counters, organized the closets, and tackled the pantry. But when did you last actually CLEAN your windows? 👀

Here's the thing about dirty windows ~ you don't notice them until they're clean. 

And then suddenly it's like, *whoa, is this the same room?*

Julie & Janis are keeping it simple (as always) with a no-fuss, no-overwhelm approach to window cleaning that fits perfectly into your decluttering routine. 

No spending your entire Sunday scrubbing glass with a toothbrush. 

No fancy products required. Just small, doable steps that make a BIG visual impact ~ and one surprisingly satisfying challenge at the end.

Oh, and Janis uses Windex on ants ... We're not here to judge.

- Clean windows are one of those small wins that instantly make your whole space feel brighter, lighter, and more put together

- The mindset shift: we're not aiming for perfection ~ we're aiming for improvement

- Filmy and streaky to mostly clear? That. Is. A. Win.

The 3 Mistakes That Make Window Cleaning Harder Than It Needs To Be

- Cleaning in direct sunlight (you'll be chasing streaks like it's a full-time job)
- Using too much product (more cleaner = more residue = more streaks ... always streaks)
- Trying to do every window in one go (nope, not the JJs way!)

Your Simple Supply List

- A microfiber cloth or two
- Basic glass cleaner OR water + a little vinegar
- Optional: a squeegee (but truly optional — this is NOT a barrier to entry situation)
- Julie & Janis's personal go-to: *Norwex window cloths*  just water, zero product, beautiful results

The JJs' Step-by-Step Window Cleaning Method

1. Start with the frame and sill FIRST ~ skip this and you're basically making mud on your glass
2. Lightly spray cleaner on the glass or your cloth (light spray ~ we are not soaking the window!)
3. Wipe in a consistent pattern = top to bottom OR side to side, just pick one
4. Dry with a clean microfiber cloth = your secret weapon against streaks
5. Optional: finish with a squeegee for that chef's-kiss polished look (wipe the blade between each swipe!)

The Decluttering Connection
- What lives around your windows? 
Clutter. Heavy curtains, random windowsill items, things blocking the light entirely
- Before or while you clean, clear the sill and ask yourself: *Is this adding to the space, or blocking the light?*
- Clean windows + clear sills = a whole new energy in the room

Small Doable Doses ~ The JJs Way
- You do NOT need to clean every window today
- Start with ONE ~ the one you look out of most, or the one that gets the best light
- Set your #DeclutteringDozen timer for 12 minutes and go
- Maintenance tip: a quick wipe every couple of weeks means it never becomes a big job again

Busting Your Window Cleaning Excuses
- "I don't have time" → You have 12 minutes
- "I'll do it when I can do ALL the windows" → That's the all-or-nothing trap, and we're not doing that here
- "My windows are really bad" → Then even a small improvement will feel AMAZING

## The JJ Challenge

Clean one window. Just one. 
Clear the sill, wipe the glass, let the light in. 
Then come tell us  which window did you pick? 🪟✨

---

**Want More Than a Challenge?**
If you love the idea of doing this WITH people instead of alone, come join the *Clutter Crushers Club* ~ our membership community where we tackle our homes together in live decluttering sessions twice a month. Real accountability. Real results. Zero judgment.



 Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!! 
*(They got it right on the second try this episode. Progress, people. Progress.)* 

Support the show

Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!

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 You cleaned the kitchen, wiped the counters, and even tackled the stovetop. So why does it STILL smell like last Tuesday's fish dinner in there? 🐟 

Julie & Janis dive into BobVila.com's "10 Instant Cures for Any Kitchen Odor" — and things got spicy. There was a vodka recipe (not a cocktail, we promise), a sponge debate, and the revelation that apple pie might be the most alluring scent known to mankind. You're welcome. 

1. Feed Lemons to Your Garbage Disposal Save citrus peels in the fridge or freezer for a quick sink refresh. Janis's pro tip: freeze lemon rinds WITH vinegar in ice cube trays — cleans the blades AND deodorizes!
2. Keep Your Sponges Dry (Or Better Yet…) Just toss the stinky thing! Their go-tos: Scrub Daddy sponges and compostable Swedish dishcloths.
3. Spritz a Homemade Freshener Julie's recipe: ¾ vodka + ¼ water + 10-20 drops essential oil. Spritz the kitchen or your mattress. Warning: do NOT drink this. 😄
4. Clean Your Garbage Can & Recycling Bin Quick wipe-down every time you take out the trash. Little drips = big odors.
5. Cancel Out Cooking Smells Boil 1 cup water + 3 tablespoons white vinegar on the stovetop. The steam neutralizes pungent cooking odors throughout the kitchen.
6. Start a Stove Simmer Simmer water + mint + orange rind + lemon slices + cinnamon on low. It'll make the whole house smell amazing. Janis's tip: baking a frozen apple pie before an open house? Irresistible. Science says so.
7. Put Baking Soda in Your Fridge Skip the big box — use a small ramekin and refresh every couple of weeks. Julie's tip: store baking soda sealed in Tupperware so it doesn't absorb cupboard odors first!
8. Don't Forget Your Exhaust Fan Check stove filters monthly — grease and dust trap odors. Vacuum the bathroom exhaust fan too!
9. Scour the Drain Scrub that slimy drain catcher or toss it in the dishwasher. Refresh: 1 cup salt + 1 cup baking soda + boiling water. Let sit, then flush with cold water. (Check your pipe material first!)
10. Bake Some Lemons Place lemon and orange rinds on a sheet pan and bake to release the oils. Julie's note: or just clean the oven 😂

Bonus Tip: Bake cookies. Or apple pie. Science is science.


Connect With Us! 

Join our FREE Facebook Community: ABC DEclutter with JJ ~ Community

💻 www.ABCDeclutter.com
 
Ready for Real Accountability? Join the Clutter Crushers Club = live decluttering sessions twice a month. No judgment. Just action, laughter, and real results. 👉 www.ABCDeclutter.com

Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Julie says you should because The JJs are "so amazing" — and honestly, she's not wrong!

 #KitchenCleaning #HomeDeodorizer #GarbageDisposalHack #BakingSodaHack #DIYAirFreshener #NaturalHomeTips #CleanKitchen #StoveSimmer #KitchenRefresh #HomemadeCleaning #WhiteVinegarHacks #CitrusCleaning #ScrubDaddy #SwedishDishcloth #ExhaustFanCleaning #KitchenOrganization #CleanHomeHappy #JJsDeclutter #ClutterCrushersClub #ABCDeclutter #HomeOrganization #ClutterFreeLiving #SimpleLiving #IntentionalLiving #NaturalHousehold #FreshKitchen #SpringCleaningTips #HomeHacks #CleaningWithoutChemicals #SmallDoableDoses 
 

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Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!

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Do you have boxes in your basement you haven't opened in years? 

Filled with your grandmother's china you've never used, twenty years of your kids' artwork, and lots of "other stuff"? 

You're not alone. 

Julie and Janis tackle the hardest part of decluttering: sentimental and heirloom items that aren't just stuff, they're memories, stories, and connections to people you love.

What You'll Discover:

Sentimental items are uniquely challenging because you can't just apply logic. That's your mother's wedding dress, your father's toolbox, your grandmother's quilt. These items carry emotional weight that has nothing to do with usefulness. 

Today, we share two approaches: the "skim" for quick breathing room, and the "deep dive" for creating intentional legacy.

The Truth Bomb Your grandmother's china isn't trash, but it might end up at Goodwill if nobody knows why it matters. 

The difference between treasure and trash? 

The Story. 
That's it ... That's the secret.

Key Takeaways:

Why Sentimental Items Overwhelm Us Sheer volume, paralyzing guilt, and confusion about what's actually important

Comfort Items vs Legacy Items Not everything sentimental needs to be passed down. Think: ceramic frog collections vs Dad's daily coffee mug

The Skim Approach 12-minute Decluttering Dozen to remove obvious non-sentimental items and build your decluttering muscles

The Deep Dive Approach Curating your legacy like a museum curator—quality over quantity, 5 meaningful items beat 50 mystery boxes

The Storytelling Framework Five questions that preserve a lifetime in 30 seconds 
(Who owned it? When did they use it? Why did it matter? How did you get it? What do you wish they knew?)

Keepsake Notes Physical tags that travel with items. Item name, owner, story, intended recipient, your name and date (3 minutes creates forever of meaning)

Your Kids Want Different Things Stop projecting, start asking. Have the conversation about what they actually want

Gift While You're Alive See their faces light up, answer questions, tell stories in person, get the thank-you hugs NOW

The Real Challenge:
Sentimental decluttering brings up grief, guilt, complicated family dynamics, and memories you've been avoiding. You might need support to sort through not just the physical items but the emotions attached to them.

Ready for Help? 
Schedule a one-on-one assessment call with The JJs at www.abcdeclutter.com

We'll help you figure out whether you need a skim or deep dive approach, we'll talk about your family dynamics and timeline, and create a plan that feels doable. 

This work matters too much to keep avoiding.

Those boxes in your attic aren't legacy, they're homework for your kids. 

Legacy happens when you share with love, document with care, and gift with intention. 

One person's trash is another person's treasure, but only if you give them the treasure map. 

That map? It's the story. And you're the only one who can draw it.



#SentimentalDecluttering #HeirloomItems #DeclutterPodcast #LegacyPlanning #FamilyHeirlooms #DeclutteringTips #LetGoWithLove #IntentionalLiving #MemoryKeeping #TeaAndTreasures
#SentimentalClutter #PassingDownHeirlooms #FamilyLegacy #DeclutterSentimental  #HeartfeltDecluttering #KeepsakeNotes #LivingLegacy #GiftingWhileLiving #JJsDeclutterPodcast #Declutterers #ComfortVsLegacy #InheritedItems #GrandmasChina #FamilyTreasures #DeclutterWithPurpose #MeaningfulKeepsakes #StorytellingMatters #LegacyNotClutter #DeclutteringDozen #ABCDEclutter

Support the show

Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!

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We live in the digital age where everything is supposedly paperless now. So why does it look like your kitchen counter is auditioning for a recycling center? 📄📄📄
Paper clutter is relentless = mail, bills, receipts, school notices, medical documents, coupons, kids' artwork ... it just. keeps. coming. 

Unlike other clutter, you can't just glance at a pile and make quick decisions. 

Every. Single. Sheet. might be important, might be total junk ... You just won't know until you read it.
 
In this episode, Julie and Janis break down their simple 5-category paper system so you always know exactly what to do with every piece of paper that walks through your door. No more "just in case" piles, or paper avalanches. There will be no more finding a bill from 2019 under a pizza coupon.
 
What You'll Learn: 

• Why paper clutter hits different = and why the fear of tossing something important keeps the piles growing
• The 5 Paper Categories = a simple framework that makes every paper decision automatic
• How to set up a physical system = that actually keeps paper under control long-term
• The daily 3-minute mail habit = that prevents future piles from ever forming
• The weekly paper sweep = to keep your action folder from becoming yet another pile
• The annual archive purge = yes, you CAN shred those old tax returns (eventually!)

The 5 Paper Categories: 

1. 📋 Action / Act Now = Bills, permission slips, invitations. Needs doing, then gets tossed.
2. 🗄️ Archive / File = Birth certificates, wills, insurance policies, sentimental keepsakes. Keep long-term, store securely.
3. 🏠 Household = Coupons you'll actually use, appliance manuals, kids' schedules. Actively used, regularly purged.
4. ♻️ Trash / Recycle = Junk mail, expired coupons, old newspapers. Spoiler alert: this should be your biggest category.
5. 🔒 Shred = Anything with personal info: old bank statements, paid bills, pre-approved credit offers.

Your Challenge This Week: 

1. Set up your 5 paper category spots (folders, trays, bins ~ whatever works for you!)
2. Do one 12-minute Decluttering Dozen session on your biggest paper pile
3. Start sorting mail immediately = 3 minutes a day standing by your recycling bin keeps the piles away for good (and it rarely takes all 3 of those minutes!)

📌 Resource Mentioned:
 
FDIC Emergency Financial First Aid Kit = A free checklist recommended by the U.S. government of the critical documents you'd need in an emergency (evacuation, fire, natural disaster). Search "FDIC Emergency Financial First Aid Kit" to download it free. Keep it in a fireproof, waterproof container and update it annually!  https://www.fema.gov/emergency-financial-first-aid-kit
 
 
 
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@abcdeclutterwithjj 

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abcdeclutterwithjj/ 

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🖥️ Website: https://www.abcdeclutter.com/ 

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 #PaperClutter #TamingPaperChaos #Declutter #Decluttering #HomeOrganization #OrganizeYourHome #PaperOrganization #ClutterFree #DeclutterWithMe #PaperPiles #HomeOfficeOrganization #DocumentOrganization #DeclutterChallenge #DecisionFatigue #OrganizingTips #DeclutterMotivation #ClearTheClutter #TidyHome #JJsDeclutter #SimplifyYourLife 

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Someone's coming over in 30 minutes. You panic. 

You start shoving things into boxes, bags, baskets ~ anything with a lid. 

You tell yourself you'll deal with it later. 

Later never came. Now those boxes live in your closet. Some of them have been there so long they've become furniture.

Welcome to the DOOM box episode.

What's a DOOM Box?

DOOM = Didn't Organize, Only Moved. 

It's not storage ~ it's a box of delayed decisions. 

A chaotic mix of important papers, random junk, things from three different rooms, and that one thing you've been meaning to return for eight months. 

You relocated the problem instead of solving it.

What You'll Learn:

• Why DOOM boxes form ~ and how hotspots from last episode are the #1 culprit
• The DOOM box hunt ~ how to find and count every box, bag, bin, and basket hiding in your home (yes, check the oven ~ Julie learned that one the hard way 🔥)
• What your number means ~ and why it's just data, not a character flaw
• Why willpower alone won't fix it ~ and what you actually need to break the cycle
• The clear-and-reclutter trap ~ why busting boxes without fixing your systems just creates new ones in 6 months

Your Challenge This Week:

Set your timer for 12 minutes (the Decluttering Dozen!) and go on a DOOM box hunt. 

Count every single one. 

Write down that number. 

Then decide what you're going to do with that information.

• 5 or fewer? Pat yourself on the back ~ manageable situation!
• 6–10? You're not alone, and you're not failing.
• More than 10? You don't have a DOOM box problem. You have a systems problem ~ and that's fixable.

Ready to Actually Fix This?

The Clearing Your Clutter course is underway, but it's not too late! Week 2 is all about DOOM boxes ~ which means you can jump in right now. Get live coaching, a community of fellow declutterers, and proven systems that stop the clutter from coming back. Details at abcdeclutter.com

📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@abcdeclutterwithjj 

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abcdeclutterwithjj/ 

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/abcdecluttercommunity 

🖥️ Website: https://www.abcdeclutter.com/ 

🎙️ Podcast Website: https://www.thejjsdeclutterpodcast.com/ 

📧 Email: [email protected]

 #DOOMBox #DOOMBoxes #DidntOrganizeOnlyMoved #Declutter #Decluttering #ClutterFree #HomeOrganization #OrganizeYourHome #DeclutterWithMe #HiddenClutter #PanicCleaning #ClearingYourClutter #DecisionFatigue #DeclutterChallenge #DeclutterMotivation #OrganizingTips #TidyHome #CleanHome #JJsDeclutter #SimplifyYourLife 

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Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!

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 We see you. You know that pile on the kitchen counter shouldn't be there. You know the bedroom chair isn't technically a wardrobe. And yet… here we are.

In this episode, Julie and Janis tackle one of the most universal home struggles: hotspots — those flat surfaces that seem to magnetically attract every piece of clutter that enters your home. 

Spoiler Alert: it's not your fault. It's a systems problem, and it's 100% fixable.
 
What You'll Learn: 

• What hotspots actually are (hint: it's not just counters ~ floors count too, people!)
• Why they form ~ and why "I'll deal with it later" is basically a hotspot's origin story
• The emotional toll of decision clutter and why that pile is quietly draining your mental energy
• The Flat Surface Scramble ~ Julie & Janis's 12-minute method for clearing any hotspot fast
• The Keep or LET'S GO sorting system to decide what stays, what goes, and what gets donated
• How to create a Landing Zone so the hotspot doesn't creep back by Thursday
• The 2-minute daily reset ~ because 2 minutes daily beats 2 hours monthly every single time

The Flat Surface Scramble ~ Quick Recap:
 

1. ⏱️ Set a timer for 12 minutes
2. 🧺 Sweep everything into a basket (no sorting yet!)
3. 🧽 Wipe down the surface (clean surfaces = brains that don't want to mess them up again)
4. 📦 Sort using Keep or LET'S GO: Keep • Lives Elsewhere • Trash • Sentimental • Goes Out

Resources & Links: 

• 🌐 Learn more about the Clearing Your Clutter course: abcdeclutter.com
• The course is underway but it's not too late to join!!  
• 5 weeks of live coaching + a community of fellow declutterers cheering you on!

Your Challenge This Week:
 
Pick one hotspot. Set a timer for 12 minutes. Grab a basket. Go. You've got this.
 
Tag us on social or send a message when you do ~ we want to celebrate every single cleared surface with you! 🎉

 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@abcdeclutterwithjj 

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abcdeclutterwithjj/ 

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/abcdecluttercommunity 

🖥️ Website: https://www.abcdeclutter.com/ 

🎙️ Podcast Website: https://www.thejjsdeclutterpodcast.com/ 

🖥️Email: [email protected] 

 
 
The JJs Declutter Podcast is hosted by Julie Weisgerber and Janis Kosmala.

Support the show

Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!