Links mentioned in this episode (some may be affiliate links):
Get more show notes and additional free resources at wannabeclutterfree.com/139
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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Over the years I have tried several decluttering methods in search of giving the best advice I could. That has lead to a lot of successful tips and tricks. However, it has also lead to some not so great advice that I sadly held onto for too long.
I cringe inside when I think back to some of the advice I gave early on in the life of this podcast so I wanted to help set the record straight.
That’s why I’m looking back on 5 pieces of old decluttering advice that I no longer recommend. A lot has changed for me and my family on this minimalism journey and I want to do my best to steer you in the right direction.
So, if you’ve tried to declutter and get organized, but you’ve struggled, perhaps one of these bad pieces of decluttering advice is to blame. But, all hope is not lost. I also share with you what we are doing in our home now that we know better.
This episode of the Wannabe Minimalist Show will help you discover:

What I recommend you do instead of declutter piles

How piles have gotten me into trouble in the past

Why organizing bins are not the best first step

The reason I changed my mind on clear bins

Why I gave up the 5 pile method


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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 139: You need to swap out this old decluttering advice right now

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

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

A Race Against Blindness

Check out my favorite tools & resources

Podcast Feed for Supporters


Connect with Stephen Johnston

Website

Instagram


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

Instagram

Facebook

Website

Podcast


Join the Wannabe Minimalist Community on Facebook

****************
Key Takeaways:

The transformative power of turning adversity into positive action

Practical strategies for overcoming challenges through decluttering

Insights into managing priorities and setting boundaries amidst adversity

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


Episode Highlights:

00:00 Welcome to the Clutter-Free Journey 

00:10 Facing Adversity with Stephen Johnston 

00:10 The Power of Community Support 

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

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

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

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

21:04 Mental Decluttering: Prioritizing What Matters 

23:40 Mastering Prioritization and Saying No 

26:13 The Power of Modeling Behavior for Children 

27:12 Balancing Strength and Vulnerability as a Parent 

30:15 The Mission of A Race Against Blindness 

39:15 The Challenges and Triumphs of Fundraising 

42:58 Rapid Fire Questions: Insights and Aspirations


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Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
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Subscribe & Review
Are you subscribed to the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those.
And if you enjoyed today’s episode, it would make my day if you left me a rating and review. You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts, a comment on Spotify Podcasts or Goodpods, or connect on guest video interviews on YouTube. Your review helps other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to read. Let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
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We’d love to hear how you’re applying the strategies discussed in this episode. Share your stories and tips with us on social media or via email. Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes designed to make your busy life a bit easier.
Thank you for joining us, and remember, it’s about progress, not perfection. Here’s to a more organized and less stressful life!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Discover how play shapes child development in our podcast, where we explore balancing fun and organizing toys to minimize clutter. Learn about the benefits of play for skills growth, the downsides of too much screen time, and effective strategies for creating a learning-friendly environment at home. We also discuss tips for playful learning, the benefits of minimalism, decluttering strategies, and the principles of intentional parenting. Tune in to transform your approach and enhance your child's potential.
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Resources Mentioned (some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you):

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

Check out my favorite tools & resources

Podcast Feed for Supporters


Connect with Elizabeth Manly

Website

Instagram


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

Instagram

Facebook

Website

Podcast


Join the Wannabe Minimalist Community on Facebook

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Key Takeaways:


The Power of Play: Discover how essential play is to a child's development, and how reducing toy clutter can significantly enhance their growth and creativity.


Screen Time Concerns: Learn about the negative effects of excessive screen time on children, such as weakened fine motor skills and diminished focus, and hear expert screen time management strategies.


Engaging Children in Developmental Play: Get practical tips for engaging children in play that promotes development using minimal toys, focusing on outdoor activities and creative play with simple items like sticks.


Minimizing Toys: Understand the benefits of keeping toys to a minimum to enhance a child's focus and creativity, with suggestions for implementing a minimalist approach to your child’s play environment.


Promoting Imaginative Play: Gain insights on fostering more engaged and imaginative play, which can help counteract the drawbacks of digital distractions.


Episode Highlights:

00:00 Welcome to Wannabe Clutter Free: Episode 201 Overview

00:38 Supporting the Show: How You Can Help

02:20 Meet Elizabeth Manley: The Importance of Play

03:25 The Critical Role of Play in Development

10:14 Screen Time and Its Impact on Kids

13:54 Managing Screen Time: Family Strategies

20:49 Encouraging Play Over Screen Time

24:00 The Journey to Change and the Power of Persistence

24:32 Decoding the Toy Dilemma: How Much is Too Much?

24:43 The Magic of Minimal Toys and Outdoor Play

26:34 Embracing Play and Imagination Over Material Abundance

30:45 The Educational Value of Play and Preparing for Kindergarten

38:35 The Joyful Mama, Joyful Kiddos Bundle: A Treasure Trove for Parents

42:02 Reflections on Clutter-Free Living and Family Time

45:47 Closing Thoughts and Invitations for Engagement


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Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
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Subscribe & Review
Are you subscribed to the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those.
And if you enjoyed today’s episode, it would make my day if you left me a rating and review. You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts, a comment on Spotify Podcasts or Goodpods, or connect on guest video interviews on YouTube. Your review helps other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to read. Let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
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We’d love to hear how you’re applying the strategies discussed in this episode. Share your stories and tips with us on social media or via email. Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes designed to make your busy life a bit easier.
Thank you for joining us, and remember, it’s about progress, not perfection. Here’s to a more organized and less stressful life!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Join Deanna Yates as she explores a decade-long journey of decluttering and embracing minimalism. Discover valuable insights on living with less, the impact of mindset shifts, and how adapting to life's changes—like traveling and raising a family—can enhance and enrich a minimalist lifestyle.
****************
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
****************
Subscribe & Review
Are you subscribed to the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those.
And if you enjoyed today’s episode, it would make my day if you left me a rating and review. You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts, a comment on Spotify Podcasts or Goodpods, or connect on guest video interviews on YouTube. Your review helps other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to read. Let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
****************
We’d love to hear how you’re applying the strategies discussed in this episode. Share your stories and tips with us on social media (@wannabeclutterfree). Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes designed to make your busy life a bit easier.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Join Deanna Yates and Emily McDermott as they reveal the transformative power of minimalism and decluttering. Discover practical tips and scientific insights to help you see your clutter in new light, tackle the mental hurdles of letting go, and begin your journey with easy decluttering steps. Uncover the simplicity and power of a minimalist lifestyle to see if it might be a fit for your family.
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Resources Mentioned (some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you):

Check out my favorite tools & resources

Podcast Feed for Supporters

Statistics and Studies

Simplify Parenting

Decluttering Playlist on Spotify

Connect with Emily McDermott

Website

Instagram


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

Instagram

Facebook

Website

Podcast


Join the Wannabe Minimalist Community on Facebook

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Key Takeaways:


Embrace the Minimalist Lifestyle: Learn how minimalism isn't just about having fewer things but about leading a richer life.


Understand the Psychological Effects of Clutter: Discover the science behind how clutter can increase stress and affect your daily life.


Practical Decluttering Tips: Get actionable tips to kickstart your decluttering efforts, focusing on non-sentimental areas like your car.


Organizing Strategies: Find out how to make time in your busy schedule for organizing and how it can lead to greater creativity and personal growth.


Episode Highlights:


00:00 - Introduction to the clutter-free journey with Deanna Yates.


01:00 - How to support the show and keep the decluttering tips coming.


02:26 - Meet Emily McDermott and hear about her minimalism journey.


03:41 - Dive into decluttering with Emily’s personal story and tips for starting small.


09:37 - Explore family dynamics and minimalism, and how to navigate them.


12:55 - Discuss potential decluttering regrets and how to move past them.


17:48 - Uncover the science behind decluttering and its benefits.


22:25 - Learn about clutter's impact on stress and eating habits.


23:32 - A personal story on preparing for a party and decluttering success.


25:26 - Discover the benefits of a decluttered space for children.


27:00 - Practical advice on where to start your decluttering journey.


30:13 - Tips for finding time to declutter in a busy schedule.


32:57 - How creating a motivating decluttering playlist can help.


34:53 - Rapid fire questions with Emily for a deeper insight into a clutter-free life.


38:56 - Conclusion and what to look forward to in future episodes.


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Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
****************
Subscribe & Review
Are you subscribed to the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those.
And if you enjoyed today’s episode, it would make my day if you left me a rating and review. You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts, a comment on Spotify Podcasts or Goodpods, or connect on guest video interviews on YouTube. Your review helps other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to read. Let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
****************
We’d love to hear how you’re applying the strategies discussed in this episode. Share your stories and tips with us on social media or via email. Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes designed to make your busy life a bit easier.
Thank you for joining us, and remember, it’s about progress, not perfection. Here’s to a more organized and less stressful life!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 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


****************
Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
****************
Subscribe & Review
Are you subscribed to the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those.
And if you enjoyed today’s episode, it would make my day if you left me a rating and review. You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts, a comment on Spotify Podcasts or Goodpods, or connect on guest video interviews on YouTube. Your review helps other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to read. Let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
****************
We’d love to hear how you’re applying the strategies discussed in this episode. Share your stories and tips with us on social media or via email. Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes designed to make your busy life a bit easier.
Thank you for joining us, and remember, it’s about progress, not perfection. Here’s to a more organized and less stressful life!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 139: You need to swap out this old decluttering advice right now

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