If your bedroom feels more chaotic than cozy, clutter might be sabotaging your relationship.
Links in this episode (some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you):
Follow me on Instagram: @wannabeclutterfree
Full show notes: wannabeclutterfree.com/265
Check out my favorite resources
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In this episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast, host Deanna Yates shares how the physical clutter in your home can quietly build resentment, reduce intimacy, and increase arguments with your partner. Backed by research (including a stat that 40% of couples argue over clutter!), this episode explores the emotional and mental load clutter creates—and how to fix it.
You’ll learn:
✅ Why clutter causes stress in romantic relationships
✅ How to declutter your bedroom to rekindle connection
✅ The power of a “Couples Corner” and how to create one
✅ A simple weekly ritual to improve communication and teamwork
Whether you’re married, partnered, or in a long-term relationship, these practical tips will help you clear the physical and emotional mess that’s standing between you and the connection you crave.
If you’ve been feeling scattered, foggy, or stretched too thin, this episode will help you clear the noise (both around you and within you).
Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
01:27 Clutter’s Impact on Romantic Relationships
01:57 The Clutter F.R.E.E.D.O.M. Method Explained
03:14 Why Clutter Causes Relationship Stress
04:32 Shocking Stats & Psychological Insights
08:19 Gender Differences & the Mental Load
14:51 Creating a Peaceful Bedroom Retreat
18:15 Establishing a Couple’s Corner
21:19 Clutter-Free Communication Ritual
24:01 Final Thoughts and Action Steps
Music:
Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Subscribe & Review:
If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps me create more content to inspire and motivate you to live with less.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Struggling under the weight of doing it all? In this episode, Deanna is joined by Paige Connell—a working mom of four—to talk about decluttering the mental load. They dive into invisible labor, the pressure modern moms face, and how to create more balance at home through honest conversations and shared responsibility.
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Resources Mentioned
(some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you):
Get my children's book: Lenora and Her Super Duper Messy Room
Get all the links and resources at wannabeclutterfree.com/264
Connect with Paige Connell
Instagram
Paige’s Website
Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
Instagram
Facebook
Website
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In this episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast, Deanna Yates is joined by Paige Connell—a working mom of four and a powerful voice for moms navigating the mental load of motherhood. Together, they unpack the invisible labor so many women carry: remembering appointments, managing the household, keeping the family running… and somehow staying sane through it all.
Paige brings honesty, humor, and a big dose of validation as she shares her own experiences and the collective wisdom of the community she’s built on Instagram and TikTok. This isn’t about doing more—it’s about letting go of the idea that you have to do it all.
If you’re feeling burned out from being the default parent, struggling to find balance at home, or wondering how to have more equitable conversations with your partner—this episode is for you.
We talk about real-life strategies to simplify your mental load, how to advocate for change inside and outside the home, and why asking for help is a radical (and necessary) act of self-care.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
What the mental load looks like in everyday life—and why it’s so draining
How to talk with your partner about sharing the load without starting a fight
Simple ways to create more connection, peace, and partnership at home
Why building a support system is essential (not selfish)
How even small shifts can declutter the overwhelm and help you breathe easier
Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:51 Starting the Conversation with Paige Connell
03:14 Balancing Motherhood and Career
04:26 Addressing Societal Expectations and Double Standards
08:42 Equity in Household Responsibilities
14:22 Common Misconceptions About Working Moms
20:04 Starting Conversations at Home
26:50 Addressing Defensiveness in Conversations
28:55 Understanding Societal Pressures on Partners
31:09 Navigating Parenting and Mental Load
35:50 Building Community and Support Systems
36:50 Advocating for Family-Friendly Work Policies
43:05 Practical Tips for Sharing Responsibilities
46:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
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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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode, Deanna discusses the importance clearing clutter in order to fully embrace creativity during the messy, beautiful seasons of motherhood. She’s joined by Ashlee Gadd, author of Create Anyway, to explore how moms can embrace their creative passions without guilt, set healthy boundaries with social media, and find fulfillment in the margins of daily life.
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Resources Mentioned
(some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you):
Get my children's book: Lenora and Her Super Duper Messy Room
Get all the links and resources at wannabeclutterfree.com/261
Connect with Ashlee Gadd
Instagram
Ashlee’s Website
Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
Instagram
Facebook
Website
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In this inspiring episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast, Deanna Yates is joined by Ashlee Gadd, a writer, photographer, founder of Coffee + Crumbs, and author of Create Anyway: The Joy of Pursuing Creativity in the Margins of Motherhood.
If you’ve ever felt like motherhood and creativity were at odds, or if your creative spark has been buried under laundry piles and mental to-do lists, this conversation is for you.
Ashlee and Deanna dive into what it really means to be a creative mom, why making space for your own passions isn’t selfish, and how to clear the mental clutter that holds so many of us back from pursuing the things we love. We talk about mom guilt, social media pressure, carving out time in small pockets, and showing up imperfectly, but consistently, for yourself.
If you’ve been craving a little more beauty, expression, or joy in your everyday life, this episode will feel like a deep exhale and a warm reminder: you don’t have to wait for the perfect time to create…you get to start now.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why creativity is essential (not a luxury) in motherhood
How to navigate social media without getting lost in comparison
Simple mindset shifts to clear mental clutter and unlock creativity
What it means to create in the margins of your day (and why that’s enough)
Gentle encouragement to show up imperfectly and create anyway
Time Stamps:
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
01:41 Meet Ashley Gadd
02:39 The Power of 'Create Anyway'
04:22 Navigating Social Media and Creativity
08:43 Evolving Creative Work Through Motherhood
12:33 Embracing Creativity in Everyday Life
16:58 Everyone is Creative
19:14 The Ongoing Journey of Creativity
21:10 Embracing Imperfection in Life
21:31 Clearing Mental Clutter for Creativity
24:34 The Importance of Curating Your Inputs
27:04 Balancing Motherhood and Creativity
29:43 Staying Motivated and Consistent
31:22 Practical Tips for Creativity
34:50 Encouragement for Moms
36:13 Final Thoughts and Resources
36:58 Rapid Fire Questions and Wrap-Up
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Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
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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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Links in this episode (some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you):
Lenora and Her Super Duper Messy Room – Get the book on Amazon
Follow me on Instagram: @wannabeclutterfree
Join the Wannabe Minimalist Family Facebook Group
Full show notes: wannabeclutterfree.com/262
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Does your home feel chaotic and overwhelming? Does your brain feel the same? You’re not imagining it.
In this episode, Deanna Yates explores how physical clutter contributes to mental overload, stress, and burnout, especially for high-achieving, modern moms who feel like they “should” be able to handle it all.
This episode is part of the Find Your Number series within the Clutter F.R.E.E.D.O.M. Method, and today’s focus is your Inner World (Mental Health). You’ll discover how clutter impacts your cortisol levels, creates guilt and shame cycles, and weighs down your emotional bandwidth.
But most importantly, Deanna offers actionable, compassionate strategies to help you:
Understand the hidden toll of mental clutter
Break free from the “should” cycle of perfectionism
Reduce overwhelm with simple, doable steps
Shift your environment to support your peace of mind
Reframe decluttering as self-care, not punishment
If you’ve been feeling scattered, foggy, or stretched too thin, this episode will help you clear the noise (both around you and within you).
Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:23 The Impact of Clutter on Mental Health
01:02 Mental Health and High Achieving Moms
02:35 The Science Behind Clutter and Stress
05:25 Personal Story and Reframing Tools
07:24 Identifying and Addressing Mental Clutter
11:03 Practical Steps to Declutter Your Space
15:12 Mind Sweep and Parking Lot Techniques
19:42 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Music:
Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Subscribe & Review:
If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps me create more content to inspire and motivate you to live with less.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Deanna chats with Colette Roy about the emotional and practical challenges of organizing with your partner. They dive into how clutter affects relationships, why communication is key, and how to tackle big home projects together (like the garage) without the arguments.
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Resources Mentioned
(some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you):
Get my children's book: Lenora and Her Super Duper Messy Room
Get all the links and resources at wannabeclutterfree.com/261
Connect with Colette Roy
Instagram
Colette’s Book: Clutter and Couples
Organize Your Garage without Killing Your Partner
Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
Instagram
Facebook
Website
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Tired of fighting every time you try to tackle a home project with your partner?
In this episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast, host Deanna Yates sits down with professional organizer Colette Roy to talk about how to declutter shared spaces without losing your cool—or your relationship.
Whether you’re tackling the garage, the basement, or just trying to agree on what to toss, Colette brings real talk and practical strategies for making home organization a team effort (without the tension). Drawing from her course How to Organize Your Garage Without Killing Your Partner, Colette shares why organizing together is so tricky, how emotional clutter plays into the chaos, and how better communication can lead to smoother projects and stronger connections.
You’ll walk away with smart, relationship-friendly tips to finally get that garage in shape—without turning it into a battleground.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why clutter can create hidden emotional tension between partners
How to navigate different communication styles during organizing projects
Tips to set healthy boundaries and share the load fairly
The power of understanding your partner’s perspective when decluttering
How to transform your garage into a peaceful, functional space—together
Time Stamps:
00:00 – Intro + what to expect in this episode
02:53 – Meet Colette Roy & her clutter-with-compassion approach
03:55 – Smart strategies for getting started on home projects
07:11 – Why clutter causes friction in relationships
13:12 – What makes organizing with your partner so hard
17:03 – How to design a garage that actually works
22:01 – Key communication tips for couples
27:00 – Why home projects spark arguments
28:36 – Behind the scenes of Colette’s course
32:46 – Practical communication tools you can use today
40:40 – Understanding needs: yours and your partner’s
43:11 – Why having personal space matters
47:11 – Rapid fire wrap-up + final thoughts
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Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
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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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode, Deanna discusses how to make budgeting feel less overwhelming with the help of financial coach and mom of five, Brittany Flammer. Together, they break down a simple, stress-free system using five essential bank accounts to create clarity and control over family finances. You'll walk away with practical steps to organize your money, reduce financial tension, and make confident spending decisions.
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Resources Mentioned
(some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you):
Get my children's book: Lenora and Her Super Duper Messy Room
Get all the links and resources at wannabeclutterfree.com/260
Crew Bank Account
Betterment Bank Account
Connect with
Brittany Flammer
Instagram
Brittany’s Website
Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
Instagram
Facebook
Website
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In this episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast, the host, Deanna Yates, interviews Brittany Flammer, a financial coach and mom of five who has mastered the art of budgeting without the stress. Brittany shares her family’s journey of raising five children on an average income of $40,000 per year while building a net worth of over $800,000. Through real-life examples and heartfelt insights, she breaks down her step-by-step system for managing money with intention, clarity, and calm—even when finances feel tight.
Brittany introduces a powerful strategy using five key bank accounts to simplify money management, minimize financial tension, and make everyday spending decisions easier. From emergency savings to individual fun accounts, she outlines how automating and separating funds can transform financial overwhelm into empowerment. Whether you're new to budgeting or ready to refine your system, this episode offers practical tools and a fresh mindset to help your family thrive financially.
This episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast will help you discover:
How Brittany and her husband built wealth on a modest income
The five essential bank accounts every family should have
The power of automation and visual separation in budgeting
Tips for setting up accounts for kids and teaching them money habits
Ways to reduce financial tension and feel more confident about your money decisions
Time Stamps:
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:20 Meet Brittany Flammer: Financial Coach and Mom of Five
01:41 The Power of Multiple Bank Accounts
05:44 Essential Bank Accounts for Every Family
12:52 Bonus Accounts and Additional Tips
24:13 Managing Finances: Moving Money Between Accounts
25:12 Structuring Finances for a $60,000 Income
28:34 Choosing the Right Bank Features
31:41 Setting Up Accounts for Kids
35:44 Reducing Financial Tension in Relationships
38:56 Actionable Steps for Financial Clarity
44:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
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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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Links in this episode (some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you):
Lenora and Her Super Duper Messy Room – Get the book on Amazon
Follow me on Instagram: @wannabeclutterfree
Join the Wannabe Minimalist Family Facebook Group
Full show notes: wannabeclutterfree.com/259
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Feeling like life has become all work and no play? In this episode, Deanna Yates explores how clutter might be the hidden culprit stealing your joy—and how clearing it can help you reclaim fun, freedom, and spontaneity.
This week’s focus is on the “G: Good Times” pillar in the E.M.P.O.W.E.R.I.N.G. Life Assessment. Deanna breaks down how physical, mental, and emotional clutter drains your energy and blocks the joy you deserve. She shares why fun often disappears in motherhood, and how you can bring it back—no Pinterest-worthy plans required.
From playful decluttering strategies to creating a “Fun Bucket List,” this episode is packed with inspiration and practical tips for making fun a non-negotiable part of your life again.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
How clutter sabotages your capacity for joy
Why high-achieving moms often feel stuck in “survival mode”
Tips for making decluttering fun (yes, really!)
How to reclaim your time, energy, and identity through less stuff
One small shift to start enjoying life more—today
Subscribe & Review:
If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Apple, Spotify, Goodpods, or YouTube. Thank you!! Your feedback helps me create more content to inspire and motivate you to live with less.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome and Introduction
00:10 – Understanding the Empowering Life Assessment
01:01 – Why fun matters (and how clutter gets in the way)
05:34 – Why fun disappears: the Parenting Paradox, Perfection Trap & Clutter Tax
10:18 – How to declutter your way to more joy
15:37 – Easy, fun ways to get the whole family involved
30:50 – Final thoughts + sneak peek at the next episode
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Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode, Deanna discusses time management strategies with Kelly Nolan, an attorney turned time management expert. Kelly shares her journey from overwhelm to creating the Bright Method, a practical system designed to help busy women balance their professional and personal lives. Tune in for actionable tips on reclaiming your time, managing mental load, and simplifying your schedule.
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Resources Mentioned
(some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you):
Get my children's book: Lenora and Her Super Duper Messy Room
Check out my favorite tools & resources
Kelly's Article about Syncing Calendars
Phone App Recommendation
Connect with
Kelly Nollan
Instagram
Kelly’s Website
Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
Instagram
Facebook
Website
Podcast
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In this episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast, the host, Deanna Yates, interviews Kelly Nolan, a former attorney turned time management expert. Kelly shares her personal journey of moving from the high-pressure world of law to creating the Bright Method, a time management system specifically designed for women juggling multiple roles. With a focus on practical strategies, Kelly reveals how she overcame overwhelm and built a system that allows women to reclaim their time and mental energy, both at work and home.
In their conversation, Kelly discusses how to incorporate both professional and personal duties into one cohesive plan, using tools like time blocking and digital calendars. She also addresses the emotional load that many women carry and how to make time for self-care without feeling guilty. With insights on outsourcing tasks and creating realistic schedules, this episode offers a compassionate approach to managing your life with intention and ease.
This episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast will help you discover:
How to implement the Bright Method for more efficient time management
Practical tips for managing the mental load that comes with balancing career and home life
The importance of using digital tools like time blocking and calendars to stay organized
Strategies for outsourcing tasks and asking for help without feeling guilty
How to plan for unexpected disruptions and maintain balance during busy times
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Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
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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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feeling overwhelmed by clutter and chaos? In this episode, Deanna chats with decluttering coach Amy Slenker Smith about creating simple systems, redefining “enough,” and building a clutter free life that works for busy families—without the guilt or perfectionism.
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Resources Mentioned
(some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you):
Lenora and Her Super Duper Messy Room is out now!
Book Recommendation: Subtract
Check out my favorite tools & resources
Connect with Amy Slenker-Smith
Instagram
Amy’s Website
Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
Instagram
Facebook
Website
Podcast
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In this episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast, the host, Deanna Yates, interviews Amy Slenker-Smith, a decluttering coach and the creator of Simply Enough. Together, they talk about how small, consistent actions can lead to big, lasting changes when it comes to simplifying your life. Amy shares her personal journey toward embracing a life with less, how the Simply Start system was born, and why setting boundaries around "enough" can be a total game-changer when tackling household clutter.
Throughout their conversation, Deanna and Amy dive into practical strategies for getting started without feeling overwhelmed, tips for building better habits, and the mindset shifts that make it easier to maintain an organized, clutter-free home. They also touch on the power of community, how borrowing instead of buying can make a huge difference, and why simplifying isn't just about your stuff, it's about creating more space for the life you truly want to live.
This episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast will help you discover:
How to start decluttering when you feel completely overwhelmed
Why defining your "enough" is key to living more simply
Simple systems that make it easier to stay organized
How borrowing and community sharing can reduce clutter and consumption
Mindset shifts that lead to lasting, meaningful change
Time Stamps:
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
04:41 Understanding Overwhelm and Mindset Shifts
10:54 The Simply Start System
19:18 Defining 'Enough' in Decluttering
26:47 The Art of Borrowing from Neighbors
27:48 Building Community Connections
29:12 Overcoming the Fear of Asking
31:18 Effective Systems for Busy Families
35:17 Teaching Kids Life Skills
39:06 Introducing a New Resource for Kids
40:11 Using Intention as a Compass
45:53 Rapid Fire Questions with Amy
47:35 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
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Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
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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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Links in this episode (some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you):
Lenora and Her Super Duper Messy Room – Get the book on Amazon
Follow me on Instagram: @wannabeclutterfree
Join the Wannabe Minimalist Family Facebook Group
Episode about Mom Guilt
Full show notes: wannabeclutterfree.com/256
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Is clutter quietly creating stress and disconnection in your home? In this solo episode, we’re diving deep into how the stuff in your space might be straining your relationships—and what you can actually do to change it.
Whether you’re constantly cleaning, trying to get your kids on board, or feeling frustrated with your partner for not pitching in, this episode will give you the tools to start turning things around. You’ll get a breakdown of the Clutter F.R.E.E.D.O.M. Method and learn how to apply it to one of the most important areas of your life: Marriage & Family.
Plus, we’ll walk through the E.M.P.O.W.E.R.I.N.G. Life Assessment so you can figure out where to focus first—and how to get your whole household working together (without nagging!).
How clutter silently affects your marriage and family dynamics
3 powerful questions to start a meaningful family conversation
A clear breakdown of the F.R.E.E.D.O.M. Method (and why it’s not just about stuff)
The 10 E.M.P.O.W.E.R.I.N.G. life categories to help you find your focus
Three simple, doable actions to create a calmer home environment today
Subscribe & Review:
If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Apple, Spotify, Goodpods, or YouTube. Thank you!! Your feedback helps me create more content to inspire and motivate you to live with less.
Time Stamps:
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
02:45 Understanding the Clutter Freedom Framework
04:41 Exploring the Empowering Life Assessment
07:29 Clutter's Impact on Marriage and Family
13:52 Three Questions to Ask Your Family
20:06 Three Actionable Steps to Ease Family Clutter
25:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices