3 Ways Decluttering Makes You a More Fun Mom (Yes, Really) Ep 259
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
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38:25
Master Time Management Like a Pro with Kelly Nolan (Ep 258)
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
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1:01:32
The Secret to a Clutter Free Home (Hint: It’s Not Motivation) with Amy Slenker-Smith (Ep 257)
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
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54:43
How Clutter Affects Your Family—and What to Do About It: Part 2 the Empowering Life Series (Ep 256)
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
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32:33
Clutter-Free Living with Kids: Expert Toy Decluttering and Organization Tips with Khrystyne Jaspers (Ep 255)
Deanna chats with Khrystyne Jaspers, a NYC mom of two living in a 1-bedroom apartment, about managing toy clutter in small spaces. Hear tips on involving kids, setting boundaries, handling gifts, and creating a joyful, functional home—proving you don’t need more space to feel at peace.
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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
Connect with
Khrystyne Jaspers
Instagram
Khrystyne’s Website
Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
Instagram
Facebook
Website
Podcast
****************
In this episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast, the host, Deanna Yates, interviews Khrystyne Jaspers, an early childhood educator, mindset coach, and mom of two living in a one-bedroom apartment in New York City. Khrystyne shares how her family makes the most of their limited space by embracing intentional living and minimalist principles, especially when it comes to managing toy clutter. She opens up about the mindset shifts that helped her let go of guilt, prioritize quality over quantity, and create a peaceful, functional home for her kids.
They talked about practical side of toy decluttering, from setting healthy boundaries around gift-giving to getting kids involved in the cleanup process. You'll hear real-life strategies that work in small spaces, plus creative solutions for storage and organizing without sacrificing your sanity or your living room floor. Whether you're living in a cozy apartment or just feeling overwhelmed by kid stuff, this episode will inspire you to simplify and make space for what really matters.
This episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast will help you discover:
How to manage toy clutter in small living spaces without feeling deprived
Why setting boundaries around toys and gifts is empowering, not limiting
Simple ways to involve your kids in decluttering and organizing
Mindset shifts that make intentional parenting and minimalism more sustainable
Creative storage and space-saving tips for families in tight quarters
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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
About Wannabe Clutter Free | Declutter, Organize, Calm the Chaos
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.
Listen to Wannabe Clutter Free | Declutter, Organize, Calm the Chaos, The Car Podcast with Chris Harris & Friends and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app