The Art of Decluttering

When was the last time you got genuinely excited about doing a stocktake in your home? Oh man, it's one of my FAVOURITE things to do, especially in the kitchen.In my house, we call a kitchen stocktake EAT YOURSELF OUT OF HOUSE AND HOME and the concept is we use up as much as we can from our fridge, freezer and pantry over the month of June. One year we saved $1000 in groceries by cooking and eating food which we'd already purchased!The best place to start with a stocktake is your kitchen, but you could do it with clothes, toys, business supplies, office supplies, kitchen plastics... wherever you keep inventory (so basically everywhere) you can do a stocktake for the purpose of knowing exactly what you have and then deciding exactly what you think you'll need in the future.Learn how to do a stocktake in your home, how it can help you save time money and energy (new word... monergy!!)I'd love to ask you to leave a Google review today - it takes less than 2 minutes and it will make a huge impact on others confidence to listen/ engage/ join with our community and services around the world. Think of it as your way of giving back :) https://g.page/r/CaTTEYtgIiQTEBI/reviewYou may also like to listen to these episodes:Running OutPantry 101Opportunity Cost/ Cost Benefit AnalysisJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we explore Pareto's Principle. Also known as the 80/20 rule or law of the vital few.For example, you wear 20% of your clothes, 80% of the time.Kids play with 20% of their toys, 80% of the time.In any given category in your home, are you using just 20% of what you have? does your 20% work hard for you so that the 80% is unnecessary?Practically...could you reduce your wardrobe by 80%could you reduce your kids toys by 80%could you reduce your shoes by 80%could you reduce your serving wear by 80%could you reduce your make up by 80%could you reduce your ornaments or nick knacks by 80%Its also a helpful principle when you're wondering why it's so hard to be a minimalist in an area in your home (or everywhere in your home). it's not that you'll never need the 80%... it's just that you don't need it very often. And that for something you'll need 20% of the time - boy you're keeping A LOT OF THINGS IN THAT CATEGORY.What's wrong with the 80% that they're not making the cut?I'd love to ask you to leave a Google review today - it takes less than 2 minutes and it will make a huge impact on others confidence to listen/ engage/ join with our community and services around the world. Think of it as your way of giving back :) https://g.page/r/CaTTEYtgIiQTEBI/reviewYou may also like to listen to these episodes:EnoughOpportunity Cost/ Cost Benefit AnalysisConsumerismJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kick procrastination to the curb with todays organisational hack... MIGHT AS WELL.It doesn't need motivation. It doesn't need conviction. It doesn't need perfection. It's a lazy girl way of doing things that you'll be glad you did without having to think about them in advance.For example:🤷🏽‍♀️While I'm here I might as well take out the rubbish from the car🤷🏽‍♀️While I'm here I might as well take out the jeans I don't wear🤷🏽‍♀️While I'm here I might as well go through my bathers🤷🏽‍♀️While I'm here I might as well empty the dishwasher🤷🏽‍♀️While I'm walking past I might as well hang up those clothes🤷🏽‍♀️While I'm think of it I might as well text my friend to let her know I have baby clothes for her🤷🏽‍♀️While I'm walking past might as well pick up the rubbish🤷🏽‍♀️While I'm here I might as well put the blankets away🤷🏽‍♀️While I'm think of it, I might as well re-order the medications🤷🏽‍♀️While I'm here I might as well wipe down the bath🤷🏽‍♀️While I'm here I might as well restock the toilet paperI'd love to ask you to leave a Google review today - it takes less than 2 minutes and it will make a huge impact on others confidence to listen/ engage/ join with our community and services around the world. Think of it as your way of giving back :) https://g.page/r/CaTTEYtgIiQTEBI/reviewYou may also like to listen to these episodes:You Need ToTime Will TellBecause. Really. AndJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you decide if an item is going to be put away or you're going to leave it out?Do you need to see something to remember to use it?Or do you need to put things away so they don't feel like they're cluttering up your space?I'm sure you, like me, have different rules for different items. Toothbrushes - definitely away. Phone charger - definitely out.Consider convenience, regularity of use, who uses items, how easy it is to find them, trip hazards, time spent tidying up etc as you make decisions for items around your home.I'd love to ask you to leave a Google review today - it takes less than 2 minutes and it will make a huge impact on others confidence to listen/ engage/ join with our community and services around the world. Think of it as your way of giving back :) https://g.page/r/CaTTEYtgIiQTEBI/reviewYou may also like to listen to these episodes:Running OutMaking DoLocation Location LocationJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's time to stop aiming for perfection and embrace IMPERFECTION when you're thinking about organising/ decluttering/ setting standards/ creating systems for you and your family.The imperfection you EXPECT is the imperfection you ACCEPT.Are there areas in your home where you can LOWER the standard so it's achievable and maintainable?I'd love to ask you to leave a Google review today - it takes less than 2 minutes and it will make a huge impact on others confidence to listen/ engage/ join with our community and services around the world. Think of it as your way of giving back :) https://g.page/r/CaTTEYtgIiQTEBI/reviewYou may also like to listen to these episodes:Quitters DayBigger Living, Smaller SpaceFilling Your BucketJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever stopped to think about what agenda your items might have?If your items talked... how would your item finish this sentenceYou need to...Wear meFill mePlay with meRead meCook meCreate with meOrganise meUse meClean meMaintain meSell meValue meAssess if you have the same agenda as your possessions (do you really want to read the book/ wear the jeans/ use the juicer/ ride the skateboard/ clean the outdoor furniture). Allow yourself to be challenged, think differently about your stuff.I'd love to ask you to leave a Google review today - it takes less than 2 minutes and it will make a huge impact on others confidence to listen/ engage/ join with our community and services around the world. Think of it as your way of giving back :) https://g.page/r/CaTTEYtgIiQTEBI/reviewYou may also like to listen to these episodes:Binary DecisionsObligationObject PermanenceJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Enough is enough""That's enough""Leave good enough alone""Close enough is good enough"It's amazing how one simple word can relate so deeply to our relationship with clutter and our satisfaction with our stuff and life in general.This week we talk about how some enough statements can really make you take stock of where you are at and where your satisfaction lies.You Are Enough - Stuff won't make you enough. More stuff, less stuff... you are enough regardless of your things.You've Done Enough - Do what you can with what you have. Every step forward is a step forward (I know... profound!)What Is Enough - What do you need to be happy? How many of something do you need to have enough?I've Had Enough - When you reach peak frustration with clutter it's a good thing as it drives you to make changesWhen Is Enough Enough - How do you know when you've done enough decluttering? How do you know when to stop? At what point do you reach the equilibrium of satisfaction and enoughI'd love to ask you to leave a Google review today - it takes less than 2 minutes and it will make a huge impact on others confidence to listen/ engage/ join with our community and services around the world. Think of it as your way of giving back :) https://g.page/r/CaTTEYtgIiQTEBI/reviewYou may also like to listen to these episodes:5 Home TruthsSwedish Death CleaningMaking DoFOTO: Fear of Throwing OutJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Todays episode focuses on 5 Home Truths about clutter and it's impact on your home and life. They're harsh... but true.They're not meant to bring any condemnation, they're for you to meditate on and find freedom in how small actions of intention and decluttering can bring such freedom to your life.1. Most of the stuff you buy is a waste of money2. Stuff can't make you happy3. You'll regret living a life impacted by clutter4. Your clutter is worse than you think5. Everything you love will one day be lostToday is a great day to join my Head, Heart and Home Decluttering Course! Experience true freedom from clutter by learning all the skills you'll need to create and maintain an organised home.You may also like to listen to these episodes:MemoriesLetting GoObject PermanenceJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can you keep yourself safe while decluttering? Even in your own home, decluttering can stir up dust or mould particulates and aggravate asthma. Naturally when you're moving items that have been in place for a long time, you'll disrupt dust!Learn from Amy's experience of being bitten by a spider and ending up in hospital, to keep yourself physically safe while decluttering. Give consideration to trip hazards, falls risk, insects and pests and do what you can to keep yourself physically safe.Bit of a Public Service Announcement episode today from the trenches :)Today is a great day to join my Paperwork Course! Say goodbye to the burden of paperwork and use this system that is simple to start and easy to maintain.You may also like to listen to these episodes:MouldHoarding DisorderJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 If you've got items you'd really LIKE to declutter but you're a bit nervous... why not give a Time Will Tell Box a go.Pop items you need just a little bit more time to decide on into a box to assess again in a few months. Seal it up and write the date on the box. See what you think in a few months... hopefully once you've experienced living without the items you'll then be ready to donate the items in your Time Will Tell Box.Before you open the box, try to think what might be in there that you've missed. You might be surprised that you forget what you put in... in which case send it off for donation!Remember to declutter as much as you can and then only put the items in the time will tell box if you absolutely need to. It's a backstop, not a full stop.You may also like to listen to these episodes:Running OutLimiting ChoiceReturns BoxJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How is your garage faring? Is it struggling under the weight of clutter and disorganisation?If your garage has become where items go to semi-retire, where tools and hobby equipment accumulate it's time to both declutter as well as set up functional organisational systems in your garage.You are invited to join the free course for this series where you'll receive access to decluttering checklists and organising cheat sheets (as well as some surprise bonuses), all so you can declutter and organise like a pro!This week we're doing our GARAGE.Make sure to join to download your Garage Check List & Cheat SheetYou may also like to listen to these episodes:Sports EquipmentBulky Sports EquipmentCarsGarage & ShedGaragesJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How cluttered is your home office? Or if you don't have a home office, maybe your study nook/ spare room or wherever you keep yourstationery and admin. You are definitely going to want to look at this space in your home with fresh eyes and follow along with the check list and cheat sheet.You are invited to join the free course for this series where each Monday you'll receive access to a new podcast episode, decluttering checklist and organising cheat sheet (as well as some surprise bonuses), all so you can declutter and organise like a pro!This week we're doing our HOME OFFICE.Make sure to join to download your Home Office Check List & Cheat SheetYou may also like to listen to these episodes:Big BooksMinimalism at WorkHome OfficeOffice DeskWork StationsWorking from HomeJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How is the toy situation in your home? Do you feel like it's a never-ending game of tidying up? It doesn't need to be this way! Remember when you were growing up kids had toy boxes? And now kids have toy rooms? No wonder it's harder and harder to keep toys organised. And with marketing targeting our kids with toys to collect rather than toys to play with collections are getting out of control.Today explore what types of toys you want to keep, where and how to keep them and top tips for engaging your kids in decluttering and organising their toys from as young as 3 years old.You are invited to join the free course for this series where each Monday you'll receive access to a new podcast episode, decluttering checklist and organising cheat sheet, all so you can declutter and organise like a pro!Make sure to join to download your Toys Check List & Cheat SheetLinks to articles about less toys being beneficial for childrenhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/singletons/201712/study-underscores-why-fewer-toys-is-the-better-optionhttps://raisetoddlers.com.au/how-less-toys-can-lead-to-a-better-quality-play/https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/2023/12/20/kids-fewer-toys-better-play/You may also like to listen to these episodes:Children's ToysDress UpsKids BooksLegoLego 2Organising with Pre-SchoolersJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If the kitchen is the heart of the home, the living room is the heart beat... I've found over the years that the state of a living room is a goodindicator of how a home is tracking along. A living space is where high rotation items tend to live, where people congregate, where community happens and resting and relaxing happen also. It's also one of the first rooms in any home to become cluttered and overwhelming.You are invited to join the free course for this series where each Monday you'll receive access to a new podcast episode, decluttering checklist and organising cheat sheet (as well as some surprise bonuses), all so you can declutter and organise like a pro!Make sure to join to download your Living Room Check List & Cheat SheetYou may also like to listen to these episodes:Living RoomSentimental ItemsLike with LikeRepurposing SpacesBoard Games & PuzzlesRoom to BloomBehind Cupboard DoorsBooks & MagazinesHidden ClutterMagazinesMemorabiliaJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did you know that most people wear 20% of their clothes 80% of the time?There are a few keys to keeping your wardrobe organised.Sneak peak... "Keep what you DO wear, not what you WILL wear"Here is the Decluttering Playlist on Spotify - the songs themselves are less about decluttering than the titles... but enjoy!https://open.spotify.com/playlist/21dQJvHjo4eOdeo0u83Ynu?si=da99bfe43a6547dcYou are invited to join the free course for this series where each Monday you'll receive access to a new podcast episode, decluttering checklist and organising cheat sheet (as well as some surprise bonuses), all so you can declutter and organise like a pro!This week we're doing our WARDROBE.Make sure to join to download your Wardrobe Check List & Cheat SheetYou may also like to listen to these episodes:Magic Wardrobe NumberCapsule WardrobeClothingHandbagsHats & GlassesKnow Your ColoursShoesWardrobe CrisisJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does your bedroom look anything like the ones you see on Instagram or Pinterest?Are your floors perfectly clear and bedside tables dust free and clutter free? No? Then this weeks challenge is for you! (And if you already have a picture perfect bedroom then enjoy a week off!)Learn why it's so important to have a tidy and calm bedroomDiscover how to keep your bedroom organised and your floor clearDeclutter your bedside table so you can find things more easilyUnderstand what hacks can help you reclaim your bedroom as a place of rest and restorationYou are invited to join the free course for this series where each Monday you'll receive access to a new podcast episode, decluttering checklist and organising cheat sheet (as well as some surprise bonuses), all so you can declutter and organise like a pro!This week we're doing our BEDROOM.Make sure to join to download your Bedroom Check List & Cheat SheetYou may also like to listen to these episodes:Bedside TablesJewelleryMaster BedroomSleepKids BedroomsHandbagsHats & GlassesJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bathrooms can be tricky to keep organised as they are different in every home 🚿🛁 Some homes have one bathroom... others have 4 or more🛁 Some bathrooms service 6+ people in a family or household, other homes have a bathroom reserved exclusively for guests🛁 Some bathrooms have ample storage, others have absolutely noneYou are invited to join the free course for this series where each Monday you'll receive access to a new podcast episode, decluttering checklist and organising cheat sheet (as well as some surprise bonuses), all so you can declutter and organise like a pro!This week we're doing our BATHROOM.Make sure to join to download your Bathroom Check List & Cheat SheetYou may also like to listen to these episodes:BathroomMake UpMedicationsSanitary ProductsShare the DignityTowelsHealth SupplementsJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The laundry might just be my favourite spaces to organise... so functional and efficient when organised!! When your laundry is working well you see the benefits in your washing cycle, cleaning routine and you'll save both money and time.You are invited to join the free course for this series where each Monday you'll receive access to a new podcast episode, decluttering checklist and organising cheat sheet (as well as some surprise bonuses), all so you can declutter and organise like a pro!This week we're doing our LAUNDRY.Make sure to join to download your Laundry Check List & Cheat SheetYou may also like to listen to these episodes:Cleaning ProductsLaundryTowelsJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reduce your food waste, save money, make meal planning easier and enjoy the beauty of your pantry being in peak form!!It's week 2 of Decluttering and Organising 101Learn my key criteria for picking pantry storage containers and ways to organise even if you have a deep pantry where things tend to get lost at the back.You are invited to join the free course for this series where each Monday you'll receive access to a new podcast episode, decluttering checklist and organising cheat sheet (as well as some surprise bonuses), all so you can declutter and organise like a pro!Make sure to join to download your Pantry Check List & Cheat SheetYou may also like to listen to these episodes:PantryPantries in IsolationBakingMeal PlanningJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the first episode of our newest series - Decluttering and Organising 101 where over 8 weeks we'll go through each area of your home and I'll share my top organising and decluttering tips for that area.You are invited to join the free course for this series where each Monday you'll receive access to a new podcast episode, decluttering checklist and organising cheat sheet (as well as some surprise bonuses), all so you can declutter and organise like a pro!This week we kick off with KITCHEN - the heart of the home.Make sure to join to download your Kitchen Check List & Cheat SheetYou may also like to listen to these episodes:Location Location LocationLunch BoxesDrink BottlesJars, Bottles and ContainersShopping BagsGlasswareCutlery & CrockeryKitchen AppliancesBakingUtensilsTupperwareMeal PlanningJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join me as I unpack the newest and greatest decluttering show on TV... The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning!! If you're in Australia you can watch it via SBS On Demand, you simply must - it's AWESOME.My big take aways from the show (which is based on the book) are around the fun and honesty the hosts bring to each declutter session and interaction with their clients. They're not trying to make everyone vanilla, creating homes that could be in a magazine. Instead they embrace the character and life of each person, celebrating who they are in life and in death.There is a hysterical honesty that is woven throughout each episode. Nothing is held back, honesty is spoken and humour is used to defuse and encourage people in their progress.You may also like to listen to these episodes:Deathbed ReflectionsObject PermanenceLetting Go with Peter WalshJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When you're decluttering and you come across something you decide to keep... sometimes it can be hard to know if you're keeping it because you do use, love or need it... or if you're working hard to convince yourself on a reason to keep it.Try answering this out loud to yourself, "I'm keeping this Because..." Answering yourself out loud can help you articulate something that maybe is otherwise a vibe/ feeling or fear. Next answer this question, "Really?" Out loud, be honest, is your answer true? Are you being honest with yourself?And finally answer the question, "And... what would happen if you didn't have it?" The aim of these questions isn't to convince you to declutter everything, but rather to help you investigate why you're keeping things and the simple act of saying things out loud to yourself may surprise you with it's effectiveness.I invite you to come and join my Free Wardrobe Challenge, declutter and organise your wardrobe over 5 days with video coaching. Did I mention it's FREE?You may also like to listen to these episodes:ObligationWomen's ClutterJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

* Alright... just putting it at the top that I may use Opportunity Cost and Cost Benefit Analysis interchangeably or in the wrong context a bit today... but I know that you'll be able to follow along and see exactly what I mean when it comes to decluttering and organising *When you're making decisions about what to bring into your home, or what to declutter from your home, it's helpful to acknowledge there is a cost to every decision. There is a cost of time, energy, decisions to be made, possible storage solutions, conferring with people you live with, rubbish removal, processing donations. There is also the opportunity cost of the space you take up and the money you spend. And then there are clear benefits to decluttering in time, productivity, mental health, finances and general enjoyment. Mentioned in the episode is our Paperwork Course - check it out and if you need a paperwork system that will work for you without being hard to keep up with or difficult to set up - this is for you!Paperwork CourseYou may also like to listen to these episodes:Item or SpaceLetting Go with Peter WalshJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Memories. Does the Maroon 5 song come to mind? Memories play a more significant role in decluttering and organising than we often recognise. Creating Memories: ultimately the reason and motivation behind decluttering and organising is to create life memories. Whether it's the memory of a peaceful and relaxed home or space to leave the house and create memories of travel, adventure, creativity and experiences, it's important to live a life of treasured memories. Storing Memories: how you store your memories (aside from in your mind!) will help you keep both a home that is organised and not overrun with items relating to the memories of your life. It's also important to curate what you keep and the incentive for the curation is so that you can tell stories and recall memories. Recalling Memories: there is no point storing your memories in tubs, hidden away forever forgotten, never remembered and shared. Instead being intentional about how you pick and choose what to display, what to use to recall memories and creating tools for storytelling and long term generational memory.You may also like to listen to these episodes:Comparison and Happiness with Peter WalshLetting Go with Peter WalshJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 Do you feel like your home has accumulated WAY TOO MUCH over the last few weeks?This week on the podcast, explore the difference between replacing and accumulating.When something new comes into your home, is it to replace an existing item, or is as an accumulation? There will be occasion for both, but if you accumulate more than you replace you will inevitably end up overwhelmed by clutter.Do new items you accumulate add value? Make life easier? Or bring you joy? If none of these, why is it coming into your home?Consider if items are entering your home by choice, obligation or mindlessly.You may also like to listen to these episodes:Tackling Christmas ExtravaganceRejecting BusyJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎄Merry Christmas!!🎄Today whether you're running from one event to the next or you're having a quiet day at home alone, I want to take a moment to wish you a very Merry Christmas.Today I've dropped a quick episode called Keeping Company. Many people have reached out over the years to say that podcasts are sometimes the only human interaction they have on Christmas day and so I wanted to say I see you and I'm here to keep you company today.Others of you will be escaping the chaos for a walk/ blocking out the sound of children in a long car drive and to you, I hope I'm also able to keep you company.And finally I talk briefly about how you can be good company on a day as big as today and how you can care for yourself and your loved ones.https://www.theartofdecluttering.com.au/podcast/Praying you all have a Peace-Filled Christmas xxYou may also like to listen to these episodes:Tackling Christmas ExtravaganceRejecting BusyJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today is a BONUS episode with my Christmas hacks!Discover my tried and true hacks for food, transport, gifts, rubbish, hungry and tired kids and so much more!You may also like to listen to these episodes:Tackling Christmas ExtravaganceJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does the idea of running out of something cause you untold anxiety? Could you learn to use the moment of running out to embrace making do? Or learn to live with less?I've found the most natural way to declutter is to use what I already have in my home. Use things up before buying a replacement. Think about how we so often shop - it's retailers and companies that often dictate when we purchase, how many items we purchase and how much money we spend. We are unknowing slaves to their marketing agendas.Be challenged on the concept of 'running out'. How does it feel to you to run out of something? Does it make you stressed? Or does it actually create more space in your home, less to keep track of?Often if you have more of an item than you need, it's actually harder to keep track of it (think the more pairs of glasses you have the harder it is to find a pair).It's also easier to keep track of things, you're not constantly trying to work out if that's the 'good one' or one that only has a few wears/ uses left in it. Make sure you listen today as this hack has the potential to change the way you store and use items in your home.You may also like to listen to these episodes:Tackling Christmas ExtravaganceMaking DoLimiting ChoiceJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you firmly and sensitively impose limits on others in regards to Christmas gifts.Todays episode is in response to a listen question: "My children are 3 and 5 and the only grandchildren for my and my husband’s parents. The number of gifts we receive at Christmas is overwhelming and quite stressful. I’ve had a frank conversation with my parents about sticking to a limited number of presents. This has worked pretty well.My mother-in-law is a bit harder. I don’t feel the freedom to be as frank with her. She loves giving gifts, and has taken offense in the past to the suggestion of experience gifts.Please help! For many reasons I don’t want to continue having an outlandish Christmas celebration at her house that results in a packed car and a very stressed out mama.In this episode I share my response to this email with my top tips and tricks to enjoying a less stressful/ less extravagant Christmas.You may also like to listen to these episodes:Christmas BlenderChristmas FunctionsChristmas Gifts and WrapChristmas DecorationsChristmas ScheduleChristmas HolidaysJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When you're planning to renovate or build a new house, how you tackle decluttering before you begin is critical to reducing the clutter when you move back in and for any period you need to move out of the house. Today Amy is the guest (in her own podcast) and Frances from My Forever Home podcast is the interviewer - we initially recorded this episode for Frances' podcast and knew straight away it would be perfect to share with you too. Whether you're renovating/ building... or that's the last thing on your mind, the tips and tricks shared in this episode are going to help you to create a home that you love, free from clutter and all while reducing the mental load of managing a household. You may also like to listen to these episodes:Deathbed ReflectionsGaragesBigger Living, Smaller SpaceJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

December is a prime decluttering month on your calendar… out with the old before it’s in with the new.You are invited to join my 12 Days of Christmas Declutter Challenge!Making space is such a great practice before the silly season really ramps up.It’s amazing the freedom that comes when you take the time to intentionally declutter your home.Christmas time can be crazy busy and overwhelming and so this challenge is designed to put you back in the drivers seat, back in control and taking positive steps towards your decluttered home.Join TodayJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The art of making do is a bit of a lost practice of common sense in our current culture. We buy gadgets that perform just one task (melon baller or rice cooker...) and in our attempt to find quicker and easier ways to do things, we often unnecessarily complicate our homes with clutter. A product is only as good as your ability to access and use it.We unpack what it means to 'make do' and what areas we've both been making do with positive outcomes. No cake server... can you use an egg flip? No salad servers... can you use tongs or cutlery? No microwave... can you reheat food on your stovetop?The benefits of making do are that you will save money, reduce waste, increase your creativity and problem solving skills, and save time.When you next need to solve a problem in your home, is there a 'make do' option that you could try out before you purchase something new?You may also like to listen to these episodes:The Vacuum EffectConfirmation BiasFresh EyesJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Peter talks this week about being an advocate for people when you are invited into their homes. How Professional Organisers are there to help you achieve the life you want, and how he is committed to doing everything in his capacity to help you, even when you feel unable to help yourself.Our lives are stages, and the stuff we hold onto are representations of those seasons. Even though it's hard to let go of things from our past, it frees us up to live today and celebrate the past without having it hold us back.We also discuss the power of empathy, how to work with clients without judgement, and what it looks like to be a 'hope bringer' to those we work with. You may also like to listen to these episodes:Peter WalshBigger Living, Smaller Space with Judy Granlee GatesEngaged or EntertainedJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Peter Walsh is an internationally recognised Declutter Guru, who has been decluttering heads, hearts and homes for over 20 years. Peter has been on our screens most recently on Space Invaders in Australia, but you'll also know him from The Oprah Show, The Living Room and Clean Sweep.Season 4 of Space Invaders will be hitting our screens in Australia early 2024 so keep an eye out for Australia's favourite decluttering show!Today we unpack some of the underlying reasons we accumulate in the first place, and how comparison is the thief of joy and happiness. The impacts of clutter on our lives is significant and freedom from that clutter is life changing.Today's episode is part one of a two part series so make sure you subscribe and don't miss part two!!You may also like to listen to these episodes:Peter WalshBigger Living, Smaller Space with Judy Granlee GatesEngaged or EntertainedJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When does limiting choice actually bring greater freedom?When your head is already full, too many choices or options can be incredibly overwhelming.Your capacity on any given day can be increased when you put some limits on your own choices. You might create a framework that you can overlay on decisions so you have a natural default and then you have the freedom to change, or you might create systems in your life to simplify decision making. This week think about how you already limit choices for yourself to free up much needed mental space, and come and share them with our podcast community on Facebook - allow us to learn from you and you might pick up some tricks for yourself!You may also like to listen to these episodes:Creative OutsourcingTechnological ReplacementQuitters DayLogical OrganisingJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode is not about buying property, it's about where you keep items within your home. Location of where items are kept and stored is super important when you're setting up your home. Not all locations are created equal... even when they are equal in shape, size and capacity. Prime real estate in your home should be used for items you're accessing more often, and the location should be logical to where you will look for and use the item.Totally practical episode today which will make you see how you use your space in a new way and maybe inspire a bit of a rearrange within your home.Little rabbit hole about why Amy loves living on a main road... hint... it's all about efficiency!You may also like to listen to these episodes:Logical OrganisingFresh EyesObject PermanenceThree Times a DayJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you have FOTO? Fear of Throwing Out... it's a real thing!How many digital storage devices/ old tech do you have in your home purely because you are not sure if there are important documents/ photos on them?Old laptop, old phone, old tablet that you totally don't need (and maybe can't even find the charger for)... make a decision today if it's worth investing the time to recover those files, or if you need to bite the bullet and send your device to a recycling depot.If you have memory cards/ CD's/ camera storage cards, gather them together and make a plan.Hot tip... you can take those digital devices to somewhere like Officeworks/ Staples/ Office Depot and use their kiosks to find out what photos are on your devices :)Free yourself from the fear of throwing out... especially when it comes to digital storage!Check out my Paperwork Course to learn an easy and simple way to manage your paperwork, both digitally and physically. Just $97aud!!You may also like to listen to these episodes:Digital PhotosDevicesADHD Series: Process Improvement, Optimising and EfficiencyJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Outsourcing can be a bit daunting when your scope of what it means is that you need to be wealthy enough to employ someone to help you out. However today expand your mind about outsourcing in 3 different ways and think creatively about how you might be able to use the power of outsourcing in your life.Outsourcing within your householdOutsourcing to independent contractorsCommercial outsourcingIf you live with anyone else, you might just call it 'sharing responsibilities' but if one person cooks dinner and the other washes up, that's outsourcing and making more efficient use of time and resources than both people cooking and cleaning for themselves. If you live with children, you may see it as 'chores' but what you're doing is outsourcing... while also teaching children the skills required for adult life and the value of cooperation and service. If you are carrying the entire mental load of running your household, it might be time to consider what areas can be outsourced.Then there is what we probably naturally think of as outsourcing, hiring someone to do a task for us. For us, we hire my Dad to cook for us which is outsourcing the decision making and meal planning, shopping, meal prep and cooking. We also pay a gardener to mow our lawns and maintain our yard. We pay a tutor to help one of my sons who has a learning disability and we pay an exercise physiologist to train our family once a week. As we've gotten older and taken on more responsibility in our jobs, we've come to realise we can't do it all and so have strategically bought people onto our team for different seasons. And lastly there is commercial outsourcing that we all engage with every day but don't even think about. For instance, I outsource servicing my car. I take this for granted, but only one generation ago it was common for people to service their own cars. I outsource the baking of bread to my local bakery. I could do it myself, but it's more efficient and honestly yummier if I outsource that job to the baker. Article from the newspaper mentioned:https://www.theage.com.au/lifestyle/life-and-relationships/should-grandparents-be-paid-to-help-out-around-the-house-20230918-p5e5nz.htmlYou may also like to listen to these episodes:Mental LoadKids OutsourcingThree Times A DayJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you need to declutter a space or room in your house so that an area in your life can bloom?Do you want space to pursue a creative project, engage in an activity that brings you joy or maybe you have a priority of health, business, study or foster care that requires room in order to bloom.Bring a fresh outlook to how you use your space and how you prioritise that which you want to bloom. Here are some areas you might like to bloom in that require room created for themexercisepainting, sewing, craftmusic, gaming, puzzleshome office or businessairbnb space or foster caredressing roomplayroomYou may also like to listen to these episodes:Fresh EyesEngaged or EntertainedThe Vacuum EffectThemed DeclutteringJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When you're thinking about tackling an area in your home to declutter, you can use a broad or narrow approach (or a combination as is needed).Broad decluttering is about using a birds eye view and thinking in broad categories. This might look like working on some easy wins, large items that are rubbish or are to be decluttered. It might be about consolidating half full boxes of items so you can clear some space for future narrow decluttering.Broad might look like creating space by going through and getting rid of rubbish or donations as a starting point.Broad might also look like sorting into categories before decluttering so you can see what you have.Narrow decluttering is about touching every single item in a category and making a decision about each item. This might be where you want to start, or maybe you want to start broad and then focus on narrow.Use these tools to enhance your decluttering success!You may also like to listen to these episodes:Fresh EyesEngaged or EntertainedThe Vacuum EffectThemed DeclutteringJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I would quite like to remove the word busy from my vocabulary. It doesn't actually reflect the way that I value my time, calendar, energy, schedule, finances and home. Busy implies rushed, frantic, distracted, unapproachable and like you are kind of living out of control. Explore what intention might look like. What lingering looks like and what being approachable and having space for people and things that you love looks like in your life.When you declutter your home, calendar and time you'll open space in your world for connection and creativity. Go on... give it a go!!You may also like to listen to these episodes:Fresh EyesEngaged or EntertainedQuitters DayJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you've been listening to this podcast for any length of time you've probably heard me talk about the 'returns box' in our house. Today I delve into what a Returns Box looks like, how we use it, what specifically is in it and how it might look in your home. No more borrowing something and forgetting to give it back or the embarrassment of losing something someone lent you.If you're stuck on where to put library books when you're ready to return them, where to put the casserole dish to give back to your friend or where to put the dress you need to return to the shops, maybe it's time for you to create a returns box in your home!You may also like to listen to these episodes:Doom BoxesWomen's ClutterQuitters DayJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever noticed that when you clear a space in your home, you instinctively want to fill it with something else? We call this the vacuum effect. A space will draw things into it unless you set an intention for the space you've created.Today I chat with Bonnie from Little Miss Organised about the Vacuum Effect as well as other areas of decluttering we can't help but discuss!Think of your kitchen table... you clear it off and then 24 hours later a new pile of random clutter has accumulated. Or you empty out a cupboard and it just doesn't stay empty, random things are magnetised into the space, almost like it's a crime to have empty space in your home.The vacuum effect is strong - and it's only nemesis is INTENTION. If you create intention of what the empty space is for (say actually leaving empty) then the vacuum effect is neutralised. The vacuum effect also happens when you declutter and a room/ cupboard/ wardrobe/ pantry etc. When you've reduced the quantity, you might instantly have a compulsion to go and purchase things to 'fill the space'.You declutter 40% of your clothes, because honestly you just don't wear them... but even though you know you don't need it, you start searching online for new clothes. Instead... make the decision and intention that you're going to experiment living with less clothes for the next month and see how that goes. Be OK with the space you've created and resist the draw of the vacuum effect.You may also like to listen to these episodes:Confirmation BiasAnti GoalsObligationJoin our community Become a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you have one {or multiple} doom boxes around your home full of random clutter that you're not quite sure what to do with, where to put, or you're procrastinating making decisions about the items inside?You may be surprised to find that in some situations, a doom box can actually assist your decluttering success rather than be an organising 'no-no'.Need to have a place for decisions you need to check with someone else?Quick tidy up needed so you can prepare for guests or the cleaner?Pick up the toy room and throw it all in a box rather than pack up?Garage full of doom boxes that you promised yourself you'd go through?Does your doom box contain both rubbish and important documents as well as random drink bottles and hair ties?Top tips today on how to go through your doom box and remove it... but also times when a doom box might serve your needs for a short time... with limits.You may also like to listen to these episodes:Object PermanenceAnti GoalsThree Time A DayJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you decide where items should live in your home? Do you put things where you think everyone else would put them? Do you put them in what you think is the 'right' place?If you're struggling to work out the home for an item, where it should live, ask yourself, "where would I go to look for this item?" That might give you a good indication of where to store it.When you have to search for something in your home, don't put it back where you found it, put it back where you first looked. Counter intuitive as you think, "Oh I'll remember that for next time" but really... the first place you looked might be the most logical place to keep something. No use having things organised, but you still can't find them!Be intentional about your organising, think about where you use an item, how you use it, what you use it with (think scissors and sticky tape for gift wrapping). Then work to see if you can create a logical home for that item where you'll know where to find it when you next need it.You may also like to listen to these episodes:Iron AnniversaryObject PermanenceAnti GoalsADHD Series: Process Improvement, Optimising and EfficiencyJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When my kids were little we had a zoo membership and used to try to visit every few weeks. The challenge was the zoo was too big for us to see everything, every time. So we created themes for each visit.Australian animals... animals that are bigger than we are... animals that live in water... white animals. It made an otherwise potentially overwhelming zoo visit into a fun themed visit.In your decluttering you might play this game on your own, or with your kids... "let's see if we can declutter 3 red things". Or you might set yourself a theme of just decluttering broken toys in the backyard, or 5 novels you've already read, or large pieces of unused furniture. Instead of just seeing decluttering as a room by room, or space by space job, get creative and see what categories you can use to see your home with fresh eyes and tackle decluttering from a new perspective.You're invited to join my Free 5 Day Wardrobe Declutter Challenge!You may also like to listen to these episodes:Fresh EyesObject PermanenceObligationAnti GoalsJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Murphey's Law says as soon as I declutter this thing, I'm going to need it""I knew it would happen that I needed this once I got rid of it, that's why I keep everything"Confirmation bias is processing information by looking for, or interpreting information consistent with your beliefs. So even though you got rid of 100 items in your big declutter and you haven't needed 99 of them, the one that you could have used a week later is the one you focus on and confirms what you've always believed, which is if you get rid of something you'll need it.It's also biased by the fact that even owning that item is fresh in your mind. Had you not handled it and made a decision about it, you might have completely forgotten that you owned it and been able to solve your current need in an alternative way.Instead of leaning into confirmation bias in your decluttering, use these questions to help you realise that just because you 'could' have used it doesn't mean you 'should' have kept it.- What is a possible alternative solution?- Is there an alternative item I could use?- Could I borrow it from someone?- What is the cost of not having this item anymore? Is it catastrophic or just annoying?Solutions might look like using an alternative item that you already own, it might be that you genuinely need to purchase the item again (rare but possible) or maybe the thing you're trying to do doesn't actually need to be done and you can let the task/ job go completely.When you're tempted to keep things just in case, or you've decluttered something you could use, think about the full picture of your decluttering rather than through the lens of confirmation bias.You're invited to join my Free 5 Day Wardrobe Declutter Challenge!You may also like to listen to these episodes:Fresh EyesConsumerismObject PermanenceADHD Series: Adult Diagnosis and Managing a HouseholdJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week I attended the funeral of a client who had become a friend. I had the privilege of visiting with her in palliative care in her final days and during our short time together she shared some reflections on her relationship with her 'stuff'.After a lifetime of struggle with severe clutter, what she shared with me was so insightful and I believe will be helpful for many others.An episode you don't want to miss!You may also like to listen to these episodes:ConsumerismValuesObligationGrief & GratitudeJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s no doubt the digital revolution has changed we way we store, keep and access information in our homes. If you think about all the physical ways we kept information only 30 years ago, so many have been replaced digitally… but have you also decluttered the outdated physical items in your home?Today explore some things in your home that have been replaced by technology and be challenged to declutter the physical items which are no longer needed because you're now using an app or device for the same purpose.Think things like street directories, business cards, paper calendars and much more.You may also like to listen to these episodes:Physical PhotosDigital PhotosDevicesDigital LifeBusiness & Loyalty CardsJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whether you've lived in your home for 4 months or 40 years, stepping back and seeing your home with fresh eyes will help you make decluttering decisions from a new perspectiveHave you ever decided to list your house for sale then all of a sudden started to see your home with fresh eyes? You may start to notice all the things you’ve happily lived with for years: the grout in the bathroom is dirty, the gutters need replacing and the concrete driveway is falling apart. It’s the reason so many people do up their house for sale then wish they could stay living there themselves – but you don’t have to move to start afresh, you can do some simple improvements instead. Begin by seeing your home with fresh eyes.Use the principle of 'fresh eyes' to see things you've become so used to you don't even notice. Is there a piece of furniture in your lounge room that is superfluous? Do you have items on your bench or countertop that just make it feel cluttered and could easily live in a cupboard? Maybe there are old photos or art you no longer love cluttering up the walls. Are there broken kids toys in the backyard or a washing line you don't use? How can you use fresh eyes to create a home that you feel great in now, and not just one day when you prepare your house for sale.You may also like to listen to these episodes:Object PermanenceLisa Woodruff from Organize 365Bigger Living, Smaller Space with Judy Granlee GatesJoin our communityBecome a Patron – your monthly donation makes a huge difference to me being able to produce this podcast. Donations can be as little as $1 a month!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastThank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.