Clutter Free Academy

Have you ever struggled to give things away without feeling guilty, even when the items have only a slight chance of being useful in the future? That very question came from our Clutter Free Academy listeners. In this CFA Mail Bag episode, Kathi Lipp and co-host Tonya Kubo answer that question and more. They dive deep into the emotional aspects of decluttering, focusing on the guilt that often accompanies getting rid of items. Kathi and Tonya explore the roots of this guilt, discussing how childhood experiences and ingrained perfectionism can contribute to cluttering behaviors in adulthood. They share personal anecdotes and practical strategies for overcoming these emotional barriers to decluttering. Listeners will discover: Why it's important to question why we're not using certain items How being intentional about what we bring into our homes is crucial When considering environmental impact should happen Throughout the episode, Kathi and Tonya offer encouragement and practical advice for breaking free fr

Have you ever struggled with this age-old question? "What's for dinner?" In this episode of Clutter-Free Academy, Kathi and Roger Lipp take you on a journey through the incredible world of AI-driven meal planning. Say goodbye to dinner stress and discover how ethical, efficient AI tools can change your kitchen routine for the better. Join Kathi and Roger as they share their experiences with AI, making home management simpler and more effective than ever. with tips and ideas such as: How to use AI to generate delicious, healthy, and budget-friendly recipes. Tips for making AI your ultimate meal-planning assistant, especially for families with dietary restrictions. The game-changing method to create categorized shopping lists through AI As promised, here are the Meal Planning prompts that Kathi and Roger use to direct AI to plan their meals: "Create a 7-day meal plan for a family of four, focusing on balanced nutrition and variety."  "Suggest five quick and healthy weeknight dinner recipes using chicken

Hey there, friend! Do you ever feel like your home has become a storage unit for everyone else's stuff? In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, hosts Kathi Lipp and Tonya Kubo address a common struggle for many listeners: what to do when family members, both parents and adult children, want to leave their belongings at your house. They discuss the challenges of being part of the sandwich generation, caught between aging parents trying to pass down heirlooms and adult children who may not have the space or desire for these items. Join Kathi and Tonya as they tackle the tough questions and offer practical advice for decluttering with compassion and clarity. Listeners will discover: The changing attitudes toward possessions among younger generations How to navigate the disconnect between parents' expectations and their children's needs. The importance of finding solutions that work for everyone Whether you're a parent looking to pass down treasured items or an adult child grappling with the influx of stuff, y

Feeling overwhelmed with your clothing budget and need some help? In this episode, Kathi Lipp and her co-host Tonya Kubo provide busy women with practical strategies to curb clothing purchases while still loving your wardrobe. With 10 doable tips, listen how they:  Use Pinterest for clothes you already own Create a capsule wardrobe Take advantage of a personal uniform Whether you're a mom managing ever-changing clothing needs for kids or a woman who wants to balance style and space, this episode provides the encouragement and tactics you need. Join Kathi and Tonya as they discuss real-life ways to shop smarter and use what you own. Click here to be notified when the next episode of Clutter Free Academy is released. Also, stay up to date and sign up here to receive our newsletter. Meet our Guest Tonya Kubo Links Mentioned: Rit Dye Shout Color Catchers Hate Stains (Kathi's favorite stain remover)   Clutter Free Resources: Learn more about Clutter Free for Life Join our Clutter Free Academy

Hey there, friends! Are you feeling the pinch of rising food costs? In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp, and Tonya Kubo tackle the timely issue of rising food costs and share practical tips to help listeners save money on groceries without sacrificing quality or taste. With their signature humor and relatable examples, Kathi and Tonya dive into strategies like meal planning, inventive use of leftovers, and tapping into community resources. Listeners will discover: How to create a pantry and fridge inventory to reduce food waste The power of "loop meals" and repurposing leftovers Tips for buying in bulk wisely Whether you're taking part in the Low Buy July challenge or simply looking to trim your grocery budget, this episode is packed with actionable advice and encouragement. Don't miss out on these frugal food hacks that will help you nourish your family without breaking the bank! Here are the 50 Breakfast and 50 Dinner Ideas mentioned in the episode. Click here to be notified when the nex

Have ever struggled to turn your dream garden into a reality? What if we told you that there's a new secret weapon that can help you achieve gardening success like never before? That's right, we're talking about the incredible power of AI! Join Kathi and her partner in life and gardening Roger Lipp on this episode as they dive into the world of AI-assisted gardening. They’ll share all the prompts and tips that transformed their gardening game, and you'll walk away feeling empowered and inspired to create your own oasis of abundance. Listen in as Kathi and Roger guide you through using AI to: Plan the spacing and layout of your garden Determine what plants are best for your growing zone Research companion plants for a healthy garden ecosystem As promised, here’s the Garden Prompt that Kathi and Roger use to direct AI to plan their dream garden: “I'm trying to create a planting/gardening activity calendar for our home in the 7b zone of 95684 for our 16x48 foot harden and our 8x8 greenhouse and various potted

Hey friends, today's episode is a powerful and important one. But be advised, it’s also a sensitive subject. Kathi Lipp will be diving deep into the topic of depression and suicidality with her dear friend and author Chris Morris. You'll hear how Chris hit his lowest point and the transformative experiences that followed. He opens up about the pivotal moments that set him on a path of healing and the vital role his wife and community played in that journey. Whether you've personally battled depression or suicidal thoughts, or you've walked alongside a loved one facing these challenges, Chris' story and insights offer hope and practical wisdom, such as:  How to come alongside someone struggling with their mental health The importance of finding the right therapist, and it might not be the first one you find! The importance of communicating effectively and clearly that they are needed and loved This episode will move you, challenge you, and ultimately inspire you to show up for those you love who might be str

Welcome back, our sentimental decluttering friends! In part 2 of the Clutter Free Academy series on decluttering sentimental items, Kathi Lipp and Tonya Kubo explore the art of curating and displaying emotional items in a meaningful way. Throughout the episode, they emphasize the importance of being intentional and selective in your curation process, ensuring that each displayed item truly reflects your heart and brings joy to your space. Listen in as they share insights and inspiration about sentimental items, such as: How to transform your emotional clutter into beautiful, intentional keepsakes How gallery walls, shadowboxes, and themed displays can be used to honor your loved one How sharing the narratives behind sentimental items can enhance their value and significance. With their insights and inspiration, you'll be well-equipped to transform your sentimental clutter into beautiful, purposeful keepsakes. So, grab a tissue (just in case) and join us for this heartfelt conversation! Did you miss Part 1 o

Do you have a box (or two, or three) filled with sentimental items that you just can't seem to let go of? In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp, and Tonya Kubo tackle the challenge of decluttering sentimental items. They discuss the various categories of emotional clutter, from childhood memorabilia to inherited items, and share their personal experiences with letting go. Together, they offer a step-by-step decision-making process to help listeners navigate the emotional decluttering journey with confidence and clarity. Listen in as they how to ask questions and set limits on sentimental items in the decluttering process using: Kathi’s "Five Item Rule" for curating sentimental objects, and Tonya’s “Decision Tree” process for making decluttering choices Click here to be notified when part 2 of this series, where Kathi and Tonya will dive even deeper into the art of curating and displaying sentimental items in a meaningful way, goes LIVE. Also, stay up to date and sign up here to receive our new

Kathi sits down with Tenneil Register to explore practical ways to make your home work for you, not the other way around. In this episode, they discuss:  Designing spaces around your natural habits and routines Examples of functional home solutions (such as paperwork organization) Why entryway, kitchen, and bedroom spaces are key areas in your home The power of taking photos to evaluate your spaces with fresh eyes  Kathi and Tenneil will be sharing their 3 challenges spaces (Entry, Eat, Rest) pictures! Take the challenge and you can post your pics over at Kathi Lipp's Clutter Free Academy group. We have the most amazing corner of friends who cheer each other on! Sign up here to be notified when the next episode is released, or here to receive Kathi's Clutter Free Kit! Meet Our Guest: Tenneil Register Links Mentioned: A House That Cleans Itself Sign up here for Kathi's newsletter or here to receive her Clutter Free Basics Kit! Clutter Free Resources: Learn more about Clutter Free for Life Join our Clutter F

Hey there friends! Have you ever found yourself staring into an overflowing closet, feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of clothes you've accumulated? This is the episode for you! We’re so excited to share this conversation with the amazing Lauren Horst. Lauren has taken on the ultimate closet cleanse - wearing every single item she owns to assess what pieces spark joy and which ones need to go. It's a practical, eye-opening approach that just might be the closet cure we've all been looking for. Listen in as we discuss: How to come to your closet with curiosity How to curate what's best in your closet How to clean out your closet by wearing everything you own So grab a cozy seat and get ready to be inspired as we dive into Lauren's wear-it-all journey! Sign up here to receive Kathi's free Clutter Free Kit resource. Would you like to receive Kathi's Clutter Free Academy newsletter in your inbox? Sign up here. Favorite Links: Meet Our Guest: Lauren Horst on Tik Tok.  Clutter Free Resources: Learn more abo

Do you feel like some people are just born with a decorating gene? Our guest today says no one is! In today's episode, we have Myquillyn Smith, also known as the Nester, joining us to discuss her new book "House Rules: How to Decorate for Every Home Style and Budget." Kathi Lipp and Myquillyn dive into the challenges of decorating and the importance of embracing resourcefulness. They emphasize the value of breaking decorating rules and share practical advice for transforming your living space, such as: Start with something you hate Do your "someday project" right now! Don't wait! Resourcefulness is the ultimate resource. Tune in to learn more about Myquillyn's insightful perspective on home decor and how it can positively impact your life. Order a copy of Myquillyn Smith's newest book House Rules here.  Sign up here to be notified when 615 Myquillyn Smith House Rules Part 2 is released. Would you like to receive Kathi's Clutter Free Academy newsletter in your inbox? Sign up here. Meet Our Guest: Myquillyn S

Do you feel like some people are just born with a decorating gene? Our guest today says no one is! In today's episode, we have Myquillyn Smith, also known as the Nester, joining us to discuss her new book "House Rules: How to Decorate for Every Home Style and Budget." Kathi Lipp and Myquillyn dive into the challenges of decorating and the importance of embracing resourcefulness. They emphasize the value of breaking decorating rules and share practical advice for transforming your living space, such as: Start with something you hate Do your "someday project" right now! Don't wait! Resourcefulness is the ultimate resource. Tune in to learn more about Myquillyn's insightful perspective on home decor and how it can positively impact your life. As promised, here's a look at the tile in Kathi's Monet-inspired kitchen! Order a copy of Myquillyn Smith's newest book House Rules here.  Sign up here to be notified when 615 Myquillyn Smith House Rules Part 2 is released. Would you like to receive Kathi's Clutter Free A

Are you feeling trapped in a home overstuffed with, well, STUFF? You’re not alone! In the latest episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi teams up with Tenneil Register, an incredible mom who mastered the art of living clutter free – even in the tight quarters of a fixer-upper with a blended family of seven! Tune in for their tips on: Making your house a home instead of a storage unit Using things you love as creative storage solutions Letting go of things that are no longer your vibe In this episode, Tenneil mentions using repurposed items to decorate her space. Here are the promised photos! Meet Our Guest: Tenneil Register Favorites: Sign up here for Kathi's newsletter or here to receive her Clutter Free Basics Kit! Clutter Free Resources: Learn more about Clutter Free for Life Join our Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group Let's stay connected To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one. Subsc

Do you feel like you are the only person in your house who understands the amount of strategic planning it takes to do the grocery shopping? You are not alone, my friend! Join us for How to Deal with the Mental Load Part 2, as Tonya Kubo and Kathi Lipp explore the balance of insourcing and outsourcing daily tasks to manage burnout. Discover creative solutions for family involvement, the mental load battle, and how to negotiate for change without guilt. This episode offers insights into mental load management and gender roles, aimed at improving household dynamics. Kathi and Tonya offer helpful insights, such as: How insourcing allows people to “scratch an itch” they have How to make decisions based on resources How to achieve collective household downtime Did you miss How to Deal with the Mental Load Part 1? Listen here.  Tonya and Kathi mention continuing this conversation. Here are the details! Live workshop: April 11 at 4 p.m. PST in the Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group (kathi.link/cfa) Looking for t

Do you ever feel like you have to be the woman who does it all and are failing miserably? Join Kathi and her guest, Clutter Free Academy champion Tonya Kubo, as they discuss the concept of mental load and working that “third shift.” They’ll talk about: Why lack of available brain bandwidth is not the same as laziness The reason “I should” isn’t really helpful Dividing household responsibilities without resorting to outdated stereotypes Sign up here to be notified when the second part of this episode is released. Meet Our Guest: Tonya Kubo Links Mentioned: Fair Play: A Game-Changing Solution for When You Have Too Much to Do (and More Life to Live) by Eve Rodsky Sign up here for Kathi's newsletter or here to receive her Clutter Free Basics Kit! Clutter Free Resources: Learn more about Clutter Free for Life Join our Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group Let's stay connected To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help a

In this continuation of last week’s episode, Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory dig into the process of procrastination and how it is hurting all of us. In addition to defining the procrastination responses of Freeze and Fawn, they discuss the difference between working under pressure and pre-deciding. Kathi and Cheri describe how they use the concept of pre-deciding to live a life that reflects their values instead of living a life of fear. That’s what they want for you too! Listen for the steps of pre-deciding as well as other ways to break the procrastination cycle, such as: How to permit yourself to not finish a decluttering project How to move the goalpost when it comes to decluttering How to be a good steward of your most precious resource Sign up here to be notified when the next episode is released. Would you like to receive Kathi's Clutter Free Academy newsletter in your inbox? Sign up here and receive the free download mentioned in this episode, The Four P Bullies at a Glance! Meet Our Guest: Cheri Greg

Do you find yourself putting off uncomfortable tasks? Maybe you tell yourself that you work better under pressure...but does the work you produce under stress turn out better, or is it just done? In this episode, Kathi and her three-time co-author Cheri Gregory discuss the “pressure paradox.” Listen in as they rethink the myth of productivity under pressure, as well as discussing: Is procrastination based in fear? Priming your brain for your project How to avoid living in a state of constant triage Sign up here to be notified when the next episode is released. Would you like to receive Kathi's Clutter Free Academy newsletter in your inbox? Sign up here and receive the free download mentioned in this episode, The Four P Bullies at a Glance! Meet Our Guest: Cheri Gregory Favorite Links: CheriGregory.com SensitiveAndStrong.com Books by Kathi Lipp & Cheri Gregory: You Don’t Have to Try So Hard: Ditch Expectations and Live Your Own Best Life Overwhelmed: How to Quiet the Chaos and Restore Your Sanity An Abun

A life-changing event happens like a new job, a new baby, a change in health, or any number of circumstances. You find yourself struggling with what to do with items in your space and wondering if this is a typical response. If you have ever felt like that, this episode has the encouragement and strategies you need. Join Kathi Lipp and her co-host and Clutter-Free Champion Tonya Kubo as they deep dive into decluttering when life feels overwhelming. Tonya recently lost two family members in a short period. She discusses how she helped her extended family deal with sentimental items while acknowledging that everyone has a different timeline when it comes to sorting through these items. Kathi and Tonya give helpful insights into decluttering when life feels like it is just too much with thoughts such as: Circumstances may change, but the clutter challenges are the same. Permitting yourself time to just sit with the items is okay. How the definition of clutter changes based on life transitions. Sign up here to

Are decluttering decisions breaking your brain? Are perfectionist tendencies keeping you from making progress? Tune in as Kathi and her guest, Clutter Free Academy cheerleader Tonya Kubo, discuss: Overcoming the overwhelm Making your minutes work for you Sign up here to be notified when the next episode is released. Meet Our Guest: Tonya Kubo Favorite Links: Sign up here for Kathi's newsletter or here to receive her Clutter Free Basics Kit! Clutter Free Resources: Learn more about Clutter Free for Life Join our Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group Let's stay connected To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe to our newsletter now.