Clutter Free Academy

Have you ever dreamed of creating a space just for YOU? This is your episode! Today Kathi Lipp is joined by fellow book lover Amy Betters-Midtvedt. On the daily, Amy uses humor to share her expertise in all things home and parenting but today, they talk about decluttering to create a sacred space. For Amy, it’s for her beloved books. Listen in as Kathi and Amy discuss: Managing the push and pull of deciding what stays and what goes The benefit of having a reward at the end of your project Knowing when to call a trusted professional Have you listened to Part 1 of this series with Amy Betters-Midtvedt? Click here to listen to episode 565 How to Reclaim a Space In Your Home - Part 1. Also, if you haven't listened to  Kathi and Amy laugh through episode 547 Why I Don't Eat Green Bananas Anymore, put that one in your queue! Links Mentioned: Amy Betters-Midtvedt website Amy Betters-Midtvedt on Instagram Amy Betters-Midtvedt on Facebook 5-Shelf Narrow Bookcase Modern Velvet Single Sofa Chair Faux Fur Ottoman Sto

Have you ever longed for a space to call your own? Welcome to your tribe! Today Kathi Lipp is joined by fellow book lover and Abundant Home Conference speaker Amy Betters-Midtvedt. Amy is an expert in all things home and parenting stirred with a super sized spoon of humor but today they talk about Amy’s decluttering path to carve out a space for something she loves: books. Listen in as Kathi and Amy discuss: Creating small goals to decluttering bins of treasures from the past Knowing when to ask for help Giving yourself permission to change your plan Also, if you haven't listened to Kathi and Amy laugh through episode 547 Why I Don't Eat Green Bananas Anymore, put that one in your queue! Guest Host:  Amy Betters-Midtvedt Links Mentioned: Amy Betters-Midtvedt Website Amy Betters-Midtvedt on Instagram Amy Betters-Midtvedt on Facebook Kathi's Favorites: The Clutter-Free Home Learn more about Clutter Free for Life. Kathi Lipp's Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group 30 Qt/7.5 Gal, Pack of 6 Stackable Plastic Stor

Want to go from full house to living light? Today, we have a case study that will help you get there. Kathi is interviewing author Barb Raveling, who has a history of over-stuffing her closets and hiding things under the bed. The result? Feeling overwhelmed and stressed by clutter. (Can you relate?) She tried to get organized, made piles and sorted donations, and - nothing changed. “What if I need this in the future?” she cried. In the meantime, her present self was distracted by all the stuff. (Perhaps you have felt this way too?) About a year ago, Barb and her husband made a huge change. They started traveling every 13 weeks to live in a new place for work, and all they could bring was what fit in the car. Along the way, Barb discovered the freedom of leaving her things behind, and she wants to share what she has learned with you. Here are Barb’s top tips for downsizing and living with less: Bring as little as possible - after a short stay at home Barb packed even less for the next adventure. What you do b

Do you feel life circumstances change so quickly that it’s a struggle to keep your spaces clutter free? Kathi and her husband, declutter buddy, and cohost Roger Lipp are with us today sharing the last three tips in their Top 10 Ways of Getting Clutter Free podcast series. If you haven’t listened to Parts 1 (listen here) and 2 (listen here) of this series, put those in your queue! In today’s Part 3 they discuss: How to curate your items ("Curate" is Kathi’s new favorite word! ) Organizing activity supplies into separate tubs Using a spreadsheet to keep an inventory Links Mentioned: The Clutter-Free Home Learn more about Clutter Free for Life. Good Cook Can Opener, Safe Cut Manual Can Opener Stackable Plastic Storage Containers with Durable Latching Clear Lids Bamboo Cheese Board and Knife Sets Kathi's Favorites: Kathi Lipp's Clutter-Free Academy Facebook Group Learn more about Clutter Free for Life. A Faith That Will Not Fail: 10 Practices to Build Up Your Faith When Your World Is Falling Apart Kathi Lipp'

Last week Kathi and Roger Lipp shared the first three of their tips for how to declutter a lot - FAST! To recap: Participate in the 30-day 1k to get rid of 1,000 things in 30 days - join right now for free at Kathi Lipp’s Clutter Free Academy on Facebook! Have your garbage bags and boxes ready for trash, recycling, and donations. Find a declutter buddy. Today, after Moose stops licking the microphone, the decluttering duo will cover the next three tips on their list: Set a number goal. Let the date do the deciding. Use the "outfit trick." Come back next week to hear even more ideas for getting rid of your clutter fast! If you need to catch up on Part 1, you can do that here. And be sure to sign up for the Clutter Free Academy newsletter to be notified when Part 3 is available.  Links Mentioned: Little Free Library Large Black Trash Bags Tall White Trash Bags Airbnb Costco First Aid kit Kathi's Favorites: Kathi Lipp's Clutter-Free Academy Facebook Group Learn more about Clutter Free for Life. Let's stay co

Do you feel like there are not enough hours in your day to tackle a decluttering project? You are not alone, friend. Kathi and her snow bound cohost Roger Lipp are with us today discussing not only decluttering but decluttering when you are short on time. Listen in as they discuss the crazy amount of snow at the Red House as well the first two tips of their top ten ways they have found to get rid of clutter. Ideas such as:: Using different colored trash bags What size boxes to use The importance of a declutter buddy Bonus: As mentioned in the podcast break, here's a link for Michele Cushatt's newest book  A Faith That Will Not Fail. Double Bonus: As mentioned in the podcast, a picture of how much snow was surrounding the Red House at the time of the interview! Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to be notified when the next episode is released. When you do you will also receive a free Clutter Free Kit with handouts and video interview with Kathi! Links Mentioned: The Clutter-Free Home Learn more

In today’s episode Kathi dives deep with author Amberly Neese, as they discuss how their clutter journeys and spiritual journeys collide. Feeling guilty about getting rid of things we no longer need, or being paralyzed by the fear of needing more in the future, reveals what we believe about the goodness of God and how much we can trust Him to provide for us. How do we untangle our faith while working through our cluttered closets? Recognize how God provides for our needs - often through the generosity of other people. Take the words “bad” and “good” out of the conversation in regards to buying. Recognize the patterns and make different choices in the future.  Think of the person who will receive the items you donate and pray for them. Keep what you use, and be okay without the excess. A house with less clutter allows for more peace and joy.  Amberly is giving away 2 copies of her new Bible study - Untangling Faith: Reclaiming Hope in the Questions Jesus Asked. To enter to win, leave a comment below telling

Can there be guilt-free home organization? Oh sweet sister, there is! Kathi Lipp and her three-time coauthor Cheri Gregory are with us today discussing the lessons each learned during their recent home renovations. Cheri has three simple strategies for us regarding clutter, home organization and renovations. In Part 2 of Lessons Learned from Living Through a Renovation Part 2, Kathi and Cheri do a deep dive into strategies 2 & 3, as well as giving us gems of advice such as: There is satisfaction in waiting for the right item for a space Give yourself permission to “waste” some money Find places where returning items is easy Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to be notified when the next episode is released. When you do you will also receive a free Clutter Free Kit with handouts and video interview with Kathi! Links Mentioned: Guest Host: Cheri Gregory The Clutter-Free Home Learn more about Clutter Free for Life. An Abundant Place By Kathi Lipp & Cheri Gregory Sensitive and Strong By Denise J. Hughe

Have you ever second guessed a decision you’ve made, even after doing thoughtful and thorough research? Have you vacillated between decisions and then ended up doing... nothing? You are not alone, friend. It’s called thrashing and Kathi and her three-time coauthor Cheri Gregory are with us today discussing the concept of thrashing as well as some lessons each learned during their recent home renovations. Cheri has three lessons for us regarding clutter and renovations, the first of which she shares in this episode. Listen in to Part 1 of this two part episode to find out: Cheri’s #1 sanity saver during the renovation How a renovation can reveal clutter habits you didn’t know you had The importance of “putting a pin” in your decisions Remember, you can do anything for a short period of time. If you know you’ll be moving soon (or even if you aren’t), start with one area or one room and work from there a little bit each day. You can do it! Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to be notified when the next episode

Today Kathi is talking with her real estate agent, Kelli Simmerok, about tips and tricks to help us stay clutter free whether or not we are selling a house. Listen in and learn: The importance of removing personal items and some furniture before selling. How to pack away some of your stuff and create space for the potential buyer. Ways to make a great first impression, including front porch flowers and the smell of fresh baking. Ideas for saving time in daily routines to allow more time to keep the house ready to show. Remember, you can do anything for a short period of time. If you know you’ll be moving soon (or even if you aren’t), start with one area or one room and work from there a little bit each day. You can do it! Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to be notified when the next episode is released. When you do you will also receive a free Clutter Free Kit with handouts and video interview with Kathi! Links Mentioned: Guest Host: Kelli Simmerok Kelli Simmerok's E-mail Household Moving Kit Kathi's Fav

Have you struggled with grief this past year? Your life has fallen apart due to one big crisis or perhaps a series of crises that feel like death from a million paper cuts. Sweet friend, you are not alone. Join Kathi and her trusted friend and fellow trauma navigator Michele Cushatt as they discuss Michele’s newest book “A Faith That Will Not Fail: Ten Practices To Build Up Your Faith When Your World Is Falling Apart.” The practices in Michele’s newest book are not homework for you to complete. Not even close! They are less about doing and more about being. Kathi and Michele discuss these practices as they share very personal stories of grief and trauma. Listen in as they give a sneak peak into some of the practices that can be found in Michele Cushatt’s latest book, such as: When we’re overwhelmed, we need to make things smaller, not bigger. One of the best things we can do is get grounded in THIS moment. How these practices and more help us lead a clutter free life. Links Mentioned: Guest Host: Michele Cu

This week Kathi returns with Crystal Paine, author of The Time Saving Mom, for part 2 of their discussion on how to juggle a lot, enjoy your life, and accomplish what matters. Last week Crystal shared the six priorities that keep her from feeling distracted by a million little things. This week Kathi digs in and asks how Crystal makes that work in her day-to-day life. Crystal and Kathi share about these methods to manage time: Using a hybrid of digital and paper planning systems Time blocking and space blocking Leaving some hours each day unplanned Crystal lived through an extremely busy season while writing this book, so she claims to be living proof that this system works even when life is turned upside down! Saving time is about focusing on your priorities - it is not about cutting everything out, but living your life intentionally and living a life that matters. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to be notified when the next episode is released. When you do you will also receive a free Clutter Free Kit

Today Kathi is joined by Crystal Paine, also known as the Money Saving Mom, as they discuss how to juggle a lot, enjoy your life, and accomplish what matters! Crystal is a busy entrepreneur and mother of six who has been on a journey including secondary infertility, foster care, adoption, and caring for a child with special needs.  How does she decide what to take on and what to say no to at any given time? Crystal shares her six by two priority system - six priorities, focusing on two each day. These are her top priorities: Spiritual health Marriage Kids Home Business Friendships Rotating the focus of these priorities during the week gives her a little breathing room, while still making sure she accomplishes what matters. Next week Crystal Paine will continue her conversation with Kathi, as they chat about planning systems and how to turn these priorities into action steps. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to be notified when the next episode is released. When you do you will also receive a free Clutter

Do you feel guilty that you’re not doing more? Keeping your house up to snuff? Taking care of yourself and others? If guilt seems to follow you around wherever you go, then this episode is for you! Kathi is talking with author and Bible teacher Barb Roose about her struggles with perfectionism and performance, and how that affects both her closet and her faith in God.  Here are Barb’s 3 rules for a better closet: Don’t wear it if it makes you sad. If it doesn’t fit your current body or style, get rid of it. Don’t let fear or shame make you keep clothing that doesn’t fit your current size. Barb says that our closets are full of memories, and our relationship with God is the same way. How can we move on from experiences in our past that bring up feelings of guilt today? Barb has been on a spiritual journey: moving from a place where guilt robbed her of feeling like she could connect with God, to a place of freedom and understanding of how big God’s love is. Her life has been changed by focusing more on the pr

Sorting and shifting through a life time of memories and mementos can be emotionally and physically overwhelming for our parents and older relatives. But space is a finite resource. So how can we best start this process of helping our parents or older relatives declutter? In Part 2 of this two part series our host Kathi Lipp and her co-conspirator in decluttering Tonya Kubo discuss Korean food and simple, stress relieving strategies to help your parent or older relative declutter such as: Defining the three options for decluttering help Documenting the process to record their memories? What to do when they want you to take some mementos home with you. Be prepared, they WILL want you to take some mementos home with you! Kathi and Tonya provide a variety of tips and techniques in this episode. Listen in and discover hope and help for the parent, older relative, and you on this clutter free journey. Links Mentioned: The Clutter-Free Home Learn more about Clutter Free for Life. Let's stay connected To sha

Has this happened to you yet? A parent or older relative asks for help decluttering their space. Do they really want help? Are they telling you what they think you want to hear? Having a parent or older relative who needs to declutter is an acute pain point. Kathi Lipp and her guest know this pain far to well. Listen in as Kathi and Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group guru Tonya Kubo discuss those questions as well as: Why do they ask their children instead of a friend to help declutter? What are they actually asking for when they say declutter? Is it okay to let people live the way they want, baring a safety issue? Kathi and Tonya admit to opening a can of worms in Part 1 of this two part series but they do not leave us empty handed. They provide some practical tips to starting the decluttering process with older relatives and parents to tide us over until Part 2. Let's stay connected: To share your thoughts:  • Leave a note in the comment section below.  • Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinte

When decluttering a space, what do you do when you come across something good, but you don’t love it, don’t use it, and wouldn’t buy it again? Some would never get rid of something that is potentially useful. It can be a struggle to know what to do with your stuff! In today’s episode, Kathi is joined by the ever-effervescent Tonya Kubo as they talk villain origin stories and the clutter quandaries of fancy photo backdrops and chicken diapers. Here are some helpful hints that will help you sort through what to sell, what to donate, and what to toss: Determine what the item is currently worth. Ask how much time you want to invest in getting rid of it. Would someone else enjoy and get use out of that item? Bottom line: Value your time, value your money, and value the process. You can do this! Need some encouragement? Join us on Facebook in Kathi Lipp’s Clutter Free Academy. Subscribe to the podcast here and get your free Clutter Free Kit with handouts and video interview with Kathi! Let’s stay connected: Leave a

Have you ever found yourself in a crisis? Sometimes we know a crisis is coming and other times, it takes us by surprise. Decluttering might not take top priority during a crisis but decluttering can help us feel that we can handle the crisis so much better. In this episode Kathi and her partner in decluttering and chicken wrangling Roger Lipp discuss their latest adventures homesteading through the latest California “bomb storms” and how decluttering can significantly impact the way you feel during a crisis. Listen in and discover: How to plan in advance for a crisis Three tips to staying decluttered during a crisis The saying, “Madder than a wet hen” is a real thing! Let's stay connected To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. 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. Click here for Kathi's Clutter Free kit (4 steps to a

Have you wondered why some clutter is harder to make decisions about and why some clutter never seems to disappear? All clutter is not created equal and comes from different sources. So, to make the tough decisions about our clutter we need to determine what type of clutter we're dealing with. Thankfully, we have Kathi and Tonya, leader of all things clutter-free, here helping us figure it out. So, if you want to be clutter-free in 2023 and want to make this your year, tune in to learn how to go straight to the root and determine exactly what clutter you're dealing with:  House Clutter Heart Clutter   Head Clutter  Guest host: Tonya Kubo Let's stay connected To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one. Kathi's book: The Clutter Free Home Click here for my Clutter Free kit (4 steps to a Clutter Free home).  Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe to

What do eating green bananas and decluttering have in common? More than one would think! Join Kathi Lipp and writer, educator, and fellow recovering green banana eater Amy Betters-Midtvedt as they laugh and discuss their way through topics such as: How to figure out what we like and not settle all the time. How to not get stuck in a poverty mindset. Why it’s okay to order an ice cream sundae just for yourself! And as promised by Kathi in the episode, here’s a copy of Amy’s Green Banana Article for your enjoyment and edification. There was a time I just ate bananas. Like any banana. I’d buy them put them in my lunch and eat them. Green, light green, yellow, brown I didn’t pay much attention. Then one day I was driving to my awesome college job at Gap kids, and I took a bite of my greenish banana. I realized it wasn’t good. As a matter of fact every time I ate a greenish banana I didn’t really like it. Suddenly I realized I didn’t like green bananas. And I didn’t have to eat any banana I didn’t like. I was a