Wannabe Clutter Free | Declutter, Simplify, Find Freedom
Deanna Yates | Professional Organizer, Decluttering Coach, Wannabe Minimalist
Deanna Yates | Professional Organizer, Decluttering Coach, Wannabe Minimalist
Ready to finally calm the overwhelm and create a home and life you actually enjoy? The Wannabe Clutter Free podcast is here to help you clear the clutter, simplify your routines, and find freedom in the life you’re building. I’m Deanna Yates, a busy mom who knows what it’s like to juggle family, career, and the never-ending piles of stuff. From selling 80% of what we owned to travel with our toddler, to managing the daily chaos of running a home with a school-aged kid, I’ve learned that living with less isn’t about deprivation. It’s about creating more space, more peace, and more joy. Each week, I share real-life stories, simple decluttering strategies, and mindset shifts that make it easier to let go of what’s weighing you down. You’ll also hear from inspiring guests who share practical tips and fresh perspectives on minimalism, home organization, intentional living, and building habits that last. If you’re tired of feeling buried in clutter and crave a home that feels calm, welcoming, and easy to manage, this show is for you. It’s not about perfection. It’s about progress, freedom, and finding space for what truly matters to you.
2d ago
I decluttered 500 items in four days! Decluttering doesn’t always look like overflowing junk drawers or packed closets. Sometimes it looks like a home that feels “fine”…but still holds more than you need. 📌 Resources Mentioned: Get the Declutter 500 Items Challenge course for just $1 ! In this episode, Deanna shares a personal experiment that completely surprised her. Using a flipped version of a traditional decluttering challenge, she removed 500 items from her home in just four days without creating mess, stress, or burnout. You’ll hear why starting big worked better than starting small, how gamifying decluttering changed everything, and why flexibility matters more than perfection when you’re letting things go. Deanna also walks through exactly where those 500 items came from, what was harder to declutter than expected, and how donating with intention made the process even more meaningful. If you’ve been craving a clutter-free home that feels lighter, calmer, and easier to maintain, this episode will show you what’s possible, even if you already think you’ve “done the work.” What you’ll learn: Why traditional decluttering challenges don’t work for everyone Where clutter hides, even in organized homes A flexible way to count items without getting stuck How to declutter without making a bigger mess What to do with items once they leave your home Why letting go of “perfectly good” things can feel hard How decluttering supports intentional living in this season of life Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wannabeclutterfree/ Loved this episode? Share it with a friend or leave a review. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to the Decluttering Challenge 06:05 Why traditional decluttering challenges didn’t work for me 11:59 Day-by-Day Decluttering Process 17:48 How I counted items without stress or rules 23:54 What I did with the decluttered items 30:07 What surprised me most about the process 35:56 Why I’m doing this challenge again Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps me create more content to inspire and motivate you to live with less. Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 10
Discover how your personal energy shapes the clutter in your home and learn simple, powerful mindset shifts to create a more clutter-free, aligned, and intentional life. **************** Resources Get all the links and resources at wannabeclutterfree.com/287 Connect with Jena Lorén Instagram Jena's Website Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on: Instagram Facebook Website Get my children's book: Lenora and Her Super Duper Messy Room **************** Your personal energy is woven into every corner of your home, and today’s conversation with Consciousness Architect Jena Lorén will change the way you see your space forever. We explore why clutter often has nothing to do with laziness or lack of willpower and everything to do with unseen emotional patterns, old identities, and ego tricks that quietly shape your habits. Jena shares her powerful 3-second mindset reset , her story of purging 80 percent of her belongings, and how to identify the ego archetypes (rebel, realist, illusionist, martyr) that show up in your clutter patterns. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, ashamed, or frustrated by the state of your home, this episode gives you a compassionate and practical path forward. You’ll learn how circulation, alignment, and awareness can transform your space into one that supports your highest self. We cover: Why clutter often reflects emotional attachments, not messy habits How your personal energy shows up in your space (and how to shift it) What “circulation” really means and why it builds abundance The surprising root of procrastination around decluttering How the four ego archetypes affect your home and habits A simple 3-second mindset shift you can use today How to let go of items that no longer align with your future self Why awareness without integration keeps us stuck How to create a home that feels supportive, calm, and aligned Time Stamps: 00:00 – The energetic link between your home and your inner world 03:07 – How personal energy imprints itself on your space 07:04 – Purging 80% of your belongings and choosing a new identity 12:43 – “What if I need this?” and the scarcity trap 15:20 – Circulation: the hidden key to abundance 18:24 – Why receiving feels unsafe for so many women 23:38 – The true root of procrastination around clutter 31:42 – The four ego archetypes and how they shape your home 42:03 – How ego shows up when you try to declutter 51:56 – The simple 3-second shift to reconnect with your future self **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com **************** We’d love to hear how you’re applying the strategies discussed in this episode. Share your stories and tips with us on social media (@wannabeclutterfree). Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes designed to make your busy life a bit easier. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 3
Want a calmer, cleaner, clutter-free holiday season? This episode walks you through how to simplify Christmas in a way that feels peaceful, joyful, and actually doable for busy families. Deanna shares how her family is decorating more slowly this year, how she’s focusing on cozy moments over perfection, and the simple choices that help keep December from spiraling into chaos. What you’ll learn How to gear up for the holidays without overwhelm How to have clutter-free gift conversations with family (without guilt or drama) Clutter-free gift ideas that still feel special The “four-gift practice” that simplifies kids’ gifts instantly What to do when guilt pushes you to buy more than you should Why “more stuff” often leads to overstimulation and less joy for kids How to prepare your home now for a peaceful Christmas morning The Santa Bag Trick (a magical way to declutter with younger kids!) Whether your holidays feel too busy, too full, or just too much, this episode will help you create more intention, more breathing room, and more meaning this season. 📌 Resources Mentioned: Deanna's 19 Best Decluttering Courses for $19 Full show notes: wannabeclutterfree.com/286 Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wannabeclutterfree/ Join the Wannabe Minimalist Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wannabeminimalist Loved this episode? Share it with a friend or leave a review. Timestamps: 00:00: Decorating slowly this year + why it feels right 02:15: Letting go of traditions that no longer serve you 04:25: Planning holiday activities earlier for less overwhelm 06:00: What to expect in this clutter-free holiday episode 07:10: The emotional clutter of December and how to release it 09:00: How to talk to family about clutter-free gifts 13:50: The four-gift practice for kids (want, need, wear, read) 15:00: Clutter-free gift ideas that still feel special 20:00: Guilt around giving less + Deanna’s personal story 26:10: Pre-holiday decluttering and prepping for Christmas morning 29:40: The Santa Bag Trick for younger kids 31:00: Weekly challenge: pick one clutter-free shift for this season Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps me create more content to inspire and motivate you to live with less. Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 26
Feeling overwhelmed by decluttering? Gratitude can change everything. Learn how a gratitude-based mindset helps you let go without guilt, stay present, and create a more intentional, clutter-free home, even during the busy holiday season. Hear one powerful client story, plus three simple gratitude practices you can start using today. You’ll learn: how gratitude supports a growth mindset why it helps you separate memories from objects how gratitude shifts the energy in your home toward calm and clarity how focusing on gratitude for what you keep can transform the entire decluttering experience three simple gratitude practices you can start using today 📌 Resources Mentioned: Deanna's 19 Best Decluttering Courses for $19 Full show notes: wannabeclutterfree.com/285 Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wannabeclutterfree/ Join the Wannabe Minimalist Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wannabeminimalist Loved this episode? Share it with a friend or leave a review. Timestamps: 00:00 Navigating a full season and why gratitude matters right now 01:00 How gratitude creates a growth mindset for decluttering 02:30 Seeing what works in your home instead of what’s missing 04:00 Making kinder decisions and letting go without guilt 06:00 Gratitude as a tool for releasing old seasons and stories 08:00 A client transformation: shifting from guilt to gratitude 11:30 How gratitude shifts your energy, your mood, and your home 14:30 Three simple gratitude practices to make decluttering easier Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps me create more content to inspire and motivate you to live with less. Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 19
Learn how to approach aging parents about decluttering, navigate sibling emotions, and prepare for estate sales with compassion, clarity, and less clutter this holiday season. **************** Resources Mentioned: Get all the links and resources at wannabeclutterfree.com/284 Connect with Jeannine Bryant Instagram Jeannine's Website Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on: Instagram Facebook Website Get my children's book: Lenora and Her Super Duper Messy Room **************** The holidays often bring family, memories… and stuff . If you’ve ever looked around your parents’ house and thought, “Someday we’ll have to deal with all of this,” this conversation is for you. In this heartfelt episode, rightsizing expert Jeannine Bryant joins me to talk about how to compassionately approach decluttering with aging loved ones. We cover: How to start tender conversations without conflict What to do when siblings have stronger emotional attachments The truth about estate sales and what to expect How to start early, so decluttering feels peaceful instead of pressured The questions to ask around the Thanksgiving table to spark connection, not guilt Whether you’re helping your parents downsize, sorting through family heirlooms, or simply preparing for future transitions, this episode will help you navigate it all with grace. Time Stamps: 00:00 – Welcome & Thanksgiving week reflections 02:00 – What “rightsizing” really means (and why it’s different from downsizing) 05:00 – The emotional side of letting go and facing mortality 08:00 – When keepsakes shift from comfort to burden 10:00 – Separating love, memories, and stuff 13:00 – Why your kids don’t want your stuff (and that’s okay) 16:00 – How to talk with siblings who attach emotions to things 18:00 – What to keep, what to display, and what to release 23:00 – Family conversations to have during the holidays 27:00 – How estate sales actually work (and what to expect) 33:00 – The hidden cost of “saving everything” 36:00 – Practical right-sizing tips to start now 39:00 – Donate early, not later — why it matters 41:00 – Clutter-free gifting and experience-based holidays 42:00 – Rapid fire: What clutter-free means to Jeannine 44:00 – Key takeaways + gratitude for our loved ones **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com **************** We’d love to hear how you’re applying the strategies discussed in this episode. Share your stories and tips with us on social media (@wannabeclutterfree). Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes designed to make your busy life a bit easier. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 12
Discover how decluttering and organizing your closet can ease stress and restore balance. Shaniece Jones shares how “closet therapy” helps you create peace, clarity, and a clutter-free mind. **************** Resources Mentioned: Get all the links and resources at wannabeclutterfree.com/283 Connect with Shaniece Jones Instagram Shaniece's Website Closet Therapy Podcast Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on: Instagram Facebook Website Get my children's book: Lenora and Her Super Duper Messy Room **************** What if your closet could tell the story of your inner world? Professional organizer and “Closet Therapist” Shaniece Jones joins Deanna to reveal how decluttering your space can become a powerful tool for emotional healing and intentional living. From grief and burnout to clarity and calm, Shaniece shares her journey from biologist to organizer, showing how our closets mirror our mental health and how small changes can create massive shifts in how we feel. You’ll learn how to turn your closet into a peaceful retreat. Don’t worry. Luxury labels or walk-in wardrobes are not required. We Cover: How decluttering can move you from burnout to balance Why your closet reflects your emotional and mental state Practical steps to create a calm, organized space you love How mindset shifts make letting go easier What redefining “luxury” really means for intentional living Time Stamps: 00:00 – Welcome & Preview 02:44 – Shaniece’s Journey: From Biologist to Closet Therapist 04:59 – Grief, Loss & Finding Clarity Through Decluttering 10:07 – Turning Your Closet into a Safe Haven 12:25 – The Mindset Shift that Makes Organizing Easier 16:42 – What Science Teaches Us About Clutter & Mental Health 24:15 – How Life Transitions Show Up in Our Spaces 26:55 – Creating an Elevated, Peaceful Space (Without “Luxury” Budgets) 35:21 – Letting Go of the “What-If” Items 43:22 – Rapid Fire: Clutter-Free, Happiness & First Steps **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com **************** We’d love to hear how you’re applying the strategies discussed in this episode. Share your stories and tips with us on social media (@wannabeclutterfree). Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes designed to make your busy life a bit easier. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 5
If your home feels heavy or chaotic lately, you’re not imagining it. Studies from UCLA and Harvard show that clutter increases stress hormones, drains focus, and fuels burnout, especially for women. In this final episode of the EMPOWERING Life series, Deanna breaks down how clutter blindness sneaks in, why “stuff” silently steals your energy, and how to finally feel at ease in your own space. You’ll walk away with six practical ways to reclaim your calm, one corner at a time and a few mindset shifts to help you release guilt and redefine what “home” really means. You’ll learn: What clutter blindness is and why it happens How science proves clutter raises stress levels Why decision fatigue starts at home The simple 15-minute habit that changes everything Six practical ways to reclaim calm and reset your space How to let your home evolve with you 📌 Resources Mentioned: Full show notes: www.wannabeclutterfree.com/282 UCLA Study Harvard Study Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wannabeclutterfree/ Join the Wannabe Minimalist Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wannabeminimalist Loved this episode? Share it with a friend or leave a review. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome + Series Wrap-Up 02:50 What “Home Environment” Really Means 04:45 Clutter Blindness Explained (and the science behind it) 06:00 UCLA Study: How Clutter Raises Stress 07:10 Harvard Research: Decision Fatigue & Mental Load 10:00 Why Clutter Competes for Your Attention 12:00 Client Story: Rachel’s 15-Minute Reset 15:30 Mini Home Peace Assessment 18:00 Six Practical Ways to Reclaim Calm 26:30 Permission to Redefine Home 28:30 Final Thoughts & Next Week’s Episode Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps me create more content to inspire and motivate you to live with less. Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 29
Feeling overwhelmed by wellness advice? Learn how to uncomplicate your health and build simple, clutter-free systems that fit real life with Jenn Trepeck, author of Uncomplicating Wellness . **************** Resources Mentioned: Uncomplicating Wellness Mini-Summit & Book Launch Party Get all the links and resources at wannabeclutterfree.com/281 Connect with Jenn Trepeck Instagram Jenn's Website Salad with a Side of Fries Podcast Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on: Instagram Facebook Website Get my children's book: Lenora and Her Super Duper Messy Room **************** Feeling like wellness has become another thing on your to-do list? Jenn Trepeck is here to change that. She’s an award-winning health coach, podcast host, and author of Uncomplicating Wellness, and she’s helping us make wellness simple, sustainable, and stress-free. In this conversation, we’re talking about how to let go of perfection, rebuild trust with your body, and create systems that make wellness feel natural (not another chore). You’ll learn why “you’re not the problem, the system is,” and how to make small, intentional changes that lead to big results. If you’re ready to un-complicate your health and your home, this episode will help you reconnect to what really matters and take consistent action. All without burnout. We Cover: Why wellness feels overwhelming and how to simplify it The mindset shifts that make self-care easier and guilt-free How to create “bio stacks” that truly move the needle Ways to build systems that support your wellness automatically How decluttering and health habits work hand in hand Time Stamps: 00:00 – Welcome + Episode Overview 00:42 – Special Announcement: Uncomplicating Life Mini-Summit 02:17 – Meet Jenn Trepeck 03:57 – The Problem with Wellness Systems 08:38 – Making Wellness Fit Real Life 10:37 – How Decluttering & Health Intersect 14:00 – Defining Wellness Beyond the Physical 17:00 – Biohacking vs. Bio-Stacking 21:23 – Building Better Wellness Habits 24:00 – Making Good Habits Easier to Keep 29:00 – Rebuilding Self-Trust with Your Body 35:45 – Staying Consistent During Chaotic Seasons 38:48 – How to Uncomplicate Wellness in Your Own Life 41:00 – Rapid Fire: Jenn’s Tips for Living Simply **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com **************** We’d love to hear how you’re applying the strategies discussed in this episode. Share your stories and tips with us on social media (@wannabeclutterfree). Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes designed to make your busy life a bit easier. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
