Clutter Free Academy

Hey there, friend! Are you tired of feeling like a short-order cook seven days a week? In this episode of Clutterfree Academy, host Kathi Lipp and co-host Tonya Kubo dive into the revolutionary concept of "Sabbath Soup," as featured in Kathi's upcoming book. Kathi emphasizes starting small, such as preparing one soup for Sunday, and gradually building up to a full week of planned meals. She also addresses common challenges like limited kitchen space and adapting the system for different family sizes and dietary needs. Listeners will discover: The importance of planning and protecting Sabbath rest Tips for organizing the kitchen for efficient meal prep Strategies for reducing cooking time and streamlining the "big cook day" How to involve family members in the meal-planning process Kathi and Tonya discuss the mental and emotional benefits of having a structured meal planning system, including reduced stress, more quality time with family, and true rest on the Sabbath. As mentioned by Kathi in the episode, he

Listeners will discover: How to implement a fair and fun chore wheel system The value of allowing teens to develop independence and responsibility Navigating the transition when teens leave for college and return home How building a strong family community prepares teens for life's challenges This episode provides listeners with actionable strategies for fostering independence, improving communication, and creating a harmonious household environment. Click here to be notified when the next episode is released. Also, stay up to date and sign up here to receive our newsletter. Meet our Guest Amy Betters-Midtvedt Links Mentioned: amybettersmidtvedt.com Amy Betters-Midtvedt on Facebook Amy Betters-Midtvedt on Instagram Order Amy's book You'll Make It (and They Will Too) here 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 r

Do you ever say you'll start holiday prep early, but then suddenly it's December and you're in a tinsel-covered panic? Well, no more! In this episode, Kathi and co-host Tonya Kubo dive into part two of their discussion on preparing for the holidays in August. They offer practical advice for early holiday planning. Kathi and Tonya emphasize the importance of considering family needs, budgeting, and self-care in the planning process. Listeners will discover: How to plan for those perfect holiday photos How to plan for budget-friendly holiday travel How to create a realistic holiday decor plan (even if your husband Roger thinks there's no such thing as too many Christmas lights.) Throughout the episode, Kathi and Tonya offer relatable anecdotes and practical strategies to help listeners reduce holiday stress by planning ahead. Kathi shares her love for early holiday meal planning and cookbook perusing in this episode. She mentions one of her favorite recipes called Raclette. Check out Raclette photos in the ba

Do you feel stressed out during the holidays? Trust us, your future self will thank you for listening to this episode. In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp and co-host Tonya Kubo discuss the importance of making key decisions in August to ensure a less stressful holiday season. Kathi and Tonya emphasize the benefits of early planning, such as reduced stress, better financial management, and more time to enjoy the holiday season. They share personal anecdotes and practical advice, making the episode both relatable and actionable for listeners. Listeners will discover: How to decide on holiday gathering dates, locations, and participants early to avoid last-minute conflicts. How to plan gift exchanges, considering family dynamics and financial situations. How to set a realistic holiday budget, including categories like gifts, food, and decorations. So grab a cool drink, find a comfy spot, and listen in on how to get started on making this Christmas your most organized and enjoyable one yet! Wou

Hey there, friends! Have you ever wondered how to balance your love for vintage items with a desire for a clutter-free home? In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, host Kathi Lipp welcomes designer Hillary Prall for part 2 of their insightful discussion on balancing vintage design with clutter-free living. Hillary, who is both a vintage enthusiast and the daughter of a hoarder, shares her personal journey of clearing out her mother's estate while maintaining her love for antique and vintage items. The conversation delves into the emotional and practical challenges of dealing with a hoarder's legacy. Listeners will discover: Strategies for incorporating vintage pieces into home design without overwhelming the space The importance of documenting family stories and the history behind heirlooms The need for setting boundaries, both with possessions and with family members who may struggle with hoarding tendencies This thought-provoking episode offers a compassionate look at the complexities of dealing with fa

Hey there, friends! Have you ever struggled with finding the balance between loving vintage and clutter? In this enlightening episode of Clutter Free Academy, host Kathi Lipp welcomes designer and content creator Hilary Prall. Kathi and Hilary explore the challenges of breaking free from generational clutter habits and finding a balance between loving vintage items and maintaining an organized home. As the daughter of a hoarder, Hilary offers valuable insights on curating spaces, letting go of sentimental items, and developing strategies to resist hoarding tendencies. Listeners will discover: How to set clear goals How to understand personal limits when it comes to collecting The importance of displaying and enjoying items rather than storing them away This episode offers a unique perspective on the intersection of design, organization, and personal growth, making it a must-listen for anyone struggling with clutter or seeking to create a more intentional living space. Click here to be notified when Part 2 o

Are you tired of the constant battles over stuff in your home? Well, buckle up, because in this episode, we're diving deep into the world of decluttering conflicts. In this episode of Clutter-Free Academy, host Kathi Lipp welcomes guest Donna Jones, author of "Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life" and podcast host of "That's Just What I Needed." The discussion centers around the intersection of decluttering and conflict resolution within relationships. You'll be encouraged to approach decluttering conflicts with empathy, clear communication, and a focus on mutual solutions. Listeners will discover: How possessions often become a source of conflict, especially between generations How to start difficult conversations about possessions and space in a healthy way The importance of finding win-win solutions in conflicts over clutter Throughout the episode, Kathi and Donna emphasize that while conflict can't be avoided, it can be handled in healthy ways that lead to more peaceful lives and homes. Click here to be noti

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