Clutter Free Academy

Do you ever walk into your home and feel your chest tighten? That overwhelming sense of "what is wrong with me?" when you look around at the clutter? You're not alone—and it turns out, there's a powerful connection between what's happening in our homes and what's happening in our hearts. In this honest and hope-filled episode, Kathi sits down with her dear friend Becky Keife, author of A Verse a Day for the Anxious Soul, to explore how anxiety and clutter are like twin sisters—different personalities, but showing up in remarkably similar ways. What You'll Discover in This Episode Both Kathi and Becky have walked through their own struggles—Kathi with clutter and Becky with a generalized anxiety disorder. Together, they unpack the lies we tell ourselves: "If I just tried harder," "If I wasn't so lazy," "If I could just be normal." Sound familiar? The truth is, there's never just one cause for our struggles, and there's never just one solution. But there IS hope, and there ARE small, doable steps that can m

If you've ever made a dramatic New Year's resolution about decluttering—only to feel defeated by mid-January—you're not alone. In this special workshop episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp and her husband Roger tackle the mindset traps that keep so many people stuck in the clutter cycle. The All-or-Nothing Trap That familiar pressure to make sweeping declarations like "I'm not shopping for an entire year" or "I'm decluttering my whole house this month" might feel empowering on January 1st, but these brittle systems are designed to break. When life happens—and it always does—one slip feels like total failure, leading most people to simply quit. A Better Way Forward The truth is, clutter-free isn't a finish line. It's a skill set. Instead of intensity, listeners learn to build consistency through small, repeated decisions that compound over time. The episode introduces the 15-minute decluttering method and explains why tackling spaces smaller than 2 feet by 2 feet creates the identity shifts needed f

With Christmas just around the corner, the pressure to have everything perfect can feel overwhelming. But what if peace—not perfection—was the goal this holiday season?In this quick but powerful episode, Kathi and Roger Lipp offer a lifeline for anyone feeling the holiday crunch. Whether you're hosting family, juggling last-minute preparations, or simply trying to enjoy the season without burning out, this episode delivers exactly what you need: practical, doable tasks that will transform your Christmas experience.What You'll Discover in This EpisodeKathi and Roger share their top 10 tasks for December 23rd that will pay off big on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. These aren't deep-cleaning projects or Pinterest-worthy overhauls—they're real, achievable actions designed for busy people who want to actually enjoy their holiday.Key Takeaways:Cook three dishes ahead of time - One side, one breakfast item, one dessert to free up oven and fridge space when guests arriveFocus only on main areas - Living room, kitch

If your people are saying, “Please—no more stuff,” this episode is your new holiday playbook. Kathi Lipp and Roger Lipp share 10 consumable gift ideas that show big love without adding to anyone’s storage, from treat boxes and breakfast baskets to dinner kits, coffee/tea samplers, and even the tricky categories—candles, body care, and yes, cleaning supplies (only for the right person!). Listeners will learn Kathi Lipp’s simple 3–6 month test for choosing truly clutter‑free gifts, how to tailor consumables to minimalists, caregivers, and folks in transition, and how to make gift‑giving personal with paper-and-pen “use it up” favorites, baking kits in a bowl, and thoughtful frozen‑food gifts. Plus, Kathi Lipp shares exactly how to ask for consumables this year: “We’d love things we can eat, burn or use up.” Tune in for practical, joy‑filled ideas you can give—or add to your own wish list—so you can love your people well without creating one more thing to declutter.

In this tender episode, Kathi Lipp welcomes friend and author Cheri Fletcher to walk with listeners who are facing a holiday table that’s forever changed. After losing her 29-year-old daughter, Annie, to undiagnosed colorectal cancer, Cheri offers compassionate, practical ideas for navigating Christmas when your capacity is low and your heart is heavy. Listeners will learn:Simple ways to honor someone who is missing—think favorite movies, small touchstones, or wearing a gift—without turning Christmas into a full memorialGiving yourself permission to scale back decor, modify or skip traditions, and ask the most important question: Why am I doing this—comfort or compulsion?How to host kindly when one person wants to talk and another doesn’tPlus what actually helps a grieving friend (hint: do the small things without asking).Cheri introduces her tool, Beyond “I Don’t Know What to Say” grief communication cards—conversation starters that help families find words when grief makes everyone go quiet. If you need a g

In this solo, right-on-time episode, Kathi Lipp shares 10 tiny, high-impact tasks to lower your holiday stress—perfect for the Tuesday before Thanksgiving (and just as helpful for Christmas). Instead of chasing a magazine-perfect home, she helps you remove friction in the exact places that cause chaos. Listeners will hear details of the following 10 small tasks:Clear the "turkey triangle" (sink, oven, main counter)Do a 10-minute fridge edit that saves sanity on ThursdayPre-assign serving dishes so helpers don’t need to ask what goes whereSet up a drink and appetizer station away from the kitchenPrep trash/recycling/compost in advancePost a simple Help List so guests can actually helpGuest bathroom resetCreate a landing zone for coats and bagsDecide on a dishes-and-cleanup plan now, and...Doing one kind thing for "Friday you"—like setting aside leftovers containers and pre-loading the coffee maker.If you’re feeling behind, this episode meets you with grace and gives you a clear, doable path to a calmer holiday

In this episode, Kathi Lipp shares the one tool that rescued her holidays from overwhelm: the Help List. If your brain goes blank when guests ask, “How can I help?” this episode gives you an easy, repeatable system to turn stress into shared responsibility. Listeners will learn how to: - Create a list of five-to-fifteen-minute jobs guests can grab without instructions - Pre-stage hosting tasks (charcuterie tools, serving dishes, bathroom wipe-downs, ice duty) - Delegate non-cooking roles (greeting, recycling runs, kid/dog duty, dessert station) - Keep food hot and transitions smooth with real-life tips from the Clutter Free community (trivets + sticky notes, buffet swap captain, leftovers station) Kathi shows how a simple Help List declutters your mental load and builds a shared home culture—so you can enjoy your people without playing the one-woman show. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthdays, and small groups.

In this tender, timely episode, Kathi Lipp welcomes her friend Tenneil Register to help listeners who feel the pressure to be merry when life hurts. If you’re carrying loss, change, or exhaustion into the holidays, this conversation offers slow, practical steps to honor your grief—and still make room for moments of joy. Listeners will learn how to: Identify your core need this season (quiet, simplicity, or supportive people) and adjust traditions accordinglyCreate a “safe haven” at home or a mobile breathing space to check in with your heartSet loving boundaries and reset expectations with family when energy is lowUse a simple permission slip to skip activities without guiltTry gentle remembrance practices (a candle at dinner, an empty chair, a ribbon or ornament) that bring meaning without overwhelmUse grounding techniques for overstimulation (engage one sense at a time, savor small joys)Build a nourishing rhythm of rest, connection with safe people, and small acts of creationReflect and release—recognizing

In this fun, practical episode, Kathi Lipp and her favorite person, Roger Lipp ,go off the beaten clutter path to share their favorite frugal foodie tool: the Too Good To Go app. If you want great food for a fraction of the price, hate seeing food go to waste, or just need an easy meal that isn’t from your own kitchen, this one’s for you. Listeners will learn: How Too Good To Go works (and when it’s worth it)Their best “surprise bag” wins (pizza, bagels, bakery, gumbo, and more)What to know before you go: pickup windows, freshness, and cancellationsSmart hacks for leftovers: air fryer reheat, freezing donuts, and sharing the bountyWho this is great for (and who should skip it)How to weave it into errands, travel, and low-cost date nights You’ll walk away with a simple, step-by-step plan to save money, reduce waste, and bring a little adventure back to your meals—without adding chaos to your life.

In this quick micro episode, Kathi Lipp pops in to share a simple, powerful way to get your home holiday‑ready: the free 30‑Day 1K Challenge inside the Clutter Free Academy Facebook group. Listeners will learn how to declutter 1,000 items in November by tackling about 40 items a day—with Sundays off and plenty of grace. Members receive a calendar, resources, and daily encouragement to make real progress before Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you’ve been craving accountability, community, and a clear, doable plan, this friendly Facebook group is ready to help you get a thousand items lighter by December 1.

In Part 2 of Kathi's Stress‑Less Holidays series, the creative and clever Tenneil Register joins Kathi as they get practical about creating a peaceful, people‑loving holiday—without running yourself ragged. Listeners will learn:How to communicate boundaries early (and kindly)Why writing your boundaries down reduces dramaHow a simple printed agenda can keep a blended‑family gathering calmPre‑decluttering guest spaces to avoid stash‑and‑dash panicEasy guest‑room touches that feel welcoming (without staging a hotel)The power of starting a donation box now so there’s room for people, presents, and peace. You’ll hear smart ideas for thrifted gifting, family‑first traditions (hello, UNO and naps), and planning charitable giving in advance so it comes from joy, not guilt. If you want a holiday that’s calmer, kinder, and centered on what matters most, this episode offers doable steps you can start today.

In this Part 1 holiday prep episode, Kathi Lipp and the always creative Tenneil Register share practical, low‑energy strategies to help listeners enjoy a calmer, more meaningful season. If you’re short on time, money, or emotional bandwidth, start here. You’ll learn how to declutter before decorating (and why a single focal point may be all you need), simple ways to streamline gift giving for big families, how to audit your calendar for joy instead of obligation, and how to pre‑plan holiday meals that won’t leave you buried in dishes. Tenneil also shares her hospitality bin idea so you’re always ready for guests without last‑minute scrambling. Listen in for doable steps you can take now to reduce December stress and increase December joy.

In this candid Clutter Free Academy episode, Kathi and Roger share how a sudden shift to long COVID reshaped their energy, rhythms, and home—and the simple, grace-filled systems helping them keep life peaceful and clutter free. Listeners will learn:How to reframe success when your “plate” gets smaller and energy is limitedThe “energy budget” mindset that helps you spend your effort where it mattersMeal strategies that don’t require chef-level energy (hello, rotisserie chicken + prepared foods)Easy home adaptations that save steps: snack stations, overbed tables, and a shower stoolThe emotional shift from guilt to acceptance—and how gratitude lightens the loadWhy decluttering brings immediate peace in a tough seasonHow to reset holiday expectations and ask for help without shame If you’re navigating illness, caregiving, burnout, or just a low-energy chapter, this episode will help you simplify plans, protect your energy, and find beauty in a smaller, saner life—one small doable step at a time.

In this Clutter Free Academy episode, Kathi Lipp and Tonya Kubo invite listeners into a simple, quick-win challenge: the junk drawer. Using the Ulysses rule (pre-commitment plus accountability), they guide you to post a before photo in the Clutter Free Academy Facebook group, do short sessions throughout the week, and share your after on Friday—so you can finally get that satisfying progress you can see. Listeners will learn: Why the junk drawer is the perfect place to start (everyone has one, and it’s a fast win)How before-and-after photos retrain your brain to notice progressEasy systems to keep it tidy: involving zip top bags, Sharpie marker and Post-it notes How to ‘outsmart your future self’ with simple habit swaps (try a morning reset if evening resets fail) and pre-commitment strategies that hold steady when life gets stormy. Jump into the community challenge, get accountability, and walk away with a drawer that finally works for your real life.

In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp and co-host Tonya Kubo unpack the Ulysses rule—making a decision in a calm moment to protect your tired future self—and apply it to everyday decluttering. If you’ve ever believed your future self will “feel like it later,” this conversation is your gentle wake-up call. Kathi shares real-life “tie yourself to the mast” strategies: put your keys in the lunch bag so you don’t forget it, lay clothes on the bed so they must be put away before sleep, schedule regular donation pickups to create a decluttering deadline, and use grocery pickup, batch cooking, and a small rice cooker to simplify meals and reduce decision fatigue. Tonya adds her own accountability and evening wind-down moves that make mornings smoother for the whole family. Listeners are invited into an easy win: the Junk Drawer Challenge. Post your junk drawer “before” in Clutter Free Academy today and your “after” by Friday. Short, compassionate systems—not willpower—are what keep homes peaceful and

If your books are managing you (not the other way around), this episode is your 15‑minute reset. Kathi Lipp walks you through a simple, shelf‑by‑shelf plan to create a peaceful, findable home library you’ll actually use—without losing the joy of reading. Listeners will learn:   • The MEET method to make your library pay you back (Money, Energy, Emotional bandwidth, and Time)  • Kathi’s three zero‑guilt questions to decide what stays and what goes  • Forever Shelf vs Flow Shelf: two simple zones that make your system maintainable  • Why capacity matters (and why you don’t need more shelves)  • How to stop “buying to become” and end guilt stacks  • Practical upkeep: one‑in‑one‑out, return stations, and exit strategies (little libraries, friends, donations)  • Where to house TBR (hint: it’s not your nightstand!)   Plus, Kathi Lipp shares a favorite Forever Shelf pick and introduces "Jesus Was," a thoughtful, conversation‑starting book she endorsed by her dear friend Susy Flory—perfect for souls that ne

The space under your bed might be the most neglected—and mysterious—storage zone in your home. In this quick, practical episode, Kathi Lipp and Tonya Kubo equip you with simple steps to declutter the hidden chaos beneath your bed. You’ll learn the best way to tackle dust, discover what actually belongs in this space (and what definitely doesn’t), and get favorite solutions for easy, clutter-free storage—even if you’re short on closet space! Whether you struggle with allergies, have kids who love hiding treasures under the bed, or just want to make the most of every inch in your home, this episode is loaded with relatable ideas and proven tips. Listen in, laugh along, and finally say goodbye to that under-bed pit of mystery—for good!  This episode’s full show notes and resources can be found here.  

Are you tired of feeling like you’re living on an endless treadmill of tidying up, only to have chaos sneak right back in? This week on the Clutter Free Podcast, Kathi dives deep into the secret reason behind recurring clutter—and why baskets and labels alone aren’t the fix your soul is craving. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or ashamed of your mess, you’re not alone. Tune in for practical, faith-filled strategies that break the cycle for good, plus real talk on battling perfectionism, overcoming guilt, and creating a peaceful haven without losing your mind or your faith. Whether you’re managing family clutter or just wondering if you’ll ever find the bottom of the laundry pile, this episode will inspire you to reclaim your home, your peace, and your sense of possibility. Grab your coffee (and maybe a basket or two), and let’s start decluttering for good—together!  View this episode’s full show notes and resources here. 

Are you worn out from battling clutter and not seeing the progress you’d hoped for? In this heartfelt episode, Kathi Lipp and Tonya Kubo explore the reality of declutter fatigue and why, for so many women, the journey can feel never-ending. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just plain tired of trying—this conversation offers practical hope and encouragement. Kathi and Tonya candidly tackle the frustration and emotional load that comes with decluttering, share faith-based wisdom for those tough days, and offer four simple steps to help you restart your journey with renewed energy. Tune in to discover how God meets you in the mess and how you can break free from the clutter cycle—for good.   Find this episode’s full show notes and resources here.

Is your clutter making a comeback…again? You tidy up, you declutter, but somehow, all those piles and projects sneak right back into your life. If you’ve ever felt defeated when the mess keeps resurfacing, this episode will speak right to your heart.    Join Kathi and her guest, Tenneil Register, as they unpack the real reasons why lasting organization seems so hard—and how you can break the cycle for good. They talk through absolutely doable steps for busy, overwhelmed women, get real about guilt and grace, and reveal how faith can shift your mindset about home and stuff.    Whether you’re trying the "one-drawer challenge" or just wishing someone else would do the laundry, you’ll find encouragement (with a little laughter!) and practical hope for creating peace in your home that truly lasts.    Catch this episode’s full show notes and resources here.