Episode 6: Decluttering When Overwhelmed
🎙️ In this episode of The JJs Declutter Podcast, Julie and Janis tackle one of the biggest challenges of decluttering: feeling overwhelmed. Whether you're facing decision fatigue or emotional attachment to items, they've got you covered with practical tips, mindset shifts, and strategies to make decluttering manageable—and maybe even fun!
Episode Highlights:
- [00:00:06] Why Decluttering Feels Overwhelming:
Emotional attachments, guilt, and decision fatigue make decluttering harder than it seems. Julie and Janis break down these barriers and how to overcome them. - [00:02:55] Mindset Shifts That Work:
- [00:03:14] Embrace progress over perfection.
- [00:03:46] Set realistic expectations—celebrate small wins like clearing a single box!
- [00:04:08] Reframe decluttering as creating space for what you love, not losing things.
- [00:04:31] Give yourself permission to let go of items that no longer serve you.
- [00:05:06] Quick and Practical Strategies:
- [00:05:19] The Decluttering Dozen: Set a 12-minute timer and declutter with focus.
- [00:05:38] Keep or LETS GO System: Use five labeled boxes (Keep, Lives Elsewhere, Trash, Sentimental, Goes Out) to simplify decision-making.
- [00:05:56] Declutter by Category: Focus on one category, like books or clothes, rather than rooms.
- [00:06:28] One In/Two Out Rule: For every new item, let go of two to keep clutter in check.
- [00:07:00] Focus on High-Impact Areas: Start with spaces like your kitchen or nightstand for visible results.
- [00:07:22] Bonus Tips:
- Find an accountability partner or join the ABC DEclutter with JJ's free Facebook community for support.
- Turn decluttering into a game—set a timer and challenge yourself!
- [00:07:45] Recap:
- Overwhelm is normal—shift your mindset, break the process into small tasks, and remember every little bit counts.
- Celebrate your wins and focus on progress, not perfection.
Take Action:
- [00:08:23] Spend 12 minutes today decluttering a space—whether it’s your desk, car, or that mysterious pile on your kitchen counter.
Share Your Wins:
We’d love to hear about your decluttering victories or funniest discoveries! Tag us on social media:
💡 If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend who could use a little decluttering inspiration. Don’t forget to subscribe for more tips and encouragement.
🎧 Listen now on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Lf6Uy-ZkuHw
✨ Until next time, keep it simple, keep it intentional, and, as always, keep decluttering!
Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!
