Cassandra Aarssen's Blog

I’m sharing 25 essential ways to prepare your home for winter so you can stay warm, save money, prevent costly repairs, and make your home super cozy for the entire season.  Because after all… “Winter is coming”

Winter Home Prep Checklist:

Change Your Furnace Filter – Keeps the air cleaner and saves money on energy bills.

Clean Out the Eavestroughs (Gutters) – Prevents icicles, roof damage, pests, and basement flooding.

Rotate Seasonal Footwear and Outerwear – Swap out summer gear, check that winter boots, coats, and mittens fit.

Declutter the Entryway and Donate Outgrown Winter Gear – Create space and support local charities.

Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses – Prevents frozen hoses and burst pipes.

Shut Off and Drain Outdoor Water Lines – Protects pipes from freezing and cracking.

Refill Bird Feeders and Feed Outdoor Wildlife – Helps wild birds and critters through the cold months.

Hang Birdhouses and Squirrel Shelters – Create cozy outdoor homes for animals like the backyard albino squirrel.

Pack Up and Clean Outdoor Cushions and Furniture – Prevents mold and damage; store them dry.

Cover the Grill/Barbecue – Keeps it protected from snow and ice.

Cut Back Perennials in the Garden – Supports plant health and reduces spring cleanup.

Mulch or Protect Delicate Plants – Use mulch, straw, or covers for plants like lavender.

Empty and Clean Dead Hanging Pots – Prevents mess and makes spring gardening easier.

Bring Potted Plants Indoors (Optional) – Try to overwinter ferns or other tender plants inside or in the garage.

Check Windows and Doors for Drafts – Use a candle to test and apply weather stripping as needed.

Install Thermal Curtains – Helps insulate windows and saves on heating.

Declutter Interior Spaces – Tackle excess items before you’re cooped up for the winter.

Set a 30-Minute Decluttering Timer – Quick wins! Focus on paper piles, kitchen extras, or catch-all zones.

Create or Restock an Emergency Kit – Include flashlights, batteries, candles, snacks, and lighters.

Check Flashlights for Working Batteries – Replace any that don’t work.

Gather and Store Extra Candles and Lighters – Scented candles = cozy emergencies.

Stockpile Non-Perishable Snacks – For power outages or unexpected snow days.

Test All Smoke Detectors – Ensure they’re working and replace old batteries.

Check Carbon Monoxide Detectors – Critical in winter when heating systems are in use.

Get Cozy and Enjoy Your Clean, Prepped Home – Celebrate your efforts and relax!

 🏡 Click here for more home checklists and guides

🎙 Subscribe to my Podcast Channel & Get Inspired! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzb9pSHe_w_e1jeg5BaK-bQ? sub_confirmation=1

🧺 ORGANIZING & STORAGE SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR UNIQUE ORGANIZING STYLE: https://clutterbug.me/2025/02/storage-and-organizing-solutions-to-fit-your-style.html

✨ DECLUTTER & CLEAN LIKE A PRO – My Top Picks
Fave Cleaning Tools : https://urlgeni.us/amazon/2xYW0
Fave Organizing Solutions: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/JOrJm
Kitchen Organizing Faves: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/8YWRx
🛍️ SHOP MY AMAZON: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/Clutterbug

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Some links are Amazon affiliate links to products I love!  I may earn a small commissions for purchases made through these links (but don’t worry, it doesn’t cost you anything extra)

Today is a super special day – it’s our 300th podcast episode, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate it with YOU! This milestone is all about you, your stories, and the amazing things you do while listening to this podcast. Spoiler alert: laundry seems to be the winner, and honestly, I get it – laundry is the WORST chore. But together, we’re tackling it and celebrating every success, big or small.

In this episode, I share a very personal story about a recent health challenge and the chaos that greeted me when I emerged from my “recovery cave.” From mountains of laundry to messy floors, life threw me a curveball, but I took back control – and you can too!

This episode is packed with inspiration, real-life moments, and the reminder that no matter how defeated we feel, we have the power to take action and turn things around. So grab your laundry, set a timer, and let’s kick some butt together. 

Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Let’s celebrate this milestone and keep moving forward together. You’ve got this!

Want to record a question or message for me?! Go to www.clutterbug.com/TalkToCas and record a message now!

Let’s be real: overconsumption is everywhere — and it’s gross. From late-night Amazon hauls to $8 lattes, we’re all guilty of it sometimes. But it’s not just the big splurges. It’s the slow drip of unnecessary stuff that eats up our money and our space.

Today, I’m sharing 30 weird (and maybe controversial) things I’ve stopped buying — and honestly? I don’t miss a single one. This isn’t about shame or judgment. It’s about asking, “Do I actually need this… or have I just been marketed into thinking I do?”

If you’re ready to declutter your spending, your habits, and maybe even your kitchen drawers — let’s dive in.

Here’s a list of 30 things I’ve cut from my shopping list — and not only do I not miss them, I feel lighter for it.

1. Kleenex

This one gets people riled up, but we’ve never been a tissue family. Toilet paper does the job just fine, even for allergies and colds. When guests ask, “Do you have any Kleenex?” the answer is no — and I’m okay with that.

2. Paper Napkins

We keep a few for company, but day to day? Nope. We eat with utensils and wash our hands if things get messy. Cloth napkins are for décor only  because we’re not that fancy  😆

3. Bulk Food

I used to think buying in bulk was a money-saver. Turns out, it just meant more waste. Stale snacks, forgotten extras in the back of the pantry — it wasn’t worth the space or the cost.

4. Trendy Diet Foods

Protein bars, keto snacks, gluten-free this or that… I tried them all. They’re expensive, often taste like cardboard, and half the time I never finished the box.

5. Juice

When my kids were little, I felt like juice was a must-have. But no one actually drank it, and we haven’t bought it in years. It’s sugary, takes up fridge space, and we genuinely don’t miss it.

6. Bottled Water

We use refillable bottles instead. It’s cheaper, better for the environment, and one less thing to haul home from the store.

7. Cooking Spray

I swapped it for a $15 refillable oil sprayer, and it’s been a total upgrade. I just pour in olive oil and go.

8. Mouthwash

I used to think it was essential for oral hygiene. But it never felt effective, and once I stopped buying it, I realized I didn’t need it at all.

9. Women’s Razors

Same blades, different price. I ditched the pink tax and just use men’s razors. They work just as well and cost less.

10. Shaving Cream

Growing up, we never used it. I still don’t. A little soap or conditioner does the job just fine — no foam required.

11. Antacids and Habitual Meds

I used to pop Tums constantly. Then I stopped. And guess what? I stopped needing them. Same with eye drops and nasal sprays — my body just adjusted.

12. Disinfecting Wipes

They don’t disinfect the way we think, they create waste, and they’re overpriced. A cloth and all-purpose spray is just as good — better, even.

13. Specialty Cleaners

Granite polish, stainless steel spray, tub foams — I’ve tested them all. Most are just overpriced versions of what a good glass cleaner or multi-purpose spray can do.

14. Fabric Softener & Scent Beads

At one point I was adding three different “scent boosters” to my laundry. Now I just use detergent — sometimes a dryer sheet if needed — and everything still comes out clean and fresh.

15. Beauty Gadgets

Jade rollers, red light masks, weird vibrating tools… I bought into the hype, but I never saw results. They just became more clutter.

16. Kitchen Gadgets

Spiralizers, avocado slicers, pineapple corers — you name it, I’ve tried it. And most of them just ended up collecting dust. A good knife does the trick.

17. Lottery Tickets

My dad once told me the lottery is “a tax on the stupid.” Harsh, but honestly? He wasn’t wrong. I used to buy them regularly. Now I save the money — and the disappointment.

18. Plastic Straws

Canada banned them, and at first, I was annoyed. But now? I don’t miss them at all. We use glass straws and haven’t looked back since.

19. Greeting Cards

I know they come from a good place, but I can’t justify spending $6 on a piece of paper that ends up in a drawer (or the trash). I show love in other ways now.

20. Planners & Calendars

Every December, I used to think the perfect planner would change my life. Spoiler: It never did. I’ve learned to stop falling for the promise of organization in a spiral-bound notebook.

21. Souvenirs (for other people)

If I went to Paris, I might want a tiny Eiffel Tower. But nobody else needs one. We can remember our own trips — we don’t need clutter from someone else’s.

22. Collectibles

I had one angel figurine. Then everyone decided I collected angels. Before I knew it, my shelves were full of ceramic cherubs I didn’t want. Lesson learned.

23. Extended Warranties

They sound smart, but they’re usually just upsells. I’ve said no to every single one — and I’ve never regretted it.

24. Temu and Shein Hauls

Cheap stuff feels like a bargain, but almost everything I’ve ordered from those sites turned out to be low quality, badly fitting, or just… junk. Never again.

25. Gimmicky “As Seen on TV” Products

Every time I see a viral kitchen gadget or cleaning tool, I pause now. Most of them are short-lived thrills that become long-term clutter.

26. “But It’s on Sale!” Buys

If I wasn’t looking for it before, I don’t need it just because it’s 90% off. I’ve learned to stop confusing a good deal with a good decision.

27. Subscription Boxes

FabFitFun, magazines, random boxes of surprise goodies — they always started out exciting, then turned into unopened clutter. I canceled them all.

28. Birthday Party Decorations

Streamers, balloons, themed plates… I used to go all-out. Now we keep it simple. The memories still happen, even without the Pinterest-worthy setup.

29. Workout Clothes

I used to buy leggings and sports bras like I was heading to the Olympics. Now I just work out in comfy joggers and a loose t-shirt — way better.

30. Things I Buy on Autopilot

This is the big one. A lot of what I used to buy was out of habit — not need. Taking a second to pause and question why I was buying something helped me save money, space, and a whole lot of mental clutter.

I’m not telling you to stop buying everything. But I am saying: take a minute and reassess. Maybe your version of “Kleenex” is subscription boxes or bulk groceries. Maybe you love workout gear — that’s great!

But when we stop buying out of habit, we save money, we reduce clutter, and we stop feeding the overconsumption beast.

🎙 Subscribe to my Podcast Channel & Get Inspired! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzb9pSHe_w_e1jeg5BaK-bQ? sub_confirmation=1

🧺 ORGANIZING & STORAGE SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR UNIQUE ORGANIZING STYLE: https://clutterbug.me/2025/02/storage-and-organizing-solutions-to-fit-your-style.html

✨ DECLUTTER & CLEAN LIKE A PRO – My Top Picks
Fave Cleaning Tools : https://urlgeni.us/amazon/2xYW0
Fave Organizing Solutions: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/JOrJm
Kitchen Organizing Faves: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/8YWRx
🛍️ SHOP MY AMAZON: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/Clutterbug

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Some links are Amazon affiliate links to products I love!  I may earn a small commissions for purchases made through these links (but don’t worry, it doesn’t cost you anything extra)

#clutterbug #thingsidontbuy #savemoney #organization #organizing #homeorganizing

We’ve been fed a huge lie — that the stuff in our storage rooms or storage units is worth money. It’s not! The truth is, your “storage treasures” are probably costing you thousands of dollars and stealing valuable space in your home. I’m sharing my own story of how I turned a cluttered storage room into a home office, added $15,000 of value to my house, and never missed a single thing I let go of.

You’ll learn how to figure out what your storage is really costing you, the mindset traps that keep us holding on to stuff “just in case,” and my simple decluttering rules to help you decide what’s actually worth keeping. I also talk about why “preservation becomes paralysis” — and how freeing yourself from storage clutter can literally give you more time, money, and peace of mind.

To enter the first-ever Clutterbug Storage Wars contest, email makeover@clutterbug.com with the subject line Storage Wars, and include:

A photo or quick video of your storage space (room or unit)

A short introduction about yourself and which of the 5 D’s (downsizing, decluttering, divorce, death, or deployment) applies to you

If your kitchen feels chaotic too, check out my YouTube video on how to organize it based on your Clutterbug type:https://youtu.be/ZyMPNykNSMc

It’s time to stop paying for clutter and start creating space for the life you actually want.

This year’s Christmas trend is giving Grandma’s house energy—with a side of high-end Ralph Lauren vibes. Think deep reds, hunter greens, tartan plaids, gingerbread everything, and that magical warmth you remember from the ‘90s.

The best part? You don’t need a Pottery Barn budget to get the look. I’m sharing a bunch of easy, affordable DIYs (all from Dollar Tree!) that’ll make your home feel festive!

1. Bottle Brush Tree Display

Pottery Barn’s $150 version? Gorgeous.
My DIY version? $24 and just as dreamy.

Grab a bunch of bottle brush trees (Dollar Tree has them in every colour right now—run!), glue them to a flat surface (I flipped a Dollar Tree sign), and arrange them by height and colour. Hide the base with white sprigs, faux snow, or batting. Add fairy lights, and you’ve got yourself a magical mini forest.

2. Gingerbread Houses

Gingerbread is everywhere this season, but baking a whole village? No thanks.
Instead, head to the toy aisle and grab those tiny pink plastic houses or ceramic Christmas houses. Spray paint them brown (I used Rustoleum “nutmeg” colour), and use a white Sharpie to “ice” them.

Seriously, that’s it.

🎄 Don’t worry about being artsy. Just follow the outlines on the houses and pop on a Christmas movie while you doodle.

3. Mini Faux Lanterns

TikTok made me do it, and I’m glad it did. These little lantern jars look high-end and give your mantel a cozy glow.

You’ll need:

Dollar Tree candleholdersMini jars or containersFake snow, a bottlebrush tree, and a mini truckA push light that fits inside the lid

Hot glue it all together, top it with a bow or faux greenery, and you’ve got a magical winter lantern. All for under $5.

4. Christmas Dishes

Vintage Christmas dishes are back, baby. And the Dollar Tree has gorgeous green plates with trees, tartan patterns, and matching mugs. Grab a dinner plate, a salad plate, and a cloth napkin for a table that’s ready to celebrate!

And yes, you have to store them. But for $1.75 per piece, it’s worth it for that once-a-year wow.

5. Placemats Turned Into Cozy Throw Pillows

Forget sewing from scratch. My genius friend Jess showed me this trick: Stuff a placemat. Seriously.

Cut a small slit in the back, fill it with fluff or an old pillow (or even a stuffed animal you’re decluttering), and boom—you’ve got a trendy tartan pillow that looks like it came from Pottery Barn. Except it cost under $2.

I may have a throw pillow addiction now.

6. Hot Chocolate Mugs

This DIY made me giddy. Take a mug (spray paint it brown for a gingerbread look), fill it with paper and lightweight spackle, then pipe it like frosting using a Ziploc bag. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon and a cinnamon stick or straw, and it’ll look like real hot cocoa.

Great for tiered trays or kitchen shelves—and no mess!

🧁 Bonus: You can do this in jars, too, with candy canes and sprinkles.

7. Snowball Garland Lights (Pottery Barn Dupe!)

I saw this on the Pottery Barn site for $150 and almost choked.
So I DIY’d it with Amazon LED string lights and Dollar Tree white pom poms. Just hot glue them on—done.

It took 20 minutes and completely transformed my window. You can also glue on snowflakes instead of pom poms if that’s more your style. Either way, it’s whimsical, cozy, and so much cheaper.

8. Wrap It All Up

If you don’t want to add clutter, use wrapping paper as decor.
Wrap your existing wall art, storage boxes, or even cookbooks in plaid or vintage holiday prints. I covered all my blue-toned art with red plaid, and it instantly made the room feel Christmassy.

🎁 Easy. Cheap. Reversible. No extra storage needed.

9. Nostalgia Is the Vibe This Year

This whole trend—Grandma’s Christmas, Ralph Lauren vibes—is about comfort, simplicity, and joy. We’re all craving a bit of that magic from the ‘90s. The snowmen, tartan bows, ceramic teapots… it’s not about perfection. It’s about heart.

If you’ve got old decor tucked away in bins—or sentimental things you almost decluttered—dust them off and use them. Add practical pieces that also look cute. This year’s trend celebrates eclectic, cozy, and useful…and honestly, I’m here for it! 

The bottom line is you don’t have to spend a fortune to make your home feel festive!
With a little creativity, some Dollar Tree finds, and a glue gun , you can create a space that feels nostalgic and joyful!

🎄 Find more Christmas Inspo HERE! 

Shop the Products I used in this video that are not available at Dollar Tree

Products in CANADA:
Fast N’ Final Spackling – https://amzn.to/47M4DGU
Spray Paint – Nutmeg – https://amzn.to/47M4DGU
White Paint Marker – https://amzn.to/48QnCRV
Curtain String Lights – https://amzn.to/47y1byt
Poly fill – https://amzn.to/4nxghdJ

Products in USA:
Fast N’ Final Spackling – https://amzn.to/3JuHZcZ
Spray Paint – Nutmeg – https://amzn.to/3X1z3Pi
White Paint Marker – https://amzn.to/4qvcZKD
Curtain String Lights – https://amzn.to/47L3orB
Poly Fill – https://amzn.to/43M3QU3

🎙 Subscribe to my Podcast Channel & Get Inspired! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzb9pSHe_w_e1jeg5BaK-bQ? sub_confirmation=1

🧺 ORGANIZING & STORAGE SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR UNIQUE ORGANIZING STYLE: https://clutterbug.me/2025/02/storage-and-organizing-solutions-to-fit-your-style.html

✨ DECLUTTER & CLEAN LIKE A PRO – My Top Picks
Fave Cleaning Tools : https://urlgeni.us/amazon/2xYW0
Fave Organizing Solutions: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/JOrJm
Kitchen Organizing Faves: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/8YWRx
🛍️ SHOP MY AMAZON: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/Clutterbug

📲 Let’s Get Social! Follow Me Here ↓
Instagram: https://urlgeni.us/instagram/ffwh
Facebook: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/Clutterbug
TikTok: https://urlgeni.us/tiktok/TikTokClutterbug
Website: http://www.clutterbug.me

Some links are Amazon affiliate links to products I love!  I may earn a small commissions for purchases made through these links (but don’t worry, it doesn’t cost you anything extra)

Feeling overwhelmed, overbooked, or constantly racing the clock? You might be struggling with time anxiety — that never-ending feeling that there’s not enough time to do everything.

In this episode of The Clutterbug Podcast, I’m joined by Chris Guillebeau, New York Times bestselling author of The Art of Nonconformity and Time Anxiety, to explore how to declutter your schedule, reclaim your focus, and finally stop feeling behind.

Together, we chat about:
✅ The difference between time anxiety and time blindness
✅ How ADHD and perfectionism feed overwhelm
✅ The power of “time decluttering” to simplify your days
✅ Finding joy, purpose, and calm in your everyday routine

If you’ve ever felt like you’re running out of time or that life is passing too fast, this episode will change how you think about productivity forever. Tune in to learn how to create more time for what truly matters — and live a calmer, more intentional life.

You can learn more about Chris Guillebeau and his work at:

Website: https://chrisguillebeau.com/Book: https://chrisguillebeau.com/booksInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/193countries/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrisguillebeau/

Chris also hosts the NeuroDiversion 2026 Event in Austin, Texas — a fun, inclusive celebration of ADHD, autism, and neurodivergence. Learn more or grab tickets here: https://www.neurodiversion.org/

Feeling stressed this holiday season? Download my free Holiday Home Planner for easy checklists and gift guides to stay organized and stress-free: https://clutterbug.me/holidayhome

Clutter can be creepy. From stinky surprises to almost losing everything (including thousands of dollars!), these real-life clutter horror stories are your official warning signs.

But don’t worry, these stories are here to motivate, not terrify. So by the end you’ll be reaching for a  trash bag to  declutter a drawer, a corner, a closet – whatever you need to!

Let’s dive into these spooky (but totally true) tales.

1. Tale of the Worst Hoarding House in History

Hoarding often starts with good intentions… but it can spiral fast.  Like this most infamous hoarding case of all time—the Collyer brothers. Rich, educated, and eccentric, Homer and Langley Collyer lived in a New York brownstone that became a fortress of clutter and booby traps,

Langley, trying to care for his blind and paralyzed brother, and protect their home from people breaking in (this was during the depression) filled the home with newspapers, junk, and eventually trash.  In order to get around, they created tunnels through the mountains of stuff.

Tragically, both brothers passed away inside the cluttered house, one of them trapped for days under his own booby trap. 😨

2. Hidden Baby Shower Treasure

While helping a family member tidy up her room (a.k.a. laundry mountain), I found a grocery bag filled with baby shower cards from seven years earlier. Inside? Checks, cash, and gift cards that had. been forgotten about.

The cash was still good… but the gift cards and checks? 💸 Gone forever.

Moral of the story: Clutter hides treasures. Go open that junk drawer or mail pile—you might find dinner money waiting for you!

3. PSA: Don’t Hide Dirty Dishes in the Oven

Confession time: when I was at my messiest, I would hide dirty dishes in the oven when guests came over. Not once… not twice… MULTIPLE times.

One day, I preheated the oven with forgotten plastic containers inside. Let’s just say the smell was next-level. 🔥 Melted Tupperware is not the air freshener you want and it was almost impossible to clean! .

Lesson learned!

4. Trapped by Clutter

As a volunteer firefighter, I went to a call where a garage fire trapped the homeowner inside. Their only escape route—the back door—was completely blocked with clutter.

They got out through a window (thankfully), but it was a close call.

This is serious: Make sure exits and windows aren’t blocked. Your safety matters more than your stuff.

5. The Almost Collapsed Bathroom

While decluttering, one of my virtual clients discovered a tiny leak under her bathroom sink… that had been dripping for possibly 20 years. 😱

Because the space was packed with clutter, she never saw the water damage. By the time we cleared it out, the floor joists were rotted, and the bathroom was at risk of collapsing and she had to spend thousands repairing it!

Don’t wait to declutter under sinks and check for leaks—it could save you lots of money if you catch leaks early

6. Mouse Mayhem

This one still gives me the heebie-jeebies!

During a free makeover for a sweet family, we found signs of mice… and then discovered a nest of baby mice living under the sofa. Pink, squirmy, and so many of them.

The clutter had created the perfect hideout for them. With some decluttering and pest control, we got it sorted—but I still get the shivers.

Remember: Clutter can be a real cozy place for pests.

7. My Moldy Organizer Graveyard

In my own home, I stashed extra organizing products in the cold storage room… without realizing it leaked. And let me tell you—mold doesn’t mess around.

Half the stuff was ruined, and I had to toss bags of it. Luckily, I caught it before it got toxic, but it was a close one.

Pro tip: Mold loves cluttered, damp spaces. Run a dehumidifier, give your basement some airflow, and clear those stacks of boxes.

8. Hot Mess House Secrets

On an early (never-aired) episode of Hot Mess House, we helped a family with a laundry room packed to eye level. When we dug deeper, we found black mold. Why?

A leaking water heater, soaking through clothes, toys, and everything else. All of it had to be thrown away—including nearly every piece of clothing the family owned.

9. Lost Inheritance

After a relative passed, we had to search through their hoarded home for a will. Emotions were high, stuff was everywhere, and distant family members were grabbing anything they thought looked valuable.

Eventually, we found the will—which listed my father-in-law as the beneficiary…and in the attic, a lockbox with diamonds and rare coins worth thousands. 😮

Final thought: Clutter can rob your family of memories, money, and peace. Get those important documents and keepsakes organized now so you’re not leaving a mystery behind or worse…your loved ones unable to find your precious items.

These stories aren’t just cautionary tales. They’re reminders that a little bit of decluttering can go a long way. Mold, leaks, fire hazards, pests, and lost money—those things are scary but decluttering doesn’t have to be.

🎙 Subscribe to my Podcast Channel & Get Inspired! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzb9pSHe_w_e1jeg5BaK-bQ? sub_confirmation=1

🧺 ORGANIZING & STORAGE SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR UNIQUE ORGANIZING STYLE: https://clutterbug.me/2025/02/storage-and-organizing-solutions-to-fit-your-style.html

✨ DECLUTTER & CLEAN LIKE A PRO – My Top Picks
Fave Cleaning Tools : https://urlgeni.us/amazon/2xYW0
Fave Organizing Solutions: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/JOrJm
Kitchen Organizing Faves: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/8YWRx
🛍️ SHOP MY AMAZON: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/Clutterbug

📲 Let’s Get Social! Follow Me Here ↓
Instagram: https://urlgeni.us/instagram/ffwh
Facebook: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/Clutterbug
TikTok: https://urlgeni.us/tiktok/TikTokClutterbug
Website: http://www.clutterbug.me

Some links are Amazon affiliate links to products I love!  I may earn a small commissions for purchases made through these links (but don’t worry, it doesn’t cost you anything extra)

If you’re tired of clutter, chaos, and holiday stress, this tough-love decluttering pep talk is for you. I’m sharing how I finally stopped blaming myself for the mess and started getting mad at the real problem — the stuff stealing my space, time, and peace.

In this episode, I talk about what it really takes to get ruthless with your home, set boundaries before the holidays hit, and finally break free from guilt, shame, and “what-ifs.” You’ll learn how to declutter fast, say no without feeling bad, and make room for the things (and people) that actually matter.

I’m also diving into how to simplify Halloween, prepare for Christmas early, and protect your energy during the busiest season of the year — all while keeping your home calm, cozy, and clutter-free.

If you’re ready to take control, ditch the overwhelm, and fall back in love with your home, grab a trash bag and let’s do this together.

 

#clutterbug #motivation #toughlove #declutter #decluttermotivation #motivation

In this massive clutter transformation I help Jessica McCabe from How to ADHD tackle her messiest, cluttered room and turn it into a cozy retreat space — all virtually over Zoom! 

This “doom room” was a space that became the dumping ground for everything she didn’t know what to do with.

This room wasn’t just cluttered. It was emotional. It held grief, guilt, overwhelm, and unfinished business. But with a little help, Jessica and her partner Raphael tackled this challenge head-on, turning their most stressful space into a soothing sanctuary.

Here’s how we did it—and how you can transform your own “doom room” into something beautiful.

If you struggle with ADHD, clutter, or messy rooms, this is your sign to start your own transformation today!

The Real-Life Behind the Scenes

Jessica and Raphael had already transformed most of their home during a previous in-person makeover with me (you can catch that video here), but one space remained untouched: the multi-purpose spare room. It was supposed to be a workout room, guest space, gaming den, and self-care retreat. Instead, it became the place where clutter went to die.

On top of that, life had hit them hard. Grief, loss, surgery, and parenting all at once. So why declutter now?

Because when life gets heavy, creating a calming space isn’t a luxury—it’s survival.

Gamification

To make decluttering feel less like a chore and more like a challenge, Jessica and Raphael turned their cleanup into a full-blown Dungeons & Dragons-style quest. The clutter? Monsters. The trash bag? A sword. The donation box? A shield.

This fun and ADHD-friendly approach shut off the overthinking and helped them take action. They weren’t just tidying—they were battling dragons. (And winning!)

Setting Boundaries

One of the biggest lessons? Every room needs a purpose—and boundaries.

Jessica wanted to use the space for self-care and workouts, while Raphael wanted a place for his collectibles and gaming. We divided the room into clearly defined zones:

Jessica’s Zone: The walk-in closet became a self-care haven with workout gear and soothing touches.

Raphael’s Zone: A small cubby transformed into a personalized spot for memorabilia and Magic cards.

We followed the container concept—only keeping what fits in the space and made sure nothing else snuck in. No “just-in-case” storage. No clothes. No overflow.

The bottom line: if it didn’t fit into the room’s overall purpose, it had to go!

Facing the Emotional Clutter

Decluttering isn’t just about stuff—it’s about feelings. Jessica confronted sentimental items tied to her late dog and family members, realizing that some things didn’t bring comfort—they brought pain.

One of the biggest breakthroughs came when she decided to let go of a leash that only reminded her of loss. That moment was powerful. Emotional clutter is still clutter, and releasing it creates space for healing.

The same went for Raphael. He had been holding onto large paintings gifted by his mother, feeling obligated to hang them—even though they didn’t match the room or bring joy. After some heartfelt conversations, he let them go. And the relief was instant.

Adding Beauty to Purpose

One unexpected design idea changed everything. We added a forest-themed peel-and-stick mural inside the closet to create a hidden oasis that felt magical and inviting.

This tiny visual cue made the space feel special. Suddenly, it wasn’t just a closet. It was a retreat.

One quick hack : make it pretty and you’ll be amazed at how that helps you to keep a space tidy!

Good Enough is Great

Throughout the process, we celebrated “good enough.” Whether it was using temporary shelving or setting up zones without fancy bins, Jessica and Raphael learned to silence perfectionism and embrace progress.

We focused on:

Closing the loop: Taking out the trash, delivering donations, and finishing each task.

Asking for help: Letting go of the pressure to do it all alone.

Letting go of guilt: Saying goodbye to items that no longer serve you, even if they were gifts.

The Reveal

After weeks of effort, I finally got to see the finished space and I was blown away!

The room now radiates calm. Jessica created a beautiful, organized haven with her massage table, cozy blankets, live plants, and even a towel warmer. Raphael found his groove too, carving out a meaningful corner just for himself.

Together, they reclaimed their room and a huge part of their peace of mind.

What This Teaches Us About Clutter

We often think clutter is just a mess. But for many of us—especially those with ADHD—clutter represents chaos, guilt, and self-doubt.

This transformation wasn’t just about making a room pretty. It was about reclaiming control, finding peace, and believing in their ability to change.

If you’ve got a “doom room” of your own, know this: you are capable of transformation. One bag, one box, one decision at a time.

Ready to Slay Your Own Clutter?

Don’t wait for the perfect time. Don’t wait until you feel ready. Start today!

And remember: you are more important than anything you own!

If you need a little boost to help you get started, check out my 🥊 30 day Bootcamp  ✨ Just 15 mins a day for 30 days will completely transform your home!

👉 Want to see Jessica’s original WHOLE HOME makeover that started it all?  Click here. 

🎙 Subscribe to my Podcast Channel & Get Inspired!

🧺 ORGANIZING & STORAGE SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR UNIQUE ORGANIZING STYLE: https://clutterbug.me/2025/02/storage-and-organizing-solutions-to-fit-your-style.html

✨ DECLUTTER & CLEAN LIKE A PRO – My Top Picks
Fave Cleaning Tools : https://urlgeni.us/amazon/2xYW0
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Get ready to deck the halls, vintage-style! In this episode, I chat with Dayna Isom Johnson, Etsy’s official Trend Expert, to uncover the biggest holiday trend of the year — “Grandma’s Christmas.” From cozy plaid patterns and rich, nostalgic colors to handmade ornaments, gingerbread everything, and sentimental traditions, this year’s Christmas decor is all about bringing back warmth, heart, and authenticity to the holidays.

Dayna shares why and how trends change, what’s inspiring shoppers in 2025, and how you can easily bring Grandma’s cozy Christmas magic into your own home — without spending a fortune. Whether you love DIY holiday crafts, vintage Christmas decorating, or simply want to make your home feel more heartfelt and handmade, this episode will leave you inspired to slow down and celebrate the season with soul.

✨ In this episode:

  The story behind Etsy’s “Grandma’s Christmas” trend   Why handmade, nostalgic decor is making a comeback   Simple ideas to bring vintage charm into your home   How to shop small and support makers this holiday season

If you love Christmas decor ideas, Etsy finds, cozy home styling, or nostalgic holiday vibes, this episode is a must-listen!

🎄 Learn more from Dayna Isom Johnson:
→ Etsy Trends: https://www.etsy.com/trends
→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DaynaIsomJohnson
→ Etsy’s Holiday Guide