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You’re invited to keep going with a honest look at the categories most homes definitely have too much of — even if they don’t look like clutter at first glance. This is about being realistic, not perfect, and questioning what’s taking up space in your home and your head. You’re encouraged to approach each category with simple questions: Do you use it? Does it fit your life now? Would you miss it if it were gone? Rethink shoes that hurt your feet, don’t fit, or are worn beyond repair — especially if you keep taking them off moments after putting them on. Textbooks get a hard truth moment too: if you’ve tried to sell or donate them and no one wants them, they’re just taking up space. Letting them go is allowed. Take a brave look at makeup that’s expired, unused, or unhygienic, along with incidental furniture that no longer serves a purpose but quietly attracts clutter. Clothing gets an honest call-out — you likely have far more than you need, and letting go won’t leave you stranded without options. You’re also encouraged to reduce visual clutter by decluttering ornaments and trinkets, especially those without meaning or joy anymore. Practical categories like stubby holders, wine glasses, lingerie, and fidget toys are reframed around actual use rather than “just in case.” The aim isn’t to strip your home bare — it’s to create breathing room. When you declutter by category, momentum builds, decisions get easier, and your space starts supporting you instead of draining you. Join my Free 5 Day Wardrobe Challenge for a 5 day video series to take you through your wardrobe step by step You may also like to listen to these episodes: 5 Home Truths Opportunity Cost/ Cost Benefit Analysis Join my community Leave a 5 Star Google ReviewFollow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook group Thank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You know that feeling of wanting to declutter but not knowing where to start — or feeling too tired to tackle everything at once? You’re invited to take a gentler, more realistic approach by focusing on categories that often overflow in most homes. Some categories will earn you a gold star — no excess there. Others might feel uncomfortably accurate. That’s okay. You don’t need to fix everything. You just need one place to begin. Go through common problem categories seen again and again in real homes: books you’ll never reread, renovation or gardening clothes that have multiplied, craft supplies from hobbies that had their season, and baking trays that seem to breed in cupboards. You’re also prompted to rethink old phones, excess blankets, paperwork, toys, reusable shopping bags, and stationery that no longer fits how you live now. You’re reminded that loving something doesn’t require keeping all of it. You can love reading without owning shelves of books. You can be creative without storing supplies for ten different crafts. You can be prepared without holding onto every “just in case.” If you’re overwhelmed, unwell, or in survival mode, you’re reassured that rest comes first. Your home has waited this long — it can wait a little longer. But if you’re ready to do something, choosing one contained category can restore momentum, clarity, and confidence. Join my Paperwork Course if you're wanting to get started sorting through and organising your paperwork in 2026 You may also like to listen to these episodes: 5 Home Truths Opportunity Cost/ Cost Benefit Analysis Join my community Leave a 5 Star Google ReviewFollow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook group Thank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You want to declutter, but you’re standing in the middle of your home thinking, Where on earth do I begin? You’re not alone. Even when it’s obvious a space needs attention, knowing where to start can feel surprisingly overwhelming. Instead of searching for the perfect starting point, focus on momentum. Decluttering doesn’t begin with emptying an entire room, buying containers, or consuming endless inspiration. It begins with one small, doable action. Explore three simple ways to start without overthinking. First, you learn how powerful it can be to grab just one bag and fill it — either with rubbish or donations. One bag creates a clear finish line and instant momentum. You also learn why organising won’t solve clutter if the quantity stays the same, and how reducing what you own is always the first step. Next, you’re encouraged to choose a single, low-emotion category to declutter. Not a whole room — just one contained category like towels, DVDs, clothes that no longer fit, or reusable shopping bags (yes, you probably have too many). Smaller categories mean faster wins and less decision fatigue. Finally, learn how to start with a habit instead of a project. By placing a donation bag somewhere visible and committing to one item per day, decluttering becomes part of everyday life rather than another overwhelming task. Remember that regret is rarely about letting go — it’s usually about waiting too long. Progress matters more than perfection, and freedom comes from simply starting. Join my free 5 Day Wardrobe Challenge if you're wanting to get started You may also like to listen to these episodes: 5 Home Truths Confirmation Bias Join my community Leave a 5 Star Google ReviewFollow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook group Thank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When you hear the word support, it’s easy to picture reliance — someone stepping in and doing things for you. But in decluttering, good support does the opposite. It builds independence. You’re invited to rethink what independence actually means: it’s not about doing everything alone. It’s about knowing how to decide, knowing where things belong, and knowing how to reset a space when life inevitably gets messy again. Decluttering isn’t a personality trait or something you’re born with — it’s a set of skills you can learn. Getting support doesn’t mean you can’t do it yourself. Often, it means you’re choosing to learn faster, with guidance that suits your brain, your home, and the season of life you’re in. Just like working with a Pilates instructor, the right support helps you make progress without having to figure out every step on your own. You’ll explore why trust plays such a critical role in building independence. Sometimes progress happens quickly, and other times it takes time, repetition, and reassurance. Real-life stories show how trust leads to engagement, skill-building, and growing confidence — whether you’re working with a client, a child, a partner, or yourself. You’ll also reflect on what can unintentionally undermine independence, including rushing, taking over, or creating “perfect” spaces without teaching how to maintain them. If you don’t feel independent yet, this is your reminder: nothing is wrong with you. You’re still learning. With the right support, independence is absolutely possible — and it grows one skill at a time. You may also like to listen to these episodes: Hidden Emotions Spoon Theory Join my community Leave a 5 Star Google ReviewFollow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook group Thank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode you’re invited to rethink what it really means to have an organised home by exploring the difference between being neat and being tidy. While neatness is about how your home looks on the surface, tidiness is about how it works underneath. You can have a home that looks neat but still feels stressful if things don’t have a clear place to belong. When everything has a designated home, it becomes easier to reset your space without relying on quick fixes or constant effort. Tidiness creates structure, and from that structure, neatness naturally follows. This episode encourages you to let go of perfection and focus instead on systems that support everyday life. When your home is set up to work for you, maintaining it feels lighter, more manageable, and far less overwhelming. You may also like to listen to these episodes: Bigger Living, Smaller Space Object Permanence Join my community Leave a 5 Star Google ReviewFollow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook group Thank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fresh Start: What Are You Ready to Let Go of in 2026? A fresh start isn’t about pressure, resolutions, or reinventing yourself overnight. It’s about intention. As a new year begins, this episode invites you to pause and reflect on what you’re ready to release — not just from your home, but from your life. Decluttering is often framed as getting rid of things, but at its heart, it’s about recognising changing seasons. The person you were five or ten years ago may not be who you are now, and your home should reflect the life you’re actually living. When it doesn’t, clutter can quietly build — not because you’ve failed, but because your environment hasn’t caught up with your growth. This episode explores the many forms clutter can take. It might be physical items like clothes that no longer fit your body or lifestyle, hobby supplies for interests you’ve outgrown, or furniture and décor that no longer feels like you. It might also be unfinished projects, side hustles that once made sense but no longer serve you, or belongings tied to expectations you’ve since released. There’s also space to acknowledge emotional clutter. Items connected to grief, change, or past versions of yourself can be especially hard to navigate. Letting go doesn’t erase meaning or memories — it simply allows you to choose what you carry forward with intention. As you look ahead to 2026, consider asking: What kind of life am I creating, and what kind of home will support that? You don’t need to declutter everything at once. One thoughtful decision can create momentum. One cleared space can bring relief. A fresh start is built slowly, gently, and with freedom in mind. When your home reflects who you are becoming, it becomes a place that supports you — not one that holds you back. You may also like to listen to these episodes: Because. Really. And Quitters Day Join my community Leave a 5 Star Google ReviewFollow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook group Thank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’re diving into Week Three of our “What’s Your Problem?” series — and I can’t tell you how important this one is. If you’ve worked through your quantity issues (too much stuff) and your systems issues (no real organisation), then your next hurdle isn’t about things or storage at all. It’s about you. It’s about habits. Once the clutter is gone and the systems are in place, the problem shifts from your stuff… to your behaviour. And that’s good news, because habits are changeable with the right tools and a little intention. One of our core sayings at The Art of Decluttering is: “Don’t put it down. Put it away.” It’s simple. It’s powerful. It cuts straight through the temptation to procrastinate — because procrastination is sneaky. It convinces you that “later” is harmless, when in reality “later” is the thing making your home feel harder than it needs to. Take the jacket example. You walk in the door. You’re tired. You drop your jacket on the bed instead of hanging it up. No big deal, right? But then you walk past it three more times. Your partner dumps their jacket next to yours. Suddenly the job feels bigger and you’re annoyed at yourself. And all of this drama could have been avoided if you’d taken the 10 seconds to hang it up straight away. This is where phrases like “just do it now” or “might as well” become game-changers. They short-circuit the internal debate and remove the option to procrastinate. If you’re going to have to do it eventually, you might as well do it now. Sometimes, though, you’ll notice that a system you created isn’t working because you’re not using it. That doesn’t mean you’ve failed — it simply means you might need to refine it. If your keys always end up on the bench instead of in the bowl by the door… maybe the bench needs to be the home. The best system is the one you’ll actually use. Habits aren’t glamorous. They don’t give you the buzz that decluttering or organising does. But they are the quiet, consistent force that keeps your home functioning smoothly. And more importantly — habits bring freedom. Freedom to enjoy your space, your people, your time, and your life. You may also like to listen to these episodes: What's Your Problem?... Quantity What's Your Problem?... Systems Close the Loop Rejecting Busy Three Times a Day Join my community Leave a 5 Star Google ReviewFollow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook group Thank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’re diving into one of my favourite topics: systems. If quantity is the outer layer of the onion, systems are the next layer in. Maybe you’ve decluttered and reduced your possessions, but something still isn’t working. You look around and think, I’ve kept the right things… so why does my home still feel hard? That’s a classic systems problem. A systems problem shows up when items don’t have clear homes, when tidying feels complicated, or when things you genuinely need end up in piles on every flat surface. It’s not about too much stuff anymore — it’s about giving what you do have a simple, logical place to live. The good news? Systems problems are fun to solve. This is where organising comes in — not the Pinterest-perfect, colour-coded kind (unless that brings you joy), but the functional, sustainable kind that’s easy for your whole household to follow. When a system works, tidying stops feeling like a battle and starts feeling like… well, life just flowing. I always come back to three organising foundations: 1. Like with like. Keep similar items together. It saves you time, brainpower, and frustration. No more chargers in eight different rooms. 2. Set limits. Containers — drawers, baskets, shelves — help you define “how much is enough.” Limits create boundaries that keep systems working over time. 3. A home for everything. If you can answer “Where does this belong?” you’ve solved 80% of your systems problem. Once these are in place, your home becomes easier to use, easier to tidy, and easier to enjoy. So if you’ve decluttered and you’re still feeling stuck, you’re likely in the systems stage. And that’s a beautiful place to be — because from here, everything starts to click. Next week, we’ll talk about maintenance and how habits keep your space working long-term. You may also like to listen to these episodes: What's Your Problem?... Quantity What's Your Problem?... Systems What's Your Problem?... Habits Out or Away Location Location Location Logical Organising Join my community Leave a 5 Star Google ReviewFollow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook group Thank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’ve ever looked around your home and felt that something just isn’t working, you’re not alone. So many people tell me they’re frustrated with their space, but they can’t quite put their finger on why. And when you don’t know what the real problem is, it’s almost impossible to find a solution that actually sticks. That’s exactly why I’ve created a simple, three-part framework I call What’s Your Problem? It’s designed to help you diagnose what’s going on beneath the surface so you can finally move forward with confidence, clarity, and a whole lot more breathing space. Over years of working with clients, I’ve noticed that clutter almost always comes back to one of these: 1. A Quantity Problem – there’s simply too much stuff. 2. A Systems Problem – things don’t have clear homes or logical flow. 3. A Habits Problem – the daily rhythms that keep things running just aren’t in place yet. Most of the time, the first layer we need to peel back is quantity. And I want to encourage you gently here: if you’re not sure what your problem is, start by assuming it’s this one. It usually is. A quantity problem doesn’t mean you’ve “failed” or that your home is too small or too messy. It simply means you have more items than your space, your routines, or your season of life can comfortably hold. Maybe your kids’ toys spill across the floor every day and the room never feels tidy, no matter how much you organise. Maybe your wardrobe feels overwhelming or your kitchen benches never seem clear. Those are classic signs of too much inventory — not a lack of containers, not “lazy kids,” and not poor habits. And the Solution? Decluttering — Gently and Intentionally When you reduce quantity, everything else becomes easier. You don’t need to declutter your entire house in one go. Just start with the space that’s bothering you most and ask: What’s rubbish? What can I donate? What can leave my home and lighten my load? You don’t have to get it perfect. You don’t even have to finish it. Every little bit of reduction creates more calm, more space, and more breathing room for your life to happen. But for now, start here: If your home feels overwhelming, it’s very likely a quantity problem. And the good news? Quantity problems are absolutely solvable. Next week, we’ll move into systems — the part where everything starts to click into place. You may also like to listen to these episodes: What's Your Problem?... Systems What's Your Problem?... Habits Enough Letting Go FOTO: Fear of Throwing Out Join our community Leave a Google ReviewFollow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook group Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sisters and Cousins: A Simple Way to Know Where Everything Belongs One of the biggest challenges in organising isn’t the sorting or the tidying — it’s that moment when you’re holding something in your hand thinking, “But where should this actually live?” If you’ve ever felt that, you’re not alone. And I want to share a little framework I use that might make things instantly clearer for you: I call it Sisters and Cousins. Sisters: Same-Same Items When I say “sisters,” I’m talking about items that are exactly the same. Think about all your teaspoons, or all your bed sheets, or all your scissors. These are sisters — the same family, the same purpose. Sisters belong together, usually in the same drawer, the same shelf, or the same container. And here’s the beautiful part: you already do this without thinking. When you bring home a new teaspoon, you don’t wander around wondering where it should live. You automatically place it with its sisters. The system already works for you — you just may not have had language for it before. Cousins: Same-Same, But Different Cousins are items that aren’t identical, but they make sense together in real life. Scissors and sticky tape. Light bulbs and batteries. Towels and sheets. These aren’t sisters… but they definitely belong in the same neighbourhood because your brain naturally looks for them together. When you think in cousins, you make your home work for you. If you use sticky tape and scissors together all the time, keeping them side-by-side isn’t just logical — it saves you time and reduces frustration. Your Use Determines the Cousin Group This is the part I love most: cousins can change depending on your lifestyle. A camping chair might belong with camping gear… unless you use it weekly at kids’ sport, or for beach days, or for picnics. The best home for something is the place where you look first — not where the item “should” go. Try Asking Yourself Two Questions Next time you’re stuck deciding where something lives, pause for just a moment and ask: Where are its sisters? Where are its cousins? You might be surprised how quickly the answer comes. And with that clarity, your home becomes easier to maintain, easier to navigate, and ultimately… so much more freeing. Join our community Leave a Google ReviewFollow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcast Thank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we learn about the incredible power of body doubling! Whether you’re an ADHDer like me, or not, body doubling can supercharge your time management and follow through in getting any task done. Body doubling is about having someone alongside you for motivation and accountability when you’re doing a job. You might know the right thing to do, have the necessary skills and mastery to do it… but for some reason are unable to just get it done on your own… you’re not alone! Heaps of people tell me that they use this podcast as their body double. they pop it on while they declutter, organise, tidy, clean etc and because they’re familiar with me and my voice it acts as a body double. That makes my heart sing – I’m always happy to be your body double 💪🏼 If you’re interested in booking a virtual session with me, I’d love to work with you! Check out our virtual session types here and submit an intake form if you’re keen: https://www.theartofdecluttering.com.au/decluttering-services/virtual-sessions/ Join our community Leave a Google ReviewFollow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcast Thank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you stuck on some non disposable, non single use stocking stuffers or small gifts? Thanks to our listeners who helped me with this episode with their great ideas! Don't be caught up with Black Friday sales, cheap plastic stocking stuffers or items that will end up in landfill after one use. Think creatively, intentionally, personally and environmentally instead!! Join the 12 days of Christmas declutter challenge and discover how simple, thoughtful choices can make your Christmas joyful, intentional, and clutter-free. Listen Next... 12 Days of Christmas Invitation Join our community Leave a Google ReviewFollow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcast Thank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever started a decluttering project with great intentions, only to end up overwhelmed, exhausted, and surrounded by more mess than when you began? In this episode, Amy explores why we often bite off more than we can chew when decluttering — and how to avoid it. She shares practical strategies for breaking projects into manageable chunks, staying motivated, and creating lasting success without burnout. If you’ve ever felt defeated halfway through a clean-up, this episode will help you find your rhythm and rediscover the joy in decluttering. Listen Next... Broad vs Narrow Join our community Leave a Google ReviewFollow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcast Thank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever wondered how two people can look at the exact same object and see something completely different? In this episode, we’re exploring object classification — the unconscious way our brains decide what something is and what should happen to it, basically... why we see the same things so differently. Take, for example, a glass left on the kitchen bench. Is it a dirty cup that needs to go in the dishwasher, or a glass someone left there to remind them to stay hydrated? The way we classify that glass can vary wildly between people — and often causes tension in households. Unpack how internal classification systems shape our daily routines, from 'half-worn clothes' to kids’ ongoing play setups, and why these small differences can lead to big misunderstandings. Amy shares real-life examples and practical hacks — like colour-coded cups, designated zones for in-between clothes, and clearer family communication — to reduce confusion and frustration. Ultimately, understanding object classification helps us see that what looks like clutter or laziness might actually be logic — just not our kind of logic. Listen Next... Object Permanence Join our community Leave a Google ReviewFollow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcast Thank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When you look around a space and feel like the clutter is EVERYWHERE reducing the volume is a great hack to reduce overwhelm so you can tackle your clutter in an intentional and ordered manner.  Use like with like boxes, or intentional doom boxes to reduce the volume (amount of space the clutter takes up or is spread over). Tackling clutter once you know what you're actually dealing with is so much easier than looking at spread out clutter and trying to figure out where to start.  These tips work well for kids and teenagers too!  Listen Next... Doom Boxes Join our community Leave a Google ReviewFollow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookJoin my Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcast Thank you to my sound engineer, Jarred from Four4ty Studio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.