Clutter Free Academy

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. 

Tired of opening your bathroom cabinets only to find chaos staring back at you? You're not alone. In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi teams up with decluttering expert Tonya Kubo to tackle one of the most frustrating spaces in many homes: the bathroom sink area.  Whether you're blessed with ample storage or struggling with a pedestal sink and four family members sharing one bathroom (like Tonya!), this episode offers hope and practical solutions. You'll discover why taking everything out might be the best first step, how to make smart decisions about duplicates and expired products, and creative storage hacks that will transform your space.  Kathi shares her game-changing discovery about medicine cabinets in unexpected places, while Tonya offers wisdom from working with Clutter Free for Life members on their bathroom transformations. From stackable organizers to tension rods for spray bottles, you'll walk away with actionable strategies you can implement today.  Remember: the goal isn't perfe

In this episode of Clutter-Free Academy, Kathi Lipp is joined by Tonya Kubo to tackle the often chaotic back-to-school season. They explore practical strategies to help families organize their homes and lives for a smoother transition into the school year such as  Creating a backpack drop zone  The importance of meal planning  Practical ideas for keeping on top of the chaos  Kathi and Tonya share personal insights and actionable tips. They also introduce the upcoming Back-to-School Clutter Free Challenge, a community event offering daily encouragement and inspiration. If you're looking for ways to turn back-to-school chaos into calm, this episode is for you.  Find this episode’s full show notes and resources here. 

Join Kathi Lipp and the creative genius, Tenille Register, as they explore the journey of embracing space over stuff to live a clutter-free life. In this episode, you'll discover   Practical strategies for decluttering with purpose.   How choosing space can lead to a peaceful home environment.  How to start your own decluttering tradition.   Tenille shares her insights on storing with intention using creative solutions like her shape sorter technique for your household items. If you're seeking inspiration and practical steps to reclaim your space, this episode is a must-listen.  Find this episodes full show notes and resources here. 

Is your closet causing you stress instead of bringing you joy? In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp and Tonya Kubo share their proven system for creating a closet you'll actually love opening every day.  What You'll Discover:  How to set a clear vision for your ideal closet (and why this matters more than you think)Simple organizational solutions that make any closet feel 40% more organized  Storage solutions that work for small spaces and tight budgets  Perfect for listeners who:  Feel overwhelmed every time they open their closet door  Struggle with decision fatigue when getting dressed  Want practical systems that actually work long-term  Are tired of failed decluttering attempts  Kathi and Tonya share their personal closet confessions, favorite organizational tools, and the small changes that make the biggest difference. You'll leave this episode with a clear plan to create a closet that feels like "the best curated consignment shop" of items you

Join Kathi as she has a conversation with Lisa Woolery who lost her husband Eric suddenly at age 50. Lisa faced an overwhelming reality: not only was she grieving the love of her life, but she also inherited his extensive collection that filled their 6,700 square foot home. From dozens of guns to barrels of water and MREs, Eric's "beautiful, cluttery" nature had created a different kind of burden for his wife and their two children.   In this deeply moving episode of Clutter Free Academy, Lisa shares her raw and honest journey of grieving not just her husband, but also dealing with the mountain of possessions he left behind. You'll discover how she navigated the anger, the overwhelm, and ultimately found peace through intentional decluttering.   Listeners will gain an inside look at someone having to manage a loved one’s clutter after they are gone, learn practical strategies for honoring a loved one's memory without keeping everything, including Lisa's "five box rule" that helped her teenagers cho

Join Kathi Lipp and Tonya Kubo as they tackle the challenges and opportunities of laundry room organization. Explore the practical steps you can take to transform your laundry space from chaos to calm. In this episode, discover why your laundry room may be a hidden source of stress and how you can revamp it into a place of order and efficiency. Whether it's optimal storage solutions, must-have products, or debunking the biggest laundry myths, Kathi and Tonya offer practical tips and insights to refresh your routine. This episode is your guide to a clutter-free laundry life, filled with humor, honesty, and hope. Don't miss out on learning how to make laundry less of a chore and more of a breeze.  You can access this episode’s full show notes and mentioned resources here.