Clutter Free Academy

You're Not Lazy, You're Overwhelmed: Unpacking the Shame Behind Anxiety and Clutter

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 make a real difference. Practical Tips Shared For Anxiety: Go on a walk (you won't feel like it, but you'll feel better) Journal for just 3-5 minutes to untangle what's in your head Practice breath prayer—inhale "The Lord is my shepherd," exhale "I have all that I need" For Clutter: Start with just 3 minutes (not 15!) and reward yourself Practice containment—you don't have to declutter, just corral items together When overwhelmed, focus only on dishes and laundry as self-care A Word for the Woman Who Feels Ashamed Becky offers this powerful truth: "Your anxiety, your clutter is not an indictment on your character. The state of your home has no reflection of the value of your soul." Whether you're struggling with a messy house or a messy mind, you are beloved. You are not alone. And today is not the end of your story. Key Takeaways Anxiety and clutter share common roots: control issues, fear, trauma, shame, and unhealthy patterns Both can be hidden for a long time until we reach a breaking point There's a vast, livable space between "cured" and "why bother" Small, doable steps truly make a difference—you don't have to fix everything today You are worthy of support and don't have to climb out of the pit alone

Why All-or-Nothing Resolutions Keep Your Clutter Coming Back

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 for lasting change. Understanding Right-Sized Consumption Kathi explores the spectrum between overconsumption (fear-based stockpiling, comfort buying, and "fantasy self" purchases) and underconsumption (punishment-based deprivation). The goal isn't to never buy anything again—it's to buy and keep what supports your real life with the space, energy, and money you actually have. Key Takeaways If your plan only works when you're at 100%, it won't work at all Small spaces create big identity shifts—start with one drawer, not an entire room Decision fatigue sets in after about 15 minutes, so work in short bursts Shift from being a "collector" to being a "curator"—keep the best, release the rest The goal isn't January intensity; it's building a rhythm you can maintain in October This is part one of a two-part series designed to help listeners make 2026 their most clutter-free year yet—without the shame, without the all-or-nothing thinking, and with a plan that actually fits real life.

T-Minus Two Days: 10 Last-Minute Tasks to Make Christmas Morning Peaceful

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, kitchen, and guest bath get priority; skip the deep cleanPut away 90% of wrapping supplies - Keep one roll of paper, a few bags, tape, scissors, and a Sharpie accessibleThink through the needs of the day - Extra toilet paper, trash bag liners, paper towels positioned and readyPick your outfit starting with shoes - Comfort is key when you're hosting and running aroundClean out the fridge - Make room for dishes, platters, and leftoversDo all the dishes you can - Run that dishwasher even if it's only three-quarters fullGuest bathroom two-minute rescue - Quick wipe, clean mirror, fresh towel, restock suppliesSend a "here's the plan" text - Arrival times, parking, what to bring—predecisions equal peaceFive-minute joy setup - Turn on the tree, light candles, play Christmas musicNight-Before Quick WinsThe episode also covers essential night-before tasks: setting up your coffee station, doing a 10-minute surface sweep, laying out serving dishes with post-it labels, and charging all devices. Roger's pro tip about running the dishwasher even when it's not full is a game-changer for keeping your kitchen under control.As Kathi reminds listeners: "Today is not a day for perfection. Today is a day for peaceful triage." This episode gives you permission to let go of the overwhelming to-do list and focus on what actually matters—creating a peaceful, joy-filled Christmas for you and your loved ones.Remember: Peace is an act of resistance. Let's resist the overwhelm together this Christmas season.

The Consumables Guide: How to Choose Gifts That Get Enjoyed—Then Disappear (Breakfast Baskets, Coffee & Tea, Charcuterie, Frozen Dough)

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.

When the Table Is Forever Changed: Finding the Words, Setting Boundaries, and Keeping One Tradition That Says “We Remember”

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 gentle plan for a hard holiday, this conversation will help you find both comfort and doable next steps.Use the code "clutterfree" or "redhouse" on Cheri's website for 10% off.