How parenting a PDA child taught me a better way to declutter, organize my home, and let go of perfectionism, with guest Casey Ehrlich #157

Join the Paper Reset HEREWhy does paper clutter feel so much heavier than it should? It’s just a few envelopes, right? A school form here, a receipt there… so why does it feel like it’s taking over your kitchen counter, your brain, and your sense of calm?If you’ve ever opened a drawer and found a pile of forgotten forms…If you’ve ever panicked because you knew you had that document somewhere… Or if your paperwork situation feels like a giant, looming cloud of guilt—you are absolutely not alone.In this episode, I’m digging into why paperwork is so overwhelming (hint: it’s not just about mess) and how you can start to feel in control again—without needing a whole weekend, colour-coded folders, or a trip to the stationery store.What if the key to calm is just a tray, a box, and a new way of seeing things?And what if that emotional weight you’ve been carrying around… wasn’t yours to hold onto in the first place?We’ll talk about:Real declutter strategies that work even when you’re short on time and energyThe truth behind why paperwork keeps piling upThe KonMari perspective on paper—and why it might just be the most powerful category to tackleWhat’s really going on beneath the surface of all that clutterMy go-to micro-step to contain the chaos (this alone changes everything)If you’re craving more intention, more clarity, and a calmer home, this one’s for you. Let’s talk paper, overwhelm, and what’s actually possible when you finally stop trying to do it all alone.Your reset starts here.Come join me for The Paper Reset Challenge starting May 17. 3 days. 15 minutes a day. Simple, calming steps to reclaim your space.JOIN HEREReady to take that first step? Hit play. Let’s do this together.I would LOVE to hear from you. Text Message me here. Thanks for listening! For more organizational motivation, support and free resources:Join my online membership Clutter Free CollectiveJoin my podcast Facebook group Living Clutter Free Forever Podcast: KonMari® Inspired Organizing | FacebookVisit my website www.caroline-thor.com Come and say 'hi' on Instagram @caro.thor Follow me on Facebook @carolineorganizer

 👉 For a bit of extra support grab my free 15-Minute Declutter Kickstart HEREDiscover how parenting a child with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) led me to a new, more realistic approach to decluttering, organizing my home, and letting go of perfectionism — lessons every overwhelmed parent can use.Have you ever felt like you're failing because your home doesn’t look like a magazine?Wondered why traditional organizing advice just doesn’t seem to work for your real life?Me too.Especially when autism, burnout, and daily survival were the reality — not pretty color-coded baskets.In today’s episode, I’m joined by Casey from At Peace Parents — a brilliant coach and mentor for families parenting PDA and neurodivergent kids.Together, we talk about how raising a neurodivergent child completely changes your relationship with tidying, decluttering, and home organization. It forced both of us to rethink everything we thought we knew — even my beloved KonMari practices.It made us ask: What really matters when you’re building a home? Matching cushions... or emotional safety?During Autism Awareness Month, I wanted to have this real, important conversation.Because whether you're parenting a child with autism, raising a kid with PDA, or just juggling the mental load of motherhood, you’ll find yourself somewhere in this story.You’ll walk away with a fresh, intentional perspective on organizing your home — one that prioritizes calm over perfection, connection over control, and sanity over spotless surfaces.If you’ve ever battled clutter, perfectionism, or the invisible pressure to "keep up," you need this episode.This is your permission to choose what actually works for your family — not what looks good on Instagram.Ready to let go and create a home that truly supports you?Let’s dive in. 👉 You can find out more about Casey’s work at At Peace Parents here:Website - At Peace ParentsInstagram: At Peace ParentsI would LOVE to hear from you. Text Message me here. Thanks for listening! For more organizational motivation, support and free resources:Join my online membership Clutter Free CollectiveJoin my podcast Facebook group Living Clutter Free Forever Podcast: KonMari® Inspired Organizing | FacebookVisit my website www.caroline-thor.com Come and say 'hi' on Instagram @caro.thor Follow me on Facebook @carolineorganizer

You’ve tried to declutter before.You know what to do.But the moment you start... you freeze.Sound familiar?You’re not lazy. You’re not messy.You’re protecting yourself.In this episode, I’m digging into why clutter can feel impossible to let go of — especially if you’ve experienced trauma.Because it’s not just about mess.It’s about memory.It’s about survival.What if your clutter was never the real problem? And what if tidying could actually help you feel safe again — not just organized?I’ll walk you through the real, emotional blocks behind clutter and why so many people feel stuck in their organizing journey.You’ll learn how the KonMari Method can support deep healing — gently, intentionally, and at your pace.This episode is packed with insight, compassion, and fresh declutter strategies that go far beyond the surface.If home organization has ever left you in tears or feeling like a failure, this is your sign to listen.Because this isn’t about perfection.It’s about peace.Ready to see your home — and your healing — in a whole new way?Tune in now.I would LOVE to hear from you. Text Message me here. Thanks for listening! For more organizational motivation, support and free resources:Join my online membership Clutter Free CollectiveJoin my podcast Facebook group Living Clutter Free Forever Podcast: KonMari® Inspired Organizing | FacebookVisit my website www.caroline-thor.com Come and say 'hi' on Instagram @caro.thor Follow me on Facebook @carolineorganizer

What if letting go of clutter could give you more than just a tidy home?Have you ever gone on holiday and thought, Why can’t my house feel this calm and clear all the time?In this episode, I’m chatting with Melissa Pruitt—an online entrepreneur who spent a year travelling full-time, taking with her only what could fit in the car she shared with her husband and their dog (yes, really). When they finally opened their storage unit after 12 months on the road, what they found—and what they didn’t miss—sparked a massive declutter.We’re talking about the real cost of clutter, why we hang onto stuff we don’t need, and what happens when you finally ask: Do I even want this in my life anymore?Melissa’s journey is packed with powerful reminders—about intentional living, mindful tidying, and how the KonMari method and smart declutter strategies can completely shift how you feel in your space.If you’re overwhelmed, constantly tidying but never feeling “done,” or just sick of staring at drawers full of stuff you never use—this one’s for you.Let’s rethink home organization. Let’s simplify. Let’s stop waiting for the “perfect time.”Press play now and discover how to take back control of your space—without needing to pack up your life and hit the road (unless you want to). Ready to feel lighter?Find out more about Melissa and her online business HEREI would LOVE to hear from you. Text Message me here. Thanks for listening! For more organizational motivation, support and free resources:Join my online membership Clutter Free CollectiveJoin my podcast Facebook group Living Clutter Free Forever Podcast: KonMari® Inspired Organizing | FacebookVisit my website www.caroline-thor.com Come and say 'hi' on Instagram @caro.thor Follow me on Facebook @carolineorganizer

Check out the Clutter Breakthrough Transformation—details below!You know that feeling when you've tidied, organized, maybe even KonMari’d the whole house… and two weeks later, it’s like you never even touched it?Yeah. Me too. And honestly? It’s not your fault.In this week’s episode of Living Clutter Free Forever, I’m calling out the cycle so many of us are stuck in: declutter – tidy – get overwhelmed – give up – repeat. And I’m giving you the 5 shifts that finally broke it for good.Because decluttering and organizing can work for your family. Even if you’ve tried before and it didn’t stick. Even if your home feels like a tornado hit it most days. Even if you’ve got neurodivergent kids, no time, or zero energy.So why hasn’t it worked yet? And what can you do differently—starting today—that actually makes it last?I’m sharing what I’ve learned from my own experience (yes, I used to be overwhelmed by clutter too!) and what I teach every single week inside my Clutter Free Collective. These shifts aren’t about buying more storage boxes or spending hours a day tidying. They’re about mindset, habits, and small wins that build real change.If you’re sick of starting over…If you want to reclaim your space and your time…If you’re ready to stop wondering “Why can’t I keep my home organized?” and finally do something about it—This episode is for you!Listen now and take the first step toward home organization that actually works. Spoiler: it’s not about being naturally tidy. It’s about knowing what’s actually getting in your way—and shifting it, for good.Let’s break the clutter cycle together. You in?(And if you're ready for even more support, check out the Clutter Breakthrough Transformation—details below!)Yes, I'm ready to clear the clutter and keep it that way. You're not lazy. You're not a mess. You've just been using a system that was never designed for you. Let's change that together in 15 minutes a day with easy micro wins!See visible results in one space in 15 minutes. YES PLEASEEven with distractions, start seeing progress before your next load of laundry is done! I'M IN!For less than the cost of lunch, you can ditch decision fatigue and finally get your house and headspace back. YES, YES, YES!LIMITED TIME OFFER:Only available until 15th April so if you're ready to make a change there is no better time to start! AVAILABLE HEREI would LOVE to hear from you. Text Message me here. Thanks for listening! For more organizational motivation, support and free resources:Join my online membership Clutter Free CollectiveJoin my podcast Facebook group Living Clutter Free Forever Podcast: KonMari® Inspired Organizing | FacebookVisit my website www.caroline-thor.com Come and say 'hi' on Instagram @caro.thor Follow me on Facebook @carolineorganizer

Is your house full of piles of papers, forms, and reports… but you can never find the one you need when it matters? You're not alone.In this final episode of the mini-series for World Autism Acceptance Month, I’m talking about one of the biggest sources of stress for parents of autistic children — paperwork. From IEPs and school communication to therapy notes, medical assessments, funding forms, and everything in between, the amount of documentation we juggle can feel endless.But here’s the good news: organizing it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.I’ll walk you through a practical, step-by-step process to declutter and organize your autism-related paperwork in a way that’s simple, sustainable, and supportive of your real life — even if you're neurodivergent yourself or have very little time.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why autism paperwork feels so emotionally heavy — and how to change your relationship with itA simple method to sort and categorize everything (even if it’s stuffed in drawers and bags)How to build a flexible system that works for your brain — digital, physical, or a mixSmart tips like advocacy highlight sheets, visual sorting, and working foldersWhy this small act of organization can help you feel calmer, clearer, and more in control of your child’s careThis episode is especially for you if:You’ve ever torn the house apart looking for a formYou feel buried by IEPs and documents you don’t know what to do withYou want less stress and more clarity when advocating for your childWhether you're raising an autistic child, a neurodivergent child, or just navigating a lot of life admin, this system will help you breathe easier.Mentioned in this episode: 🎁 Download my free guide: 15 Minute Declutter Reset for Moms of Neurodivergent Kids – perfect for making real progress in small chunks of time.If this mini-series has helped you feel more supported, I’d be so grateful if you left a review or shared it with a fellow parent who needs it.I would LOVE to hear from you. Text Message me here. Thanks for listening! For more organizational motivation, support and free resources:Join my online membership Clutter Free CollectiveJoin my podcast Facebook group Living Clutter Free Forever Podcast: KonMari® Inspired Organizing | FacebookVisit my website www.caroline-thor.com Come and say 'hi' on Instagram @caro.thor Follow me on Facebook @carolineorganizer

Autism-Friendly Home Organization Strategies for Overwhelmed Parents – World Autism Acceptance Month 2025If you’re the one carrying the full mental load of managing your home, caring for your autistic child, and trying to keep everything tidy — you are not alone. And you’re not meant to do it all.In this episode, I’m diving into how to get the whole family involved in keeping the home organized — including partners, siblings, and yes, even your autistic child (when and where it’s appropriate). Because building a home that supports your child and your wellbeing starts with shared responsibility.You’ll hear real-life examples from my own family of five (plus six pets!), and we’ll explore how empathy, expectations, and letting go of perfection can make a massive difference — not just in your environment, but in your stress levels too.Inside this episode, you’ll learn:How to delegate and share household tasks without rigid chore chartsWhy teaching empathy helps siblings better support their autistic brother or sisterCreative and neurodivergent-friendly ways to make tidying up more doable (and even fun)Why “good enough is enough” and how to let go of unrealistic expectationsWhat to do on the hard days when you just don’t have capacity — and how to bounce back with graceWhether your home feels out of control or you’re just tired of doing it all alone, this episode is packed with practical ideas to help your family work as a team — with room for everyone’s differences.Mentioned in this episode: 🎁 Grab your free guide: The Frustrated Parents Guide – How to Get Your Kids to Tidy Up Without Them Really Realizing It Includes gentle strategies for kids with autism, ADHD, and other neurodivergent needs.Tomorrow, I’ll be back with a special bonus episode all about organizing IEPs and autism paperwork — a must-listen if you’re drowning in forms and reports.I would LOVE to hear from you. Text Message me here. Thanks for listening! For more organizational motivation, support and free resources:Join my online membership Clutter Free CollectiveJoin my podcast Facebook group Living Clutter Free Forever Podcast: KonMari® Inspired Organizing | FacebookVisit my website www.caroline-thor.com Come and say 'hi' on Instagram @caro.thor Follow me on Facebook @carolineorganizer

Autism-Friendly Home Organization Strategies for Overwhelmed Parents – World Autism Acceptance Month 2025Decluttering is hard for so many kids — but for autistic children, it can feel downright impossible. That’s because what looks like “just stuff” to us often holds comfort, predictability, and emotional meaning for them.In this episode, we’re tackling the reality of helping your autistic child let go of toys, clothes, and school items without triggering meltdowns, power struggles, or distress.I’ll walk you through how to approach decluttering with empathy, structure, and practical tools that empower your child — not overwhelm them. Whether your child finds it hard to part with broken toys or outgrown clothing, or you’re simply feeling stuck, this is a gentle, realistic guide to making it work.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why letting go is so emotionally difficult for many autistic childrenHow to use “thank you” boxes and keep boxes to reduce stressTips for decluttering broken or outgrown items without overwhelmHow to give your child control and choice when tidying their roomThe power of celebrating small wins and knowing when to stop for the dayWhat to do with sentimental items that are too hard to let go ofPlus, I’ll share how I’ve used these strategies with my own children, including my son with autism and PDA, and why creating a safe, supportive bedroom environment is far more important than perfection.Key takeaway: Decluttering isn’t about taking things away — it’s about making space for what matters. And when we make space with care and empathy, our kids feel more safe, more regulated, and more connected to their space.Mentioned in this episode: 🎁 Grab your free guide: 15 Minute Declutter Reset for Moms of Neurodivergent Kids – A simple, actionable way to get organized without the overwhelm, even when you have no time.Tomorrow, we’ll shift focus to getting the whole family involved in keeping the house tidy — so it’s not all on your shoulders.I would LOVE to hear from you. Text Message me here. Thanks for listening! For more organizational motivation, support and free resources:Join my online membership Clutter Free CollectiveJoin my podcast Facebook group Living Clutter Free Forever Podcast: KonMari® Inspired Organizing | FacebookVisit my website www.caroline-thor.com Come and say 'hi' on Instagram @caro.thor Follow me on Facebook @carolineorganizer

Autism-Friendly Home Organization Strategies for Overwhelmed Parents – World Autism Acceptance Month 2025For many autistic children, transitions — even the small everyday ones — can feel overwhelming and emotionally exhausting. And when a bigger change comes along, like moving house or changing schools, it can completely throw them off.In this episode, I’m exploring how organization can be a powerful tool to help autistic kids feel safer and more supported through transitions — whether it’s getting dressed in the morning or adjusting to an unexpected schedule change.I share real-life examples from my own parenting experience (including a Friday that did not go to plan), and offer simple, actionable tips to prepare your child for change — and take the pressure off you too.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why transitions are so hard for many autistic kids (and how PDA adds another layer)How to use preparation, routines, and visual cues to reduce resistanceWhat to say instead of setting timers if your child finds countdowns stressfulPractical ways to organize your day, your time, and your environment for smoother transitionsHow to prepare for big changes like school moves or home movesHow to build in backup plans for unexpected disruptions — and why they matterWe also talk about why organization isn’t just about tidying the house — it’s about planning time, managing stress, and helping your autistic child feel secure in an unpredictable world.Key message: When we plan ahead and create flexible, supportive systems, we give our children what they need to feel calm, prepared, and capable of handling change — and that benefits the whole family.Mentioned in this episode: 🎁 Download The Frustrated Parents Guide – How to Get Your Kids to Tidy Up Without Them Even Realizing It. Full of fun, neurodivergent-friendly strategies for building tidy-up routines without pushback.Tomorrow we’ll be diving into how to help your autistic child let go of clutter without stress or resistance — I hope you’ll join me for that one.I would LOVE to hear from you. Text Message me here. Thanks for listening! For more organizational motivation, support and free resources:Join my online membership Clutter Free CollectiveJoin my podcast Facebook group Living Clutter Free Forever Podcast: KonMari® Inspired Organizing | FacebookVisit my website www.caroline-thor.com Come and say 'hi' on Instagram @caro.thor Follow me on Facebook @carolineorganizer

Autism-Friendly Home Organization Strategies for Overwhelmed Parents – World Autism Acceptance Month 2025If your mornings feel chaotic, transitions are a daily battle, or your autistic child struggles with unexpected changes — you are not alone. And the good news? You can create gentle, flexible routines that actually support your child and reduce your own stress.In this episode, we’re talking all about routines and predictability — why they’re so important for autistic children, and how to build them in ways that are realistic, customizable, and actually work in real life (not just in theory).I share what I’ve learned as a mum of a child with autism and PDA, and offer practical strategies to help your family feel calmer, more prepared, and less reactive — even when life gets unpredictable.You’ll learn:Why routines offer emotional security and reduce anxiety for autistic kidsHow to create effective morning, bedtime, and mealtime routines that are actually doableWhat to do if rigid schedules or timers trigger your child (especially with PDA)Visual tools and gentle language shifts that help children feel in controlThe power of previewing transitions and using “first, then” promptsWhy consistency matters more than perfection — especially when days don’t go to planWe also talk about how organization isn’t just about your physical space — it’s about managing energy, building emotional safety, and reducing the pressure on you as a parent.Key message: When your routines work for your child and your life, everyone feels calmer — and that’s the foundation of a peaceful home.Mentioned in this episode: 🎁 Download my free guide: 15 Minute Declutter Reset for Moms of Neurodivergent Kids – designed to help you reduce clutter and create calm, 15 minutes at a time.In tomorrow’s episode, we’ll go deeper into transitions — and how to support your child through both everyday shifts and big life changes.I would LOVE to hear from you. Text Message me here. Thanks for listening! For more organizational motivation, support and free resources:Join my online membership Clutter Free CollectiveJoin my podcast Facebook group Living Clutter Free Forever Podcast: KonMari® Inspired Organizing | FacebookVisit my website www.caroline-thor.com Come and say 'hi' on Instagram @caro.thor Follow me on Facebook @carolineorganizer