🎧Episode 235: Reverse Decluttering vs. the Fresh Start Method® - Which Works Better?

Send us Fan MailWhat if preparing for Monday didn’t have to take over your entire Sunday?You begin with one load of laundry. Then you check the calendar, place a grocery order, clean the kitchen, prepare food, and answer an email.Before you know it, Sunday is almost over.You may feel prepared for Monday—but you don’t necessarily feel rested.The idea of a French Sunday offers a different approach. Instead of treating Sunday as another day for errands, chores, and catching up, it encourages us to slow down and make room for longer meals, time with family or friends, a walk, a good book, or simply a little time with no plans.But does enjoying Sunday mean ignoring everything that needs to happen before Monday?In this episode of Organizing with Ease, I’m sharing how to create a simple Sunday Check-In that helps you prepare for the week without losing the final day of your weekend.In this episode, you’ll hear:What the French Sunday lifestyle concept means.Why Sunday has become another workday for so many people.The difference between preparing for the week and trying to catch up on everything.How to identify the few Sunday tasks that will make Monday easier.My simple Rule of Three for a lighter Sunday Check-In.How to protect something enjoyable without beginning Monday unprepared.                       Download the Thanksgiving Preparation ChecklistAs Thanksgiving gets closer, the details can quickly begin filling your schedule—and your mind.My Thanksgiving Preparation Checklist gives you one place to keep track of what needs to be done so you can spread out the preparation instead of trying to complete everything during Thanksgiving week.Use it as a guide and choose what applies to your home, gathering, and traditions. The purpose isn’t to give you more work. It’s to help you create a realistic plan and leave more room to enjoy the holiday.Download the Thanksgiving Preparation Checklist:Listen and SubscribeListen to Episode 236Watch on YouTube Flodesk link  Fall Decluttering Checklist link  Subscribe to Organizing with Ease on YouTube or follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app so you don’t miss an episodeSupport the showConnect with Diana:Business email: [email protected] Instagram: @dsdeclutrrOur Facebook: @dsdeclutrrOur Websites: dsdeclutrr.com

Send us Fan MailSpecial Guest: Ari Kimmelfeld, Founder of CommonplaceYou've finally decided it's time to let go of that sofa, dining table, or piece of furniture you've been holding onto.But now what?Do you sell it? Donate it? Give it away? And who's going to move it?In this episode of Organizing with Ease, I'm joined by Ari Kimmelfeld, founder of Commonplace, a marketplace making it easier to buy and sell larger secondhand items without the usual headaches of coordinating pickups and deliveries.We're talking about what happens after you've made the decision to declutter, how to determine the best next step for your furniture, and why letting go doesn't have to become another overwhelming project.In This Episode, You'll Learn:Why people get stuck when letting go of furniture they no longer needHow to decide whether to sell, donate, or give something awayWhat to consider when pricing secondhand furnitureHow Commonplace simplifies listing, pickup, delivery, and paymentOne simple step to finally get that furniture movingA Special Gift for My Listeners!Ari and the Commonplace team have a special offer just for the Organizing with Ease community!Get $500 off your first order on Commonplace!Use code: EASE500Valid through January 17, 2027.Listing is free, and Commonplace handles pickup, delivery, and payment.Connect with Ari & CommonplaceWebsiteFacebook: Commonplace Buy Sell Trade IG: @trycommonplace LinkedIn: Ari Kimmelfeld Stay Connected Flodesk link  Fall Decluttering Checklist link  Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Organizing with Ease on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode.New episodes every Thursday!Visit owepodcast.com for more episodes and dsdeclutrr.com for organizing resources and coaching.Create space for what matters most.Step by Step, Little by Little.Support the showConnect with Diana:Business email: [email protected] Instagram: @dsdeclutrrOur Facebook: @dsdeclutrrOur Websites: dsdeclutrr.com

Send us Fan MailWhat if choosing what stays is easier than deciding what goes?You open an overfilled drawer knowing it isn’t working - but the minute you start asking what you should get rid of, every item suddenly feels useful.That’s where Reverse Decluttering, also known as Decluttering Backwards, offers a different starting point. Instead of focusing first on what needs to leave, you begin by intentionally choosing what you use, value, and want to keep.It can make decluttering feel easier—but choosing your keepers doesn’t automatically create an organized space you can maintain.In this episode, I’m comparing Reverse Decluttering with my Fresh Start Method® and explaining how you can use the two together to create a more functional and sustainable home.In this episode, you’ll hear:What Reverse Decluttering or Decluttering Backwards means.Why selecting your keepers first can reduce decision fatigue.Where this approach works best—and where it may fall short.Why fitting everything into a drawer doesn’t necessarily mean the drawer functions well.How the Fresh Start Method® goes beyond deciding what stays.A 20-minute challenge you can try in one drawer this week.Join Me Live TodayThere is still time to join me today, November 5 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern, for:Home for the Holidays: Organize, Simplify & CelebrateWe’ll create a realistic plan for preparing your home without trying to do everything at once so you can make more room for the people, traditions, and moments you want to enjoy.Save your spot for today’s live workshop Flodesk link  Fall Decluttering Checklist link  Download the Thanksgiving Preparation ChecklistIf Thanksgiving details are already beginning to fill your head, my Thanksgiving Preparation Checklist can help you spread out the work and create a realistic plan.The purpose isn’t to give you more to do. It’s to help you keep track of what matters without trying to remember everything at once.Get the Thanksgiving Preparation ChecklistListen and SubscribeListen to Episode 235Watch on YouTubeSubscribe to Organizing with Ease on YouTube or follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app so you don’t miss an episode.Step by step, little by little, you can create space for what matters most.Support the showConnect with Diana:Business email: [email protected] Instagram: @dsdeclutrrOur Facebook: @dsdeclutrrOur Websites: dsdeclutrr.com

Send us Fan MailA Simple Halloween-to-November ResetHalloween is almost here. The decorations are up, the candy bowl is ready, and the goblins and witches are having their moment.But then comes November.Before you feel pressured to rush into the next holiday or celebration, what if you gave your home and yourself a little breathing room?In Episode 234 of Organizing with Ease, Diana shares a simple approach to transitioning your home after Halloween without turning it into another organizing project.The idea is simple:Celebrate first. Reset second.In This EpisodeWe’re talking about:Why you should enjoy Halloween before worrying about putting it away The easiest transition into November: remove Halloween, keep fallHow to edit seasonal décor while you're already packing it away What to do with costumes, decorations you didn't use, and broken items The four words to remember before bringing out the next décor bins: Clear first. Decorate second. A Simple Halloween ResetWhen you're ready to pack everything away, don't just throw it all back into the bin and leave the decisions for next October.As each item goes into your hands, ask:Did I use it?Do I still like it?Is it in good condition?Would I be happy to see it again next year?If yes, store it.If not, make the decision now rather than giving it another eleven months in storage.Your future self will thank you.This Week's ChallengeFirst?Enjoy Halloween.No organizing assignment required.Then, when you're ready:Celebrate. Edit. Store.Take down the Halloween-specific décor, keep the seasonal pieces that still work for November, and find at least one item you're ready not to store for another year.Then give your home a little breathing room before whatever celebration comes next.Home for the Holidays Live Workshop Next Week!Join Diana live on Thursday, November 5 at 11:00 a.m. ET for:Home for the Holidays: Organize, Simplify & Celebrate WorkshopWe'll create a realistic plan for preparing your home and simplifying the season ahead—without adding another overwhelming to-do list.Whatever holidays and traditions you celebrate.Less rushing. Less overwhelm. More room for what matters.Save your spot Flodesk link  Fall Decluttering Checklist link  Stay ConnectedSubscribe to Organizing with Ease on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube so you never miss an episode.New episodes every Thursday.Support the showConnect with Diana:Business email: [email protected] Instagram: @dsdeclutrrOur Facebook: @dsdeclutrrOur Websites: dsdeclutrr.com

Send us Fan MailDo you really need to put out every pumpkin you own?Probably not.In Episode 233 of Organizing with Ease, Diana is keeping things light and seasonal about decorating your home for fall without creating more clutter.And this year, those traditions feel a little more meaningful. With Diana’s youngest daughter in her senior year and still at home, she’s making a point to enjoy Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and all those little traditions in between because next year may look completely different.It’s a reminder that organizing and decorating aren't only about how our homes look.They're about enjoying the season of life we're in.In This Episode:Why you don't need to empty the entire seasonal décor bin How to choose the decorations you genuinely love Why swapping instead of stacking keeps seasonal décor from becoming clutter How to “shop your own home” before buying something new The decorations that may finally be ready to leave the bin This Week's ChallengeChoose one seasonal décor bin and give yourself 15 minutes.DISPLAY what you love.STORE what you genuinely want to use again.DONATE what you're ready to let someone else enjoy.You don't need more decorations to make your home feel like fall.Bring out the things that make it feel like your fall.Home for the Holidays Live Workshop Join Diana live on Thursday, November 5 at 11:00 a.m. ET for:Home for the Holidays: Organize, Simplify & CelebrateGet ahead of the holiday overwhelm with a simple, realistic plan for your home and your season. So, you can spend less time trying to manage everything and more time celebrating.REGISTER FOR THE WORKSHOP :- https://www.dsdeclutrr.com/workshop-page Flodesk link :-  https://app.flodesk.com/emails Fall Decluttering Checklist link :-  https://dsdeclutrr.myflodesk.com/h20e...Stay ConnectedSubscribe to Organizing with Ease on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube so you never miss an episode.New episodes every Thursday.Create space for what matters most. Step by step. Little by little.Support the showConnect with Diana:Business email: [email protected] Instagram: @dsdeclutrrOur Facebook: @dsdeclutrrOur Websites: dsdeclutrr.com

Send us Fan MailWe’re halfway through October, and before the holiday season really picks up, this is a good time to look at something we don’t always think of as clutter:Our calendars.In this episode of Organizing with Ease, Diana talks about creating more breathing room before November and December arrive. Because just because something fits on the calendar doesn’t necessarily mean it belongs there.It’s not about squeezing more into the final months of the year. It’s about deciding what deserves your time, what can wait, and what you want to remember about this season.In This EpisodeWhy your calendar can become just as cluttered as your home The hidden time that comes with every “yes” Why asking “Do I have room for this?” can be more helpful than “Do I have time?” Creating a “Not Right Now” list for projects and commitments that can wait How the Fresh Start Method® can help you simplify your time as well as your spaces This Week’s ChallengeTake 10 minutes and look at the rest of your October calendar.Find one thing you can remove, simplify, delegate, or move to your Not Right Now list.Then leave one block of white space on your calendar and resist the urge to fill it.Sometimes creating more ease isn't about finding time to do more.It's deciding what deserves the time you already have.Before You Go: Home for the Holidays Live WorkshopJoin Diana live on Thursday, November 5 at 11:00 a.m. ET for:Home for the Holidays: Organize, Simplify & Celebrate WorkshopGet ahead of the holiday rush with a realistic plan for your home and the season ahead. So, you can spend less time managing the holidays and more time enjoying them.REGISTER FOR HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS• Workshop registration link  :- https://www.dsdeclutrr.com/workshop-page• Flodesk link :-  https://app.flodesk.com/emails• Fall Decluttering Checklist link :-  https://dsdeclutrr.myflodesk.com/h20e...Stay ConnectedSubscribe to Organizing with Ease on your favorite podcast app, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and subscribe on YouTube so you never miss an episode.New episodes every Thursday.Create space for what matters most. Step by step. Little by little.Support the showConnect with Diana:Business email: [email protected] Instagram: @dsdeclutrrOur Facebook: @dsdeclutrrOur Websites: dsdeclutrr.com

Send us Fan MailHello friend,Remember those back-to-school systems we set up in August?Now that we’ve had a couple of months to live with them, it’s time for an October check-in.In this episode of Organizing with Ease, Diana revisits three important areas of the home, the homework zone, family drop zone, and home office to ask one simple question:Is the system working for the way you created it in August?Because an organized space isn’t successful just because it looked great the day you set it up. A good system should continue to make everyday life easier.In This EpisodeWe’re talking about:How to recognize the little friction points in your daily routines Why does homework not happen where you planned and why that’s okay What backpacks, papers, keys, and everyday clutter can tell you about your drop zone Giving your own home office or workspace an October reset Why you don’t need to start over when a system stops working How small adjustments are an important part of the Fresh Start Method® This Week’s ChallengeChoose one area that isn’t working as well as you’d like.Set a timer for 15 minutes and ask:What’s working? What’s almost working? What’s not working?Keep what works. Adjust what needs a little help. Let go of what doesn’t.Step by step. Little by little.Stay ConnectedSubscribe to Organizing with Ease Podcast on your favorite podcast app, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and subscribe on YouTube so you never miss a new episode.Save the Date: Home for the Holidays Live WorkshopJoin Diana live on Thursday, November 5 at 11:00 a.m. ET for:Home for the Holidays: Organize, Simplify & Celebrate Get ahead of the holiday overwhelm with simple, realistic ways to prepare your home and your plans, so you have more time to enjoy the season.• Workshop registration link  :- https://www.dsdeclutrr.com/workshop-page• Flodesk link :-  https://app.flodesk.com/emails• Fall Decluttering Checklist link :-  https://dsdeclutrr.myflodesk.com/h20e...Support the showConnect with Diana:Business email: [email protected] Instagram: @dsdeclutrrOur Facebook: @dsdeclutrrOur Websites: dsdeclutrr.com

Send us Fan MailOctober is officially here, which means we’ve entered the fourth quarter of the year.For me, October is always a meaningful month. It’s my birthday month, Halloween is around the corner, and this year feels especially significant because my youngest daughter is in her senior year of high school.Those little seasonal traditions — putting out the pumpkins, decorating the house, celebrating the holidays — feel a little different when you realize life may look very different next year.So in this episode of Organizing with Ease, we’re slowing down for a Q4 check-in.Not to pressure ourselves into doing more.Not to create another giant end-of-year list.But to look back at where we started, recognize how far we’ve already come, and decide what still matters most as we move through the final three months of 2026.In this episode, we talk about:What Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 actually meanHow to define a goal and why goals are different from systemsWhy October is the perfect time to revisit your January vision boardHow to stop focusing only on what you haven’t finishedWhy your goal may not be the problem - your system might beHow to use the Rule of 3 for your Q4 prioritiesChoosing one priority for your home, one for yourself, and one for this season of lifeWhy an organized life should still leave room for traditions, family, and everyday momentsThe question to ask alongside “What do I want to accomplish?” - “What don’t I want to miss?”This Week’s ChallengeSet a timer for 15 minutes and pull out your January goals, planner, or vision board.Then: Write down three things you’re proud of from the first nine months of the year. Decide which goals still matter to you. Choose your Q4 Rule of 3:One priority for your homeOne priority for youOne priority for what matters most in this season of your lifeNo giant list.Just three priorities.Step by step. Little by little.Home for the Holidays WorkshopThe holidays are coming, and you don’t have to wait until November or December to start feeling overwhelmed.Join me live on Thursday, November 5 at 11:00 a.m. ET for:Home for the Holidays: Organize, Simplify & CelebrateWe’ll talk about preparing your home, your schedule, and your holiday plans in a realistic, manageable way - so you can spend less time trying to do everything and more time enjoying the season.Registration: https://www.dsdeclutrr.com/workshop-pageListen & SubscribeListen to Organizing with Ease on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.And if you’re watching on YouTube, be sure to subscribe so you never miss a new episode.New episodes every Thursday.Create space for what matters most.Support the showConnect with Diana:Business email: [email protected] Instagram: @dsdeclutrrOur Facebook: @dsdeclutrrOur Websites: dsdeclutrr.com

Send us Fan MailWhat Changed, What Still Matters, and How to Enter the Holiday Season with Greater EaseWhat was on your list at the beginning of July?Maybe you planned to organize a room, finish an important business project, travel, slow down, or spend more time with your family.Now that September is ending, some of those plans may be complete. Others may still be sitting on the list and life may have added responsibilities you never expected.In this episode of Organizing with Ease, Diana invites you to pause before rushing into October and the holiday season. This isn’t a report card on how productive you were. In This EpisodeYou’ll learn how tRecognize the accomplishments that never appeared on your original listReview unfinished tasks without judgment or guiltDecide what to continue, simplify, postpone, or releaseCreate one home base for holiday plans, receipts, invitations, and ideasChoose a home, relationship, and personal anchor for the seasonDecide how you want the holidays to feel before filling your calendarBriefly prepare for seasonal decorating without turning it into another enormous projectDiana also shares how unexpected home repairs, family responsibilities, and preparing for her daughter’s senior year changed her own third-quarter plans.Your Three Holiday AnchorsInstead of beginning the season with another overwhelming project list, choose three anchors: One home anchor: The area or system that needs to function well. One relationship anchor: The person, gathering, or tradition that deserves protected time. One personal anchor: The routine that helps you remain grounded.These anchors will help you make decisions when invitations, responsibilities, and holiday expectations begin competing for your attention.This Week’s Listener ChallengeSchedule a 20-minute coffee chat with yourself and write down:Three things you accomplished during the third quarterOne unexpected responsibility you handledOne unfinished task that still mattersOne task you’re ready to release or postponeOne word describing how you want the holidays to feelOne home anchorOne relationship anchorOne personal anchorThen choose one small first step.You might confirm where Thanksgiving will be celebrated, protect an important family date, create one holiday note on your phone, or remove a project that no longer belongs on your list.You don’t need to prepare for the entire holiday season today.Begin with greater clarity and move forward step by step, little by little.Join Diana LiveReady to create a simpler and more organized holiday season?Join Diana for the live workshop:Home for the Holidays: Organize, Simplify & CelebrateThursday, November 5, 202611:00 a.m. Eastern TimeThe $27 registration includes:The live workshopHoliday Planner 2026Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Reset ChecklistThe $47 VIP option also includes:Access to the workshop replayA private 30-minute consultation call with Diana WORKSHOP REGISTRATION LINK - https://www.dsdeclutrr.com/workshop-pageConnect with DianaListen and follow the Organizing with Ease Podcast, subscribe on YouTube, and visit D’s Declutrr for organizing services, resources, and upcoming events.Remember: keep creating space for what matters most.Support the showConnect with Diana:Business email: [email protected] Instagram: @dsdeclutrrOur Facebook: @dsdeclutrrOur Websites: dsdeclutrr.com

Send us Fan MailFall officially begins next week, but your home and the weather may still feel very much like summer.Here in Miami, swimsuits, sandals, beach towels, and outdoor supplies may remain part of our routines well into the fall. At the same time, school, work, sports, and busier schedules are bringing different belongings into our homes.When items from two seasons begin competing for the same convenient spaces, your home can suddenly feel more cluttered even if it doesn’t need to be completely reorganized.In this episode of the Organizing with Ease Podcast, we’re completing a thoughtful Fall Edit based on your household, and current routines.You’ll learn:How to identify where summer belongings are colliding with your current routinesWhy a Fall Edit should focus on one manageable category instead of an entire roomThe difference between intentionally storing something and postponing a decisionHow to decide what should remain accessible, move into storage, or leave your homeWhen to create a small transition zone for items, you’re still usingYour home doesn’t have to look seasonally correct. It needs to function correctly for the life you’re living now.Before storing anything, make sure it is clean, completely dry, repaired if necessary, and clearly labeled.You can also place a note inside the container listing anything that needs to be replaced next season or take a quick photo of the contents before closing it.Complete the category from beginning to end. Take donations to the car, label the storage container, and add a note about anything you’ll need next season.One completed category creates a feeling of calm than several unfinished organizing projects.Step by step, little by little.Home for the Holidays WorkshopJoin live on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern for:Home for the Holidays: Organize, Simplify & CelebrateWe’ll talk about preparing the important areas of your home, simplifying your seasonal calendar, and planning for decorating, gifts, meals, guests, and gatherings.The $27 registration includes:The live workshopBundle:  Holiday Planner 2026Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Reset ChecklistThe $47 VIP option includes:Bundle  Holiday Planner 2026 Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Reset Checklist  Access to the workshop replay A private 30-minute consultation call with DianaREGISTER FOR THE WORKSHOP - https://www.dsdeclutrr.com/workshop-pageSupport the showConnect with Diana:Business email: [email protected] Instagram: @dsdeclutrrOur Facebook: @dsdeclutrrOur Websites: dsdeclutrr.com