064 - Understanding how trauma stops us decluttering

Send me a text message about this podcast SummaryIn this episode of Decluttering Untangled, Heather Tingle explores the intricate relationship between trauma and clutter. She discusses how past experiences shape our attachment to items, the psychological barriers to decluttering, and the importance of self-compassion in the process. Heather emphasises the need to understand our fears, judgments, and emotional attachments to items, particularly in the context of neurodivergence. The conversation highlights strategies for navigating sentimental items and grief, ultimately encouraging listeners to find a balance between memories and living in the present.TakeawaysUnderstanding the connection between trauma and clutter is crucial.Self-compassion is key in the decluttering process.Fear of letting go often stems from past experiences.Judgment from self and others can hinder decluttering efforts.Emotional attachments to items can amplify due to trauma.It's okay to feel upset when letting go of items.Working through 'what if' scenarios can provide clarity.Letting go of items doesn't mean losing memories.Finding ways to honor memories without physical items is important.Being kind to oneself is essential in the journey of decluttering.Chapters00:00Understanding Trauma and Clutter05:46Judgment and Emotional Attachment Join my free Declutter Community for real support, tips and advice from Heather and other Untanglers that are just like you!Follow me on FacebookBuy my Declutter Your Home Planner from Amazon to start to declutter your home yourself! (affiliate link)Grab my current freebies to support a cleaner, tidier home.Follow me on instagramFeel free to email me: [email protected] Please note, I may not be able to reply, but do read all emails to me and appreciate them massively.

Send me a text message about this podcast SummaryIn this episode of Decluttering Untangled, Heather Tingle shares three easy wins for decluttering that can help listeners feel accomplished and motivated. The conversation covers therapeutic decluttering of pens, streamlining filing systems by letting go of unnecessary paperwork, and evaluating kitchen cutlery to remove unused items. Heather emphasises the importance of being kind to oneself during the decluttering process and encourages listeners to take small steps towards a more organised space.TakeawaysIt's okay to let go of pens that don't work.You don't need to keep old instruction manuals.Streamline your filing system by removing outdated items.Evaluate kitchen cutlery and keep only what you use.Consider donating items you no longer need.Decluttering can be a therapeutic activity.Small wins can lead to greater motivation.Be kind to yourself during the decluttering process.Letting go of items creates space for what matters.You are not alone in your decluttering journey.Chapters00:00Introduction to Easy Wins in Decluttering02:20Therapeutic Decluttering: Pens and Stationery03:50Streamlining Your Filing System05:14Kitchen Cutlery: Letting Go of Unused ItemsPens for Kids Charity Website Join my free Declutter Community for real support, tips and advice from Heather and other Untanglers that are just like you!Follow me on FacebookBuy my Declutter Your Home Planner from Amazon to start to declutter your home yourself! (affiliate link)Grab my current freebies to support a cleaner, tidier home.Follow me on instagramFeel free to email me: [email protected] Please note, I may not be able to reply, but do read all emails to me and appreciate them massively.

Send me a text message about this podcast SummaryIn this episode of Decluttering Untangled, Heather Tingle discusses the concept of 'easy wins' in decluttering, providing practical tips for letting go of items that clutter our spaces. She emphasises the importance of small, manageable tasks that can lead to a sense of control and accomplishment in the decluttering journey. Heather shares specific examples, including takeaway menus, business cards, and outdated food items, encouraging listeners to take action and create a more organized living environment.TakeawaysEasy wins in decluttering can boost morale.Takeaway menus are often unnecessary and can be recycled.Business cards can be digitized and discarded.Outdated food items should be let go to create space.Using apps like OLIO can help with food waste.Decluttering is about small actions that add up.It's important to feel in control of your space.You don't need to keep items you won't use.Being kind to yourself is crucial in the process.You are not alone in your decluttering journey.Chapters00:00Introduction to Easy Wins in Decluttering02:22Letting Go of Takeaway Menus04:48Decluttering Business Cards06:13Managing Outdated Food Items Join my free Declutter Community for real support, tips and advice from Heather and other Untanglers that are just like you!Follow me on FacebookBuy my Declutter Your Home Planner from Amazon to start to declutter your home yourself! (affiliate link)Grab my current freebies to support a cleaner, tidier home.Follow me on instagramFeel free to email me: [email protected] Please note, I may not be able to reply, but do read all emails to me and appreciate them massively.

Send me a text message about this podcast SummaryIn this episode of Decluttering Untangled, Heather Tingle explores the pervasive 'all or nothing' mentality that affects our approach to decluttering and organisation. She shares personal anecdotes and practical strategies to help listeners break down overwhelming tasks into manageable steps, emphasising the importance of taking small actions rather than waiting for the perfect moment. Heather also addresses the challenges posed by perfectionism and ADHD, encouraging listeners to focus on initial thoughts and actions to avoid getting stuck in a cycle of inaction.TakeawaysThe all or nothing mentality can hinder progress.Breaking tasks into smaller steps makes them more manageable.Waiting for the perfect moment often leads to inaction.Small actions can lead to significant changes over time.Perfectionism can create overwhelming expectations.It's important to recognise when you're stuck in all or nothing thinking.Taking immediate action on small tasks can prevent procrastination.Organising and decluttering can be done in bits, not just big projects.Recognising initial thoughts can help in decision-making.Stop the grand spiralChapters00:00Introduction to All or Nothing Thinking02:50The Impact of All or Nothing on Daily Tasks06:07Overcoming All or Nothing Mentality in Home Projects Join my free Declutter Community for real support, tips and advice from Heather and other Untanglers that are just like you!Follow me on FacebookBuy my Declutter Your Home Planner from Amazon to start to declutter your home yourself! (affiliate link)Grab my current freebies to support a cleaner, tidier home.Follow me on instagramFeel free to email me: [email protected] Please note, I may not be able to reply, but do read all emails to me and appreciate them massively.

Send me a text message about this podcast SummaryIn this episode of Decluttering Untangled, Heather Tingle discusses effective decluttering strategies for individuals who struggle with focus, particularly those with ADHD. She presents two main approaches: working with the tendency to flit between tasks and finding ways to lock in focus. Heather emphasises the importance of mini-declutters, using reminders, and creative techniques to maintain motivation and productivity. The episode concludes with encouragement to reward oneself for progress, no matter how small.TakeawaysRecognise that decluttering can take longer when flitting between tasks.Mini-declutters can be effective and manageable for busy individuals.Using dump bins in each room can simplify the decluttering process.Short tasks of less than five minutes can be integrated into daily routines.Body doubling can provide accountability and enhance focus during decluttering.Visual aids like timers can help maintain focus and track progress.Consider using enjoyable tasks to kickstart decluttering efforts.Locking yourself in a room (not literally!) can help minimise distractions.Rewarding yourself for progress is crucial for motivation.Creative techniques, like role-playing, can make decluttering more engaging.Chapters00:00Introduction to Decluttering Strategies05:52Locking In Focus: Strategies for Better Concentration Join my free Declutter Community for real support, tips and advice from Heather and other Untanglers that are just like you!Follow me on FacebookBuy my Declutter Your Home Planner from Amazon to start to declutter your home yourself! (affiliate link)Grab my current freebies to support a cleaner, tidier home.Follow me on instagramFeel free to email me: [email protected] Please note, I may not be able to reply, but do read all emails to me and appreciate them massively.

Send me a text message about this podcast SummaryIn this episode of Decluttering Untangled, Heather Tingle explores the psychology behind freebies and promotional items, reflecting on her childhood experiences and the excitement of receiving something for nothing. She discusses the importance of mindful consumption, emphasising that just because something is free doesn't mean it is beneficial or necessary. Heather encourages listeners to evaluate their attachment to freebies and to consider the environmental impact of taking items they don't need. The conversation culminates in a challenge for listeners to identify and reflect on the freebies they have in their homes.TakeawaysThe excitement of receiving freebies often stems from childhood experiences.Freebies can take up valuable physical and mental space.Just because something is free doesn't mean it's good for you.Mindful consumption is key when it comes to promotional items.It's okay to say no to freebies without feeling guilty.Evaluate whether you would buy the item if it weren't free.Consider the environmental impact of taking unnecessary items.Freebies can create clutter if not managed properly.Look past the brand connection and assess the item's actual value.Reflect on your emotional attachment to freebies and why you feel that way.Chapters00:00The Allure of Freebies10:58Mindful Consumption of Promotional Items Join my free Declutter Community for real support, tips and advice from Heather and other Untanglers that are just like you!Follow me on FacebookBuy my Declutter Your Home Planner from Amazon to start to declutter your home yourself! (affiliate link)Grab my current freebies to support a cleaner, tidier home.Follow me on instagramFeel free to email me: [email protected] Please note, I may not be able to reply, but do read all emails to me and appreciate them massively.

Send me a text message about this podcast SummaryIn this episode of Decluttering Untangled, Heather Tingle discusses how to handle items that aren't yours, whether they were left by friends or borrowed and never returned. She emphasises the importance of setting time limits for returning items, understanding their sentimental value, and ultimately letting go of guilt associated with keeping them. Heather encourages listeners to reclaim their space and not feel responsible for items that do not belong to them, providing practical tips for decluttering and moving forward in a guilt-free manner.TakeawaysIt's important to set a time limit for returning items.If you can't contact the owner, assess the item's value.Remove the guilt associated with keeping items that aren't yours.It's okay to let go of items that aren't important to you.You are not responsible for being a permanent home for others' items.Life happens, and people leave things behind.Make contact quickly to avoid awkwardness later.You have permission to declutter and reclaim your space.Sentimental value is subjective; assess it carefully.Decluttering helps prevent future accumulation of others' items.Chapters00:00Introduction and Special Offers06:10Letting Go of Guilt and Moving ForwardBlack Friday Offers Join my free Declutter Community for real support, tips and advice from Heather and other Untanglers that are just like you!Follow me on FacebookBuy my Declutter Your Home Planner from Amazon to start to declutter your home yourself! (affiliate link)Grab my current freebies to support a cleaner, tidier home.Follow me on instagramFeel free to email me: [email protected] Please note, I may not be able to reply, but do read all emails to me and appreciate them massively.

Send me a text message about this podcast SummaryIn this episode of Decluttering Untangled, Heather Tingle shares her personal journey with clutter, exploring her childhood experiences, struggles in adulthood, and the transformative power of decluttering. She discusses the emotional connections to her belongings, the impact of mental health on her clutter, and how discovering decluttering sparked a significant change in her life. Heather emphasises the importance of creating a home that reflects one's true self and the freedom that comes with letting go of excess.TakeawaysSentimentality can lead to clutter and emotional attachment.Childhood experiences shape our relationship with belongings.Decluttering is a process that requires time and effort.Emotional connections to items can complicate the decluttering process.It's important to prioritise personal feelings over societal expectations when decluttering.Decluttering can lead to a lighter, more fulfilling life.Creating a home that reflects your personality is essential.Neurodivergence can influence how we manage clutter and belongings.The journey of decluttering can be empowering and transformative.Chapters00:00Introduction and Personal Background05:12Childhood Sentimentality and Clutter10:26Struggles with Clutter in Adulthood15:34The Turning Point23:42Embracing Change and Moving Forward Join my free Declutter Community for real support, tips and advice from Heather and other Untanglers that are just like you!Follow me on FacebookBuy my Declutter Your Home Planner from Amazon to start to declutter your home yourself! (affiliate link)Grab my current freebies to support a cleaner, tidier home.Follow me on instagramFeel free to email me: [email protected] Please note, I may not be able to reply, but do read all emails to me and appreciate them massively.

Send me a text message about this podcast SummaryIn this episode, Heather Tingle reflects on a year of decluttering insights, sharing 28 tips derived from past podcasts. The conversation covers various themes including impulse spending, the importance of decluttering before moving, managing social anxiety, decision fatigue, and effective packing strategies. Heather emphasizes the need to enjoy life and possessions, the distinction between hoarding and chronic disorganization, and the significance of creating a home that works for the individual. The episode concludes with motivation strategies for decluttering and making a home aesthetically pleasing while being functional.TakeawaysImpulse spending often stems from emotional triggers.Creating a gap between desire and purchase can reduce impulse buys.Decluttering before moving saves time and money.Social anxiety can be managed with practical strategies.Books should be evaluated individually, not as a collection.Finding space to declutter can be creative and unconventional.Decision fatigue can be mitigated by preparing in advance.Packing efficiently can enhance travel experiences.Hoarding is a mental health issue, distinct from disorganization.Children should be involved in deciding what artwork to keep.Use code TINGLE at checkout for a 10% discount with My Little DaVinci Frames.(affiliate link)Chapters00:00Celebrating a Year of Decluttering Insights06:05The Importance of Decluttering Before Moving11:53The Challenge of Decluttering Books and Cards18:08Managing Decision Fatigue in Decluttering24:07Distinguishing Hoarding from Chronic Disorganization30:06Finding Motivation to Declutter Join my free Declutter Community for real support, tips and advice from Heather and other Untanglers that are just like you!Follow me on FacebookBuy my Declutter Your Home Planner from Amazon to start to declutter your home yourself! (affiliate link)Grab my current freebies to support a cleaner, tidier home.Follow me on instagramFeel free to email me: [email protected] Please note, I may not be able to reply, but do read all emails to me and appreciate them massively.

Send me a text message about this podcast Welcome to the 1-Year Anniversary Episode of Decluttering Untangled! In this special milestone episode, Heather Tingle celebrates one incredible year of helping listeners untangle their homes and minds. Today, Heather shares her top 17 decluttering tips from the past year, offering a powerful recap that you can come back to anytime you need a refresher.Whether you're a longtime listener or just tuning in, this episode is packed with actionable advice for creating a clutter-free home that truly works for you.From mastering the art of “zoning” to navigating emotional attachments, Heather covers all the foundational principles that have resonated most with the Untangling community. Listen in to hear about strategies specifically tailored for neurodivergent minds, including the PAVES system and unique approaches to decluttering when dealing with depression, overwhelm, or simply a lack of time.Highlights in this episode:The Power of Zoning: Set up specific zones in your home to make finding things easier and the start of a long term declutter plan.Do It Now Mentality: Small actions add up—Heather’s approach helps you make the most of every moment.Decision-Making Based on Emotions, Not Logic: Learn why keeping only what you truly love can transform your space.The PAVES System: A personalised blueprint to keep you on track, even when life feels overwhelming.Creating an Effective Exit Plan: Avoid the common pitfall of letting donation bags pile up by having a plan for items to leave your space.Managing Holiday Clutter: Tips for keeping Christmas clutter under control and reducing waste.Decluttering with Depression: Heather shares her personal experience and strategies for managing clutter when mental health is a challenge.Floordrobes and Wardrobe Solutions: Practical tips for handling clothes clutter in a way that works with your habits.Whether you’re just starting your decluttering journey or are looking to stay motivated, this episode is filled with insights and gentle encouragement. Heather’s unique approach is tailored to support neurodivergent thinkers and anyone who needs a bit of extra help organising their space and mind.Thank you to everyone who has listened, shared, and supported Decluttering Untangled over the past year. Your feedback and stories make this journey so rewarding. Here’s to another year of untangling our lives!Want to Help More People Find Us?If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with someone who might find it helpful. Every review and share helps us reach more people who need support on their decluttering journey.Tune in, get inspired, and keep untangling! Join my free Declutter Community for real support, tips and advice from Heather and other Untanglers that are just like you!Follow me on FacebookBuy my Declutter Your Home Planner from Amazon to start to declutter your home yourself! (affiliate link)Grab my current freebies to support a cleaner, tidier home.Follow me on instagramFeel free to email me: [email protected] Please note, I may not be able to reply, but do read all emails to me and appreciate them massively.