Clutter Free Academy

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 drama

How a simple printed agenda can keep a blended‑family gathering calm

Pre‑decluttering guest spaces to avoid stash‑and‑dash panic

Easy guest‑room touches that feel welcoming (without staging a hotel)

The power of starting a donation box n...

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 yo...

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 limited

The “energy budget” mindset that helps you spend your effort where it matters

Meal 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 stool...

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 brai...

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...

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...

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 i...

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 yo...

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 discov...

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. ...

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, a...

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...

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 ep...

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...

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 a...

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...

In this engaging episode of Clutter-Free Academy, Kathi Lipp and clutter comrade Tonya Kubo are back to tackle the ever-daunting task of laundry. For those feeling overwhelmed by never-ending laundry piles and chaos, this is your chance to reclaim a peaceful and organized home. 

Kathi shares her newfound appreciation for a certain someone’s folding techniques and reveals how a few simple tools, like drawer dividers, can revolutionize your laundry routine. Plus, Tonya gives invaluable advice on managing allergy-friendly laundry needs and keeping the family clad and cheerful. 

Listeners will come away with practical insights on ev...

Join Kathi Lipp and her clutter buddy, Tonya Kubo in a conversation focusing on practical steps to streamline laundry chaos for a clutter-free life. Listen in to the first of this two part series as Kathi dives into relatable laundry challenges and shares the systems that have transformed her household management. Whether you're navigating mound-like heaps of clothing or finding yourself rewashing forgotten loads, this episode uncovers strategies to regain control over your laundry routine. Catch some tips for teaching kids to handle laundry, optimal sorting methods, and eco-friendly practices like drying clothes outdoors. A few handy laundry room a...

In this engaging episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp and her clutter comrade, Tonya Kubo, dive into why summer is the ideal time to declutter. As the days get longer, tackle those overwhelming clutter issues that seem impossible during the rest of the year. They share personal insights, practical strategies for overcoming sentimental and overwhelming clutter, and success stories from the Clutter Free for Life community. Whether you're struggling with where to start or how to ensure everyone in the household is on the same page, Kathi and Tonya provide a wealth of support and encouragement. Plus, hear...

In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp and Tonya Kubo talk about why they're moving from “No Buy July” to a gentler, grace-filled “Low Buy July.” If you’ve ever felt like buying toilet paper broke the rules or you’re just exhausted by all-or-nothing thinking, this conversation is for you. 

They’ll cover: 

The mindset behind Low Buy July and why it matters now more than ever 

Four financial “levels” to help you decide what to do with the money you don’t spend 

How a bug bite venom extractor earned i...

In this engaging episode of Clutter Free Academy, hosts Kathi Lipp and Tonya Kubo dive into the dynamic world of dishwashing, sharing secrets to establish a daily rhythm that keeps kitchen chaos at bay. Listen in as Kathi reveals her tried-and-true methods for optimizing dishwasher efficiency, maintaining the appliance, and involving the whole family in the process. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by piles of dirty dishes or uncertain about how to best utilize your dishwasher, this episode is your solution. Discover the power of routine and effective strategies to keep your kitchen environment serene and functional. Be sure...

Join Kathi Lipp and Tonya Kubo in this episode of Clutter-Free Academy as they tackle the often overwhelming world of food storage. Whether you’re struggling with long-term pantry organization, fridge chaos, containers for on the go or finding the right containers for meal prep, Kathi and Tonya share practical tips and solutions that can turn your kitchen clutter into culinary clarity. They explore the benefits of square, stackable, and see-through storage solutions, the beauty of a cheese drawer, and how to make food storage solutions work for your unique household needs. Tune in for insights that cater to an...

Kathi Lipp returns with Tonya Kubo and Tenneil Register to address a common challenge faced by those on the clutter-free journey: sentimental items. In this insightful episode, the trio tackles the emotional weight of inherited belongings and the guilt that often accompanies letting go. Through personal stories and heartfelt advice, listeners will find encouragement and practical ideas for memorializing loved ones without drowning in clutter. Tonya and Tenneil offer creative solutions and emphasize that true memories don't reside in things but in the stories and connections we cherish. Tune in to gain a fresh perspective on organizing keepsakes that...

In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp is joined by clutter experts Tonya Kubo and Tenneil Register for the second part of their heartfelt discussion on sentimental items. Discover the emotions that often lead us to hold onto things we neither love nor use, and learn how to navigate these feelings with grace. Whether it's figuring out what to do with your prom memorabilia or repurposing your grandmother's teacup, our hosts share practical steps and innovative ideas to help you cherish the memories without clinging to items out of guilt or fear. Tune in to learn how...

In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp teams up with decluttering experts Tonya Kubo and Tenille Register to tackle one of the toughest challenges for parents—letting go of kids' sentimental items. Whether it’s a macaroni necklace or a monumental art project, sentimental clutter can be overwhelming. This trio of brilliant ladies share personal stories and practical strategies for managing this emotional baggage. Learn how to curate your children’s treasures thoughtfully and set healthy boundaries with blended families' keepsakes. Plus, discover special tools like the School Year's Memory Kit! Tune in for relatable advice and humor...

In this episode of the Clutter Free Academy Podcast, host Kathi Lipp, joined by Tonya Kubo, demystifies one of the most daunting household areas: under the kitchen sink. The duo shares practical tips on decluttering, cleaning, and organizing this often-neglected space. Listeners will learn how to inspect for leaks, utilize vertical storage, and develop a system to avoid overstocking on cleaning products. With Kathi’s relatable anecdotes and step-by-step guidance, tackle your under-the-sink chaos and reclaim a clutter-free life. Tune in for a sprinkle of humor, insightful advice, and strategies for enjoying your home anew. 

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On this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp and Tonya Kubo dive deep into the world of subscription services and the hidden costs they can incur over time. As many of us fall into the habit of acquiring more subscriptions than we need, our finances begin to clutter much like our living spaces. Kathi and Tonya share personal stories on saving thousands of dollars by auditing their monthly subscriptions, canceling those that went unused, and exploring alternative solutions. They'll also introduce you to the idea of Low by July, a practical exercise in mindful spending. This episode is...

In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp and Tonya Kubo delve into the importance of a tidy nightstand for a better night's sleep and a more organized life. They discuss Kathi's recent purchase of new nightstands with built-in outlets, her nighttime routine essentials, and practical strategies for keeping your bedroom clutter-free. Whether it's finding the right furniture, using drawer dividers, or setting up a night basket, Kathi and Tonya offer a step-by-step system to help listeners turn their nightstand into a launchpad for an organized day. And don't miss the listener challenge that encourages you to declutter...

In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp and Tonya Kubo tackle one of the most deceptively frustrating spots in your kitchen: the spice cabinet. If you’ve ever bought a second (or sixth) bottle of basil because you couldn’t find the first one, or had cumin avalanche onto your counter, this one’s for you. The duo shares budget-friendly, sanity-saving solutions to bring order and accessibility to your most flavorful clutter zone. 

In This Episode You’ll Learn: 

Why your spices should spark joy—and scent 

Kathi’s five-tiered spice strategy (yes...

In this laugh-out-loud and surprisingly transformational episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp and Tonya Kubo dive deep—literally—into the drawer that gets no love but causes a whole lot of frustration: your sock and underwear drawer. From chicken footprints and Sharpies to mismatched socks and holy underwear, they uncover the oddities that sneak into this tiny space—and provide the simple steps you need to bring peace and order to your most intimate drawer. 

In This Episode You’ll Learn: 

Why worn-out socks and too-tight undies deserve a swift exit 

The magic numbe...

n this Clutter-Free Academy episode, Kathi Lipp teams up with her favorite clutter co-conspirator, Tonya Kubo, to address a common household nemesis: the overflowing coat closet. Perfect for those with or without a traditional coat closet, Kathi and Tonya share innovative tips and strategies to transform any space into a functional launch pad for daily success. 

Listeners will discover the surprising power of matching hangers and learn how to repurpose their coat closet space with hanging bins, command hooks, and even a USB rechargeable light for those darker nooks and crannies. In addition, Kathi and Tonya delve i...

In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp and Tonya Kubo dive into one of the most dreaded and clutter-prone areas of the home: the kitchen cupboards. Whether you're struggling with chaos in your pots and pans cabinet or just need some fresh organization inspiration, this episode offers practical tips and clever solutions to transform your kitchen into a space that brings you joy. 

From discussing the dreaded corner cabinets to lighting solutions that bring a smile every time you open the door, Kathi and Tonya walk you through realistic steps to declutter and organize. They s...

In this enlightening episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp sits down with Kristin Strong, author of "Praying Through Loneliness: A 90 Day Devotional for Women." Together, they uncover the intertwined relationship between clutter and loneliness, offering actionable steps to create a more welcoming space and build connections within our communities. Whether you're struggling with isolation due to clutter, life circumstances, or anything in between, this episode promises to equip you with practical, faith-driven insights to overcome loneliness. Don't miss this valuable conversation that could inspire you to transform both your living space and your heart. 

Promised Links a...

In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp welcomes author Dana K. White for their first-ever conversation about the intersection of faith and decluttering. 

Dana shares her personal journey from anonymous blogger to bestselling author, revealing how she discovered that creative, successful women often struggle the most with clutter. Together, they explore why shame is so deeply connected to our messy spaces and how understanding that "Jesus doesn't care about your messy house" can be the key to making real progress. 

If you've ever felt that your cluttered home somehow makes you a spiritual fa...

Are you looking for a simple way to bring more meaning to your Lenten season while also creating space for family connection? In this episode of Clutter-Free Academy, Kathi Lipp and Tonya Kubo share their love for soup and how it can become a meaningful Lenten practice for your family. 

For many, Lent represents a time to simplify, focus on what matters most, and create space for spiritual growth. Kathi and Tonya explain how incorporating a weekly soup tradition can help achieve these goals while also solving the "what's for dinner?" dilemma. 

Listeners will discover: 

In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, host Kathi Lipp is joined by her clutter buddy, Tonya Kubo, to tackle the all-too-common mindset of "if you can't do it right, don't do it at all". Together, they explore how this thinking impacts our homes and hearts, and share practical tips on shifting to a more grace-filled, progress-focused approach. Listeners will learn about the power of small steps in creating a tidier home and how to redefine the standards of a clutter-free living space. Tune in to hear a bit about Kathi’s strategy for managing clutter and hear about the...

In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, host Kathi Lipp is joined by Tonya Kubo to delve into the hidden costs of clutter and how it impacts our lives beyond the physical. They explore the emotional, spiritual, and financial toll that clutter can take and discuss practical steps to reclaim space and peace of mind. Tonya shares her personal journey from cluttered chaos to organized serenity, offering inspiration and insights for listeners. They also introduce the Clutter Free Bible study—an online program designed to help you tackle the root causes of clutter through a spiritual lens. Tune in to...

In this enlightening episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp welcomes author Arlene Pellicane to discuss the delicate balance of managing different organizational styles within marriage. If you're struggling with a spouse who has different standards of tidiness, this episode offers practical wisdom and hope. 

Arlene shares four key marriage decisions that can transform your relationship, with special focus on how managing "stuff" impacts marital harmony. You'll discover how to have productive conversations about organization without creating winners and losers in your marriage. 

Links: 

Making Marriage Eas...

Are you caught in the tension between wanting a perfect home and feeling overwhelmed by the impossibility of achieving it? In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp sits down with Hilary Bernstein, author of "The Tension of Tidy," to explore the connection between perfectionism and our struggle with clutter. 

Learn why perfectionists often have the hardest time maintaining an organized home and discover practical strategies for breaking free from the paralysis of perfectionism. Hilary shares insights about finding God's grace in our imperfect spaces and offers hope for those caught between Pinterest-perfect expectations and...

In this episode of Clutter-Free Academy, Kathi Lipp and Tonya Kubo help listeners kick off 2025 with a practical plan for a clutter-free home. Kathi shares her personal goal of decluttering 100 spaces in her house this year and how she’s breaking it down into manageable, 15-minute tasks. 

Tonya adds her insights on avoiding overwhelm and tailoring the process to fit your unique spaces and needs. Whether you prefer a printable checklist or an editable spreadsheet, this episode provides actionable tools and encouragement to get started. Tune in to learn why small steps lead to big results and how...