Clutter Free Academy
Have you always known you could change the world - if only you could find your car keys on the regular? Clutter Free Academy is for you. If you want to live clutter free, organized and prepared for anything, this is to podcast you must listen to. With practical ideas and tons of hope, humor and how-tos, host Kathi Lipp with teach you to live with Less Cutter, More Life.
The Fluctuating Capacity Problem: Why Some Days Clutter Feels Unbearable
Do you ever feel like clutter isn't just messy—it's loud? For highly sensitive people, visual clutter can feel like constant noise, making it nearly impossible to relax, focus, or feel at peace in your own home.
In this episode, Kathi Lipp continues her conversation with Cheri Gregory about the unique challenges HSPs face when it comes to decluttering. Together, they tackle real questions from Cheri's Sensitive and Strong community—questions about perfectionism, procrastination, sentimental items, and how to have productive conversations with loved ones about clutter.
What Listeners Will Discover
The...
What Every Highly Sensitive Person Needs to Know About Clutter and Overwhelm
Do you ever feel like clutter affects you more deeply than it seems to affect others? Like a messy kitchen doesn't just annoy you—it actually dysregulates your entire day? If so, you might be among the 20-30% of the population known as Highly Sensitive People (HSPs), and this episode is for you.
In this conversation, Kathi sits down with her longtime friend and co-author Cheri Gregory to explore the unique challenges HSPs face when it comes to everyday home management. From sensory overwhelm to decision fatigue, from all-or-nothing thinking to the dreaded "frenzy" mode, Cheri helps li...
The August Office Reset: Getting Ready for Fall Without the Overwhelm
Is your home office a source of stress instead of productivity? You're not alone. That pile of papers, the drawer stuffed with pens you forgot you owned, the desk you have to clear before you can even sit down to work—it's overwhelming. But it doesn't have to stay that way.
In this episode, Kathi Lipp and Grace Church dive into practical strategies for tackling office clutter without the overwhelm. Whether you're preparing for a fall reset or simply tired of dreading your workspace, this conversation offers real solutions for real life.
What You'll Le...
What Low Buy July Taught Me About Why I Really Shop
Have you ever finished a challenge and wondered how to keep that momentum going? In this solo episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp unpacks the surprising lessons she learned during Low Buy July—and reveals which habits she's keeping for good.
What You'll Discover in This Episode
If you've ever felt overwhelmed by clutter, struggled with impulse buying, or wondered why you keep accumulating things you don't really need, this episode offers practical wisdom and gentle encouragement. Kathi shares her personal revelations with her signature warmth and humor, helping listeners see their ho...
Shop Your Own Home: The Low Buy July Decorating Reset You Didn't Know You Needed
Do you ever get the itch to redecorate your entire house—especially when you've committed to not buying anything new? You're not alone. During Low Buy July, that desire for something fresh and new can feel overwhelming. But what if the solution isn't at the store? What if everything you need is already in your home?
In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp sits down with Tenneil Register to explore the art of "shopping your own home." Tenneil, who brings a designer's eye to everyday spaces, shares how most of us have beautiful things in ou...
The Backstock Problem: Why You Keep Rebuying What You Already Have
Do you ever buy something at the store only to come home and realize you already had three of them tucked away somewhere? You're not alone—and you're definitely not bad with money. You're just a busy human being navigating real life.
In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi and Roger Lipp dive into one of the most powerful Low Buy July strategies: shopping your own house. When they first moved into the Red House, they discovered that almost everything they needed was already there. The problem? As life took over, finding those items became harder an...
Low Buy July Kitchen Edition: Why Your Freezer Holds the Key to This Month's Wins
Do you ever open your fridge, stare at the shelves, and decide you have "nothing to eat"—only to order takeout while perfectly good food sits forgotten in your freezer? You're not alone. This episode of Clutter Free Academy tackles one of the most common sources of both clutter and wasted money: the kitchen.
Kathi Lipp welcomes back fan-favorite Tonya Kubo to kick off Low Buy July with a focus on the heart of the home. Together, they explore why the kitchen is the perfect place to start this challenge—and how doing so can shift your mind...
Low Buy July: How to Stop Spending Without Going Off the Grid
Do you ever feel like stuff just keeps appearing in your home? You buy another white shirt because you forgot you already own three. You grab dry shampoo "just in case" and come home to find a small collection already waiting. What if the real problem isn't that you have too much stuff—it's that you don't know what you have?
In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp and Grace Church introduce Low Buy July—a realistic, grace-filled approach to mindful spending that's about awareness, not deprivation. Unlike extreme no-spend challenges, Low Buy July invites you...
Why Your Office Cleanup Never Sticks (And the 15-Minute Rule That Actually Works)
Does the thought of tackling your home office make you want to close the door and pretend it doesn't exist? You're not alone. In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp sits down with Grace Church to discuss why most office decluttering attempts fail—and what actually works instead.
What You'll Discover in This Episode
August brings that familiar back-to-school energy, and it's the perfect time for adults to reset their systems too. But before you pull everything out of your office for a complete overhaul, Kathi has some important wisdom to sh...
When Knowing It's Clutter Isn't Enough to Let It Go
Have you ever decluttered a room only to watch it fill back up three months later? If so, this episode of the Clutter Free Podcast is for you.
Kathi Lipp sits down with Katy Joy Wells, host of the Maximized Minimalist podcast with over 5 million downloads, to explore why traditional decluttering methods often fail—and what actually works for those who struggle with emotional attachment to their stuff.
What Listeners Will Discover
In this conversation, Kathi and Katy dive deep into the psychology behind clutter, examining why some people can easily le...
The Overpacker's Guide to Smarter Travel (Without the Guilt)
Do you dread packing for a trip? Are you an overpacker who loves having options but hates paying baggage fees? Whether you're heading out for a family vacation or traveling for work, packing doesn't have to be a source of stress and anxiety.
In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp sits down with author and literary agent Barb Roose—a self-proclaimed overpacker who has mastered the art of smart travel. Together, they share practical, real-world tips that will transform the way you approach your next trip.
What You'll Learn in This Episode...
Why the Big Saturday Garage Cleanout Never Works (Try This Instead)
If you're one of the many homeowners who can't park a car in their garage, you're not alone—and you're definitely not without hope. In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp sits down with returning guest Tenneil Register, who brings a unique perspective to garage organization from her experience managing inventory for an actual retail store.
Why the Garage Is So Hard to Tame
The garage tends to become a catch-all space because it's undefined. It's where things go when company is coming, when seasons change, or when we simply don't kn...
When Nobody Wants Your Stuff: Smart Alternatives When Thrift Stores Say No
Are you holding onto mattresses, kitchen supplies, or linens because your adult kids might need them someday? You're not alone—and you're not wrong for wanting to help. But what feels like wisdom or generosity might actually be one of the sneakiest forms of clutter.
In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp and Grace Church tackle a question that resonates with so many listeners: How do you decide what to keep for your kids and what to let go?
The Real Cost of "Just in Case" Storage
Before you de...
Why Your Unpredictable Schedule Isn't the Problem (Your Survival Strategy Is)
Do you ever feel like traditional organizing advice just doesn't work for your life? Maybe you're a caregiver with an unpredictable schedule, a mom juggling multiple kids' activities, or someone whose daily responsibilities shift constantly. If you've ever felt like you can't get on top of life because life just won't stay still, this episode is for you.
When Every Day Looks Different
In this powerful conversation, Kathi sits down with author and speaker Barb Raveling to tackle a question many listeners have been asking: How do you maintain peace and order when your schedule...
Revenge Bedtime Procrastination and the Morning You Keep Losing
Do you feel defeated before your feet even hit the floor? Does your morning feel like a race you've already lost? You're not alone—and more importantly, you're not the problem.
In this encouraging episode, Kathi sits down with bestselling author Jennifer Bennett to unpack what morning rituals can actually look like when life is a lot. Jennifer shares a perspective-shifting truth: everyone is a morning person. It's not about when you wake up—it's about how you choose to begin.
What You'll Discover in This Episode
Why the cultural idea of a...
Why Your Bedroom Became the Dumping Ground (And How to Reclaim Your Sanctuary)
Do you find yourself postponing bedtime because the thought of walking into your cluttered bedroom feels overwhelming? You're not alone. For many of us, the bedroom has become a catch-all space—a place where laundry piles up, papers accumulate on nightstands, and clutter hides behind closed doors.
Your Bedroom Should Be Your Exhale Room
In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp and Tenneil Register have an honest conversation about why the bedroom often becomes the most cluttered room in the house—even for people who don't consider themselves "cluttery." They explore why...
Procrastinivity and the Last Two Rooms: A Clutter-Free Q&A
Have you conquered most of your home only to find yourself completely stuck on those final one or two rooms? You're not alone. Those last spaces are almost always the hardest—and there's a reason for that.
In this encouraging episode, Kathi Lipp sits down with Grace Church, the community leader of Clutter Free for Life, to tackle one of the most common struggles in the decluttering journey: finishing strong when you've already come so far.
Why Those Last Rooms Feel Impossible
Kathi and Grace dive deep into the psychology behind wh...
Why Your House Smells (And You Don't Even Know It): The Nose-Blind Fix
Have you ever walked into someone else's home and immediately noticed a smell—good or bad—and wondered what your own house smells like to visitors? The truth is, we all become "nose blind" to our own homes, and no amount of candles can cover up odors that haven't been eliminated at the source.
What You'll Learn in This Episode
In this practical episode, Kathi Lipp and Tenneil Register tackle a topic that doesn't get discussed enough: how to make your home genuinely smell fresh and inviting. They share real-world strategies for identifying and...
Cleaning Out Your Parents' Home Without Losing Your Relationship (Or Your Mind)
If you're staring down the overwhelming task of helping your parents downsize or clean out their home, you're not alone. Whether it's preparing for a move, navigating a health transition, or dealing with the aftermath of loss, this emotionally charged process can leave even the most organized person feeling stuck.
In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi sits down with Ruthie Gray, host of the Sandwich Season Sanity podcast, who shares her 16-year caregiving journey—including helping her parents transition from a 2,400 square foot farmhouse to an apartment half that size.
What You'll Le...
From Locker Room to Spa: The Bathroom Reclaim That Doesn't Require a Remodel
Do you dream of walking into your bathroom and feeling like you've stepped into a peaceful spa instead of a chaotic locker room? You're not alone. That sense of calm—the clear counters, the beautiful organization, the space to breathe—is absolutely achievable without a single renovation.
In this episode, Kathi Lipp sits down with her friend Tenneil Register to tackle one of the most overlooked spaces in our homes: the bathroom. Together, they share practical, budget-friendly strategies to transform this everyday space into a personal retreat.
What's Ruining Your Bathroom Calm?
Be...
The Costco Effect: Why We Keep Buying What We Already Own
Do you ever find yourself at Costco reaching for another container of something, only to discover you already have eight at home? You're not alone. The struggle with over-buying is real, and it's one of the sneakiest ways clutter creeps into our homes.
In this honest and practical episode, Kathi Lipp and Roger Lipp share their own journey with accumulation—from discovering a three-year supply of laundry detergent to the "just in case" mindset that keeps us buying things we don't need. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by duplicate purchases, mystery pantry items, or storage spaces you're af...
Why Cluttery People Need Spiritual Giants (And How to Find Yours)
Do you ever feel like your cluttered home is just a symptom of something deeper? That nagging sense of overwhelm, the guilt about unfinished projects, the shame that creeps in when company comes over—what if it all points to something going on in your heart?
In this thought-provoking episode, Kathi Lipp sits down with author Lori G Melton to explore a beautiful spiritual practice that might just change the way you approach both your faith and your clutter. Lori's new book, Journey with a Giant, invites readers into a year-long journey of walking alongside a faith me...
Stop Shame Cleaning: How to Build Systems That Work on Your Worst Days
Have you ever noticed that the only time your house gets truly clean is right before company arrives? You're not alone. But that frantic, shame-fueled cleaning comes at a cost—and it's not sustainable.
In this episode, Kathi Lipp and Tenneil Register dive deep into the difference between cleaning from shame and cleaning from a place of grace. They explore why those "shame spirals" actually make clutter worse over time and how to interrupt the cycle with practical, doable systems.
What Listeners Will Discover
How to recognize when you're in a shame sp...Stop Blaming Your Discipline: Why Capacity May be the Real Reason Your Systems Keep Failing
Do you find yourself constantly asking, "Why can't I keep up with my house?" or beating yourself up for being "undisciplined"? What if the problem isn't that you're lazy—but that you're depleted?
In this eye-opening episode of Clutter-Free Academy, Kathi Lipp and Tenneil Register dive deep into the difference between discipline and capacity—and why understanding this distinction could change everything about how you approach your home and yourself.
What You'll Discover in This Episode
Inspired by a viral video from Dr. Raquel Martin, Kathi and Tenneil explore why so many...
When Pushing Harder Makes the Clutter Worse: Discipline, Capacity, and the Shame Spiral
Have you ever wondered why your decluttering systems only seem to work for a week before falling apart? Why you can't seem to stick with routines that work perfectly for everyone else? The answer might surprise you—and it has nothing to do with your willpower.
It's Not a Discipline Problem—It's a Capacity Problem
In this eye-opening episode, Kathi Lipp and Tenneil Register explore the crucial difference between discipline and capacity—and why confusing the two leads to shame spirals that make clutter worse, not better. Inspired by a powerful video from Dr. Ra...
The 15-Minute Company Plan: What Actually Matters When Someone's Coming Over
Do you long to invite people into your life but feel like your house just isn't ready? Maybe you're mid-project, mid-clutter, or mid-life chaos, and the thought of having someone over feels overwhelming. If that's you, this episode offers the permission and practical strategies you need to start practicing hospitality right where you are.
What You'll Discover in This Episode
Sue Donaldson, author of Never Alone: Stories of Invitation and Connection, joins Kathi Lipp to share how she maintained a life of hospitality even during a 13-year home remodel—complete with Tyvek paper wi...
Why Your Morning Is Failing: The Night-Before Routine That Changes Everything
Do you ever wake up to a sink full of dishes, no plan for dinner, and a morning that feels like it's already behind before it's begun? You're not alone. For those of us who struggle with clutter and chaos, mornings can feel like an uphill battle—but what if a simple 15-minute routine the night before could change everything?
In this episode, Kathi and Roger Lipp dive into the concept of the "closing shift"—a short, intentional nighttime routine designed to set you up for success the next day. This isn't about deep cleaning or overhauling your...
Boring Systems Set You Free: Why the Unsexy Routines Actually Work
Do you walk in the door exhausted, drop your keys somewhere random, and then spend the next morning frantically searching for them? You're not alone. The daily scavenger hunt for keys, wallets, and important mail is one of the most common—and fixable—sources of stress for anyone battling clutter.
In this episode, Kathi Lipp and Roger Lipp get refreshingly honest about what's working in their home and what still needs improvement. They explore why those of us who struggle with clutter often resist boring systems in favor of exciting quick fixes—and why that approach keeps us stu...
From Vibe Words to Weekly Resets: 10 Pre-Decisions That Finally Make Decluttering Stick
Do you ever find yourself standing in a store, holding something pretty, and wondering if you should bring it home? Or maybe you're staring at a cluttered counter, feeling overwhelmed but unsure where to start?
What if there was a way to make every home decision easier—before you even have to make it?
In this episode of Clutter-Free Academy, Kathi Lipp and brand manager Tenneil Register continue their conversation about creating a "brand" for your home. This isn't about logos or marketing—it's about intentionally deciding in advance what you value so that every futu...
The 3 Words That Will Transform How You Make Every Home Decision
Have you ever walked into someone's home and immediately sensed that the space was intentional—that the people living there knew exactly who they were and what they wanted their home to be? And then walked back into your own home feeling like something was... off?
Here's the truth most of us don't want to admit: if you don't decide on a purpose for your home, your home will decide for you. And your wallet will follow that unintentional path, leaving you with a space full of "almost right" purchases that never quite work together.
In...
Procrastination Is Just Perfectionism Leaking Out: The Clutter Connection You Need to Understand
Do you start every new year with big decluttering goals only to feel defeated by February? What if there was a gentler, more sustainable approach to creating a clutter-free home—one that doesn't rely on shame or all-or-nothing thinking?
In this powerful episode, Kathi Lipp continues her workshop on making 2026 your most clutter-free year ever. But here's the twist: it's not about dramatic resolutions or punishing yourself into organization. It's about understanding your relationship with your home and aligning your space with the life you're actually living right now.
What You'll Discover in This Ep...
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.
Wh...
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 alw...
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 Episode
Kathi and Roger share their top 10 task...
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...
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 d...Not Pinterest—Just Peace: The Help List, Drink Station, and Other Sanity Savers for Thanksgiving Hosting
In this solo, right-on-time episode, Kathi Lipp shares 10 tiny, high-impact tasks to lower your holiday stress—perfect for the Tuesday before Thanksgiving (and just as helpful for Christmas). Instead of chasing a magazine-perfect home, she helps you remove friction in the exact places that cause chaos. Listeners will hear details of the following 10 small tasks:
Clear the "turkey triangle" (sink, oven, main counter)
Do a 10-minute fridge edit that saves sanity on Thursday
Pre-assign serving dishes so helpers don’t need to ask what goes where
Set up a drink and appe...
Hosting Without the Crash: Crowd‑Sourced Help List Ideas to Keep You Sane
In this episode, Kathi Lipp shares the one tool that rescued her holidays from overwhelm: the Help List. If your brain goes blank when guests ask, “How can I help?” this episode gives you an easy, repeatable system to turn stress into shared responsibility. Listeners will learn how to: - Create a list of five-to-fifteen-minute jobs guests can grab without instructions - Pre-stage hosting tasks (charcuterie tools, serving dishes, bathroom wipe-downs, ice duty) - Delegate non-cooking roles (greeting, recycling runs, kid/dog duty, dessert station) - Keep food hot and transitions smooth with real-life tips from the Clutter Free comm...
When Holidays Hurt: Gentle Rituals and Safe Havens for Grief and Joy to Coexist
In this tender, timely episode, Kathi Lipp welcomes her friend Tenneil Register to help listeners who feel the pressure to be merry when life hurts. If you’re carrying loss, change, or exhaustion into the holidays, this conversation offers slow, practical steps to honor your grief—and still make room for moments of joy. Listeners will learn how to:
Identify your core need this season (quiet, simplicity, or supportive people) and adjust traditions accordingly
Create a “safe haven” at home or a mobile breathing space to check in with your heart
Set loving boundari...
Save Money, Cut Food Waste: How We Buy Dinner for a Fraction of Eating Out
In this fun, practical episode, Kathi Lipp and her favorite person, Roger Lipp ,go off the beaten clutter path to share their favorite frugal foodie tool: the Too Good To Go app. If you want great food for a fraction of the price, hate seeing food go to waste, or just need an easy meal that isn’t from your own kitchen, this one’s for you. Listeners will learn:
How Too Good To Go works (and when it’s worth it)
Their best “surprise bag” wins (pizza, bagels, bakery, gumbo, and more)
What to kn...
