The Declutter Queen

I turn my focus to one of the most intimidating spaces in many homes: the garage. I talk about how garages stop being a home for our cars and instead become black holes for forgotten projects, expired paint cans, broken tools, dusty holiday decorations, old furniture, and boxes labeled “miscellaneous.” Because the garage is out of our main sightlines, it often becomes “storage for indecision” – the place we toss things when we don’t want to decide whether to keep them or let them go. Over time, the whole family uses it as a dumping ground, and the result is total overwhelm. But I emphasize that a cluttered garage is not a permanent problem; with the right system and mindset, it’s absolutely fixable.I walk listeners through five practical steps to declutter the garage:first, set the scope by choosing just one zone to work on instead of tackling the entire garage. Second, group by category so you can see everything clearly and spot duplicates. Third, make clear decisions item by item by asking whether you use it, whether it still works, and whether you’d buy it again. Fourth, toss, donate, or rehome using a simple rule of three and responsible disposal for things like paint and chemicals. Finally, store smart with clear labeled bins, vertical storage, wall hooks, shelves, and pegboards, while keeping the floor as clear as possible.From there, I shift into mindset and maintenance: setting a monthly reminder to tidy, making sure everyone in the household knows what goes where, and refusing to use the garage as a “decide later” zone. I offer a challenge to listeners to pick just one corner of their garage this week, sort it, let go of what they don’t use, and notice the momentum that follows.In the second half, I’m joined by my cousin Debbie Myers, who asks how to get motivated to declutter. I share five motivation-boosting strategies: shrinking the task until it feels easy, attaching decluttering to daily triggers, using a simple trash/donate/keep system, decluttering with a “body double” like a podcast or a friend, and stopping before exhaustion so the process feels doable and even satisfying.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I dive into the emotional side of decluttering, especially when you’re preparing your home for sale. I talk about how our things carry memories—like the dining room where you celebrated birthdays, a child’s giant papier-mâché project, or that old coat by the door—and how the fear of losing those memories can keep us stuck. I encourage you to “keep the memory, not the item,” and share ways to do that, like limiting collections, taking photos of sentimental pieces, and asking whether each item really belongs in your next chapter.My guest, Eden Steele, and I discuss her young adult son who struggles to let go of his stuff. I offer practical strategies: start with low‑emotion items, use a temporary box for “not sure yet” things, set containment limits with organizers, and work in short, 10–15 minute sessions. Above all, I focus on creating a supportive, present-focused, functional space.Do you need a more personalized decluttering touch? Avery offers a one on one consultation where you can go over your specific decluttering needs and start the road to a happier clutter free life. Contact the declutter Queen at [email protected] Me on Instagram.Want FREE Declutter Hacks? Sign up here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I walk you through a practical, room-by-room approach to getting your home ready to sell. Building on last episode’s “why” of decluttering with realtor Ty Mitchell, I focus here on the “how.” I start in the living room, where I suggest removing excess furniture, taming remotes, and minimizing knickknacks so the space feels open and bright. In the kitchen, I clear countertops and reduce cabinet contents to create the impression of abundant storage. Bedrooms become hotel-like retreats with simple, light bedding and nearly bare nightstands, while bathrooms are stripped of personal items and styled with fresh towels and greenery. Closets get a “boutique” makeover by packing away about half the contents.In the second half, I coach my longtime friend Patricia through managing a cluttered home with a “collector” husband, emphasizing starting with her own belongings, organizing neutral zones, and containing collections rather than confronting them.Do you need a more personalized decluttering touch? Avery offers a one on one consultation where you can go over your specific decluttering needs and start the road to a happier clutter free life. Contact the declutter Queen at [email protected] Me on Instagram.Want FREE Declutter Hacks? Sign up here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode focuses on why decluttering is so powerful when you’re selling your home. I share how I recently went through this myself and learned that this isn’t a quick weekend tidy—it can take weeks, and that’s okay. I explain that buyers aren’t buying our stuff; they’re buying the idea of their lives in our space. Clutter makes rooms feel smaller, more personal, and less inviting, while a neutral, clean, intentional space lets buyers imagine their own furniture, routines, and memories there.I walk through what “clutter” really means when selling—personal photos, piles of paper, overstuffed shelves, crowded countertops, even oversized furniture that blocks flow. I also highlight the return on investment: decluttered homes tend to sell faster and for three to five percent more, and you’ll be ahead when it’s time to pack.Then, with Realtor Ty Mitchell from Winnipeg, we dig into real-world examples from his listings: how depersonalizing, removing bulky items, and even using storage solutions or virtual staging can make a huge difference. Throughout, I encourage listeners to start small—just one room, or even one table—and to expect a “second declutter” pass once they think they’re done.Do you need a more personalized decluttering touch? Avery offers a one on one consultation where you can go over your specific decluttering needs and start the road to a happier clutter free life. Contact the declutter Queen at [email protected] Me on Instagram.Want FREE Declutter Hacks? Sign up here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I’m recording from Spain and taking on a familiar beast I call “scarf mountain”—the piles of hats, scarves, gloves, and mitts that quietly overrun our homes. I explain why winter accessories multiply so fast: they’re affordable, often gifted, easily lost and replaced, and tied to memories and sentiment. Then I walk you through a clear process: gather every winter accessory from all corners of your home, pair and sort them, ruthlessly weed out anything worn out, itchy, ill-fitting, or never used, and keep only what you truly wear and love. I share practical storage ideas, like clear bins, labeled baskets, and grab-and-go stations near the door so winter mornings run smoothly.In the second half, I help my mom, Michelle, declutter decades of photo albums using simple photo boxes, showing how the same principles can make even sentimental projects manageable and meaningful.Clear Storage Bins are easy to find on Amazon.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I’m tackling one of the sneakiest clutter zones in most homes: coats and jackets. From puffy parkas and trench coats to hoodies and that one “special occasion” faux fur, outerwear piles up fast. I walk you through a simple four-step coat declutter method: gather everything into one place, sort by type and frequency, limit based on your real lifestyle today, and then donate, sell, or store what you don’t need thoughtfully. I also share my favorite maintenance strategy, the one in, one out rule, including how my husband and I used it while traveling.In the second half of the episode, I’m joined by my friend Sangeet Bhatia, who opens up about her emotional but empowering journey decluttering decades of photos and her children’s memorabilia. She shares how she decided what to keep, what to let go of, and how much lighter her home feels now. If you’re ready to clear physical, emotional, and even “aspirational” weight from your closets and storage spaces, this episode will give you both practical steps and real-life encouragement.Do you need a more personalized decluttering touch? Avery offers a one on one consultation where you can go over your specific decluttering needs and start the road to a happier clutter free life. Contact the declutter Queen at [email protected] Me on Instagram.Want FREE Declutter Hacks? Sign up here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Avery focuses on simplifying our lives by confronting emotional clutter—starting with shoes and then textbooks with her Aunt Vicky. Avery explains that shoes often symbolize versions of ourselves (professional, vacation, fitness) and that guilt over what we paid for them keeps us stuck. She shares a four-step shoe declutter method: gather all shoes, sort into keep/let go/unsure piles, reality-check against your current lifestyle, then clean, donate, repurpose, or discard. Shoes are reframed as tools, not identity. Avery then issues a simple challenge: declutter just five pairs.In the second half, (Tea With the Queen) Avery's Auntie Vicky Shemie seeks help decluttering sentimental textbooks. Avery guides her through mindset questions (use vs. symbolism, realistic future use, inspired vs. weighed down) and the same three-pile approach. She suggests donating, recycling, or keeping only a few meaningful books and even using photos as memory keepers, emphasizing emotional relief and lighter living.Do you need a more personalized decluttering touch? Avery offers a one on one consultation where you can go over your specific decluttering needs and start the road to a happier clutter free life. Contact the declutter Queen at [email protected] Follow Me on Instagram.Want FREE Declutter Hacks? Sign up here.And I promised you a checklist and resource guide.... **Step 1 – Gather & Categorize**- Choose one area (room, shelf, category like clothes/books/kitchen).  - Pull **everything out** so you can see it clearly.  - Group similar items together (by type, use, or room).**Step 2 – Three-Pile Sort**For each item, ask:- Do I **use** this regularly?  - Does it fit my **current life** (not a fantasy version of me)?  - Do I actually **like** it?Then sort into:- **Keep** – useful, loved, or clearly needed.  - **Let Go** – not used, not liked, or doesn’t fit your life.  - **Unsure** – small pile; box and label **“Revisit in 30 days”**.**Step 3 – Reality Check**- Look at your **keep** pile: does it match how you actually live?  - Edit again if it still feels crowded or overwhelming.**Step 4 – Move It On**- **Clean** items that will be donated or sold.  - **Donate / sell / recycle** what you can.  - **Trash** only what’s broken, unsafe, or unusable.  - Take bags **out of the house as soon as possible**.General Donation & Recycling IdeasTry local options first:- **Charity shops & thrift stores** that fund community programs.  - **Shelters** and **community centers** (clothing, linens, household goods).  - **Schools, libraries, and daycare centers** (books, supplies, games).  - **Faith-based organizations** (often run clothing or household drives).Category-specific ideas:- **Household goods & decor:** thrift stores, refugee support programs, “buy nothing” groups.  - **Clothing & accessories:** charity shops, clothing closets, job-readiness programs.  - **Toys & kids’ items:** family shelters, community centers, preschools.  - **Electronics:** e‑waste or electronics recycling events, municipal depots.  - **Paper, cardboard, and damaged textiles:** city **recycling** or textile drop-off programs where available.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I unveil a five-step guide to decluttering clothes, emphasizing the emotional attachment to items. Step one is to pull out all clothes, sorting them into 'yes' (regularly worn), 'no' (damaged or unworn), and 'maybe' (sentimental) piles. Step two involves trying on items to assess their current fit and value. Step three is to set boundaries, like limiting hangers or drawers. Step four is to donate, sell, or repurpose unwanted items. Step five is to let go of items with gratitude. For managing children's mementos, Avery suggests creating three piles: keep and cherish, keep but reduce, and let go. She also recommends using photo and scrapbook boxes for sentimental items.I start by unpacking why it’s so hard to let go of clothes—how identity, memories, guilt, and our “fantasy self” keep jeans from 2012 and sale items with tags still attached hanging around. Then I walk listeners through my five-step, guilt‑free wardrobe reset: pulling everything out, sorting into yes/no/maybe piles, actually trying things on, setting firm space boundaries, and finally donating, selling, or repurposing what no longer serves them. I emphasize that every item takes up mental space and that the real goal is a wardrobe that matches the life you live right now. In the second half, I welcome my friend Kristi joins me to talk about kids’ books, toys, and mementos. I share my three‑pile method for sentimental items, plus practical ideas like photo and scrapbook boxes, limits like “one shelf per child,” and the mindset of decluttering now so your kids don’t have to later. Throughout, I keep the focus on progress, compassion, and clarity.Do you need a more personalized decluttering touch? Avery offers a one on one consultation where you can go over your specific decluttering needs and start the road to a happier clutter free life. Contact the declutter Queen at [email protected] Me on Instagram. Want more Declutter Hacks? I have a newsletter. Sign up here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I dive into an often-overlooked clutter hotspot: photos, both digital and physical. I start by talking about the overwhelming number of images we keep on our phones—duplicates, random menus, travel shots, and multiple versions of the same scene—and explain how freeing it can be to systematically delete what we don’t need, starting from the oldest photos and working forward.Then I welcome my friend Lori York, who’s struggling with boxes of old paper photos. I walk her (and listeners) through a simple, realistic system: gather all the photos, claim a dedicated workspace, and go through each picture one by one, deciding whether to keep or toss. Instead of fiddly albums, I recommend photo boxes organized by people, trips, or themes. Throughout, I emphasize that decluttering photos isn’t erasing memories—it’s honoring the ones that truly matter.Do you need a more personalized decluttering touch? Avery offers a one on one consultation where you can go over your specific decluttering needs and start the road to a happier clutter free life. Contact the declutter Queen at [email protected] Want more Declutter Hacks? I have a newsletter. Sign up here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I walk you through one of my foundational systems for getting organized: The Rule of Three. I explain why decluttering is a marathon, not a sprint, and how chasing a “done” to‑do list is unrealistic. Instead, I focus on building systems that make every new project manageable.I introduce the Rule of Three: Creating a garbage pile, a donate pile, and a keep pile, and I add a crucial fourth ingredient—time. Without a proper block of time, even the best system will leave you frustrated. I share how I like using different colored garbage bags for each category so everything stays visually clear and easy to manage, and I stress the importance of emptying a space completely before organizing it.Later in the episode, I’m joined by Sarah Burke from the Women in Media Podcast Network. Sarah lives in a Toronto condo and lives with ADHD, so we explore how micro decluttering—tiny, focused projects and functional zones—can make decluttering feel possible instead of overwhelming. I wrap up by assigning light homework: go buy three different colored boxes of garbage bags so you’re ready to use the Rule of Three anywhere in your home.Do you need a more personalized decluttering touch? Avery offers a one on one consultation where you can go over your specific decluttering needs and start the road to a happier clutter free life. Contact the declutter Queen at [email protected] Want more Declutter Hacks? I have a newsletter. Sign up here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Declutter and simplify your life; create space and get rid of the things that no longer serve you. As the Declutter Queen, I want you to see decluttering not as a chore, but as an opportunity to create more space in your life—both physically and mentally. My passion for organizing started long ago, as I found immense satisfaction helping friends turn chaos into order. I understand that decluttering can seem daunting, and starting is often the hardest part. Sentimental attachments and fears about letting go stop us, but the rewards—clarity, space, and happiness—are worth it. I don’t expect you to discard all your possessions; instead, let’s focus on removing what no longer serves you. You’re not alone—through this show, I’ll guide you and invite guests to share their journeys. Begin small by decluttering a drawer. Empty it, clean it, and only put back what you truly need. Celebrate the progress and recognize the freedom that comes with creating space. Together, we’ll take it one step at a time!I have a newsletter letter where the Declutter Queen makes decrees! Sign up for free here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Clear the chaos and reclaim your space with The Declutter Queen podcast. Host Avery Cundill shares practical, compassionate strategies to help you declutter not just your home, but your mind and life. From packed closets to overflowing inboxes, Avery explores the habits and emotional ties that keep us overwhelmed. Each episode guides you to let go of what no longer serves you, reduce stress, and make room for what truly matters. Access resources and support for your decluttering journey. Start listening for real clarity and calm. Voiceover Credit: Mary Anne Ivison from Ivison Voice. She can voice your podcast trailer too. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.