Cassandra Aarssen's Blog, page 2

10 SURPRISING Habits People with Clean Homes Swear by

Turns out, people with insanely clean homes aren’t scrubbing all day — they’ve just picked up a few slightly obsessive (but weirdly effective) cleaning habits. And once you see these, you won’t be able to unsee them.

Let’s dive into the 10 strange but super smart cleaning habits that can seriously level up your home — even if you’re not naturally tidy.

1. A New Perspective

Seriously — get low. Like, floor crawling low. The dirt, hair, and grime that lives along the kickplate in your kitchen or the base of furniture legs? It’s gross. And you’ll never notice it unless you get down to your dog’s perspective.

Same goes for high spots like the top of your fridge or bookshelves. Dust collects there and gets blown around. Try a new angle, and you’ll be horrified — but also inspired to clean.

2. Play “Find the Fingerprints”

Grab a bowl of soapy water and a rag, and make it a game: walk around your house and look for grimy fingerprints in all the usual (and unusual) places — doorknobs, light switches, walls by the stairs, fridge handles, microwave buttons, remote controls, laptops, and even the little twisty blinds handles.

Wipe just those, and boom — your whole house feels cleaner without deep cleaning everything.

3. “Touch-Up Tango”

This one sounds a little over the top, but hear me out: once a month, grab a can of trim or door paint and go around touching up dings and scuffs. Doors, baseboards, trim — whatever needs a little love.

It takes maybe 10 minutes, but it instantly freshens up your space and makes it feel cleaner. Just be sure you let your family know  “Don’t touch anything white” so they know not to step in or touch the wet paint. 😆

4. 15-Minute Declutter Habit

Pick one random drawer or cabinet once a week and give it a quick 15-minute tidy. Toss what you don’t use, organize the rest, and put things where they actually belong.

This quick clean-out keeps clutter from taking over and makes everyday spaces (like your kitchen junk drawer) feel magically under control.

5. Wipe All the Doors

This is such an underrated habit. Once a month, grab a cleaner and wipe all your doors — especially cabinet doors, fridge doors, your dishwasher, and outside entry doors.

You’d be amazed how much gunk builds up on them. Sparkly fridge doors = a sparkly-looking kitchen.

6. Air Out the Funk

Whether it’s freezing outside or hot enough to fry an egg, once a month I open every window in the house for 10 minutes.

That fresh air blows out cooking smells, dog stink, and whatever mysterious funk has been building up. It’s like a reset button for your whole home.

7. Febreze All the Soft Stuff

Your couch, curtains, throw pillows — they’re all odor sponges. If you’re not washing them regularly (and who is?), then hit them with an unscented Febreze (no this is not a sponsored post – I just really love the stuff).

It doesn’t just cover smells — it neutralizes them. Your home will smell clean and feel cleaner too. Trust me on this one.

8. Clean Your Cleaners

If your vacuum has zero suction, it’s probably not broken — it’s just gross. Clean the filter, wipe it down, and don’t forget to wash your mop.

Also: clean your dishwasher seal, your washing machine seal, and your sponges. This sounds weird, but it makes your actual cleaning more effective. Dirty cleaners = dirty results.

9. House Reset

Once a month, I pretend my house is an Airbnb and a guest is about to show up. I walk around with very judgey eyes, noticing clutter and grime I normally overlook.

I don’t try to make it magazine perfect — just clean, clear, and cozy like a really good rental. It’s a mindset trick that makes a huge difference.

10. Embrace the Splash Zone (Yes, We’re Talking Pee)

Okay, this one’s a little intense — but it’s game-changing. After discovering (via blacklight!) how far pee actually travels around a toilet, I now clean the entire “splash zone” around the bathroom.

That means the sides, the wall behind, the floor, even the pipes. Especially if you live with boys (or husbands who aim like toddlers), this one is a non-negotiable. Your bathroom will actually smell clean instead of faintly… suspicious.

You don’t have to do all 10. Start with one or two that feel doable, and build from there. These weird cleaning habits take just a few minutes, but they’re what separate “looks clean” from “feels clean.”

🧼 SEE MORE CLEANING TIPS & HACKS HERE

🎙 Subscribe to my Podcast Channel & Get Inspired! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzb9pSHe_w_e1jeg5BaK-bQ? sub_confirmation=1

🧺 ORGANIZING & STORAGE SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR UNIQUE ORGANIZING STYLE: https://clutterbug.me/2025/02/storage-and-organizing-solutions-to-fit-your-style.html

✨ DECLUTTER & CLEAN LIKE A PRO – My Top Picks
Fave Cleaning Tools : https://urlgeni.us/amazon/2xYW0
Fave Organizing Solutions: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/JOrJm
Kitchen Organizing Faves: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/8YWRx
🛍️ SHOP MY AMAZON: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/Clutterbug

📲 Let’s Get Social! Follow Me Here ↓
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Facebook: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/Clutterbug
TikTok: https://urlgeni.us/tiktok/TikTokClutterbug
Website: http://www.clutterbug.me

Some links are Amazon affiliate links to products I love!  I may earn a small commissions for purchases made through these links (but don’t worry, it doesn’t cost you anything extra)

Is Your Home Speaking Your Love Language?

Hey Clutterbugs! This episode is all about decoding the secret link between your love language and the clutter driving you nuts. Think of your home as a love letter to yourself—except sometimes it’s written in messy handwriting! We’re chatting about how your emotional needs (hello, Acts of Service lovers and Gift-Giving hoarders!) shape your clutter habits, why that pile of “maybe someday” clothes is really a cry for affirmation, and how to turn your space into a sanctuary that actually loves you back.

I’ll spill how my mother-in-law’s not-so-subtle love language book gift 23 years ago changed my marriage, and tell you why decluttering isn’t about perfection—it’s about making room for what truly fills your cup. Whether you’re a Physical Touch avoider (guilty!) or a Quality Time host drowning in doom rooms, we’ve got laughs, “aha!” moments, and real-talk tips to align your home with your heart.

Plus, I’m answering YOUR questions—like how to stop knitting needles from taking over your couch and why merging a Ladybug’s chaos with a Cricket’s minimalism is totally possible. Spoiler: Labels are magic.

New to Clutterbug? Over 8 million people have taken our quiz (https://clutterbug.me/what-clutterbug...) to crack their organizing code—join the party!

Strange ADHD Life Hacks That REALLY Work!

Let’s be honest — most productivity hacks just don’t cut it when you have ADHD.

Planners? Abandoned.   Fancy apps? Forgot the password. Color-coded systems? Too much work.

If you’ve ever felt like your brain just doesn’t fit the “normal” mold, same.

That’s why I’m sharing 15 super weird (but totally real) ADHD tips that have actually helped me function better — without spending a dime. These aren’t picture-perfect Pinterest hacks. They’re the kind of practical, messy, real-life strategies that help when your executive function has left the building.

1. Email Yourself (Yes, Really)

Forget fancy to-do list apps — the simplest ADHD tip that changed everything? Emailing myself. I send quick notes or reminders to my inbox every time I think of something important. Grocery items. Blog ideas. Appointments. Random “don’t forget” thoughts.

✅ Bonus hack: Always use the same subject line (like “IMPORTANT” or “DON’T FORGET”) so you can search your inbox later and find every brain dump instantly.

2. Go to “Zombie Land”

When your brain just won’t brain anymore, it’s time to enter zombie mode. Put on an audiobook (fiction works best!) and let your body go on autopilot while your mind checks out.

🧠 Best for: cleaning, laundry, or any boring, repetitive task. It’s a sneaky way to reset your executive function without completely shutting down.

3. Combat Driving Anxiety

Loud music = focused brain. Driving with ADHD can be stressful, but blasting upbeat, heavy-beat music (think club or dance tracks) helps you stay alert and in the zone.

🎶 It sounds counterintuitive, but loud stimulation gives your ADHD brain something to “chew on,” which improves focus and reduces distractions.

4. Alarm Ecosystem

One alarm is never enough. Set multiple alarms with reminders for everything — not just appointments, but also drinking water, standing up, switching tasks, and even bedtime.

⏰ Pro tip: Use Alexa, your phone, your smartwatch — whatever it takes. Let technology do the remembering for you.

5. How to Remember People’s Names

ADHD brains are terrible at remembering names. One quirky trick? Create a story or rhyme about someone’s name — the weirder, the better.

Example: Alice looked like she boiled bunnies (a la Fatal Attraction) so now I’ll never forget her name. It’s silly, but it works.

6. Bed Rot

Sometimes you need to bed rot — spend the day horizontal, doing absolutely nothing. That’s okay. ADHD burnout is real.

💡 But set a bed rot breaker rule: after one day, get up and do something. Shower. Stretch. Walk for 10 minutes. Don’t let one day become five.

7. Use an “Anchor”

Do you wander off in the middle of cooking or folding laundry? Same. That’s why I use a show or video to anchor me in place.

🖥️ Podcasts are too easy to walk away with — instead use a visual anchor like watching Netflix or your fave YouTuber to hold your attention where your body needs to be.

8. The “Allergy Method”

Impulsive habits are hard to break. One strange-but-effective ADHD trick?  Pretend you’re allergic to the thing you want to avoid — whether it’s alcohol, sugar, or ice cream.

🍦 It gives your brain a hard boundary — no overthinking, no gray area. You just can’t have it. Period. (And hey, it might not be totally untrue.)

9. Fidget With Purpose

Forget spinners and stress balls. Doing something small with your hands helps your brain stay present.   Doodling and paperclip chains are my go-to fidget tools during meetings and Zoom calls and I even know some people who crochet or knit to help keep them focused.

10. Make Vitamins Tasty

Hate taking your supplements? ADHD brains don’t do “boring.” Swap your pills for chewable or gummy vitamins that taste like candy.

🍓 The best ADHD tip is the one you’ll actually stick with — and if it tastes good, you’ll remember to take it.

11. Pep Talk

When you can’t make yourself get up and do the thing, try a tough love pep talk. There’s an app called PepTalk (you can even search them out on YouTube) that compiles motivational speeches into short bursts of get-it-done energy. 💪

🎧 I just hit play and let the words push me into action.  

12. The Four Tendencies Hack

Read The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin to find out what motivates you. I’m an Obliger, which means I’ll only do something if someone else is counting on me.  So my ADHD tip is to tie my task to someone else.  That means I make appointments, schedule pick ups or tell a friend.  In this way the external accountability = follow-through.

13. Costumes

Want to clean but can’t start? Put on gloves and an apron. Want to work out? Put on sneakers and activewear. Want to focus? Throw on a blazer.

👗 Dressing the part tricks your brain into becoming the role. It’s weird, but wildly effective.

14. Visual Goal Reminders (ADHD-Friendly Vision Boards)

Big abstract goals don’t work for ADHD. You need visual cues in your line of sight. That’s why ADHD-friendly vision boards are so powerful.

📱 Pro tip: Create a digital vision board for your phone or desktop background. Fill it with real, tangible goals like “plant a garden” or “take a weekend trip.” You’ll be subconsciously reminded every time you look at your screen.

👉 Create your own Free vision board template here 

15. Find Your “Brake Person”

If you’re the gas, you need a brake — someone you trust to tell you when your idea is maybe a bit too much. Whether it’s selling everything and moving to Bali or starting your sixth side hustle, a brake person gives you a dose of reality when you need it most.

👯 This isn’t about control — it’s about support and perspective. Who’s your brake?

Your Brain is Brilliant

There’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to ADHD tips. The best strategies are the ones that feel doable and work for you. Try one. Try five. Ignore the rest. Your brain is amazing — even if it’s wired a little differently.

For more ADHD Friendly Tips & Hacks- I’ve created a whole video playlist to help right here!  

Need help figuring out how your brain organizes?   Take my free Clutterbug quiz and discover your organizing style.

Looking for decluttering motivation? I give you some tough love and push you to declutter your home, Bootcamp style! Get ready to get pumped about throwing things out! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zoJvzTtGMmA&t=1338s

🎙 Subscribe to my Podcast Channel & Get Inspired!

🧺 ORGANIZING & STORAGE SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR UNIQUE ORGANIZING STYLE

✨ DECLUTTER & CLEAN LIKE A PRO – My Top Picks

Fave Cleaning Tools : https://urlgeni.us/amazon/2xYW0
Fave Organizing Solutions: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/JOrJm
Kitchen Organizing Faves: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/8YWRx
🛍️ SHOP MY AMAZON: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/Clutterbug

📲 Let’s Get Social! Follow Me Here ↓

Instagram: https://urlgeni.us/instagram/ffwh
Facebook: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/Clutterbug
TikTok: https://urlgeni.us/tiktok/TikTokClutterbug
Website: http://www.clutterbug.me

Hoarding, Healing & Hope with Amanda Uhle

In this heartfelt episode, I welcome author Amanda Uhle as she shares her gripping new memoir, “Destroy This House,” and opens up about growing up with extraordinary (also complicated) parents. We explore the chaos of a hoarder mom, a scheming dad, and the emotional toll of a strange yet loving family dynamic as Amanda reflects on the unique challenges and unexpected joys of her upbringing.  Then stick around to hear me wrap things up with some real talk, listener questions, and additional reflections on how our past shapes our present.  Whether you’re fascinated by memoirs that tackle tough family truths or seeking inspiration to confront your own cluttered history, this episode offers raw, honest insights and practical wisdom for letting go and healing.

Learn more about Amanda here: https://www.amandauhle.com/

Check out and order your copy of Amanda’s book Destroy This House here: https://www.amandauhle.com/destroy-this-house

Follow Amanda on Instagram: http://instagram.com/amanda.uhle/?hl=en

The Dark Side of Productivity

Uncover the dark side of hustle culture with me.  In this episode, I reveal how our obsession with productivity can trigger burnout and share real strategies to slow down, set boundaries, and reclaim your time.  I also get real about my own struggles, holding myself accountable for making a change.  Tune in for honest insights, laughter, and a fresh approach to working smarter, not harder.  

Biggest Decluttering Challenges EXPOSED

Decluttering can feel like sunshine and rainbows when you see the “after” shots in my makeovers. But the truth?

Behind every tidy pantry and calm closet is a journey — often full of overwhelm, resistance, and emotions.

In this post, I’m pulling back the curtain to show you the real challenges I see time and time again with my clients — the ones I don’t always show in the makeovers.

And if you see yourself in any of these stories? You’re not alone.  These emotional blocks are far more common than you think.

1. Blaming Others for the Clutter

Meet Stephanie — one of my favorite clients. We had so much fun transforming her spaces, but she struggled to let go of anything… and often pointed the finger at her husband.

Sound familiar?

Stephanie was frustrated that her husband’s shoes, tools, and clothes were always out.   Why?  When we looked a little closer, it wasn’t because he was messy – it was because he didn’t actually have a place for them.  All the closets and dressers were filled with her things.   So if the items don’t have a home….they end up everywhere.

Decluttering Solution:
You can’t blame your family for messes if they don’t have storage space of their own or if you haven’t created “homes” or “zones” for items to live.  Everyone deserves a home for their stuff. Sometimes, that means you have to declutter to make room.

2. When Shopping Becomes a Coping Mechanism

I’ve worked with many amazing women like Kathy,  who used shopping to fill emotional voids or and Krista (a clothing store owneer) who used clothing to express herself.  Both these women had homes (and closets)  bursting at the seams.

Kathy’s laundry room was packed with unopened purchases she didn’t have time or space to put away.

Krista, a boutique owner, had more clothes than she could wear in a year, but couldn’t bear to let them go because they were part of her identity.

Decluttering Solution:
If new stuff is coming in faster than you can manage it, it may be time to talk to a therapist or support group. There’s zero shame in needing help — but without addressing the root cause, no amount of organizing will stick.

3. The Scarcity Mindset

Marg couldn’t part with anything. Empty jars, pill bottles, stained placemats — she kept it all. To her, everything had potential. She was raised with the belief that throwing anything out was wasteful, and that deeply ingrained mindset made decluttering feel like danger, not freedom.

Even though sewing was her passion, she couldn’t enjoy it because her creative space was buried under layers of “just in case.”

Decluttering Solution:
Scarcity mindset often comes from past trauma, financial instability, or fear. If this is you, take tiny steps. Celebrate every decision to let go, even if it’s just one scrap of fabric. It adds up, and you can break the cycle.

4. Lack of Trust

Carla’s home was neat — except for one room. Her “Monica closet” (Friends fans, you know!) was a dumping ground because she didn’t trust herself to make decisions. So instead of making the wrong choice, she avoided choosing at all.

Decluttering Solution:
Indecision is still a decision. Start telling yourself, “I trust myself to decide what stays and what goes.” Progress doesn’t come from perfect choices — it comes from any choice.

5. Perfectionism

Seana wanted to do it all right — sort everything, label everything, color-code every bin. But that need to be perfect kept her stuck. Piles grew because she couldn’t let herself do it “badly.”

Decluttering Lesson:
Perfectionism doesn’t make your space better — it keeps you from making progress. Try doing something just okay. Embrace “good enough for now.” You’ll prove to yourself that imperfect action is still powerful.

6. The Inner Critic

Michelle had lived with disorganization her whole life. She believed she couldn’t change, and criticized herself constantly. But during our virtual session, everything shifted when she stopped saying, “I’m bad at this,” and started saying, “I’m proud of myself.”

She let go of bags of things, cleared out an entire closet, and smiled at her own transformation.

Decluttering Solution:
Be kind to yourself. Changing your self-talk changes everything. Instead of “I’m a mess,” try: “I’m learning,” “I’m growing,” or “I’m doing the best I can.”

7. Letting Go of “Just Bought” or “Barely Used”

Even my own team isn’t immune! Emily (behind the camera!) had a hard time parting with winter boots she’d just bought. She wasn’t ready to let go — and that’s okay. The first step is recognizing that emotional attachment doesn’t always equal usefulness.

Decluttering Solution:
You don’t have to declutter everything right now. But if you know something isn’t serving you — even if it’s new — allow yourself to release it without guilt.

8. Progress Takes Practice

Decluttering isn’t about doing it all in one day. It’s about building the muscle, one decision at a time. Whether you’re dealing with clutter from others, emotional shopping, scarcity, perfectionism, or fear — the path forward is always the same:

Start small.

Celebrate every win.

Trust yourself.

Keep going.

You don’t need to have it all together. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be brave enough to take that first step.

Your home deserves peace. You deserve ease. And every little decluttering win is a step toward both.

SEE THE MAKEOVERS MENTIONED ✨

Seana’s Craft Room: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Idnl9vmrEHM&list=PLzglswYcXP2jv051eNB6Xo1BzlSeqisWB&index=15&t=566s

Marg Craft Room: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bRkQ1XWkU8&list=PLzglswYcXP2jv051eNB6Xo1BzlSeqisWB&index=20&t=620s

Krista Bedroom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsGru35JE4Q&list=PLzglswYcXP2jv051eNB6Xo1BzlSeqisWB&index=5&t=1057s

Michelle Office: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RI3HzRCqjJo&list=PLzglswYcXP2jv051eNB6Xo1BzlSeqisWB&index=7&t=26s

Kathy Laundry Room: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Min58woWPbY&list=PLzglswYcXP2jv051eNB6Xo1BzlSeqisWB&index=11&t=18s

Stephanie Basement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuJUJ_YDvcE&list=PLzglswYcXP2jv051eNB6Xo1BzlSeqisWB&index=27&t=58s

✨ For even more inspiration, watch all of my makeover videos here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzglswYcXP2jv051eNB6Xo1BzlSeqisWB

🎙 Subscribe to my Podcast Channel & Get Inspired! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzb9pSHe_w_e1jeg5BaK-bQ? sub_confirmation=1

🧺 ORGANIZING & STORAGE SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR UNIQUE ORGANIZING STYLE: https://clutterbug.me/2025/02/storage-and-organizing-solutions-to-fit-your-style.html

✨ DECLUTTER & CLEAN LIKE A PRO – My Top Picks
Fave Cleaning Tools : https://urlgeni.us/amazon/2xYW0
Fave Organizing Solutions: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/JOrJm
Kitchen Organizing Faves: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/8YWRx
🛍️ SHOP MY AMAZON: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/Clutterbug

📲 Let’s Get Social! Follow Me Here ↓
Instagram: https://urlgeni.us/instagram/ffwh
Facebook: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/Clutterbug
TikTok: https://urlgeni.us/tiktok/TikTokClutterbug
Website: http://www.clutterbug.me

3 Types of Clutter That Are Secretly Ruining Your Home

Get ready to transform your space and mind! In this eye-opening episode of the Clutterbug Podcast, I dives deep into the psychology of clutter—from childhood memories and identity attachments to the fear-driven impulse of never letting go.

Discover the 3E Framework (Exposure, Evaluation, Exit) designed to break through decision fatigue and conquer the emotional ties that keep you stuck. Whether you’re battling a lifetime of sentiment or simply overwhelmed by the mess, I deliver real solutions, actionable tips, and the motivational push you need to reclaim your home and your life.

Tune in and start your journey toward a more organized, empowered you!

Cozy & Romantic Home Decorating Ideas – 4 Simple Ways to Fall in Love with Your Space

In this post, we’re throwing out the rulebook, embracing a little whimsy, and giving ourselves permission to fall madly in love — with our homes.   And it’s done with a little “Bridgerton” flair.  Whether it’s a crumbling lamp post or a garbage balcony, we’re turning “meh” into magical — all on a budget, and mostly with things you already own.

Curb Appeal

Every time you pull into your driveway, you should feel a little spark. But when your curb appeal looks more neglected than noble, that spark can fizzle fast.

I had a sad little brick patio to nowhere, weeds sprouting defiantly, a lamp post that hadn’t worked in years, and spiders claiming the space as their own. With just some spray paint, a pressure washer, and clearance flowers, I transformed this forgotten corner into something swoon-worthy.

Makeover Tips: Paint the front door, pull some weeds, add a $5 wreath — small things make a massive difference.

Dining Room Drama

My dining room felt cold and stark — a place for plain dinners, not meaningful connection. So I added one dramatic touch: peel and stick wallpaper.

It took under an hour, cost less than $50, and completely changed the feel of the space. Yes, my kids say it looks like a haunted mansion. Yes, it’s a little extra. But I love it.

Makeover Tip: Add in some dollar store florals, a flickering candle, and suddenly your Tuesday mac and cheese dinner feels like a meal fit for Bridgerton.

Dollar Store Flowers

I’ll never pay $100 for a floral arrangement. Ever. The key to making budget flowers look expensive?

Stick to muted tones: whites, creams, soft blushes.

Use multiple small bunches instead of one giant centerpiece.

Don’t forget greenery — herbs work beautifully too.

Even fake florals can add that fresh, lived-in charm when done right.

Planting a Garden

Before my mom left my childhood home, I took cuttings from her beloved garden — tiny baby flowers that now bloom in mine.

It’s not just a garden. It’s a legacy. And every time I clip fresh flowers to bring inside, I feel connected — to her, to my past, to home.  Don’t underestimate how meaningful a little vase of flowers can be — especially when they carry stories with them.

Thrifting Makeovers

I found a tiny secondhand table that was almost perfect — the size, the shape, the vibe. It just needed a little love. Enter: gel stain.

No sanding, no stripping. Just rub it on, and boom — it looks like a whole new piece. Bonus points for surviving both a garage flood and 100% humidity.

Makeover Tip: Not loving a wood tone? Don’t be afraid to paint or stain. DIY isn’t just about furniture — it’s about giving yourself permission to make things beautiful.

Decorating on a Dime

If you’ve got an awkward entry, an empty hallway corner, or a sad little nook — just add:

A thrifted table

A vase of flowers

Maybe a lamp, a candle, a photo frame

Suddenly, you’ve got warmth and intention where there used to be nothing.

The Garbage Balcony (Yes, Really)

Once a dumping ground for trash bags and spiders, our “garbage balcony” was the last place I expected to turn into a dreamy morning tea spot.

But I pressure-washed, I swept, I twinkle-lighted, and I added plants from around the house. I even added some fake ivy to complete the look. And now? It’s a romantic, magical nook. For tea. For silence. For me.

What’s your “garbage balcony”? That forgotten space that could — with a little imagination — become something special?

Permission to Play

This entire project was weird. The fake narrator voice, the British garden fantasy, the dramatic wallpaper… But here’s the truth: it made me happy.

I didn’t buy much. I moved things around. I played pretend. I gave myself permission to dream, to play, to decorate just for me.

What if you did the same?

Want a fairy light reading nook? Go for it.

Craving a canopy bed with velvet curtains? Why not?

Dream of a backyard secret garden? Start with a single potted plant.

When DIY Projects Go “Wrong”

Not everything worked the way I imagined. Some things flopped. Others surprised me.

But the point is that tiny changes — cheap, quick, silly even — are what helped me fall in love with my home. And myself.

You don’t need more square footage. You don’t need a big budget.
You just need a little creativity, a little courage — and a little willingness to play.

Love your home the way it is right now.
Let yourself dream. Let yourself decorate. Let yourself be weird.

Because that, dear gentle reader, is what loving your home really looks like.

SEE MORE DIY PROJECTS:

Bathroom peel and stick wallpaper project here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivjfD_bukBE&t=140s
Bedroom update on a budget here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQd00_DNkfo&t=11s

🎙 Subscribe to my Podcast Channel  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzb9pSHe_w_e1jeg5BaK-bQ? sub_confirmation=1

🧺 ORGANIZING & STORAGE SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR UNIQUE ORGANIZING STYLE: https://clutterbug.me/2025/02/storage-and-organizing-solutions-to-fit-your-style.html

✨ DECLUTTER & CLEAN LIKE A PRO – My Top Picks
Fave Cleaning Tools : https://urlgeni.us/amazon/2xYW0
Fave Organizing Solutions: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/JOrJm
Kitchen Organizing Faves: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/8YWRx
🛍️ SHOP MY AMAZON: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/Clutterbug

📲 Let’s Get Social! Follow Me Here ↓
Instagram: https://urlgeni.us/instagram/ffwh
Facebook: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/Clutterbug
TikTok: https://urlgeni.us/tiktok/TikTokClutterbug
Website: http://www.clutterbug.me

Some links are Amazon affiliate links to products I love!  I may earn a small commissions for purchases made through these links (but don’t worry, it doesn’t cost you anything extra)

The Truth About My Messy Past (and What Saved Me)

If you’ve ever looked at your life and thought, “How did I end up here — and where the heck are my shoes?” — this episode is for you. Whether you’re stuck in a shame spiral over clutter, afraid to start because you might fail (again), or dreaming of a better life but don’t know how to take that first step… you are so not alone.

In this raw and honest episode, I share the unfiltered story of how I went from total chaos (like, literal hoarder-level mess, bad decisions, and breaking the law kind of chaos) to finding purpose, peace, and a really clean kitchen. We walk down memory lane — from ADHD-fueled disasters to building the Clutterbug community, from a flip cam and a dream to YouTube, books, podcasts, and even a fire truck (yup, you read that right).

This one’s not just a highlight reel — it’s a messy, hilarious, and heartfelt reminder that you don’t need to be perfect or have it all figured out. You just need rules, limits, vision boards, and a dash of delusional self-belief. You’ll hear the power of finding your people, discovering your style, and finally realizing that you’re not messy — you just organize differently.

✨ We chat about:

What it’s really like to fail (a lot) and keep going anyway

 

The chaotic backstory behind Clutterbug (and how it almost didn’t happen)

 

Vision boards, viral videos, and how to manifest your dream life — one basket at a time

 

How “It’s not a cat” became a clutter mantra (and a t-shirt!)

 

What to keep when you’re living in a “temporary but forever” space

 

Why your kids don’t think you’re cool — even if you’re a YouTuberThe life-changing magic of saying “I deserve this” — and meaning it

15 Things I Don’t Buy as a Professional Organizer (and you shouldn’t either)

Want an organized and clutter-free home? Don’t waste your money on these awful home organizing products! Here are 15 of the worst home organization products and things I won’t buy or recommend as a Professional Organizer!

Whether you are into minimalism, home organization, or you hate wasting money, these are 15 things you should never buy!

Want to get a free virtual room makeover? Submit your messy spaces to makeover@clutterbug.com for a chance to be our next digital makeover!

Shop the products I love:
Ikea Cubed Shelving: https://www.ikea.com/ca/en/search/?q=...
Walmart Cubed Shelving: https://www.walmart.ca/en/browse/home...
Velvet Hangers: https://amzn.to/3IR7J2A
Pant Clip Hanger: https://amzn.to/4ocV61V
Suction Hooks: https://amzn.to/4ff0tJK
Shower Shelves: https://amzn.to/4lT57Qh

Thank you to my amazing fan Charlotte for recording my new Tip of the Week jingle!

➡️ Clutterbug BootCamp Video – https://youtu.be/zoJvzTtGMmA

🎙 Subscribe to my Podcast Channel & Get Inspired! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzb9...? sub_confirmation=1

🧺 ORGANIZING & STORAGE SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR UNIQUE ORGANIZING STYLE: https://clutterbug.me/2025/02/storage...

✨ DECLUTTER & CLEAN LIKE A PRO – My Top Picks
Fave Cleaning Tools : https://urlgeni.us/amazon/2xYW0
Fave Organizing Solutions: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/JOrJm
Kitchen Organizing Faves: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/8YWRx
🛍️ SHOP MY AMAZON: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/Clutterbug

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Some links are Amazon affiliate links to products I love!  I may earn a small commissions for purchases made through these links (but don’t worry, it doesn’t cost you anything extra)

#clutterbug #organization #organizing #homeorganizing #clutterfree