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Summary

In this episode of Decluttering Untangled, Heather Tingle discusses how to handle items that aren't yours, whether they were left by friends or borrowed and never returned. She emphasises the importance of setting time limits for returning items, understanding their sentimental value, and ultimately letting go of guilt associated with keeping them. Heather encourages listeners to reclaim their space and not feel responsible for items that do not belong to them, providing practical tips for decluttering and moving forward in a guilt-free manner.

Takeaways

• It's important to set a time limit for returning items.
• If you can't contact the owner, assess the item's value.
• Remove the guilt associated with keeping items that aren't yours.
• It's okay to let go of items that aren't important to you.
• You are not responsible for being a permanent home for others' items.
• Life happens, and people leave things behind.
• Make contact quickly to avoid awkwardness later.
• You have permission to declutter and reclaim your space.
• Sentimental value is subjective; assess it carefully.
• Decluttering helps prevent future accumulation of others' items.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Special Offers

06:10
Letting Go of Guilt and Moving Forward


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Summary

In this episode of Decluttering Untangled, Heather Tingle shares her personal journey with clutter, exploring her childhood experiences, struggles in adulthood, and the transformative power of decluttering. She discusses the emotional connections to her belongings, the impact of mental health on her clutter, and how discovering decluttering sparked a significant change in her life. Heather emphasises the importance of creating a home that reflects one's true self and the freedom that comes with letting go of excess.

Takeaways

• Sentimentality can lead to clutter and emotional attachment.
• Childhood experiences shape our relationship with belongings.
• Decluttering is a process that requires time and effort.
• Emotional connections to items can complicate the decluttering process.
• It's important to prioritise personal feelings over societal expectations when decluttering.
• Decluttering can lead to a lighter, more fulfilling life.
• Creating a home that reflects your personality is essential.
• Neurodivergence can influence how we manage clutter and belongings.
• The journey of decluttering can be empowering and transformative.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Personal Background

05:12
Childhood Sentimentality and Clutter

10:26
Struggles with Clutter in Adulthood

15:34
The Turning Point

23:42
Embracing Change and Moving Forward

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Summary

In this episode, Heather Tingle reflects on a year of decluttering insights, sharing 28 tips derived from past podcasts. The conversation covers various themes including impulse spending, the importance of decluttering before moving, managing social anxiety, decision fatigue, and effective packing strategies. Heather emphasizes the need to enjoy life and possessions, the distinction between hoarding and chronic disorganization, and the significance of creating a home that works for the individual. The episode concludes with motivation strategies for decluttering and making a home aesthetically pleasing while being functional.

Takeaways

• Impulse spending often stems from emotional triggers.
• Creating a gap between desire and purchase can reduce impulse buys.
• Decluttering before moving saves time and money.
• Social anxiety can be managed with practical strategies.
• Books should be evaluated individually, not as a collection.
• Finding space to declutter can be creative and unconventional.
• Decision fatigue can be mitigated by preparing in advance.
• Packing efficiently can enhance travel experiences.
• Hoarding is a mental health issue, distinct from disorganization.
• Children should be involved in deciding what artwork to keep.

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Chapters

00:00
Celebrating a Year of Decluttering Insights

06:05
The Importance of Decluttering Before Moving

11:53
The Challenge of Decluttering Books and Cards

18:08
Managing Decision Fatigue in Decluttering

24:07
Distinguishing Hoarding from Chronic Disorganization

30:06
Finding Motivation to Declutter

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Welcome to the 1-Year Anniversary Episode of Decluttering Untangled!
In this special milestone episode, Heather Tingle celebrates one incredible year of helping listeners untangle their homes and minds. Today, Heather shares her top 17 decluttering tips from the past year, offering a powerful recap that you can come back to anytime you need a refresher.

Whether you're a longtime listener or just tuning in, this episode is packed with actionable advice for creating a clutter-free home that truly works for you.
From mastering the art of “zoning” to navigating emotional attachments, Heather covers all the foundational principles that have resonated most with the Untangling community. Listen in to hear about strategies specifically tailored for neurodivergent minds, including the PAVES system and unique approaches to decluttering when dealing with depression, overwhelm, or simply a lack of time.

Highlights in this episode:

• The Power of Zoning: Set up specific zones in your home to make finding things easier and the start of a long term declutter plan.
• Do It Now Mentality: Small actions add up—Heather’s approach helps you make the most of every moment.
• Decision-Making Based on Emotions, Not Logic: Learn why keeping only what you truly love can transform your space.
• The PAVES System: A personalised blueprint to keep you on track, even when life feels overwhelming.
• Creating an Effective Exit Plan: Avoid the common pitfall of letting donation bags pile up by having a plan for items to leave your space.
• Managing Holiday Clutter: Tips for keeping Christmas clutter under control and reducing waste.
• Decluttering with Depression: Heather shares her personal experience and strategies for managing clutter when mental health is a challenge.
• Floordrobes and Wardrobe Solutions: Practical tips for handling clothes clutter in a way that works with your habits.

Whether you’re just starting your decluttering journey or are looking to stay motivated, this episode is filled with insights and gentle encouragement. Heather’s unique approach is tailored to support neurodivergent thinkers and anyone who needs a bit of extra help organising their space and mind.

Thank you to everyone who has listened, shared, and supported Decluttering Untangled over the past year. Your feedback and stories make this journey so rewarding. Here’s to another year of untangling our lives!

Want to Help More People Find Us?
If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with someone who might find it helpful. Every review and share helps us reach more people who need support on their decluttering journey.

Tune in, get inspired, and keep untangling!

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In this episode of Decluttering Untangled, Heather Tingle explores the pressures of striving for a "perfect" neurotypical home and why it's time to let go of unrealistic expectations. Heather explains how neurodivergent individuals can create a home that truly works for them, rather than mimicking the pristine, minimalist aesthetic often seen on social media.

Heather dives into the differences between neurotypical and neurodivergent homes, shedding light on why traditional organisation systems and routines often don’t align with the needs of those with ADHD, autism, or other neurodivergent traits. She encourages listeners to redefine what “organised” looks like, focusing on accessibility and ease rather than aesthetics alone.

Here’s what's covered:

• Breaking the “Perfect Home” Illusion: Why we need to stop chasing after homes that look neurotypical, clutter-free, and completely pristine.
• Why Insta-Worthy Isn’t Always Realistic: A look at why those picture-perfect homes often don’t work for neurodivergent brains, and how they can actually add stress instead of bringing comfort.
• Creating a Home That Works for You: Practical tips to make your space accessible and functional based on your needs, whether that means visible storage, unconventional routines, or personalised organisation.
• Redefining Beauty and Functionality: How to make your home feel welcoming and beautiful without sacrificing ease or piling on more unrealistic expectations.
• Sensory-Friendly Spaces: The importance of sensory comfort—like lighting, textures, and sounds—in creating a home that feels truly yours.

Listeners will come away with practical tips on:

• Creating systems that prioritise accessibility over appearance.
• Incorporating sensory-friendly elements to make their spaces more comfortable.
• Building routines that account for motivation, executive function challenges, and fluctuating energy levels.
• Embracing visible storage solutions and learning how to adapt them to look beautiful once the routine is established.

Heather’s insights offer permission to embrace a unique, personal approach to home organisation. Tune in for an empowering discussion on making your space a true reflection of yourself—free from the pressure to conform to neurotypical standards.

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Episode Overview:

In this episode of Decluttering Untangled, Heather dives into the often overlooked topic of asking for help when it comes to decluttering. She shares her own personal experience of seeking assistance, not with decluttering specifically, but in other areas of life, and how that has made a significant impact on her well-being. Heather candidly discusses the guilt and shame many of us feel when we think we should be able to manage everything ourselves—whether it’s clutter in our homes or tasks in our daily lives.

Through her story, Heather draws important parallels between her recent experiences and the struggles many of us face with decluttering. She emphasizes that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a necessary step toward reclaiming our time, energy, and peace of mind.

Key Takeaways:

• It’s okay to ask for help: Whether you're dealing with clutter or other challenges, getting support doesn’t make you weak; it can actually free up your energy for things you love.
• Outsourcing tasks: Heather shares how hiring a PA and simplifying her meals with pre-prepared options lifted a huge burden from her shoulders. This analogy helps listeners understand that it’s okay to get assistance with decluttering too.
• Help won’t magically appear: You have to actively seek it out. Heather provides practical tips for finding the right help—whether it’s a professional, a friend, or a decluttering coach like herself.
• What are you putting off?: Identify the tasks that weigh you down and explore how you can outsource, swap tasks, or simplify your to-do list.
• Energy management is key: By getting the right help and letting go of perfectionism, you can save energy for the things that truly matter to you.

Actionable Tips:

1. Identify what’s draining your energy: Whether it’s meal planning, household chores, or dealing with clutter, figure out what you can delegate or simplify.
2. Don’t wait for a crisis: Ask for help before things get overwhelming. It doesn’t need to be a huge intervention—sometimes a little support is all you need.
3. Find help that fits you: Whether it’s a professional, a friend, or even a community, finding the right kind of support is crucial. Be open to trying different approaches.
4. Join Heather’s Community: For more tips, support, and guidance, join the free Untangled by Tingle Facebook Community group, where Heather and a community of like-minded people share their decluttering journeys.

Get More Support:

• Join the Decluttering Untangled Facebook community for daily encouragement and tips.
• Need structured help? Check out Heather’s Declutter Planner on Amazon to guide you through the process step by step.
• Ready for personalized assistance? Book a 1:1 Video Session or an in-home decluttering service with Heather today.
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In this episode of Decluttering Untangled, Heather dives deep into the challenge of finding motivation to declutter, especially for those of us who struggle with staying focused or feeling overwhelmed by clutter. Whether you're neurodivergent or just facing a decluttering slump, Heather offers practical insights and mindset shifts to help you get started—no motivation required!

Key Discussion Points:

• Reframe How You Think About Motivation: We often wait for motivation to strike before we start a task, but Heather explains how this can actually work against us—especially if we’re neurodivergent. The traditional concept of motivation doesn’t always align with how we operate, and that’s okay!
• Side Quests: A Handy Hack: Heather introduces the idea of "side quests"—little tasks you've been avoiding—that can be tackled when you're procrastinating on the bigger jobs. This can help you feel accomplished and create momentum without the pressure of completing the main task.
• Rethinking Motivation for Neurodivergent People: If you struggle with executive functioning or feel overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Heather shares why some of us can’t just "get motivated" and how traditional advice like visualising the end result might not work for everyone.
• Eat the Cake, Not the Frog: Forget about "eating the frog" (doing the hardest task first). Heather suggests doing the easy, quick wins first to build momentum and dopamine—a key ingredient for actually getting things done!
• Practical Tips to Get Started: Heather offers micro steps to trick yourself into starting, like simply walking into the room you want to declutter or handling the easiest task you see first. By building in small wins, you create motivation as you go, rather than waiting for it to show up at the start.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• P of the PAVES System: Heather refers to her earlier episode about the PAVES system for effective planning and decluttering strategies. Be sure to check it out in episode 006 for more in-depth tips.

Connect with Heather:

• Have you tried any of the tips from this episode? Let Heather know how you got on! You can message her through the Untangled by Tingle Facebook Community group or drop her a review to help the podcast reach more listeners.

Closing Thought:
Remember, waiting for motivation is often the very thing that prevents you from making progress. Instead, break tasks down into easy steps and trick your brain into starting. You’re in control of how you approach the clutter, and small wins build big results over time.

Subscribe & Review:
If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review and share it with a friend who might need a little decluttering motivation!

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Episode Summary: In this episode of Decluttering Untangled, Heather Tingle dives into the world of vacuum storage bags, a popular solution for maximising space. Heather covers the pros and cons of using these bags for decluttering and storage, and shares her personal insights into when and where vacuum storage is most useful.

If you’ve ever wondered whether vacuum storage bags could help you clear space in your home or declutter more effectively, this episode will provide practical advice on how and when to use them—and when to avoid them. From space-saving benefits to potential issues with long-term use, Heather helps you untangle whether vacuum storage bags are right for you.

What Are Vacuum Storage Bags?

• • Vacuum storage bags are thick plastic bags that compress items like clothes and bedding by sucking the air out with a vacuum cleaner.
• Pros of Using Vacuum Storage Bags:
  • Space Saving: Can reduce the volume of stored items by up to 80%, making them ideal for small spaces or items not used regularly.
  • Durability: They’re tough and durable, useful for moving house or storing items for a short period.
  • Great for Craft Storage: Perfect for storing excess materials like wool or fabric, especially when you’re short on space.
  • Protection: Keeps items safe from dust, damp, moths, and bugs (provided the items are pest-free before storing).
  • Budget-Friendly Moving: Reducing the volume of items can lower the cost when moving, as movers charge by volume.
• Cons of Using Vacuum Storage Bags:
  • Not Ideal for Long-Term Storage: Over time, the seals can fail, air can seep in, and they may not be as effective.
  • Quality Issues: Cheaper bags may have poor seals, leading to frustration when they don’t hold the vacuum properly.
  • Unsuitable for Frequent Use: Not practical for items you access often, as resealing them each time can be cumbersome.
  • Damage to Certain Fabrics: Items like down duvets, leather, and delicate fabrics can be damaged by the vacuum compression.
  • Plastic Odours and Sweating: The plastic can sometimes make items smell and can even cause them to sweat if stored in fluctuating temperatures.
  • Requires Dry, Clean Items: If anything is slightly damp or not fully clean, mould or mustiness can develop in storage.

Closing Thought: Remember, decluttering isn't about just finding new storage solutions—it’s about letting go of the excess. Vacuum storage bags can be a helpful tool, but only in specific situations.

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