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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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Join my free Declutter Community for real support, tips and advice from Heather and other Untanglers that are just like you!

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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!

Join my free Declutter Community for real support, tips and advice from Heather and other Untanglers that are just like you!

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Buy my Declutter Your Home Planner from Amazon to start to declutter your home yourself! (affiliate link)

Grab my current freebies to support a cleaner, tidier home.

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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.

Link to vacuum storage bags * Affiliate link

Join my free Declutter Community for real support, tips and advice from Heather and other Untanglers that are just like you!

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Buy my Declutter Your Home Planner from Amazon to start to declutter your home yourself! (affiliate link)

Grab my current freebies to support a cleaner, tidier home.

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