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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.

Link to vacuum storage bags * Affiliate link

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Summary:
In this episode, Heather continues from the last episode by tackling the challenging topic of replacing broken items and dealing with the emotional impact of losing sentimental belongings. She shares personal experiences and offers guidance on making peace with the loss of meaningful objects. Heather also provides practical tips on evaluating whether to repair, repurpose, or replace an item, emphasising how to retain the associated memories without being overly attached to physical items.

Key Topics Covered:

1. The Impact of Losing Sentimental Items
   Heather shares a personal story about a beloved mug from a trip to New York that broke, explaining how she navigated the emotions tied to the loss and the thought process of deciding what to do next.
2. Common Reactions and Considerations When Something Sentimental Breaks:
   • Initial thoughts: "Can I fix it?"
   • Potential repurposing options (e.g., using broken crockery for mosaics or plant drainage).
   • Why replacing the item often doesn't work emotionally, even if it's an exact replica.
3. Guidelines for Handling Sentimental Losses:
   • Acknowledge the Loss: It's okay to feel upset over a broken or lost item.
   • Feel Gratitude for the Memory: Shift focus to appreciation for the experience or person the item represented.
   • Remember the Memory Isn’t Tied to the Item: Items serve as doorways to memories, but they don’t own the sentiment.
4. Questions to Ask Before Deciding to Replace or Repair:
   • Can it be fixed? Is it worth the hassle or expense?
   • Do you have other items that also link to this memory?
   • Would you buy it again if you didn’t already own it?
   • If you choose to replace, will seeing the new item make you feel better or worse?
5. Alternative Ways to Preserve Memories:
   • Take a photograph of the item.
   • Write down the story behind the item to revisit the memory later.
   • Reflect on other ways to honour the memory, such as a new memento.

If you’ve struggled with letting go of sentimental items or want to share your thoughts on this episode, join the conversation in the Facebook community! Let’s continue to support each other on this untangling journey.

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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Episode Summary: In this episode Heather delves into the thought process behind why we often hold onto broken or replaced items. She shares insights from working with clients and explores how emotional attachment, overwhelm, and "just in case" thinking can lead to clutter accumulation. From kettles that sort of work to socks with holes, Heather explains why it's okay to let go of items that no longer serve you and offers practical strategies for moving forward. Tune in to learn how to break the cycle of keeping unnecessary items and feel lighter in the process.

Key Takeaways:

• The Broken Kettle Dilemma: Heather discusses a client’s hesitation to throw away a kettle that doesn’t work well anymore, despite buying a replacement. She breaks down the emotional reasons for keeping it and why letting go can feel overwhelming.
• Facing Overwhelm: If an item still works "kind of" but isn't functioning fully, consider taking the first small step to fix it, like ordering a repair kit. If it doesn’t work after that, it's okay to move on.
• The Sunk Cost Fallacy: Holding onto expensive broken items won’t get your money back. Heather encourages listeners to listen to Episode 20 for more about this psychological phenomenon.
• Backup Items: Keeping a broken item “just in case” is a common but flawed mindset. Heather asks, if the new item broke, what would you actually do? Usually, the answer is just buying another new one.
• The Sock Dilemma: Heather shares another client’s experience with holding onto a pair of favorite but holey socks. She explores the emotional side of keeping such items, especially when they provide sensory comfort, and offers practical steps to evaluate whether it’s worth repairing or letting go.

Practical Tips:

• When you replace an item, try to let go of the old one as soon as you can.
• Take baby steps with overwhelming tasks—open the new item, unwrap it, and start the process.
• Use apps like Olio or platforms like Facebook Marketplace to give away broken items that someone else might be able to repair or use for parts.
• Reframe your thoughts about backup items by asking, “If I didn’t have this, what would I do?”
• Be honest with yourself about whether you’ll actually repair a damaged item. If you haven’t done it yet, it’s likely you won’t.

Call to Action: If this episode resonated with you, take a look around your home. Is there something broken or replaced that you’ve been holding onto? Maybe now’s the time to let it go. Pop into the Facebook Community and share your thoughts.

Subscribe & Review: Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode! If you found this helpful, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform to help others discover Decluttering Untangled.

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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Episode Description:
In today’s episode of Decluttering Untangled, I dive into the often-overlooked chaos of bedding and share my best tips for organising it to make your life easier. From storage hacks and cleaning advice to practical solutions for physically challenging bedding tasks, I’m covering it all. Learn how to keep your duvets, pillows, and sheets under control and stop feeling overwhelmed by the mess in your linen cupboard.

Key Takeaways:

• Duvet Hack for the Short & Petite: Use food bag clips to secure duvet corners while you wrestle them into covers.
• Label Your Bedding: Mark your duvets with “S” (short) and “L” (long) to avoid confusion when making the bed.
• Best Storage Options: Consider Ikea DIMPA bags for easy, moisture-proof storage.
• Declutter Old Bedding: Donate old bedding to pet shelters, Baby Basics, textile recycling, or charities but be sure to check their requirements first.
• How Many Sets Do You Really Need? Aim for three sets per bed: one in use, one in the wash, and one spare.
• Kids’ Bed Accident Hack: Layer waterproof sheets with bedding for quick middle-of-the-night changes.
• Organise with Pillowcases: Store bedding sets inside one pillowcase to keep everything together.
• Storing Tips: Keep bedding close to the bed it’s for (like under-bed storage) and add a laundry sheet to keep them smelling fresh.

Final Thought:
Changing bedding regularly isn’t always realistic for everyone—especially if you’ve got physical limitations like me. Don’t stress yourself if you're not doing it as often as you'd like. The goal is to declutter and simplify to make life easier, not harder.

Stay Connected:
Be sure to subscribe to the podcast for more practical decluttering tips, and don’t forget to join our Facebook group to share your own stories and successes!

Link to DIMPA BAGS (Amazon UK Affiliate link)
Link to Baby Basics (UK)

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Episode Summary: In today’s episode of Decluttering Untangled, I’m tackling the topic of hand-me-downs. You know, those clothes and baby gear you save to pass down from one child to another? On the surface, it seems like a great way to save money and be efficient, but is it really? I work with so many parents who are drowning in clothes and chaos because of the sheer volume of stuff they’re holding onto for someday.

Spoiler alert: I’m not the biggest fan of hand-me-downs, and I explain why. From the clutter they create, to the mental energy it takes to manage them, I share my expert opinion on when hand-me-downs might be worth it and when it’s time to just let them go.

I also give you some practical tips and guidelines if you do want to save items for future use, and how to do it in a way that doesn’t overtake your home or your sanity.

Key Takeaways:

• Holding onto items can cause more stress than it’s worth, and most kids need less than we think.
• Hand-me-downs only work well if you have a tidy, organised system in place and can actually use the items in a reasonable timeframe.
• Storing clothes or baby equipment for long periods often leads to damage like mould or makes them outdated and unusable.
• If you do decide to save items, store them properly, label everything clearly, and set reminders to actually use them before they become irrelevant.
• It's often easier (and cheaper) to buy second-hand items later on than to save and store them for years.

Practical Tips:

1. Check the Gap: If there's more than a 2-year age or size gap between kids, don’t hold onto clothes unless they're truly sentimental.
2. Organise Well: Use clear plastic boxes, label them by size, and store them in a damp-proof, temperature-stable location.
3. Set Reminders: Schedule a reminder to revisit stored items so you don’t forget about them.
4. School Uniforms: Consider uniform swaps through school associations instead of storing them for years.
5. Let Go: If the storage feels overwhelming, ask yourself if saving the item is helping or hurting your peace of mind.

Get in Touch: Let me know your thoughts on hand-me-downs! Do you find them helpful or more hassle than they’re worth? Send me a message or drop by the Facebook group.

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In today’s episode, Heather dives into the challenges of living an eco-friendly life when you’re dealing with a cluttered home. Inspired by Zero Waste Week and Clients passion on the subject, Heather shares relatable insights into how difficult it can be to maintain sustainable habits when your living space feels overwhelming - with some practical steps to be greener.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

• The pressure of trying to be perfect in eco-friendly living, and why it's okay to prioritise your personal well-being.
• Why decluttering is the first step towards a greener life, making it easier to adopt sustainable habits.
• Simple tips to get started with eco-friendly practices, even if you’re currently battling clutter.
• Realistic steps like reusing shopping bags, shopping at refill stores, and decluttering responsibly by giving away items you don’t use.
• Why it’s important to go easy on yourself, embrace imperfection, and focus on what’s manageable for you.
• Ideas on how to avoid clothing waste, from buying secondhand to donating items you’ll never repair.

Resources Mentioned:

• Olio – a great app for sharing surplus food and reducing waste.
• Zero Waste Facebook groups – perfect for giving away unused items.

Whether you're struggling with clutter, feel overwhelmed by the pressure to live perfectly green, or are looking for small, manageable steps towards an eco-friendly lifestyle, this episode has something for you. Declutter your space first, then move forward to a more sustainable, less wasteful life.

Listener Challenge:
Heather invites you to take a look at any items you’ve been holding onto with the intention of fixing or reusing "someday." What’s your plan to deal with them? Will you repair them, donate them, or let them go? Share your thoughts with Heather on social media or send her a message via the text me on the podcast!

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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