How to set boundaries
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Ever looked around your home and thought, “Why is decluttering so hard?” You’re not lazy, and you’re definitely not alone. Turns out, there’s more going on behind the clutter than just piles of stuff. And in this episode of It’s About Time, my guest Ingrid Jansen of The Declutter Hub reveals what’s really holding us back.
Spoiler: It’s not about needing more bins or better shelves.
Ingrid shares why decluttering can feel so emotional — and what to do when guilt, grief, or perfectionism get in the way of creating a calm, organized space. Plus, we talk about getting your kids involved without meltdowns, and why you don’t have to be a minimalist to feel at peace in your home.
Meet Ingrid Jansen
Ingrid Jansen, 51, and Lesley Spellman, 56, are the UK’s leading authority on decluttering and organising your home as The Declutter Hub, which boasts a top one percent podcast with more than 2.5 million downloads, and a Facebook community of nearly 60,000 members.
With a combined nearly 30 years’ professional experience helping overwhelmed homeowners as The Clutter Fairy and Organise Your House, the duo cut to the core of the emotions that hold us back from having a clutter-free, organised space that we want to live in and be proud of.
Ingrid and Lesley spent four years leading the Association of Professional Declutterers and Organisers (APDO) as President and Head of Mentoring, then they joined forces as The Declutter Hub to bring their expertise to a global audience.
Their new Bloomsbury Publishing book – Reset Your Home: Unpack Your Emotions And Your Clutter, Step By Step – is out in the US June 24, 2025, featuring their tried-and-tested approach to emotions-based decluttering and creating a calm space with long-term results. They also work with clients with mental health issues such as ADHD, ASD, and OCD.Both Ingrid and Lesley are experienced public speakers, and have been regularly featured on radio, TV, and in the national press, including The Times, The Guardian, The Independent, and Good Housekeeping.
In this conversation, Ingrid shares,
- How a decision to walk into a tennis club at nearly 50 changed her life—and what it taught her about trying new things.
- The difference between being decluttered and being a minimalist (yes, you can have stuff and still be organized).
- Why decluttering is just as much about emotions as it is about stuff—and the surprising feelings that might be holding you back.
- How to get your kids involved in decluttering without tears, power struggles, or threats to donate everything on the floor.
Why Is Decluttering So Hard?
So many of us think decluttering is just about the stuff. But as Ingrid explains, it’s really about emotions. Maybe you’re holding onto something out of guilt because it was a gift, or grief because it reminds you of someone you miss. Maybe it represents a version of yourself you thought you’d be by now. Those emotional attachments are powerful — and they can keep us stuck.
That’s why “just get rid of it” isn’t always helpful advice. If you’ve ever opened a closet and immediately felt overwhelmed, this conversation will show you a better way.
Organizing ≠ Minimalism
One of the best things Ingrid said in our conversation? “I’m not a minimalist.” And yet, her home is peaceful and organized — not because she has less stuff, but because everything has a place.
You don’t have to throw everything out to get organized. You just need systems that work for your life, your space, and your season.
Getting Your Kids Involved in Decluttering
If you’ve ever threatened to donate everything your kids leave on the floor (guilty 🙋♀️), Ingrid’s perspective is a game-changer. She explains how to get your kids involved in decluttering by focusing on what they love — instead of what they have to give away. It’s a simple mindset shift that turns decluttering into something positive, not punitive.
Final Thoughts
Decluttering isn’t just a weekend project. It’s a mindset shift. And when you address the emotional side of clutter, you’ll find it gets easier to let go — and make space for what matters most.
So if you’ve been wondering why decluttering feels so hard, and you’re ready for a fresh, realistic approach, this episode is your starting point.
Resources Mentioned:
Want to dive deeper into Ingrid’s approach to emotions-based decluttering? Here’s where to find more from Ingrid and Lesley:
- Website: declutterhub.com
Explore free resources, expert advice, and everything The Declutter Hub has to offer. - Podcast: The Declutter Hub Podcast
Tune in for practical tips and real-life stories to inspire your next decluttering session. - Book: Reset Your Home: Unpack Your Emotions and Your Clutter, Step by Step
Out in the US and Canada on June 24, 2025, this book shares Ingrid and Lesley’s step-by-step method for lasting change. - Membership: members.declutterhub.com
Get personalized support, accountability, and resources inside The Declutter Hub’s private community. - Facebook Community: Join the Group
Connect with nearly 60,000 like-minded people who are decluttering one step at a time. - Instagram: @declutterhub
Follow for quick tips, encouragement, and a peek behind the scenes.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 272: What do Do when ‘Just Get Organized’ Isn’t Working
- Episode 286: Downloads, Docs & Desktop Disasters: How to Organize Your Digital Clutter in 5 Simple Folders with Tracy Hoth
- Episode 270: Say Goodbye to Photo Overwhelm: How to FINALLY Organize Your Photos without Wasting Tons of Time and Giving Up with Miss Freddy
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