If you've ever made a dramatic New Year's resolution about decluttering—only to feel defeated by mid-January—you're not alone. In this special workshop episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp and her husband Roger tackle the mindset traps that keep so many people stuck in the clutter cycle.

The All-or-Nothing Trap

That familiar pressure to make sweeping declarations like "I'm not shopping for an entire year" or "I'm decluttering my whole house this month" might feel empowering on January 1st, but these brittle systems are designed to break. When life happens—and it always does—one slip feels like total failure, leading most people to simply quit.

A Better Way Forward

The truth is, clutter-free isn't a finish line. It's a skill set. Instead of intensity, listeners learn to build consistency through small, repeated decisions that compound over time. The episode introduces the 15-minute decluttering method and explains why tackling spaces smaller than 2 feet by 2 feet creates the identity shifts needed for lasting change.

Understanding Right-Sized Consumption

Kathi explores the spectrum between overconsumption (fear-based stockpiling, comfort buying, and "fantasy self" purchases) and underconsumption (punishment-based deprivation). The goal isn't to never buy anything again—it's to buy and keep what supports your real life with the space, energy, and money you actually have.

Key Takeaways

• If your plan only works when you're at 100%, it won't work at all
• Small spaces create big identity shifts—start with one drawer, not an entire room
• Decision fatigue sets in after about 15 minutes, so work in short bursts
• Shift from being a "collector" to being a "curator"—keep the best, release the rest
• The goal isn't January intensity; it's building a rhythm you can maintain in October

This is part one of a two-part series designed to help listeners make 2026 their most clutter-free year yet—without the shame, without the all-or-nothing thinking, and with a plan that actually fits real life.

With Christmas just around the corner, the pressure to have everything perfect can feel overwhelming. But what if peace—not perfection—was the goal this holiday season?

In this quick but powerful episode, Kathi and Roger Lipp offer a lifeline for anyone feeling the holiday crunch. Whether you're hosting family, juggling last-minute preparations, or simply trying to enjoy the season without burning out, this episode delivers exactly what you need: practical, doable tasks that will transform your Christmas experience.

What You'll Discover in This Episode

Kathi and Roger share their top 10 tasks for December 23rd that will pay off big on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. These aren't deep-cleaning projects or Pinterest-worthy overhauls—they're real, achievable actions designed for busy people who want to actually enjoy their holiday.

Key Takeaways:

• Cook three dishes ahead of time - One side, one breakfast item, one dessert to free up oven and fridge space when guests arrive

• Focus only on main areas - Living room, kitchen, and guest bath get priority; skip the deep clean

• Put away 90% of wrapping supplies - Keep one roll of paper, a few bags, tape, scissors, and a Sharpie accessible

• Think through the needs of the day - Extra toilet paper, trash bag liners, paper towels positioned and ready

• Pick your outfit starting with shoes - Comfort is key when you're hosting and running around

• Clean out the fridge - Make room for dishes, platters, and leftovers

• Do all the dishes you can - Run that dishwasher even if it's only three-quarters full

• Guest bathroom two-minute rescue - Quick wipe, clean mirror, fresh towel, restock supplies

• Send a "here's the plan" text - Arrival times, parking, what to bring—predecisions equal peace

• Five-minute joy setup - Turn on the tree, light candles, play Christmas music

Night-Before Quick Wins

The episode also covers essential night-before tasks: setting up your coffee station, doing a 10-minute surface sweep, laying out serving dishes with post-it labels, and charging all devices. Roger's pro tip about running the dishwasher even when it's not full is a game-changer for keeping your kitchen under control.

As Kathi reminds listeners: "Today is not a day for perfection. Today is a day for peaceful triage." This episode gives you permission to let go of the overwhelming to-do list and focus on what actually matters—creating a peaceful, joy-filled Christmas for you and your loved ones.

Remember: Peace is an act of resistance. Let's resist the overwhelm together this Christmas season.

If your people are saying, “Please—no more stuff,” this episode is your new holiday playbook. Kathi Lipp and Roger Lipp share 10 consumable gift ideas that show big love without adding to anyone’s storage, from treat boxes and breakfast baskets to dinner kits, coffee/tea samplers, and even the tricky categories—candles, body care, and yes, cleaning supplies (only for the right person!). Listeners will learn Kathi Lipp’s simple 3–6 month test for choosing truly clutter‑free gifts, how to tailor consumables to minimalists, caregivers, and folks in transition, and how to make gift‑giving personal with paper-and-pen “use it up” favorites, baking kits in a bowl, and thoughtful frozen‑food gifts. Plus, Kathi Lipp shares exactly how to ask for consumables this year: “We’d love things we can eat, burn or use up.” Tune in for practical, joy‑filled ideas you can give—or add to your own wish list—so you can love your people well without creating one more thing to declutter.