Claim OwnershipParing Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
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If staunch minimalism feels too extreme, but you want to declutter your house to alleviate some stress, this is the podcast for you.
Shannon Leyko's style is like having your best friend in your ear, helping you get past those tough mental roadblocks that are keeping you from decluttering the things you don't need.
From New York Times bestselling authors to everyday people in the trenches of life, Shannon's guests give practical tips and mindset advice for intentional living and self-improvement.
Listen to Paring Down if you've ever asked yourself...
- Where do I start decluttering my house?
- Where do I start decluttering when overwhelmed?
- How do I declutter if I have ADHD?
- What if I end up needing something I decluttered?
- How can I stop shopping my shopping addiction?
- How do I stop being stressed?
- How do I keep my house clean?
- How do I tidy my room?
- How do I get my husband or wife to declutter?
- How many toys should a child have?
- How can I save money?
- What is minimalism?
- How can I be a minimalist with kids?
- What should I declutter first?
- How can I be a conscious consumer?
Find more of Shannon's work:
Instagram: @shannonleyko
Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown
TikTok: @shannon_leyko
Substack: https://shannonleyko.substack.com/
129 Episodes
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Welcome to the very first ever Chai Chat!! A 10-15 minute mini-episode each Thursday on the Paring Down podcast.
Each week follows this simple formula:
1. I answer a listener decluttering question
2. I answer a listener question about my own life
3. I share a listener decluttering win
4. I share a listener recommendation
5. I give some final thoughts
This week, I answer:
1. Is it productive to declutter one item a day, or does it have to be a big effort?
2. What are my goals for 2026? (And favorite shape of pasta?)
Listener recommendation of the week: Earthley Magnesium Lotion
PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO):
Website: www.shannonleyko.com
Instagram: @shannonleyko
TikTok: @shannon_leyko
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko
Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown
Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express
Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!)
PARING DOWN RESOURCES:
Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express
Free Decluttering Checklist
20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each)
10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free)
Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free)
Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas
Free Gift Request Email Template
Free Know Your Why Worksheet
Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff
SPONSORS:
$300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING
50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING
10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm
Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299
High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything.
Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order!
Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring
20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING
Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase!
20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to the VERY first Good Stuff episode on the Paring Down podcast!!
For the next 10 weeks, we'll be exploring how to design our lives around joy. To kick things off, today I share 5 science-backed strategies for producing more joy in our lives so that we're excited to wake up each morning!
Coming up in this series on joy:
• New York Times best selling romance author, Katherine Center on the importance of joy-filled stories
• Worldwide motherhood influencer, Libbi Ward of Diary of an Honest Mom, on finding joy in the hard parts of life
• Professor & psychologist Dr. Janet Gibson on the psychology of humor
• Popular Alaskan dairy farmer, Kelli Foreman, on the joy of working hard and using our hands
...and so much more!
PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO):
Website: www.shannonleyko.com
Instagram: @shannonleyko
TikTok: @shannon_leyko
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko
Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown
Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express
Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!)
PARING DOWN RESOURCES:
Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express
Free Decluttering Checklist
20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each)
10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free)
Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free)
Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas
Free Gift Request Email Template
Free Know Your Why Worksheet
Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff
SPONSORS:
$300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING
50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING
10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm
Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299
High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything.
Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order!
Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring
20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING
Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase!
20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- How do you avoid getting distracted by what you find when decluttering?
- How do you stop using piles as reminders?
- What if you like trying new hobbies regularly?
We're talking through all these questions for people with ADHD (and people without!) on today's episode with Libbi Moore of Neatly Ever After organizing service.
PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO):
Website: www.shannonleyko.com
Instagram: @shannonleyko
TikTok: @shannon_leyko
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko
Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown
Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express
Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!)
LIBBI MOORE:
neatlyeverafter.com
IG: @neatlyeverafterorganizing
FB: https://www.facebook.com/NeatlyEverAfter
PARING DOWN RESOURCES:
Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express
Free Decluttering Checklist
20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each)
10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free)
Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free)
Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas
Free Gift Request Email Template
Free Know Your Why Worksheet
Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff
SPONSORS:
$300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING
50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING
10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm
Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299
High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything.
Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order!
Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring
20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING
Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase!
20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This episode was so fun to make! Not only do I get to share some fascinating tidbits about the state of Alaska and what it's like to live here, I share 7 lessons I've learned about simple living from life in such a remote area.
• What's the biggest difference when it comes to living here vs. the lower 48 in terms of daily stress?
• Am I scared of the giant Kodiak bears that are exclusive to the remote island where I live?
• Do I miss Chipotle?
• What do I do if I need something last minute, but there's no 2-day shipping and only one major store on the island?
Truly, this is a fun one! Hope you enjoy!
PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO):
Website: www.shannonleyko.com
Instagram: @shannonleyko
TikTok: @shannon_leyko
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko
Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown
Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express
Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!)
PARING DOWN RESOURCES:
Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express
Free Decluttering Checklist
20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each)
10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free)
Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free)
Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas
Free Gift Request Email Template
Free Know Your Why Worksheet
Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff
SPONSORS:
20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING
50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING
10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm
Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299
High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything.
Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order!
Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring
Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase!
20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING
$300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fellow podcaster and new author, Katy Joy Wells, joins Paring Down today to talk about creating a home that doesn't stress you out.
We cover:
• Do you need to be a homebody or full-time homemaker to care about making home your happy place?
• What are our personal favorite spots in our homes?
• How do relationships come into play as it relates to clutter and peace inside of our homes?
...and more!
PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO):
Instagram: @shannonleyko
TikTok: @shannon_leyko
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko
Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown
Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express
KATY JOY WELLS
The Maximized Minimalist Podcast
IG: @katyjoywells
Book, Making Home Your Happy Place
PARING DOWN RESOURCES:
Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express
Free Decluttering Checklist
20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each)
10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free)
Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free)
Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas
Free Gift Request Email Template
Free Know Your Why Worksheet
Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff
SPONSORS:
20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING
50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING
10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm
Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299
High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything.
Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order!
Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring
Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase!
20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING
$300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The most respected voice in modern minimalism, Joshua Becker, joins me today to talk about how living with less can change our entire life.
We talk about:
• the opportunity cost of clutter
• the dangerous mindset so many people have about money
• using experiments to see how much you actually need
...and more!
PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO):
Website: www.shannonleyko.com
Instagram: @shannonleyko
TikTok: @shannon_leyko
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko
Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown
Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express
Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!)
JOSHUA BECKER
https://www.becomingminimalist.com/
Uncluttered Faith (book): https://www.becomingminimalist.com/books/
Simplify Magazine: https://simplifymagazine.com/
Instagram: @joshua_becker
YouTube: @joshuabecker
PARING DOWN RESOURCES:
Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express
Free Decluttering Checklist
20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each)
10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free)
Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free)
Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas
Free Gift Request Email Template
Free Know Your Why Worksheet
Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff
SPONSORS:
20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING
50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING
10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm
Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299
High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything.
Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order!
Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring
Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase!
20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING
$300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcoming back author Hanna Seymour for the second time on Paring Down, and today we're talking all things habit formation.
• What can we do today to start a new habit?
• How can we avoid giving up?
• What different areas of life can habits be applied to?
I know you'll love this conversation and feel motivated to make the things that are important to you automatic.
PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO):
Instagram: @shannonleyko
TikTok: @shannon_leyko
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko
Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown
Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express
HANNA SEYMOUR
hannaseymour.com
Everyday Spiritual Habits (book): everydayspiritualhabits.com
*buy book directly from Hachette: HANNA20
Instagram: @hannaeseymour
MENTIONED THIS EPISODE:
Shoe bin organizer
Ep 8: What the Bible Says About Our Stuff with Hanna Seymour
PARING DOWN RESOURCES:
Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express
Free Decluttering Checklist
20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each)
10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free)
Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free)
Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas
Free Gift Request Email Template
Free Know Your Why Worksheet
Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff
SPONSORS:
20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING
50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING
10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm
Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate, plus free steak for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paringsteak
High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything.
Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order!
Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring
Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase!
20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING
$300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Figuring out what to do with all our stuff AND finding the time & energy to do it is one of the biggest hurdles to decluttering.
Here are some things I cover in this episode:
• The Goodwill controversy
• How to break free from perfectionism that paralyzes us
• 4 questions to help you determine which donation centers to pick
• The best principle I've ever heard for how to handle overwhelming decisions (shout out to Kendra Adachi from The Lazy Genius Way)
• Tips for donating, selling, & posting items online
...and more.
PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO):
Instagram: @shannonleyko
TikTok: @shannon_leyko
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko
Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown
Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express
MENTIONED THIS EPISODE:
The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi
pickupplease.org
PARING DOWN RESOURCES:
Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express
Free Decluttering Checklist
10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free)
Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free)
Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas
Free Gift Request Email Template
Free Know Your Why Worksheet
Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff
SPONSORS:
20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING
Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase!
50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING
10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm
Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate, plus free steak for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paringsteak
High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything.
Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order!
Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring
20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING
$300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING
Convenient therapy that’s covered by insurance: Rula.com/PARING
25% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to Prolon’s 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet. *remember this is for metabolic health, not simply a weight loss hack*: prolonlife.com/paring
20% off Longevity Mitopure Gummies for Urolithin A at timeline.com/PARING
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If you've ever struggled with letting go of sentimental items after loss, I hope today's episode gives you both validation and encouragement.
I talk with Krista St. Germain of the Widowed Moms Podcast, who lost her husband to a drunk driver, and we explore the emotional weight of decluttering a loved one’s belongings.
You'll hear:
• mindset shifts around grief
• what it means to let go in a way that "feels like love"
• why there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to releasing sentimental items
This comforting conversation offers gentle guidance for decluttering when space is limited or when keeping certain items no longer feels supportive for your wellbeing.
PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO):
Instagram: @shannonleyko
TikTok: @shannon_leyko
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko
Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown
Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express
KRISTA ST-GERMAIN
The Widowed Mom Podcast
Episode: What to Say and What Not to Say to a New Widow
Website: www.coachingwithkrista.com
Instagram: @lifecoachkrista
PARING DOWN RESOURCES:
Free Decluttering Checklist
10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free)
Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free)
Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas
Free Gift Request Email Template
Free Know Your Why Worksheet
Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff
SPONSORS:
20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING
Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase!
50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING
10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm
Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate, plus free steak for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paringsteak
High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything.
Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order!
Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring
20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING
$300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING
Convenient therapy that’s covered by insurance: Rula.com/PARING
25% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to Prolon’s 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet. *remember this is for metabolic health, not simply a weight loss hack*: prolonlife.com/paring
20% off Longevity Mitopure Gummies for Urolithin A at timeline.com/PARING
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Self-discipline doesn't have to feel exhausting!
In today's episode, I...
• Debunk 7 myths about self-discipline
• Share 5 core principles for developing self-discipline
• Suggest 5 specific areas to be self-disciplined about to keep a clutter-free home.
If decluttering feels like a cycle you keep repeating, this episode explains why discipline isn’t the enemy of an easy, enjoyable life—it's the key!
PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO):
Instagram: @shannonleyko
TikTok: @shannon_leyko
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko
Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown
Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Ep 50: The Guilt & Fear of Decluttering Gifts
Ep 112: The Trap of Upgrading Our Lives
PARING DOWN RESOURCES:
Free Decluttering Checklist
10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free)
Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free)
Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas
Free Gift Request Email Template
Free Know Your Why Worksheet
Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff
SPONSORS:
50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING
10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm
Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate, plus free steak for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paringsteak
High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything.
Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order!
Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring
20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING
$300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING
Convenient therapy that’s covered by insurance: Rula.com/PARING
20% off Longevity Mitopure Gummies for Urolithin A at timeline.com/PARING
25% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to Prolon’s 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet. *remember this is for metabolic health, not simply a weight loss hack*: prolonlife.com/paring
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The problem with our determination to declutter in the new year is that we often go hard at the beginning and then burn out fast. Then what?
So today I brought on certified life coach and professional organizer, Tracy Hoth, to to discuss practical strategies for overcoming overwhelm, setting realistic expectations, and making real progress in just 15 minute decluttering spurts.
Tracy introduces her SPACE method for organizing, and highlights the emotional barriers that can hinder progress.
PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO):
Website: www.shannonleyko.com
Instagram: @shannonleyko
TikTok: @shannon_leyko
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko
Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown
Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Ep 81: The Art of Making Friends & How it Helps Us Declutter
TRACY HOTH:
Website: https://simplysquaredaway.com/
Tracy's 15 Minute Challenge: simplysquaredaway.com/declutter
Tracy's Instagram: @tracyhoth
PARING DOWN RESOURCES:
Free Decluttering Checklist
10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free)
Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free)
Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas
Free Gift Request Email Template
Free Know Your Why Worksheet
Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff
SPONSORS:
20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING
10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm
Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate, plus free steak for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paringsteak
High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything.
Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order!
Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring
$300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING
Convenient therapy that’s covered by insurance: Rula.com/PARING
20% off Longevity Mitopure Gummies for Urolithin A at timeline.com/PARING
25% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to Prolon’s 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet. *remember this is for metabolic health, not simply a weight loss hack*: prolonlife.com/paring
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This past year brought more change than I expected—personally, spiritually, and professionally.
As you'll hear in this episode, some of the change distracted me from pursuing a life free from clutter.
So I wanted to share:
A) A little recap of my year (some analytic numbers, some personal struggles, etc.)
and
B) What has helped me recalibrate and reconnect with why decluttering matters in the first place.I hope it motivates you to feel excited about embracing a life that rejects materialism, too!
PARING DOWN SOCIALS (SHANNON LEYKO):
Instagram: @shannonleyko
TikTok: @shannon_leyko
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko
Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Uncluttered Faith by Joshua Becker
Duo Collective marketing podcast & services
Episode 19: Decluttering as a Couple with my husband, Aaron Leyko
Paring Down Substack Information to Subscribe (weekly blog posts & bi-weekly Decluttering Hype Sessions)
PARING DOWN RESOURCES:
Free Decluttering Checklist
10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free)
Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free)
Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas
Free Gift Request Email Template
Free Know Your Why Worksheet
Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff
SPONSORS:
10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm
Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate, plus free steak for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paringsteak
High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything.
Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order!
Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring
$300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING
20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING
Convenient therapy that’s covered by insurance: Rula.com/PARING
20% off Longevity Mitopure Gummies for Urolithin A at timeline.com/PARING
25% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to Prolon’s 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet. *remember this is for metabolic health, not simply a weight loss hack*: prolonlife.com/paring
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When her husband was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor while she was pregnant with their first child, Andrea Nakayama's career took a hard left turn. Since then, she founded the Functional Nutrition Alliance and has spent the last 20 years helping practitioners and patients learn about a holistic approach to health.
In this episode, you'll hear about the importance of both traditional medicine AND functional medicine—and why the term "functional medicine" has been exploited to encourage overconsumption.
Together, we explore the state of chronic illness in the U.S., why quick fixes and wellness trends are so seductive, and how the wellness industry often adds more noise than clarity.
This conversation is an invitation to declutter our health routines, tune back into our own bodies, and make more intentional, grounded choices—without fear, blame, or overwhelm.
ANDREA NAKAYMA:
Website: andreanakayama.com
Instagram: @andreanakayama
Andrea Nakayama Linkedin
Article: "You Can't Hack Your Health"
PARING DOWN RESOURCES:
Free Decluttering Checklist
10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free)
Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free)
Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas
Free Gift Request Email Template
Free Know Your Why Worksheet
Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff
SPONSORS:
$300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING
10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm
Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate, plus free steak for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paringsteak
Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order!
Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring
20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING
Convenient therapy that’s covered by insurance: Rula.com/PARING
High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything.
20% off Longevity Mitopure Gummies for Urolithin A at timeline.com/PARING
25% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to Prolon’s 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet. *remember this is for metabolic health, not simply a weight loss hack*: prolonlife.com/paring
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Are you actually prepared for an emergency—or just surrounded by emergency clutter?
In this episode, I take a clear-eyed look at emergency supplies and why so many of us over-prepare for rare, dramatic scenarios while under-preparing for the things most likely to happen.
We unpack how common cognitive biases—like the availability heuristic, denominator neglect, and “dread risk”—shape our fear-based stocking habits and quietly lead to clutter, overwhelm, and false security.
I walk through five realistic categories of emergency preparedness:
1. Evacuation
2. Getting trapped at home
3. Obscure emergencies
4. Everyday sickness
5. First aid
and explain how to pare each one down so it’s usable, accessible, and actually helpful when stress is high.
If emergency prep has ever felt overwhelming—or like another excuse to hold onto too much—this episode will help you rethink what safety really looks like!
MENTIONED THIS EPISODE:
Ep 76: Is Celebrity Self-Help Advice Useful? with my brother, Jim Oliver
Ep 19: Decluttering as a Couple with my husband, Aaron Leyko
PARING DOWN RESOURCES:
Free Decluttering Checklist
10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free)
Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free)
Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas
Free Gift Request Email Template
Free Know Your Why Worksheet
Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff
SPONSORS:
Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring
20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING
Convenient therapy that’s covered by insurance: Rula.com/PARING
20% off Longevity Mitopure Gummies for Urolithin A at timeline.com/PARING
25% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to Prolon’s 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet. *remember this is for metabolic health, not simply a weight loss hack*: prolonlife.com/paring
Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order!
High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything.
10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm
$300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, I sit down with Deedee Moore of More Than Grand to talk about something so many families quietly wrestle with: over-gifting from grandparents.
Together, we dig into why it happens, how it feels, and what we can do to bridge the gap with more empathy and clearer communication.
Both perspectives matter: The parent perspective (how too many gifts can create stress, clutter, or guilt) AND the grandparent perspective (how giving is often an expression of love, connection, and identity).
We explore the sweet intentions behind the gifts, the frustration that can happen on the receiving end, and the simple conversations that can help everyone feel heard.
This conversation is full of compassion, aha moments, and practical ideas for strengthening those precious family relationships—without letting “stuff” get in the way.
PARING DOWN SOCIALS (SHANNON LEYKO):
Instagram: @shannonleyko
TikTok: @shannon_leyko
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko
Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown
DEEDEE MOORE:
https://www.morethangrand.com/
Instagram: @morethangrand
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/morethangrand
MENTIONED THIS EPISODE:
Free Gift Request Email Template
PARING DOWN RESOURCES:
Free Decluttering Checklist
10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free)
Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free)
Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas
Free Gift Request Email Template
Free Know Your Why Worksheet
Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff
SPONSORS:
Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring
20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING
Convenient therapy that’s covered by insurance: Rula.com/PARING
20% off Longevity Mitopure Gummies for Urolithin A at timeline.com/PARING
25% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to Prolon’s 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet. *remember this is for metabolic health, not simply a weight loss hack*: prolonlife.com/paring
Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order!
High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything.
10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm
$300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week, we’re exploring what it actually looks like to simplify your holidays—not just by cutting back on decor or gift clutter, but by setting personal boundaries that make the season joyful instead of stressful.
If you’re navigating complicated expectations, travel pressure, or family disappointment, this episode offers a compassionate and research-backed look at why setting boundaries is healthy, not harsh.
What to expect:
• Why simplifying the holidays isn’t only about traditions—it's about emotional clarity and autonomy
• My own story of choosing to not travel during Christmas while our kids are young
• What “personal boundaries” really mean—hint: they’re choices you make for yourself, not rules you impose on others
• Three research-backed benefits of healthy boundaries• A short 5-question checklist to help you decide if a holiday obligation is right for your family this year.
Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down
Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express
Paring Down Blog
Paring Down YouTube
OTHER HOLIDAY EPISODES
Episode 61: Simplifying Holiday Traditions
Episode 3: Avoiding Holiday Clutter with Karla Graves
Episode 7: Making Holiday Decor Meaningful
Episode 8: What the Bible Says About Our Stuff with Hanna Seymour
Episode 9: Leaning Into the Season of Giving (Where to Donate Your Stuff)
Episode 10: Why We Celebrate the Birth of Jesus with Molly Stillman
Episode 11: Where Do Popular Christmas Traditions Come From? with Molly Stillman
PARING DOWN RESOURCES:
Free Decluttering Checklist
10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free)
Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free)
Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas
Free Gift Request Email Template
Free Know Your Why Worksheet
Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff
SPONSORS:
Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring
20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING
Convenient therapy that’s covered by insurance: Rula.com/PARING
20% off Longevity Mitopure Gummies for Urolithin A at timeline.com/PARING
25% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to Prolon’s 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet. *remember this is for metabolic health, not simply a weight loss hack*: prolonlife.com/paring
Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order!
High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything.
10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm
$300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Happy Thanksgiving week to those of you in the U.S.! In this thought-provoking conversation with Laura Fenton—writer and creator of the beloved Substack Living Small—we talk about what it really means to opt out of upgrade culture.
At a time of year when we’re surrounded by sales, pressure to buy more, and ideas for trendy gifts, this episode is a breath of calm.
Laura offers a grounded, compassionate look at how choosing “enough” can bring more contentment, freedom, and ease into your daily life.
If you’re craving some recalibration on what's important in life—or simply want permission to step off the hamster wheel—you'll love this conversation!
PARING DOWN SOCIALS (SHANNON LEYKO):
Instagram: @shannonleyko
TikTok: @shannon_leyko
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko
Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown
Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express
LAURA FENTON
Substack Newsletter: https://laurafenton.substack.com/
IG: @laura.alice.fenton
MENTIONED THIS EPISODE
Ep 70: Is Decluttering Just for the Financially Secure? with Aubrey High
PARING DOWN RESOURCES:
Free Decluttering Checklist
10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free)
Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free)
Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas
Free Gift Request Email Template
Free Know Your Why Worksheet
Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff
SPONSORS:
Convenient therapy that’s covered by insurance: Rula.com/PARING
20% off Longevity Mitopure Gummies for Urolithin A at timeline.com/PARING
25% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to Prolon’s 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet. *remember this is for metabolic health, not simply a weight loss hack*: prolonlife.com/paring
Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order!
High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything.
10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm
20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING
$300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1If you love your belongings but feel overwhelmed by the piles, the mess, or the jam-packed closets, this episode is for you. Today, we’re breaking down 6 compassionate, practical strategies to help you simplify — without forcing yourself to stop loving your things.
This isn’t about minimalism for minimalism’s sake. It’s about creating breathing room in your home so you can actually enjoy the things you love.
In this episode, we cover:
• Redefining What “Love” Really Means
• The “Love It or Use It” Method
• Benefits of a Temporary Separation Box
And more.
The big takeaway: Loving your things isn’t the issue. The issue is when your stuff takes up the space meant for living.
PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO):
Website: www.shannonleyko.com
Instagram: @shannonleyko
TikTok: @shannon_leyko
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko
Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown
Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express
MENTIONED THIS EPISODE
@emilywelchstyle
PARING DOWN RESOURCES:
Free Decluttering Checklist
10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free)
Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free)
Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas
Free Gift Request Email Template
Free Know Your Why Worksheet
Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff
SPONSORS:
20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING
Convenient therapy that’s covered by insurance: Rula.com/PARING
20% off Longevity Mitopure Gummies for Urolithin A at timeline.com/PARING
25% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to Prolon’s 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet. *remember this is for metabolic health, not simply a weight loss hack*: prolonlife.com/paring
Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order!
High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything.
10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm
$300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week's "guest" episode is slightly different...because I'm the guest!
My good friends at the Pretty Furious podcast are graciously letting me air an episode when I was a guest on their podcast, because I just loved the questions they asked and don't think I've covered the consequences of overconsumption to this extent on Paring Down.
What, exactly, happens to non-biodegradable materials in landfills?
Why should you care, even if you don't particularly care about the health of the planet?
What role does overconsumption play in our mental health?
We dive into all of it!
Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down
Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express
Paring Down Blog
Paring Down YouTube
PRETTY FURIOUS PODCAST
prettyfuriouspod.com
PARING DOWN RESOURCES:
Free Decluttering Checklist
10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free)
Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free)
Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas
Free Gift Request Email Template
Free Know Your Why Worksheet
Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff
SPONSORS:
20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING
Convenient therapy that’s covered by insurance: Rula.com/PARING
20% off Longevity Mitopure Gummies for Urolithin A at timeline.com/PARING
25% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to Prolon’s 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet. *remember this is for metabolic health, not simply a weight loss hack*: prolonlife.com/paring
Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order!
High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything.
10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm
$300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
One of the hardest categories to declutter? Clothes that no longer fit.
But just because it's complicated doesn't mean we can't tackle it and make progress (without the overly simplistic approach to just get rid of anything that doesn't fit right now).
In this episode, we’ll start with validation—why it makes sense to feel stuck when your closet doesn’t match your current body—and then move into practical steps for decluttering clothes when your weight has fluctuated.
You’ll hear:
• Three normal reasons women’s bodies change size (from pregnancy to hormones to stress)
• Why your body’s size doesn’t define your worth
• The real problem with women’s sizing
• Five practical tips for editing your wardrobe with compassion — including how to create a “maybe” bin with boundaries
This isn’t about giving up. It’s about creating a closet that fits the you who exists today.
Listen now to learn how to simplify your wardrobe without shame—and make peace with the body you live in right now.
PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO):
Instagram: @shannonleyko
TikTok: @shannon_leyko
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko
Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown
Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Shift: Managing Your Emotions—So They Don't Manage You by Ethan Kross
Ep 37: Curating Simple & Ethical Wardrobes with Lacey Woodroof
PARING DOWN RESOURCES:
Free Decluttering Checklist
10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free)
Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free)
Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas
Free Gift Request Email Template
Free Know Your Why Worksheet
Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff
SPONSORS:
20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING
Convenient therapy that’s covered by insurance: Rula.com/PARING
20% off Longevity Mitopure Gummies for Urolithin A at timeline.com/PARING
15% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to Prolon’s 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet. *remember this is for metabolic health, not simply a weight loss hack*: prolonlife.com/paring
Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order!
High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything.
10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm
$300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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