Declutter Empress Radio

Ep. 73 The average American home holds over 300,000 items. What happens when it’s time to let go? After decades in the same home, moving can feel overwhelming — especially when every corner holds a memory. In this heartfelt episode of Declutter Empress Radio, host Derria Murphy sits down with Jeannine Bryant, senior move manager, author of Keep the Memories, Not the Stuff, and founder of Changing Spaces SRS, to explore the emotional and practical process of rightsizing for seniors and their families. Jeannine shares expert strategies for helping aging adults simplify their spaces before a move — not just to make room in a smaller home, but to pass on their legacy while they’re still here to share the stories behind their heirlooms. From family discussions about sentimental items to holiday gifting of meaningful keepsakes, Jeannine helps families avoid leaving 300,000 decisions for their loved ones later. You’ll learn how to let go with love, plan moves in advance, and approach this life transition with peace and purpose. What You’ll Learn: The difference between downsizing and rightsizing for your next chapter How to decide what to keep, donate, or gift before you move Ways to include children and grandchildren in the decluttering process Why letting go early helps reduce stress and preserve family harmony Resources Mentioned: 📘 Keep the Memories, Not the Stuff by Jeannine Bryant 🌐 easyrightsizing.com 📲 Follow @EasyRightSizing on Facebook and Instagram Chapters: 0:00 Right Sizing: Simplifying Moves for Seniors and Families 6:59 Releasing Sentimental Items and Embracing Memories 13:16 Right Sizing Your Home for Life's Changing Stages 15:00 Letting Go of Possessions and Embracing Emotional Release 23:40 Overcoming Downsizing Challenges with Strategic Planning 28:43 Holiday Decluttering and Family Bonding Through Rightsizing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 72 No matter where you decide to move on this earth, you need to know what to do with your things. In this episode, I’m giving you a framework on how to do this seamlessly. These tips will help you determine what to take with you, what to get rid of, and what to leave behind. We’ll talk about everything from storage units, organizations to donate to that will actually use your items, and voltage adapters. (Yes. Voltage adapters! 😊) Donation sites mentioned in this episode: Cara Collective |Chicago Dress for Success  |New York Salvation Army Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 71 We’re concluding our Merging Lives series with Coliving in Tiny Homes and RVs. In this episode, I will share how to maximize this living space without sacrificing comfort or personality. So, whether you have considered downsizing or making the most of your current space, these tips will help you create your oasis. From multipurpose furniture to creative storage solutions, you will discover how to transform your living area into a haven of ease and style. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 70 College move-in day is exciting—until your “hoarder” roommate fills every inch of shared space with freebies. 😩 In this candid episode of Declutter Empress Radio, Derria welcomes her daughter Anya—a recent college graduate with firsthand experience navigating co-living dynamics during school, including the complexities of pandemic-era housing. From “empty haulers” to "the good roomy" Anya unpacks the personalities you might meet in shared spaces and how to keep the peace. ✨ Whether you're heading to a dorm or your first off-campus apartment, this episode is packed with practical tips on: Setting and respecting boundaries 🧍🏽‍♀️↔️🧍🏾‍♀️ Managing clutter in shared areas 🧽 Communicating expectations without causing drama 💬 Making your co-living space feel like home—even when it’s shared 💬 "If you're not willing to compromise, you need to live solo." — Anya Plus, a surprise guest (Derria’s grandson!) makes his debut during this heartwarming and insightful convo. #MergingLives #DormRoomDynamics #CollegeRoommates #DeclutterEmpress #BackToSchool #RoommateTips #MinimalistLiving #MotherDaughterTalk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 69 Housing costs are rising, prompting many to explore co-living arrangements. In this episode of the Declutter Empress Radio podcast we’re continuing our “Merging Lives Series” where host Derria offers insightful advice on transitioning to a shared space without sacrificing comfort or personal belongings. Discover strategic steps for downsizing, decluttering, and creating a harmonious living environment with a roommate.  From efficient furniture solutions to setting clear boundaries, Derria guides you on making a co-living space feel like a personal oasis. This episode is essential listening for anyone considering co-living and looking to simplify their life while maintaining functionality and comfort. Key Takeaways: Co-living as a Cost-Saving Strategy: Sharing living spaces can be a practical way to reduce housing costs and achieve financial goals sooner. Decluttering as a First Step: Begin by placing all possessions in one area to visually assess what you truly need and can part with before moving into a co-living situation. Creative Space Optimization: Opt for multifunctional furniture and creative storage solutions to maximize limited space without sacrificing personal belongings. Communication is Key: Establish clear expectations and boundaries with roommates to ensure harmonious living and mutual respect. Flexibility and Adaptability: Co-living is not permanent; it evolves with your circumstances, allowing adjustments and improvements along the way. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction to Co-Living 2:08 Assessing and Organizing Personal Items 2:41 Evaluating Room Space and Flexibility 3:16 Decluttering: Items to Donate or Discard 4:23 Downsizing Bulky Furniture 5:29 Options for Removing Bulky Items 6:47 Setting Boundaries and Sharing Common Areas 7:59 Recap and Action Steps for Co-Living 9:38 Importance of Clear Communication and Quiet Hours Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 68 Baby on the way? Don’t let clutter steal your calm. This episode of Declutter Empress Radio gives you the real deal on prepping your space—no frills, just function. From ditching infant socks to setting up stress-free changing zones, host Derria serves up sanity-saving tips for every soon-to-be parent. Listen in before the chaos kicks in! 🎧 🗝️ Key Takeaways: Focus on functionality, not aesthetics—your space should support your new lifestyle, not stress you out. Declutter before the baby arrives to avoid being buried in baby gear later. Choose multifunctional furniture and rethink your storage to keep essentials close. Streamline your baby registry to just what you’ll use in the first few months. Build systems that support your day-to-day routines instead of chasing picture-perfect organization. 💬 Notable Quotes: "Store things where you use them, not where they should go." "Socks. Infant socks. I say skip 'em for now." Chapters: 0:00 Organizing Tips for New Parents 2:49 Creating Functional Spaces for Baby 5:47 Simplifying Newborn Essentials 8:33 Practical Tips for Minimalist Parenting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 67 Moving in together isn’t just about merging furniture and sharing fridge space — it’s about blending habits, histories, and yes, sometimes a few too many stuffed animals. In this episode, I’ll guide you through simple, stress-free ways to declutter as a team without anyone feeling like they have to give up everything they love. You’ll discover practical strategies to create a calm, balanced home where both of you feel seen, respected, and comfortable. Let’s turn compromise into true comfort — and build a space that feels like a peaceful oasis for you both. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 66 Spring cleaning isn’t just about gutters and yard work, what about the rest of your home? In this episode, I’ll provide you with small, manageable steps to take to stay ahead of clutter all year round. No perfection is required. You will walk away with just enough to keep your space feeling lighter.  Ditch the 'just in case' mindset and embrace living in a serene, managed space. Let’s make decluttering a daily habit, not a seasonal event! "Letting go of unused items is freeing. It allows you to reclaim your space and your mental energy." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 65 🧹 “Cleanliness is next to godliness” isn’t in the Bible—so why do so many of us feel shame about a messy home? If you’ve ever struggled with guilt over clutter, this episode will set you free. Host Derria welcomes Dana K. White, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Decluttering at the Speed of Life and host of the wildly popular podcast A Slob Comes Clean. Her latest book, Jesus Doesn’t Care About Your Messy House is a powerful reminder that your worth isn’t tied to the state of your home. With over 750,000 copies sold, her book is transforming the way people think about faith, cleanliness, and self-acceptance. In this insightful conversation, Dana debunks the idea that a spotless home equals spiritual success. She shares her personal journey of overcoming clutter, embracing grace, and developing simple, shame-free strategies for maintaining a livable home—without the pressure of perfection. 🎧Key Takeaways ✅ Why the phrase “cleanliness is next to godliness” is misleading ✅ How to let go of guilt and find peace in your space—just as it is ✅ The power of small habits like daily dishes and five-minute pickups ✅ Why decluttering isn’t about impressing others but creating a home that works for you ✅ How embracing grace over perfection can change your entire mindset With millions of followers and a refreshingly honest, relatable approach, Dana K. White is leading a decluttering revolution—one free from guilt and full of grace. Listen now and discover how to release the shame, embrace your reality, and create a home that serves you. 💫 🔗 Resources: Book: Jesus Doesn’t Care About Your Messy House: He Cares About Your Heart Dana's Podcast: A Slob Comes Clean Podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/danakwhite Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASlobComesClean/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aslobcomesclean Chapters: 0:00 Introducing Dana K White 1:20 Debunking Cleanliness Myths and Embracing Guilt-Free Decluttering 2:16 Embracing Creativity and Overcoming Clutter Shame 10:59 Overcoming Household Overwhelm Through Incremental Daily Habits 19:27 Embracing Imperfection and Connection Over Presentation in Home Life 24:00 Simple Steps to Declutter and Organize Your Home 28:25 The One Thing Dana Refuses to Get Rid Of 29:54 Connect with Dana K White Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 64 Embracing decluttering doesn’t have to mean letting go of our heritage. Discover how to create a cozy winter space while cherishing sentimental belongings. This episode is especially dear to my heart as I discuss Black culture, our relationship with acquiring things, and the role sentimental items play in reflecting love and resilience. It’s all about finding what feels right for you and creating an oasis space that truly feels like home this season. About the host: As a dedicated voice in the realm of home organization and wellness, Derria combines her expertise in decluttering with a deep respect for heritage and the emotional bonds people share with their possessions. Embracing both minimalist and culturally-rich approaches to home organization, Derria offers her audience practical advice on creating your own Oasis Space. Subscribe for more tips like this. Key Takeaways: Cultural Approach to Decluttering: Decluttering isn't about minimalism; it's about creating a space that honors personal and cultural stories. Creating a Winter Oasis: Transform your home into a cozy haven that supports emotional wellness during long winter months. Heritage and Possessions: Understanding the cultural significance of keeping sentimental items and how they connect to familial and historical narratives. Combating Seasonal Depression: Practical strategies like creating comfort zones, repurposing items, and celebrating small moments can uplift spirits. Personal Connection and Wellness: The importance of personal items and spaces in maintaining mental health and reflecting on personal and cultural identity. Notable Quotes: "Decluttering doesn't mean becoming a minimalist like me." "Our history has so much to do with holding on to things." "It's fine to let go of things even if you take a picture of it to hold onto the memory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 63 Using the power of AI, I created five stylish outfits using clothes already in my closet. From ChatGPT to personal styling apps, I’ll walk you through how these tools helped me repurpose my wardrobe without spending a dime! It’s shop your closet time with AI! Perfect for navigating year-end celebrations with creativity and a decluttered mind, this episode reveals the secrets to a refreshing, personalized style. Resources: Cladwell Stylebook Smart Closet Essence (formerly known as Polyvore) Closet Space Watch Declutter Empress Radio on YouTube Tune in for creative strategies to rejuvenate your wardrobe and make the most of what you already own. Chapters: 0:00 Using AI and Apps to Declutter and Personalize Wardrobes 2:35 Using AI to Create Unique Fashion Styles 4:07 Revamp Your Wardrobe Using Five Innovative Fashion Apps 8:08 Crafting a 90s-Inspired Outfits with ChatGPT 11:41 Day One Casual Cool Style 13:01 Edgy Elegance Style 14:28 Funky Feminine Outfit 15:04 Grunge Sophistication 17:18 Reinvent Your Style Using AI Without Spending Money Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 62 As we unpack holiday decorations, it’s easy to feel the pull of sentimental clutter. In this episode, I share creative ways to honor and repurpose cherished holiday items, like transforming the fronts of old cards into new greeting cards and gifting beloved ornaments to family members. Join me for easy, simple tips to celebrate the season’s memories and limit keepsakes without feeling guilty—all while keeping the joy of the holiday alive. Resources findhelp.org — Looking to donate holiday decor in good condition? Findhelp.org connects you with local organizations that accept donations, so your items can bring joy to others. Simply enter your zip code to discover nearby charities, thrift stores, and community centers accepting holiday items. Related Episodes: Goodwill Don’t Want Your Sh*t |Declutter Empress Radio Cut the Clutter with Derria Murphy | Healthy Illness Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feeling overwhelmed with clutter in your kitchen? Let's fix that before the biggest cooking day of the year. Discover how decluttering leads to stress-free, cost-effective Holiday cooking with insights from Food Network Star Catherine McCord, author of "Meal Prep Time Saving Tricks for Stress-Free Cooking" In this episode of Declutter Empress Radio we'll reveal simple strategies to organize your kitchen, minimize waste, and save money while preparing delicious meals. Catherine shares her expert tips, focusing on the acronym POPE—Purge, Organize, Prep, Execute—to streamline your culinary routine. Transform your cooking space into a zen oasis with practical advice on optimizing your kitchen setup and meal preparation to fit busy lifestyles. Resources: Blog: How to Declutter + Organize Your Kitchen Before Thanksgiving with These Money Saving Tips Book: Meal Prep Magic: Time Saving Tricks for Stress-Free Cooking - Website: Weelicious.com Twitter / X @Weelicious Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 61 With the smell of Pumkin Spice in the air and the holiday season approaching, it's a great time to organize your thoughts and reclaim your time and peace. An "everything notebook" is a simple tool that can streamline your thoughts, improve organization, and eliminate the chaos of scattered notes. This episode of Declutter Empress Radio with Derria outlines a practical three-step method to create yours: ensure portability, create functional sections, and determine essential content. Your notebook could cover ideas, news, industry trends, tutorials, or book reviews—tailored to your needs. Start organizing today and transform your note-keeping into a more efficient and enjoyable experience. Other episodes you'll enjoy Organize Your Year Like A Pro You Really Don't Need That Notebook. Do You? Can Your Life Fit In A Storage Unit? Subscribe to Declutter Empress Radio on the JazzCast Pros Network for more practical tips to live clutter-free and enhance your productivity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 60 In this episode, we talk about why it’s a good idea to start planning for 2025 now. I'll explain how using physical planners helps me to stay organized and ahead. I also share how I use the Rule of Three to set realistic goals and manage my time. Simple, practical advice for getting ready for the year ahead! Resources mentioned in this episode: dayuse.com | Day Designer | Blue Sky Planner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 59 Let's chat about the power of napping and how it's become a crucial part of my routine, especially as an introverted extrovert. Recently, I attended a podcast convention with over 1,000 people, which could have been overwhelming if I hadn't prioritized rest. Let’s discuss how to create the perfect nap environment and tips for sneaking in some rest during a busy day. Don't forget to share your favorite ways to reset in the comments! Businesses mentioned for sustainability: Too Good to Go | https://www.toogoodtogo.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 58 How to stay informed without the constant grind. Let's give ourselves a break. Local small businesses mentioned in this episode: DETOXX Products™️ | Anjie is a 100% vegan and natural body soap independent brand in Chicago. @detoxxproducts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 57 Just when you've finally cleared out all the stuff you didn't need, here come more gifts. What do you do without coming across as rude? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 56 Beat procrastination by using tools that you already have. Local community events mentioned in this episode: Candid Conversations with Curvy Girls Get tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/candid-conversations-with-curvy-girls-women-empowering-event-tickets-872094356697 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 55 Let's explore how creating curated playlists can unlock the vibe in our space and uplift our spirits and moods. Local Small Businesses mentioned in this episode: Decadent Flavor in the Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland area | Follow on Instagram @decadentflavor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices