Join Deanna Yates and Shannon Leyko as they tackle decluttering and minimalism through tough conversations about what to do with sentimental items and handling unwanted gifts from family. Learn practical tips to simplify your home, manage guilt, and create space for what matters most. Tune in for expert advice on realistic minimalism!

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Resources Mentioned (some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you):

• Check out my favorite tools & resources


• Code Kingdoms

Connect with Shannon Leyko

• Instagram


• Website


• Paring Down Podcast

Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:

• Instagram


• Facebook


• Website


• Podcast

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In this episode of Wannabe Clutter Free, Deanna Yates sits down with Shannon Leyko, author, podcast host, and minimalist expert, to discuss the emotional challenges of decluttering, especially when sentimental items and family dynamics are involved. Shannon, a mother of three and military wife, shares her deeply personal journey of simplifying her life while balancing family, loss, and the emotional weight of possessions tied to loved ones.

Together, Shannon and Deanna tackle the tough conversations we often face with family members—whether it’s about gifts that don’t fit our needs or sentimental heirlooms we feel obligated to keep. They explore why it’s so hard to let go, the guilt many of us feel, and how we can shift our mindset to embrace minimalism with intention and grace.

Whether you’re just starting your decluttering journey or you’re already on the path to a simplified life, this episode provides practical advice and relatable stories to help you move forward. Shannon offers tips on involving kids in the decluttering process, how to handle unwanted gifts, and the importance of making space for what truly matters without feeling judged or overwhelmed.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why sentimental items hold so much emotional weight and how to decide what to keep

• Practical steps to begin decluttering your home, no matter how overwhelmed you feel

• How to kindly and effectively handle family members who give clutter-causing gifts

• What to do if a family member asks about a gift you’ve decluttered

• Strategies for involving your children in the decluttering process

• How to develop a minimalist mindset that promotes long-term simplicity and peace

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Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

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Subscribe & Review

Are you subscribed to the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those.

And if you enjoyed today’s episode, it would make my day if you left me a rating and review. You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts, a comment on Spotify Podcasts or Goodpods, or connect on guest video interviews on YouTube. Your review helps other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to read. Let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

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We’d love to hear how you’re applying the strategies discussed in this episode. Share your stories and tips with us on social media (@wannabeclutterfree). Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes designed to make your busy life a bit easier.