Ep 8 Clutter You Can’t Quit: Magazine Moments with the JJs

Welcome to another energizing episode of The JJs Declutter Podcast, where we make decluttering fun, freeing, and totally doable! In this special “Magazine Moments” edition, Janis and Julie dive into a Real Simple Magazine article titled “Clutter You Can’t Quit” — and spoiler alert: you’re not the only one holding on to too many mugs or books!

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a closet full of handbags, a shelf overflowing with childhood keepsakes, or wondering why you still have that broken kitchen gadget “just in case”… this is for YOU.

🧠 Why We Hold Onto Clutter – And How to Let It Go

We’re not just talking about stuff — we’re talking about the emotions behind the stuff. This episode is packed with decluttering strategies, expert insights, and real-life stories about the items we all tend to keep (even when we don’t use them!).

💬 In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ The 8 most common types of clutter that pile up in our homes
✅ Why we feel guilty about letting go (hello, sentimental furniture!)
✅ Simple, realistic ways to declutter books, handbags, kitchen tools, clothes, and more
✅ How to repurpose, donate, or sell unwanted items with zero guilt
✅ Ways to declutter that feel empowering — not overwhelming

📦 The 8 Most Common Clutter Culprits (And What to Do About Them)

1. Books
We love them, we stack them, but we rarely reread them. Learn how to decide what to keep and how to let go — plus where to donate your books (hint: check your local Little Free Library!).

2. Handbags
You don’t need ten totes, three clutches, and five “just in case” purses. The JJs share tips on how to pare down and even sell designer bags on Poshmark or eBay.

3. Sentimental Furniture
Whether it’s Grandma’s hutch or your college futon, learn how to let go with love — or repurpose it in a way that still honors the memory.

4. Kitchen Gadgets & Platters
The spiralizer you used once, the mugs that multiply — we’ve all been there. Let’s simplify your kitchen so it actually works for your life.

5. Clothes That Don’t Fit (But You Wish They Did)
It’s time to release the “maybe someday” jeans and make space for clothes that fit the YOU of today.

6. Office Supplies & Old Papers
If your drawers are full of dried-out pens, sticky notes, and school papers from 2004 — this section’s for you.

7. Toys & Board Games
Focus on what brings true joy to your kids (or to your inner child), and let the rest go without guilt.

8. Childhood Keepsakes
Yes, those macaroni art masterpieces matter — but you don’t need to keep every piece. Learn ways to preserve memories without drowning in clutter.

💡 Decluttering Should Feel Empowering, Not Overwhelming

The JJs remind us that decluttering doesn’t have to be a giant project. In fact, the goal is simple:

Keep it simple. Keep it intentional. Keep decluttering.

Start small. One category, one drawer, one shelf at a time. You’ll feel lighter, clearer, and more in control of your space — and your life.

🔄 Where to Donate or Sell Your Clutter

Give your gently used items a second life:

• Books → Little Free Library
• Handbags & Accessories → Poshmark, eBay, or local consignment shops
• Everything Else → Check out Buy Nothing Groups in your community

✨ What’s YOUR “Clutter You Can’t Quit”?

We’d love to hear from you!
➡ What item is hardest for you to let go of?
➡ What decluttering win are you proud of?

Share with us in the ABC DEclutter Community on Facebook or tag us on social:

📸 Instagram: @abcdeclutterwithjj
📺 YouTube: @abcdeclutterwithjj
💬 Facebook: ABC DEclutter Community

🎧 Listen to the Full Episode:

“Magazine Moments with the JJs” – The JJs Declutter Podcast
[Listen now on your favorite podcast platform or at abcdeclutter.com/podcast]

Ready to Declutter With Support?
Join us in the Clutter Crushers Club and get expert coaching, community accountability, and fun, focused action twice a month!

✨ You don’t have to do this alone — let’s crush that clutter together.