Less Stress In Life

Decluttering for Mental Clarity: The Power of Letting Go

Episode 8

Welcome back to the Less Stress in Life Podcast and our Empowered Wellness Series! In this episode, your hosts Deb Timmerman, RN and natural health advocate; Lindsay Vertalka, physical therapist; and Susie Marsh, social worker and professional organizer, dig into the connection between organization, emotional wellness, and stress reduction.

In this episode they continue building on their previous discussion about the dangers of clutter, exploring why getting organized isn't just about tidy spaces, it’s about mental clarity, emotional release, and reclaiming control of your life. 

Follow Us:

Website: LessStressinLife.com/podcast/

Stay tuned for more conversations with Deb, Susie, and Lindsay as they empower you to live well, manage stress, and build a thriving, healthy life!

Welcome back to the Less Stress in Life Podcast and our Empowered Wellness Series! In this episode, your hosts Deb Timmerman, RN and natural health advocate; Lindsay Bertulka, physical therapist; and Susie Marsh, social worker and professional organizer, dig into the connection between organization, emotional wellness, and stress reduction.

Building on our previous discussion about the dangers of clutter, we explore why getting organized isn't just about tidy spaces—it’s about mental clarity, emotional release, and reclaiming control of your life.

What We Talk About:

  • Why clutter feels overwhelming—and how it impacts brain function and stress levels
  • The psychology of letting go: emotions tied to memories, guilt, and “stuff”
  • Creative ways to repurpose sentimental items (hello, T-shirt quilts and furniture makeovers!)
  • Digital clutter: organizing your inbox, files, and 10,000+ phone photos
  • The dopamine reward of a clean space and how structure helps us feel in control
  • The hidden emotional toll of “just in case” items and inherited belongings
  • How decluttering becomes a healing life review—and a gift to future generations
  • Simple daily routines and digital tools to stay organized
  • Emergency preparedness tips for safeguarding documents and irreplaceable photos

Wellness Challenge of the Week:

Choose one space, one digital file, or one habit to organize or let go of this week. Then, notice how it changes your energy and clarity.

Resources & Mentions:

  • The Photo Managers – professionals who help digitize and organize your photos
  • Apps like Maelstrom for email decluttering
  • Fujitsu ScanSnap – Susie's favorite document scanner
  • Encrypted cloud storage for secure document backup
  • Pinterest – ideas for repurposing furniture and keepsakes

Remember: Organization isn't about perfection—it's about peace of mind. Tune in and learn how simplifying your space can create a ripple effect of calm and clarity in your life.

Subscribe & Share:
If this episode helped you take a deep breath and reset, please share it with a friend! Subscribe wherever you listen so you don’t miss what’s next in our Empowered Wellness Series.

Connect with Us:
Follow us on social or visit LessStressInLife.com for tools, classes, and upcoming events.