Clutterbug Podcast Episode #282: "This Productivity Hack will Change Your Life!"

Host: Cass from Clutterbug
Guest: Megan Simrell from The Pink Bee
Release Date: July 14, 2025

1. Introduction

In Episode #282 of the Clutterbug Podcast, host Cass delves deep into the realms of productivity and time management by inviting Megan Simrell, an esteemed expert from The Pink Bee. This episode is tailored for listeners eager to transform not just their living spaces but also their approach to managing time effectively.

2. Cass's Struggle with Time Management

Cass opens the episode by candidly sharing her personal challenges with time management. Despite mastering decluttering and organizing her home, she finds herself constantly scrambling to allocate time for hobbies, family, and friendships. Reflecting on her experience, she states:

“The biggest life-changing thing that happened when I decluttered was that I instantly had so much more time, like an abundance of time. But I wasn't great at organizing that time” [02:30].

She emphasizes the need to apply the same organizational principles used for physical spaces to her schedule, aiming for a balance that fosters both physical and emotional ease.

3. Importance of Decluttering a Home Hotspot

Before delving into productivity, Cass encourages listeners to take immediate action in decluttering a "hotspot" in their home—areas that generate daily friction due to clutter, such as kitchen counters, entranceways, or living rooms. She advises:

“The ultimate goal here is that you can reset your home and definitely this spot in 15 minutes” [04:10].

This actionable step serves as a foundation for creating a more organized and stress-free living environment.

4. Introduction and Background of Megan Simrell

Cass introduces Megan Simrell, highlighting her extensive background in corporate IT and process improvement. Megan recounts a pivotal moment that led her to focus on time management for women:

“A complete stranger asked me at the park what do you do for fun? I was like, I can't remember the last time I just took time for myself for something fun” [10:04].

This realization spurred Megan to develop The TOP Framework (Time management, Organization, and Productivity) tailored specifically for women.

5. Gender Differences in Productivity Systems

Megan discusses the male-dominated nature of productivity literature and systems, noting that 93% of time management books are authored by men. She critiques traditional "masculine" planning systems, which often lack the flexibility needed to accommodate the unpredictability of daily life for women.

“When you take a very masculine approach to time management, it works great because [men] are not navigating the unexpected” [14:11].

This insight underscores the necessity for a productivity approach that aligns with the dynamic roles women often juggle.

6. The TOP Framework

Megan introduces her TOP Framework, emphasizing its focus on creating harmony in chaotic schedules. She defines productivity not as a relentless pursuit of tasks but as:

“Getting the most important things done in a stress-free way” [16:54].

This perspective shifts the focus from merely completing tasks to fostering a balanced and fulfilling life.

7. Shift from Daily to Weekly Planning

A significant portion of the discussion centers on moving from daily to weekly planning. Megan advocates for:

“Weekly planning, not daily planning” [23:34].

This approach allows for greater flexibility and accommodates unexpected events, unlike rigid daily schedules that can lead to burnout and overwhelm.

8. Uncertainty Fund Concept

Drawing a parallel to financial planning, Megan introduces the concept of an "uncertainty fund" for time. She advises listeners to track unpredictable time demands over a couple of weeks to determine an average "uncertainty number" and block that time proactively in their schedules.

“When I plan my week, I actually block four hours... that is proactively protecting that time” [18:40].

This buffer ensures that unforeseen events do not disrupt the overall schedule significantly.

9. Weekly Planning Process vs. Daily Planning

Contrasting weekly and daily planning, Megan criticizes the traditional daily list-making approach, which often leads to incomplete tasks and persistent stress. She explains:

“Operating in daily planning mode... keeps our nervous system kind of humming at a pace. It's just not sustainable” [25:51].

Instead, her weekly planning process provides a holistic view, allowing for adjustments and minimizing reactive stress.

10. Integrating Personal and Work Tasks

Megan emphasizes the importance of blending personal and work-related tasks in the planning process. She shares her experience of managing both aspects seamlessly:

“I get to be fully present in whatever I'm doing... Whether it's work, whether it's time for yourself, whether it's time with your family” [30:07].

This integration ensures that all aspects of life are accounted for without one overshadowing the others.

11. Resources and Recommendations

Towards the end of the episode, Megan recommends her Pink Bee app, available on both the App Store and Google Play, which offers free mini-courses introducing her comprehensive time management framework. Cass adds:

“Go grab the Pink Bee app and then again, you can come to my website” [44:22].

Listeners are encouraged to explore these resources to begin their journey toward better time management.

12. Listener Stories and Advice

The episode features heartfelt listener stories, including:

• Cindy (00:48:45): A 74-year-old newly diagnosed with ADHD shares her success in decluttering her home, reducing stress, and making significant progress despite ongoing challenges.

  Cass's Advice: Focus on one room at a time, create rules to avoid shuffling clutter from one area to another, and celebrate small victories to build momentum.

• Carolyn (00:54:44): A 67-year-old with OCD struggles with an overwhelming craft room cluttered by kittens.

  Cass's Advice: Develop specific rules, prioritize favorite crafts, and systematically hunt and remove unnecessary supplies to regain control over the space.

• Violet (00:57:53): A 25-year-old from Providence describes her journey of decluttering post her Nana's passing, emphasizing the emotional and practical benefits of reducing clutter.

  Cass's Reflection: Commends Violet's self-awareness and encourages continuous decluttering to prevent burdensome clutter accumulation.

13. Decluttering as a Lifestyle

Cass and Megan debunk the myth that decluttering is a one-time project. Instead, they advocate for consistent, small actions integrated into daily routines. Megan elaborates:

“Decluttering isn't a project. It's a way of life” [59:00].

This mindset shift ensures that maintaining an organized environment becomes a sustainable habit rather than an overwhelming task.

14. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In wrapping up the episode, Cass reflects on her newfound understanding of time management through Megan's insights. She commits to:

• Adopting weekly planning to better allocate her time.
• Budgeting her time like she does her finances.
• Embracing buffer time to accommodate unexpected events.

Cass expresses gratitude for Megan's transformative advice and encourages listeners to implement these strategies to achieve a balanced, productive, and fulfilling life.

“I'm not going to leave room. I'm adding in room for relaxation, for down times and for those unexpected emergencies. And that is something I've never done before” [46:28].

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Cass (02:30): “The biggest life-changing thing that happened when I decluttered was that I instantly had so much more time, like an abundance of time. But I wasn't great at organizing that time.”

• Megan (10:04): “A complete stranger asked me at the park what do you do for fun? I was like, I can't remember the last time I just took time for myself for something fun.”

• Megan (18:40): “When I plan my week, I actually block four hours... that is proactively protecting that time.”

• Megan (23:34): “Weekly planning, not daily planning.”

• Megan (25:51): “Operating in daily planning mode... keeps our nervous system kind of humming at a pace. It's just not sustainable.”

• Cass (44:22): “Go grab the Pink Bee app and then again, you can come to my website.”

• Megan (59:00): “Decluttering isn't a project. It's a way of life.”

Final Recommendations

Cass encourages listeners to:

1. Download Megan’s Pink Bee App: Access free mini-courses to get acquainted with effective time management strategies.
2. Engage with Community: Visit The Pink Bee website and follow Megan on Instagram for ongoing support and resources.
3. Implement Weekly Planning: Transition from daily to weekly planning to better manage time and reduce stress.
4. Consistent Decluttering: Adopt decluttering as a regular habit to maintain an organized and peaceful living environment.

By integrating these practices, listeners can achieve a harmonious balance between their physical spaces and time management, leading to a more fulfilling and stress-free life.

Join the Clutterbug Community:

For more insights, resources, and community support, visit Clutterbug.com and follow Cass on her YouTube channel and social media platforms. Engage with fellow Clutterbugs, share your progress, and continue your journey toward an organized and balanced life.