In this insightful episode, Michele welcomes Star Hansen, a certified professional organizer and author, to discuss the emotional and psychological dimensions of clutter. Starr shares her expertise on how clutter impacts our lives, the types of clutter, and practical tips for overcoming it. The conversation dives deep into personal stories, ancestral clutter, and actionable strategies for managing both practical and activated clutter.

Star Hansen is a Certified Professional Organizer (CPO©) and Clutter Whisperer on a mission to help you banish your personal Clutter Monster, take control of your stuff, and create a life you’re truly proud of. Star looks at the deeper meaning of your stuff to help you figure out WHY you feel overwhelmed by your clutter in the first place. Star’s best-selling book, “Why the F*#@ Am I Still Not Organized?”, has inspired countless individuals to tackle their clutter head-on and find lasting solutions. She has appeared on over 30 TV shows, given a TEDx talk, and shared her fitted sheet folding secrets with Oprah & her fans. Her unique methodology has helped thousands of people get (and stay!) organized when nothing else worked.

02:20 Introduction to Star Hansen

05:04 Two Types of Clutter: Activated vs Practical

05:43 Emotional Aspect of Clutter

10:01 No Need to Rush to Get Rid of Clutter

10:55 Handing the Death of a Loved One

11:38 Organizing is Boundary Work

14:06 Guilt of Letting Things Go

26:31 Ancestral or Generational Clutter

46:47 Making Time for Yourself

47:03 Small Steps to Organizing

47:01 Consistency Over Time

47:28 Varying Levels of Engagement

Ep. 143 Your Clutter Has Meaning with Star Hansen