Episode 11 - Decluttering and "The MESSessary Middle"

02/25/25 • 13 min

Episode Summary
Decluttering can sometimes feel like a bomb went off in your home, but that messy middle stage—what we call the “Messessary Middle”—is actually proof of progress!
In this episode, Janis and Julie break down why this phase is essential and how to move through it without feeling overwhelmed.
You’ll learn practical strategies for managing the chaos, staying on track, and avoiding rebound clutter so your space stays organized long-term.
Key Takeaways & Timestamps
⏳ [00:00:50] What is the “Messessary Middle”?
The unavoidable messy phase of decluttering
Why it’s a sign of progress, not failure
⏳ [00:01:22] The Three Phases of Decluttering
Planning – Setting up your goals & gathering supplies
Messessary Middle – Sorting through items, making decisions
Completion – Restoring order & enjoying your clutter-free space
⏳ [00:03:45] The Rolling Sort Method
Avoid feeling overwhelmed by tackling small sections at a time
How to declutter in short bursts while maintaining progress
⏳ [00:05:16] The KEEP or LETS GO Method
Keep (stays in the area)
LE (Lives Elsewhere – needs to be relocated)
Trash (discard immediately)
Sentimental (store for later review)
GO (donate, sell, return)
⏳ [00:07:24] How to Prevent Re-Cluttering
Store like-with-like and use labeled containers
Periodically revisit decluttered spaces to ensure they stay organized
⏳ [00:10:06] Using Reminders for Items You’re Not Ready to Let Go
Set a deadline (e.g., 60 days) to reassess sentimental or uncertain items
Use a calendar reminder to revisit decisions later
Resources & Links
🌟 Join Our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/abcdecluttercommunity
📸 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abcdeclutterwithjj
🌎 Website & Blog: https://www.abcdeclutter.com
🎙️ More Podcast Episodes: https://www.TheJJsDeclutterPodcast.com
📺 Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@abcdeclutterwithjj?si=1xnbt-YE1i7z60JR
Call to Action (aka Homework)
👉 Decluttering Challenge: Pick one small space today—a drawer, a shelf, or a pile of papers—and start sorting. Remember, the mess is temporary!
💬 Comment below with your biggest decluttering struggle, and let’s tackle it together!
🔔 Subscribe for More Decluttering Tips and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.

Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!

Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!

Previous Episode

Episode 13 - Fastpitch Game & Spring Cleaning

Transform Your Spring Cleaning with the Fastpitch Game!
In this episode of the JJs Declutter Podcast, we dive into our innovative Fastpitch Game—a rapid-fire method designed to help you declutter fast and efficiently during spring cleaning.
Whether you're a decluttering beginner, someone with ADHD who benefits from focused, quick bursts, or just looking for simple, actionable tips to organize your home, this episode is packed with motivational insights and practical steps.
🔗 Watch Now: Fastpitch Game & Spring Cleaning
What You'll Learn:
[00:00:06] Introduction & Overview:
Discover how the Fastpitch Decluttering Game can revolutionize your spring cleaning by turning clutter clearing into a fun, game-like challenge.
[00:00:42] Why Fastpitch Works for Everyone:
Learn why this rapid-decision method is perfect for decluttering beginners, individuals with ADHD, and anyone looking to bypass decision fatigue.
[00:01:04] The Fastpitch Method Explained:
Understand how to use a 1-minute timer to make fast, 2–3 second decisions on each item—transforming your approach to speed decluttering.
[00:04:07] The Four Key Categories:
Master the simple sorting system:
Safe: Keep items you love
Out: Store items elsewhere
Pitch: Toss out unwanted items
Out of the Park: Donate items in good condition
[00:05:07] Real-Life Spring Cleaning Scenarios:
See how to apply Fastpitch to everyday spaces like your living room and closet for immediate, noticeable progress.
[00:06:34] Customizing Your Approach:
Get tips on adjusting the timer (90 seconds or 2 minutes) if needed, ensuring the method works for your unique pace and physical needs.
[00:07:28] Overcoming Emotional Attachments:
Learn strategies to shift your mindset—from feeling like you're losing cherished items to gaining space and freedom.
[00:08:40] Pro Tips for Maximizing Results:
Discover extra tips like setting clear goals, playing energizing music, and inviting a friend to make your spring cleaning even more effective.
[00:10:04] Listener Q&A & Success Stories:
Hear answers to common questions about handling sentimental items and learn how others have transformed their spaces using the Fastpitch method.
[00:11:07] Inspiration & Final Motivation:
Get inspired by success stories and a final call-to-action to check out the Speed Decluttering book and join our upcoming workshop for even more decluttering hacks.
📺 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@abcdeclutterwithjj
🌟 Join Our Decluttering Community: Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/abcdecluttercommunity
📸 Follow Us on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/abcdeclutterwithjj
🖥️ Website: https://www.abcDEclutter.com
🎙 Listen to More Episodes: Podcast website: https://www.TheJJsDeclutterPodcast.com
📬 Email: [email protected]
💡 Action Step:
Set a timer for 1 minute, pick a small area in your home, and try the Fastpitch Game during your next spring cleaning session. Turn your decluttering into a fun, fast-paced game and reclaim your space with speed decluttering!
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share your spring cleaning success stories using hashtags like #FastpitchGame, #SpringCleaning, and #DeclutterFast. Happy decluttering!

Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!

Next Episode

The JJs Declutter Podcast Episode 12 – Magazine Moments: Judgy Pants

The JJs Declutter Podcast Episode 12 – Magazine Moments: Judgy Pants

Episode Description:
Join hosts Julie Weisgerber and Janis Kosmala on a fun-filled, insightful journey into the world of home organization in this episode of The JJs Declutter Podcast! In “Magazine Moments: Judgy Pants,” the duo shares two unconventional decluttering hacks that challenge the status quo and spark laughter along the way. Whether you live in a spacious home or a cozy apartment, these creative tips—from the popular Library Cart Method to a quirky Balloon Dusting Hack—will inspire you to rethink how you tackle clutter.

What You’ll Learn:

Library Cart Method: Organizing with Wheels

● Inspired by Apartment Therapy’s organizing challenge (Feb 3, 2025), this method suggests using a rolling cart to consolidate items before putting them away.

● Discover why this approach might work well in larger homes—and why a simple basket can sometimes be the better option for smaller spaces.

● Pros, cons, and real-life insights from Julie and Janis’s honest conversation about creating a "junk drawer on wheels."

Flat Surface Scramble: A Smarter Decluttering Trick

● A quick decluttering tactic for those with limited space: set a timer, grab a basket, and clear flat surfaces room by room to keep your home organized.

● How this method avoids clutter hotspots and keeps your space tidy without adding more furniture.

Balloon Dusting Hack: Does It Really Work?

● Borrowed from House Outlook’s viral dusting trick (Sept 16, 2024), this offbeat method shows how a simple balloon can help lift dust from tricky surfaces, from keyboards to baseboards.

● Apartment Therapy also tested it, but does it really work? Julie and Janis put it to the test—with hilarious results!

● Perfect for a family activity or party game that turns cleaning into a playful challenge.

Timestamps:

⏱ 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to Magazine Moments: Judgy Pants
⏱ 00:00:43 – The Library Cart Method: Pros, Cons, and Practical Alternatives
⏱ 00:04:53 – Flat Surface Scramble: A Basket Approach for Small Spaces
⏱ 00:08:35 – The Balloon Dusting Hack: How to Use a Balloon for Cleaning
⏱ 00:15:00 – Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple, Keep It Decluttered!

Why You Should Listen:

If you’re passionate about decluttering, home organization, and discovering creative cleaning hacks, this episode is for you! Julie and Janis break down trends from Apartment Therapy and House Outlook with wit and practicality, providing actionable tips that will help you maintain a clutter-free space while having a good laugh.

📌 Links & Resources

📺 Watch the Full Episode: YouTube Video
📌 Read More About These Hacks:

● 🏠 Library Cart Organizing Method: Apartment Therapy

● 🎈 Balloon Dusting Hack: House Outlook | Apartment Therapy

🎙 Subscribe: Don’t miss future episo

Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!