Teacher, mom of two, and Minimal-ish podcast host Desirae Endres shares how to embrace a clutter-free life without rigid rules. Discover small, realistic steps to simplify your home, schedule, and mental load—especially during busy seasons like back-to-school—so you can focus on what truly matters.

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Resources Mentioned:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get my children's book: Lenora and Her Super Duper Messy Room⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get all the links and resources at wannabeclutterfree.com/270⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Desirae Endres

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Desirae's Website⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠Minimal-ish Podcast⁠⁠

Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Back-to-school season is here, and if your calendar (and home) already feel overwhelmed, this conversation will be the deep breath you’ve been craving.

Today I’m joined by Desirae Endres, a full-time teacher, mom of two girls, and host of the Minimal-ish podcast. Desirae’s approach to minimalism isn’t about rigid rules or picture-perfect rooms—it’s about making space for what truly matters, even in the middle of carpools, sports practices, and lesson plans.

We cover:

• What “minimal-ish” really means (and why it’s more sustainable than extreme minimalism)
• How to simplify your home and schedule without adding stress
• Ways to manage kids’ toys, clothes, and paper clutter
• Letting go of perfectionism in decluttering
• How to protect your time and energy during busy seasons
• The surprising link between mental clutter and physical clutter

If you’ve ever felt discouraged because minimalism seemed too strict or unrealistic for your family, this episode will show you a gentler, more flexible way forward.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Welcome & Introduction 00:46 Meet Desirae Endres 02:21 Desirae’s Journey to Minimalism 06:30 Realistic Minimalism in a Busy Life 12:37 Managing Kids’ Toys & Clutter 18:36 Balancing Priorities & Letting Go 23:47 Navigating Different Parenting Stages 25:46 Minimalism with Joy & Spontaneity 30:56 Managing Mental & Emotional Clutter 35:59 Practical Tips for Decluttering 40:57 Rapid Fire Questions & Closing Thoughts

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Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.silvermansound.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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We’d love to hear how you’re applying the strategies discussed in this episode. Share your stories and tips with us on social media (@wannabeclutterfree). Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes designed to make your busy life a bit easier.

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