Minimal-ish Made Simple: How to Declutter Without Losing Your Sanity with Desirae Endres (Ep 270)
About the episode
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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Links mentioned in this episode (some may be affiliate links):
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—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.
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.
Key Takeaways:
1. What “minimal-ish” really means (and why it’s more sustainable than extreme minimalism)
2. How to simplify your home and schedule without adding stress
3. Ways to manage kids’ toys, clothes, and paper clutter
4. Letting go of perfectionism in decluttering
5. How to protect your time and energy during busy seasons
6. The surprising link between mental clutter and physical clutter
About Desirae Endres:
Desirae is a wife, mom to two girls, and the host of the Minimal-ish podcast where she talks about all things realistic minimalism, motherhood, and intentional living. In 2018, Desirae and her husband set out to live with less clutter in their home. Soon she found that the journey to less was about so much more than a clutter-free home. Desirae believes that a less cluttered life is where the idea of minimalism really makes a difference- a life focused on more of what matters, and less of what doesn‘t. She is passionate about sharing her journey and walking alongside podcast listeners towards a less cluttered, more intentional life.
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
Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
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About Deanna Yates
Based in San Diego, CA, Deanna helps high-achieving moms clear the clutter from their homes and lives.
Through coaching, courses, summits, and her top-ranked Wannabe Clutter Free podcast, she supports modern women in building organized, peaceful homes where they can thrive.
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