Decluttering Without Guilt: Clearing the F.O.G. That Keeps You Stuck with Ashley Hines (Ep 293)
About the episode
Decluttering gets easier when you release fear, obligation, and guilt. Ashley Hines shares a holistic approach to organizing that builds self-trust and helps you create a clutter-free home with intention.
Helpful Links:
Links mentioned in this episode (some may be affiliate links):
Fear. Obligation. Guilt.
If decluttering feels emotionally heavy (even when you want a clutter-free home) you’re not doing it wrong. You’re just stuck in F.O.G.
In this episode, I’m joined by Ashley Hines, founder of Thee Tailored Life, to talk about the emotional side of decluttering and why letting go can feel so complicated.
Ashley introduces her F.O.G. framework (fear, obligation, and guilt) and explains how it quietly shapes our homes, our decisions, and even our sense of identity. We talk about why “should” is such a powerful clutter trigger, why identity-based items are the hardest to release, and what actually changes when you begin trusting yourself again.
This conversation is gentle, validating, and deeply grounding, especially if you’ve ever felt bad for wanting less.
If you’re craving a calmer home and more confidence in your decisions, this episode will meet you right where you are.
Key Takeaways:
1. How fear, obligation, and guilt show up in our homes
2. Why decluttering isn’t just physical—it’s emotional
3. The hidden pressure behind “should-keep” items
4. Why identity-based clutter feels impossible to release
5. How self-trust makes decluttering easier over time
6. A gentle first step if you feel completely stuck
7. What it looks like to live clutter-free without perfection
About Ashley Hines:
Ashley Hines is the founder of Thee Tailored Life, where she helps clients transform their homes into organized, intentional spaces that nurture optimal well-being. Since launching in 2020, she has worked over 1,000 hours inside homes and supported more than 75 clients. She has been featured in Apartment Therapy, Good Housekeeping, and Real Simple, and has partnered with The Container Store, American Family Insurance, and The Home Edit. A healthcare executive, entrepreneur, and community leader, Ashley brings expertise and compassion to every project. She lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with her husband, Brandon, and their two children.
Time Stamps:
00:00 Welcome + why decluttering feels emotional
02:00 What holistic organizing really means
04:30 Introducing F.O.G.: fear, obligation, and guilt
08:10 Where F.O.G. shows up most in homes
12:45 The problem with “should”
17:30 Identity-based clutter and emotional weight
22:15 Self-trust and decision-making
27:40 A gentle first step for overwhelmed listeners
33:10 Community, sharing, and living with intention
38:30 What freedom actually looks like in a clutter-free home
Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Subscribe & Review:
Don't forget to subscribe to the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast (on your favorite podcast player!) so you never miss an episode. And if you liked what you heard today, please leave a rating and review for the show too! It helps others find the show and makes my day.
cheers!
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.
Some of the links on this site are affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission but it won’t cost you a penny more)! Read my full disclosure policy.
Wannabe Clutter Free is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
© 2025. All Rights Reserved