Has this happened to you yet? A parent or older relative asks for help decluttering their space. Do they really want help? Are they telling you what they think you want to hear? Having a parent or older relative who needs to declutter is an acute pain point. Kathi Lipp and her guest know this pain far to well. Listen in as Kathi and Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group guru Tonya Kubo discuss those questions as well as:
- Why do they ask their children instead of a friend to help declutter?
- What are they actually asking for when they say declutter?
- Is it okay to let people live the way they want, baring a safety issue?
Kathi and Tonya admit to opening a can of worms in Part 1 of this two part series but they do not leave us empty handed. They provide some practical tips to starting the decluttering process with older relatives and parents to tide us over until Part 2.

The Clutter-Free Home: Making Room for Your Life
When it comes to your home, peace is possible…
Longing for a place of peace from which you can love others well? The Clutter-Free Home is your room-by-room guide to decluttering, reclaiming, and celebrating every space of your home.
Let author Kathi Lipp (who once lived a life buried in clutter) walk you through each room of your house to create organizational zones that are not only functional and practical but create places of peace that reflect your personality. Kathi will help you tackle the four-step process of dedicate, decide, declutter and “do-your-thing” to reveal the home you’ve always dreamed of, and then transform it into a haven that reflects who you truly are meant to be.
If you’re also feeling overwhelmed by the care and upkeep of all the stuff under your feet or sense that your home is running you, instead of the other way around, come discover how to create a space that doesn’t have to be showroom perfect to be perfect for you and the people you love. Order your copy of The Clutter Free Home here.
Links Mentioned:
Kathi’s Favorites:
Have you helped an older relative declutter? Tell us in the comments below!
Meet Our Guest
Tonya Kubo
Tonya Kubo is the illustrious and fearless leader of Kathi Lipp’s Clutter Free Academy Facebook group and the Clutter Free for Life membership program. A speaker and writer, Tonya makes her home in the heart of California with her husband, Brian, their two spirited daughters, and one very tolerant cat.
Visit Tonya at www.tonyakubo.com
Transcript
More Posts
#613 5 Steps to Unstuff Your House
613 - 5 Steps to Unstuff Your HouseAre you feeling trapped in a home overstuffed with, well, STUFF? You’re not alone! In the latest episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi teams up with Tenneil Register, an incredible mom who mastered the art of living clutter free –...
#612 How to Deal with the Mental Load Part 2
612 - How to Deal with the Mental Load Part 2Do you feel like you are the only person in your house who understands the amount of strategic planning it takes to do the grocery shopping? You are not alone, my friend! Join us for How to Deal with the Mental Load Part 2,...
#611 How to Deal with the Mental Load Part 1
611 - How to Deal with the Mental Load Part 1Do you ever feel like you have to be the woman who does it all and are failing miserably? Join Kathi and her guest, Clutter Free Academy champion Tonya Kubo, as they discuss the concept of mental load and working that...
- #665 – Declutter Your Spice Cabinet: From Chaos to Cooking Bliss - April 15, 2025
- #664 – Transform Your Underwear Drawer: Tips for a Peaceful Start to Your Day - April 8, 2025
- #663 – Coat Closet Decluttering Secrets: A Step-by-Step Guide - April 1, 2025