Do you dread packing for a trip? Are you an overpacker who loves having options but hates paying baggage fees? Whether you're heading out for a family vacation or traveling for work, packing doesn't have to be a source of stress and anxiety.

In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp sits down with author and literary agent Barb Roose—a self-proclaimed overpacker who has mastered the art of smart travel. Together, they share practical, real-world tips that will transform the way you approach your next trip.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

Barb shares her three-part packing philosophy that has revolutionized her travel experience:

• Pack Early: Starting four to five days before your trip gives you time to think, rethink, and do laundry without the last-minute panic

• Pack Like You Have Amnesia: Create a laminated checklist of essentials so you never forget the items that matter most

• Pack for Reality: Embrace who you really are—if you need extra toiletries, three pairs of shoes, or compression socks, pack them without guilt

Rapid-Fire Tips for Smarter Travel

Kathi and Barb trade their best travel wisdom, including:

• Why packing cubes are a game-changer for organization

• How to use a cord organizer to keep your backpack from becoming a hot mess

• The importance of packing 24 hours' worth of essentials in your carry-on

• Why speakers should always wear something to the airport that could work for an event

• Creating three "anchor outfits" for busy travel seasons

• The life-changing tip about freezing yogurt before TSA

Key Takeaways

Overpacking isn't something to be ashamed of—it's something to manage wisely. By giving yourself margin, creating systems, and packing for your real needs (not an idealized version of yourself), you can travel with confidence and comfort. The goal isn't deprivation; it's showing up as your best, most prepared self.

If you're one of the many homeowners who can't park a car in their garage, you're not alone—and you're definitely not without hope. In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp sits down with returning guest Tenneil Register, who brings a unique perspective to garage organization from her experience managing inventory for an actual retail store.

Why the Garage Is So Hard to Tame

The garage tends to become a catch-all space because it's undefined. It's where things go when company is coming, when seasons change, or when we simply don't know what else to do with something. Unlike the rest of your home, there's no "garage inspector" coming to motivate a cleanup—so clutter piles up without any natural deadline.

A Professional Approach to Home Storage

Tenneil shares hard-won lessons from running a retail business, including how to think about garage contents in categories: seasonal items, repair tools, and backup supplies. This simple framework helps create logical zones that make finding (and putting away) items so much easier.

What "Done" Really Looks Like

Forget Pinterest-perfect matching bins. A well-organized garage is one where anyone can walk in and find what they need. The secret? Clear containers so you can see what's inside, simple labels (even handwritten ones count!), and contained categories that others can understand without explanation.

Key Takeaways

• Use clear containers – If it's opaque, there's always the possibility the thing you're looking for might be in that box. Clear bins let you scan and move on.

• Label everything – A 30-second scribble with a marker can completely change someone else's ability to use the space, including future you.

• Work in small time chunks – The "big Saturday cleanout" leaves you too exhausted to actually organize. Small sessions are more sustainable and effective.

• Create a "maybe" zone – Tape out a spot for items you can't decide on. By the end of your organizing session, you'll often be tired enough to let go of some maybes.

• Make it a choice, not a consequence – Deciding intentionally that you need storage more than parking feels completely different than living with the result of accumulated mess.

Even improving your garage by just 20% this season will make a huge difference every time you go out there looking for something. Progress, not perfection, is the goal.

Are you holding onto mattresses, kitchen supplies, or linens because your adult kids might need them someday? You're not alone—and you're not wrong for wanting to help. But what feels like wisdom or generosity might actually be one of the sneakiest forms of clutter.

In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp and Grace Church tackle a question that resonates with so many listeners: How do you decide what to keep for your kids and what to let go?

The Real Cost of "Just in Case" Storage

Before you dedicate precious square footage to items your children haven't asked for, consider this: you might be making decisions based on a future that may never happen, for a person who hasn't requested anything. Grace shares her eye-opening experience of calculating 10 years of storage unit costs—and the painful realization of what that money could have done instead.

A Simple Framework for Deciding

Kathi offers a straightforward approach: "I have [blank]. Do you want it? And if so, when?" This simple conversation can save years of storing items that your kids may never want—or worse, items that deteriorate while waiting for their "someday" moment.

When Donations Feel Impossible

The episode also addresses a common frustration: what to do when thrift stores are overwhelmed and Facebook Marketplace isn't working. From Buy Nothing groups to foster care closets and community swaps, Kathi and Grace share creative alternatives for getting items out of your home and into hands that need them today.

Key Takeaways

• Storage costs (even in your own home) often exceed replacement costs
• Stored items don't always store well—deterioration adds grief to clutter
• Your house is not a storage unit; your square footage has value
• If you can replace it for under $50 and it's taking up real space, let it go
• Have your favorite donation spots mapped out before you start decluttering
• It's okay to throw things away—they'll be thrown away eventually

Whether you're storing things for adult children, struggling to find homes for donations, or simply need permission to let go, this episode delivers the practical wisdom and gentle encouragement you need to reclaim your space.