Practical, Thoughtful Decluttering Programs with Susan McCarthy of

A Less Cluttered Life

 

Decluttering programs are among the most popular programs offered by libraries, Councils on Aging, and community groups. Many people want to create more order in their homes but feel overwhelmed by where to begin.

 

Susan McCarthy’s presentations offer a thoughtful and practical approach to decluttering. Instead of following rigid rules about what to discard, participants learn how to make decisions about their possessions so their homes better support the lives they are living now.

 

Participants leave with practical ideas, a small step they can take immediately, and access to a downloadable handout with additional guidance.

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Why These Programs Are Popular

Decluttering is a topic that attracts strong attendance because it addresses everyday challenges many people face.

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Participants appreciate that these presentations:

• Focus on practical, manageable steps rather than overwhelming projects.

• Encourage thoughtful decision-making instead of rigid decluttering rules.

• Help people feel less overwhelmed and more confident getting started.

• Provide clear examples and actionable ideas

• Include time for questions and discussion

 

Programs are designed as 60-minute presentations with Q&A and can be scheduled individually or as part of a three- or four-month series.

 

Each program includes access to a downloadable handout participants can use at home.

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To schedule with Susan, email Susan@ALessClutteredLife.com 

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Most Requested Programs

These programs consistently draw strong attendance and work well as standalone presentations.

• The Best Way to Declutter Your Home

• Clear Your Thoughts, Clear Your Clutter

• Curate Your Sentimental Keepsakes

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Additional Presentation Topics

(Great for follow-up programs or series)

• Declutter Your Closet and Make Getting Dressed Easier

• Get Control of Paper Clutter at Home

• Organize Your Digital Files So You Can Find Things Again

• Organize Your Photos without Feeling Overwhelmed

• Simple Habits that Keep Your Home Organized  

• Organize Your Home So Things Are Easier to Find

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Presenter Bio

Susan McCarthy of A Less Cluttered Life teaches people how to make thoughtful decisions about their possessions, so their homes better support their daily lives.

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After the experience of clearing out her parents’ home, Susan began rethinking her own belongings and developed a practical approach to decluttering that focuses on decision-making rather than rigid rules.

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A former teacher, now a declutter guide, she has presented programs for libraries, community groups, and private organizations throughout the region.

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Scheduling Information

To download a printable document with the presentation topics and this information, click here.

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Location: Susan is based in Norfolk, Massachusetts and travels to locations within approximately a 45-minute radius.

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Presentation Length: Programs are 60 minutes including Q&A.

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Fees:
- In-person: $175 for up to 50 participants plus travel
- Virtual: $125 for up to 50 participants

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Discounts available for organizations scheduling four or more programs held within six months.

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To schedule, email Susan, Susan@ALessClutteredLife.com

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Popular Presentation Topics

To download a printable document with the presentation topics and this information, click here.

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The Best Way to Declutter Your Home

With so many decluttering methods promoted online, it’s easy to wonder if there’s a “right” way to declutter. Should you tackle the whole room at once? Follow strict rules about what to keep or discard?

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In this practical presentation, Susan McCarthy explores the most common decluttering approaches and explains why some work well for certain situations while others feel overwhelming. Participants learn how to choose a method that fits their lifestyle and how to begin with small, manageable spaces that build momentum and confidence.

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Participants can download a handout with practical ideas they can apply at home.

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Clear Your Thoughts, Clear Your Clutter

Decluttering isn’t just about objects—it’s also about the thoughts attached to them. Many people begin decluttering with good intentions but hesitate when memories, money spent, or “just in case” thinking gets in the way.

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In this presentation, Susan McCarthy explores the common thoughts that keep people holding onto things they no longer use or need. Participants learn how to approach their possessions with greater clarity and how small, thoughtful decisions can make decluttering feel manageable instead of overwhelming.

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Participants can download a handout with practical ideas they can apply at home.

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Curate Your Sentimental Keepsakes

Sentimental items often hold our most meaningful memories—but they can also accumulate to the point where they become difficult to manage.

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In this engaging presentation, Susan McCarthy explores practical ways to decide which keepsakes best represent your life and experiences. Through simple reflection exercises and thoughtful strategies, participants learn how to honor meaningful memories while letting go of items that no longer need to be kept. 

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The result is a curated collection of keepsakes that celebrates your story without overwhelming your home.

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Participants can download a handout with practical ideas they can apply at home.

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Additional Program Topics 

To download a printable document with the presentation topics and this information, click here.

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Declutter Your Closet and Make Getting Dressed Easier

Many closets are filled with clothing that once fit our lives but no longer suits our current routines, activities, or style. When too many options compete for attention, getting dressed can feel surprisingly frustrating.

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In this practical presentation, Susan McCarthy explores how to evaluate the clothing you own and decide what truly supports your current lifestyle. 

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Participants learn several simple decluttering strategies that work with different schedules and energy levels. The result is a closet filled with clothing that feels easier to choose from and more satisfying to wear. A downloadable handout provides ideas for continuing the process at home.

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Get Control of Paper Clutter at Home

Paper has a way of quietly accumulating—mail, forms, receipts, manuals, and documents that seem too important to throw away. Before long, stacks of paper appear on desks, kitchen counters, and tables.

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In this practical presentation, Susan McCarthy explains how to manage incoming paper and decide what truly needs to be kept. Participants learn simple ways to reduce paper clutter, determine which documents are worth saving, and create systems that make papers easier to find when needed. The goal is not perfection, but a manageable approach that keeps paper from taking over your space. 

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A downloadable handout includes additional guidance and ideas.

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Organize Your Photos Without Feeling Overwhelmed

Most people have thousands of photos stored in boxes, albums, computers, and phones. While these images capture meaningful memories, the sheer quantity can make organizing them feel daunting.

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In this presentation, Susan McCarthy shares a practical approach to sorting and organizing both printed and digital photographs. Participants learn how to focus on preserving the photos that best tell their story while letting go of duplicates and unnecessary images. Simple organizing strategies make it easier to store, find, and enjoy photographs again. 

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Attendees receive a downloadable handout with additional ideas for continuing the process at home.

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Simple Habits That Keep Your Home Organized

Many people believe that once they declutter and organize their home, everything will stay that way. In reality, maintaining order depends on small daily habits that prevent clutter from quietly returning.

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In this presentation, Susan McCarthy explores how simple routines can help maintain an organized home without requiring constant effort. Participants learn how to design habits that fit naturally into their daily lives and support an orderly environment. These small actions make it easier to keep spaces functional, reduce stress, and spend less time searching for misplaced items. 

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A downloadable handout provides ideas for building these habits at home.

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Organize Your Digital Files So You Can Find Things Again

Computers, phones, and tablets make it easy to store information—but without a clear system, digital files can quickly become difficult to find. Documents, downloads, photos, and email messages accumulate until searching for something becomes frustrating.

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This non-technical presentation focuses on simple ways to organize digital information so it’s easier to locate when needed. Susan McCarthy shares practical strategies for managing files, organizing folders, handling email, and saving useful information online. Participants learn techniques that can be applied to almost any device or operating system. A downloadable handout provides additional ideas for organizing digital information at home.

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Organize Your Home So Things Are Easier to Find

Have you ever organized a space only to realize later that you can’t easily find what you put away? True organization isn’t just about putting things somewhere—it’s about storing them in ways that make sense for everyday use.

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In this presentation, Susan McCarthy explains practical strategies for organizing household items so they are easy to retrieve and return. Participants learn how thoughtful placement can reduce frustration, save time searching for misplaced items, and prevent unnecessary duplicate purchases. 

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These ideas focus on practical organization rather than expensive storage products. A downloadable handout includes additional tips for applying these strategies at home.

 

Schedule with Susan by emailing her, Susan@ALessClutteredLife.com​​

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Popular Program Series Options

Many libraries and community organizations schedule Susan McCarthy’s presentations as a three- or four-part series. These series allow participants to explore decluttering topics gradually while applying ideas between sessions.

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Programs are typically scheduled once a month, giving participants time to try the strategies discussed in each presentation.

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The Thoughtful Decluttering Series

To download a printable document with the presentation topics and this information, click here.

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1. Clear Your Thoughts, Clear Your Clutter
Understanding the thoughts that often keep people holding onto possessions and how to make clearer decisions.

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2. The Best Way to Declutter Your Home
An overview of decluttering approaches and how to choose methods that fit your lifestyle.

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3. Curate Your Sentimental Keepsakes
Practical strategies for honoring memories while keeping sentimental items manageable.

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Practical Organizing Series

1. Get Control of Paper Clutter at Home
Simple ways to reduce paper piles and create systems for important documents.

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2. Organize Your Digital Files So You Can Find Things Again
Strategies for organizing files, email, and digital information.

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3. Organize Your Photos Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A manageable approach to sorting and organizing printed and digital photographs.

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Maintaining an Organized Home Series

1. Declutter Your Closet and Make Getting Dressed Easier
Practical strategies for evaluating clothing and simplifying your wardrobe.

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2. Organize Your Home So Things Are Easier to Find
How thoughtful organization makes everyday life simpler.

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3. Simple Habits That Keep Your Home Organized
Small routines that help prevent clutter from returning.

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Programs can also be mixed and matched to create a customized series that fits the interests of your community.

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Discounts are available when scheduling four or more presentations within a six-month period.

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Testimonials