#105: Decluttering as a Healing Practice: Transforming Spaces, Mindsets, and Health with Heather Aardema

What if decluttering isn't about organization, but about removing barriers to healing?

In this episode of the IRH Clinician's Corner, Margaret Floyd Barry is joined by Heather Aardema, founder of the School of Living Lighter, to delve into the often-overlooked but profoundly impactful connection between clutter and health.

Together, Margaret Floyd Barry and Heather Ardema discuss why clutter is more than a matter of organization, it's a health issue that affects our nervous systems, our energy, and even our capacity to heal. They provide a new, compassionate definition of clutter as "anything that gets between where you are and where you want to be" and share practical strategies to address environmental and internal barriers to well-being.

Inside this episode, we explore:

• Why clutter is more than a lifestyle issue—it can become a genuine health concern
• Heather's powerful journey through severe mold illness and what it taught her about healing
• A new definition of clutter: anything that gets between where you are and where you want to be
• How physical, mental, and emotional clutter all contribute to nervous system overload
• Why practitioners must honestly address environmental triggers before focusing on supplements and protocols
• How regulating the nervous system makes lasting decluttering—and healing—possible
• The Clinician's Corner is brought to you by the Institute of Restorative Health: https://instituteofrestorativehealth.com/

Connect with IRH:

Upcoming Event: PCOS has a new official name: Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome. The science isn't new. Functional practitioners have understood the metabolic and hormonal complexity of these cases for years. The name just finally says so.

On August 12th, Margaret Floyd Barry and Sara Fields are hosting a free live session on what this means for your practice. What shifts in how you assess and talk with female clients. What stays the same. Live Q&A at the end.

Free. 60 minutes. Register here!

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Connect with Heather Aardema:

Website: https://www.schooloflivinglighter.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heatheraardema

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatheraardema/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schooloflivinglighter

Check out Heather's DIY Decluttering Course, called Less. Regularly $397, only $197 with coupon LIGHTER. https://www.schooloflivinglighter.com/less

Timestamps:

00:00 Heather's journey to decluttering expert

07:21 Severe health effects from mold

14:33 Challenges of mold remediation

16:41 Discussing the concept of clutter

24:52 Difficult client conversations

29:20 Dealing with mold-related health issues

33:56 Deeper meaning behind clutter

41:15 Sponsor acknowledgments and tools

45:15 Exploring the impact of clutter

48:59 Realizing the emotional side of clutter

58:09 Dealing with parents' belongings

59:10 Balancing empathy in health coaching

01:05:42 Episode closing and acknowledgments

Guest bio:

Heather Aardema is the founder of the School of Living Lighter. She helps people understand how physical, mental, emotional, and environmental clutter affect the nervous system, energy, and everyday health. Through a mind-body-home approach, Heather teaches practical ways to reduce overwhelm, restore clarity, and create environments that support healing, especially during seasons of transition, chronic stress, or physical upheaval in the home.

Keywords:

functional health, clutter, mold toxicity, decluttering, nervous system regulation, chronic disease, environmental health, mind-body-home approach, chronic stress, health coaching, autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis, paleo diet, body clutter, mind clutter, home organization, sentimental items, mold remediation, detoxification, supplements, toxic mold symptoms, self-worth, emotional attachment to belongings, boundaries, nervous system safety, family dynamics, practitioner-client communication, chronic illness, grief and loss, individualized approaches, chronic health conditions

Disclaimer:

The views expressed in the IRH Clinician's Corner series are those of the individual speakers and interviewees, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Institute of Restorative Health, LLC. The Institute of Restorative Health, LLC does not specifically endorse or approve of any of the information or opinions expressed in the IRH Clinician's Corner series. The information and opinions expressed in the IRH Clinician's Corner series are for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. If you have any medical concerns, please consult with a qualified healthcare professional. The Institute of Restorative Health, LLC is not liable for any damages or injuries that may result from the use of the information or opinions expressed in the IRH Clinician's Corner series. By viewing or listening to this information, you agree to hold the Institute of Restorative Health, LLC harmless from any and all claims, demands, and causes of action arising out of or in connection with your participation. Thank you for your understanding.