Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living

If staunch minimalism feels too extreme, but you want to declutter your house to alleviate some stress, this is the podcast for you. Shannon Leyko's style is like having your best friend in your ear, helping you get past those tough mental roadblocks that are keeping you from decluttering the things you don't need. From New York Times bestselling authors to everyday people in the trenches of life, Shannon's guests give practical tips and mindset advice for intentional living and self-improvement.Listen to Paring Down if you've ever asked yourself...Where do I start decluttering my house?Where do I start decluttering when overwhelmed?How do I declutter if I have ADHD?What if I end up needing something I decluttered?How can I stop shopping my shopping addiction?How do I stop being stressed?How do I keep my house clean?How do I tidy my room?How do I get my husband or wife to declutter?How many toys should a child have?How can I save money?What is minimalism?How can I be a minimalist with kids?What should I declutter first?How can I be a conscious consumer?Find more of Shannon's work:Instagram: @paring_downSubstack: https://shannonleyko.substack.com/ Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. ExpressYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ParingDown

Recent Episodes

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Recent Reviews

Odettelo

One of my Favs!

I love this podcast. It’s real and gives me goals I can achieve. Because of this podcast, I have started thinking about my stuff differently.
nehchcjdn b

Favorite Podcast

I love this podcast! I love Shannon’s approach to minimalism and decluttering. She has such a lovely voice and an excellent way of talking. It's like having coffee with a friend. I'm 50 and learn new things every time I listen to her podcast.
KateTCarr

So Helpful!

I have really enjoyed listening to this podcast this year on my declutterring journey. She is positive and gives such practical tactics to live a more minimal lifestyle!
sarah lorene

Great podcast

Shannon is so fun to listen to and I love her natural way of talking. It’s like having a conversation with a friend. I follow mostly for the decluttering tips and tricks but in a recent episode she was talking about a parenting tip. She mentioned singing when she was frustrated to keep her from yelling at her kids. I tried it and it is a game changer! Such a cool trick that helps everyone keep calm.
Emily Joy 21

My Fave Minimalism / Decluttering Podcast!

I love Shannon’s approach to minimalism and decluttering! Her suggestions are relatable and accessible, and I love her podcasting style and voice that shines through each episode. 10/10 recommend!!
christa&lou

Love the realistic approach

She breaks things down in a way that you could follow. Her advice is very practical and motivating.
Love Leyko!

Excellent approach

I really live Shannon Leyko’s approach to decluttering. Full minimalism is austere and the 20/20/20 rule is one of privilege and waste, but Leyko talks through ways to declutter that leave your house and life alive but free of too much. And rather than “environmentalism” (which is great) she brings us back to the point: leaving our home (house and planet) in a state fit for our children and their children.
Merr’d

Beautiful Girl

I love this podcast. I’m so impressed with Shannon’s eloquent speaking ability and love that she doesn’t try to cram all the info into a 10 minute show. I appreciate the different topics she covers and how down to earth her delivery is. I was very touched about the episodes of her Mom and how she chose certain items to keep her close. Your Mom would be so proud of you Shannon, you are lovely! Thank you for helping others! You are so fun to listen to.
BrittneeKAO

Intentional Content - Always Take Something Great Away!

I love this podcast. Shannon is so real and seems like a friend you want to chat about real life stuff with and work through it - not in a sad boring way. She is light and fun and brings solutions, great advice, and really interesting guests. I think I’ve shared every episode I’ve listened to with someone because there was something I felt like would really resonate with them. Highly recommend!
NCSanDiego

Thanks

I've enjoyed your podcast immensely. I am 65. Went through my father's home over the past year. Still have his artwork in storage as he was an artist and they had SO much stuff! Still have to deal with that but also looking at my own life so I don't spend my years in stuff rather than living my life! So thank you!
Sanchia W

Favorite declutter source

Informative, motivating and feels like I am listening to a friend. Thank you for sharing the principles and methods for sustainable, reasonable, doable decluttering.
flutestarkiss9

Loving it

I’m loving this podcast so far. I’m a new listener- I think I found her from Wannbe Clutterfree. I like that this podcast has so many thoughtful questions. It really explores the how and why of declutter and minimalism. She explores psychology of it which is nice as well.
Kwagg86

I like a lot of the ideas, but not the addition of religion

As someone who is not religious, lots of those points didn’t resonate with me. I preferred the points that spoke to the feelings and emotional attachments and thought processes.
Mrs Kristi C

Wonderful Podcast

I so enjoy listening to your podcast! Thank you for your encouragement! You are a joy to listen to!
newlinzmom

Explanations!

I have been wanting explanations for all of these behaviors and Shannon has so kindly put them together in a concise, understandable, relatable podcast! Thank you for taking the time out of your life to share the knowledge so we can understand ourselves better and change what we need.
KateFar16

Great podcast!

I listen to a number of podcasts on this topic but just started this one a few weeks ago after hearing Shannon on another podcast and I really enjoy it. It’s risen to the top of my list in terms of shows I keep up with regularly. Shannon is very down to Earth and realistic in her approach. Her topics are thoughtful and she gives practical, actionable advice. It’s a great show!
etuot

Practical and relatable!

I came across Paring Down a few weeks ago when I got on a decluttering kick, and listening to these episodes has been a key reason why I’ve been able to keep decluttering a consistent part of my routine. There are so many tips that I’ve been able to integrate into daily life with toddlers, and our home already feels so much easier to manage and maintain. Shannon is cheerful and encouraging, and she shares funny anecdotes throughout to keep the podcast refreshing and incredibly relatable. After hopping around and listening to a bunch of decluttering podcasts over the past month, Paring Down is by far my favorite and my new go-to listen!
Cate G.

Shannon has helped me so much in starting my decluttering journey!

Keep doing what you’re doing, Shannon! I discovered your podcast last year and have spent my time since then decluttering my life. My sister was inspired by what I was doing and she has decluttered her room significantly! The work you’re doing with this podcast matters ❤️
TennTheresa

Motivating

Shannon is a super Motivating speaker. Loved most recent episode on why we buy and keep so much stuff! Gave me something to think about!
BriannaMP

A life-changing podcast on decluttering and beyond!

I’ve listened to so many different podcasts on decluttering and Paring Down is by far my absolute favorite! I look forward to listening every single week! Shannon is so relatable, funny, lovable and wise. She is a wealth of knowledge and encouragement on decluttering and beyond. I’ve implemented so much of the advice Shannon has given and my home and life are SO much more peaceful and enjoyable! You’re changing lives and are so appreciated!
Sarabobara333

Shannon is endearing💜

This podcast is calming and lovely. Shannon inspires me to think differently & be much more conscious about how I spend my money. Her approach is sweet & kind. There’s no guilt tripping. Instead — She’s humble & understanding. If you’re looking to make lasting impacts on your life as a consumer, this podcast is a must. It’s one of my new weekly favorites.
Jgprores

Newly converted minimalist declutterer

Obsessed with listening to this podcast while I begin my decluttering journey. Hoping to make it a new way of life! So much great advice from the nitty gritty to the big picture thank you for this podcast!
KBKHuddleston

Inspiring and Fun

This podcast is one of my automatic downloads every week. I just discovered it recently, but I love it. Shannon gives such helpful, useable information but keeps her podcast upbeat and interesting. I'm working through the entire backlist as I'm inspired to declutter my whole house and rethink my consumption habits. This one is so worth your time! Thank you, Shannon, for the time and thought you put in to this!
JCLash

Style is not for Me

Some good tips and love that you mention God, but it feels like 45 minute info could be put into 20-25 minutes - a lot of times you go on tangents without saying actual tips. I appreciate what you’re doing in this space and thankful you’re so encouraging - just not the style for me in podcasts. Thanks!
dilouley

Upbeat and Encouraging!

So glad I stumbled upon this podcast! Shannon is so positive and encouraging in giving simple, quick, easy tips to pare down in all aspects of life! She really helps the process of simplifying seem doable for those of us who are overwhelmed with stuff!
LindseyG85

Let your guest talk!

I was really excited to hear what Erin Port had to say but you talked for most of the episode.
KensiBlonde

Very helpful

Helpful and entertaining. She doesn’t try to be anyone she isn’t.
Lo_Ra

Inspiring and calming

I wanted to declutter my home and was looking for inspiration to get me started. This podcast has been a great companion for the task. I press play and listen to Shannon remind me over and over that paring down isn’t about living with less, it’s about clearing out space for the things in life that really matter to me. The podcast intro alone is so calming and inspiring! In addition to decluttering content specifically about the home, she also branches out into decluttering other areas of life, like one’s schedule. Why not reap the benefits of decluttering in other domains of life? I love this podcast!
prissy county girl

So motivating and inspiring

I randomly learned about this from Instagram. After getting flooded in 2017, and needing to replace everything I own, I was overrun with belongings 3 years later. My job shifted to work from home and I struggled to focus with no adequate home office space. I hired a professional organizer/declutter specialist and I was hooked. I could only afford to do one space but the concept were amazing. I adore listening to Shannon as she echoes these messages. She is awesome inspiration following my initial experience. She motivated me to declutter my closet. My clothing is so much more than clothing. They are my memories; part of my confidence and expression of my joy and getting dressed is my favorite part of the day. I needed to take a difficult assessment that some of my clothing was extra work. Too much laundry, too much effort in selecting what to wear each day, not knowing where something was. I literally had 20 bottoms to run in. I run 12 days a month at best. I did recruit loving support during the process. Shannon inspiration helped me reframe my mindset. I pretty much so binged the podcast and put aside audible for a bit.
MrsSweetAngie

Love

Love listening to this podcast which is helping me reinforce my goal of decluttering on a daily basis
Purple Star Fish 84

Always an enjoyable listen

I love listening to each new episode. It is a great way to pass the time on my commute and I always learn a little something that I can apply at home.
chollafoofe2022

A great companion

I started listening a few months ago and I really can’t believe that you podcast isn’t way more popular. Love your tone and permission, love the realistic part of this. I have finally started clicking j to the mindset part of declutterring and you have helped me with that! Thanks for putting out this content. I like the rotation of interviews and talk through episodes. If someone is looking for something to listen to WHILE declutterring, put this in your ear, Shannon is a great companion.
paigeamberbacani

Let Go of Shame

Thank you for encouraging us to take time to find our why and uncover our root cause behind decluttering! Thank you for the practical tips that help alleviate tension in relationships as we begin to declutter! And thank you for helping us remember to re-prioriitize in each season! I am so grateful for this fresh podcast!
vikariq

Annoying talking style

Maybe consider adderall because the way the host speaks is pure impulse control issues and ADHD likely. Annoying.
Mmmandasan

So much encouragement here!

I can’t express how grateful I am for the feelings and step by step descriptions provided in this podcast that have truly shown me how to understand my own sentiments and stressors, and confidently address the attitudes and the physical items that are in my own way!!! The delivery is spot on and I feel like I’m having a conversation even though I’m just a listener. I am so appreciative that you stepped out here into this space and shared what you have. I started listening yesterday after you popped up on instagram, and I’m already 5 episodes deep (in no particular order). Thank you!
MinimalistMoming

The best!

This is my favorite podcast! I am always looking forward to the next episode. Shannon’s insight into pairing down on all things in life is awesome. I love how she has a variety of guests, and they all have something different to share. She has given me many more accounts to follow on Instagram, seeing their posts helps keep me focused on what’s important and what my goals are. Thank you for being here Shannon! :)
Emily Harrap

Relatable interviewer

Shannon is a skilled interviewer on very relatable topics! I listen to this podcast every Tuesday while I’m cleaning up after my kids go to bed and it’s like listening to a friend chat in my ear 😁
swimgrannie

Paring down books

Loved this episode for decluttering books. My husband and I are both avid readers and we can easily get overwhelmed with so many books in our home. Great suggestions for paring down. I even did some of that paring down while listening to the podcast!
Audrey9280

Life-changing

You are changing my life. I am so so grateful for your podcast. Thank you, thank you!
newmom312

Love this podcast!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "The Paring Down podcast is a game-changer! Each episode is packed with insightful tips and thoughtful discussions. Shannon offers practical advice on decluttering not just your physical space, but also your mind and life in general. Even better; it feels like getting advice from your best friend with no judgement. Highly recommend!"
Lauralizab

Love this!

This podcast has been my decluttering buddy. I have been so motivated by Shannon’s bubbly, genuine personality and the overall quality of the content. It’s truly been helpful listening to these episodes.
jojo53hughes

Like talking to a friend!

Listening to Shannon is like meeting up with your most bubbly friend for coffee! But on top of getting funny, quirky, lighthearted conversation, you walk away with wisdom and encouragement. 💕I love this podcast for the practical advice, the relatable rants, and the constant inspiration to reconsider the quality of life I am living and things I am prioritizing. Thank you Shannon!
craftybecks

The BEST Minimalism Podcast!

I’ve listened to quite a few minimalist podcasts and never found one that I really loved, until now!! Shannon’s insight is so helpful and she’s so authentic! I’m prepping for baby #2 and trying to purge a bunch of our stuff so I can simplify our life and have more time for the important stuff. So happy to have found this to listen to while I get rid of stuff 💕
ShannD19

How does she know?

Sometimes I feel like she is speaking directly to me because she nails exactly what I’m thinking. Crazy good podcast, with her insights and my determination I hope to pare down!!!
Robyn_Marie

Great tips and motivation ❤️

So happy to have found this podcast! It’s my new favorite as I’m working to declutter and simplify my home.
anonanonanon7

Love her!

Shannon is great, I love her and her minimalist lifestyle ideas. What’s really great is how she talks about the WHY behind Pairing Down.
W,M7711

So Relatable

Listening to this podcast is like talking to my best friend. Shannon has a way to draw people in and make them feel seen. Love, love, love!
kcthgyhgg8766

Simply in love ♥️

Shannon has such a way of relating to what is going on in your real life as a woman and momma. She introduces the idea of paring down as a way to enhance your life, not in a way that makes you feel judged or less than. I enjoy listening to this podcast as a way to stock up fun organizing ideas, or just to have a giggle! Shannon and the women she interviews are always entertaining! I just love this podcast ❤️
claireybeary13

Relatable

I love how unapologetic Shannon is for the decisions she has made that work for her family, while also not being judgmental of those who are making it work a different way! Every episode gives me another tidbit of knowledge that is helping me pair down and organize my home - so grateful for this content!
Dr K Mom

Inspiring

Have loved this podcast and on episode 16! This podcast not about not has been helpful in motivating me to start my declutering journey one small step at a time. She has helped me not feel like a failure even though I can’t do a big purge in one weekend. She is a little all over my place which I enjoy. I have also read some really interesting books based on mentions in this podcast.