274: Preparing for the Holiday Season Avoiding Clutter Traps

Let’s talk about the one place in your house that can either make your day a total breeze or an absolute disaster: the kitchen. If your kitchen looks more like a chaotic war zone than a functional workspace, it’s time for a little intervention. Today, Katie sits down with chef and dietitian Allison Schaaf to help you whip your kitchen into shape—think less clutter, more calm. Allison drops some major wisdom on why less is actually more when it comes to kitchen tools, how to organize your space like a pro, and even how to get your kids to help out without them turning it into a circus. Plus, we’re diving into tips on how to survive holiday meal prep without losing your sanity (hint: it doesn’t involve making everything from scratch). So, whether you’re cooking for your fam or just trying to find a spatula in the abyss of your utensil drawer, this episode has you covered. Key Takeaways: Smaller Kitchens > Bigger Kitchens: Wait, what? Yep. Allison explains why having a teeny tiny kitchen can actually make your life easier. No more walking 50 miles between your stove and fridge just to make dinner. Declutter Your Drawers, Save Your Sanity: Do you have three potato peelers but only use one? It’s time for a drawer detox. Learn how cutting down on kitchen gadgets can make cooking faster and (dare we say) more enjoyable. How to Set Up Your Kitchen Like a Pro: Want to stop running around like a headless chicken every time you cook? Allison shares the exact spots to store your essentials to make meal prep a breeze. Get Your Kids Involved—Without Losing Your Mind: Allison’s genius tips for getting your kids to help in the kitchen without turning it into a food fight. (Hint: It’s all about making things easy for them. And for you.) Holiday Meal Prep, Simplified: We all want to be Martha Stewart, but we also don’t want to spend six hours making a gingerbread house from scratch. Allison’s advice? Pick your favorite traditions and let the rest go. Your future self will thank you. Episode Highlights: [00:01] Katie kicks off the episode with a reality check: if your kitchen’s a mess, so is your life. [00:29] Allison Schaaf joins the party, sharing her experience as a personal chef and why big kitchens can be totally inefficient. [05:00] The most overlooked area in your kitchen that’s probably driving you nuts (and how to fix it). [07:57] Let’s be real: how many spatulas do you actually need? Allison’s no-BS guide to streamlining your kitchen tools. [10:45] How to make your kids help in the kitchen—and not in that “Here’s a mess for you to clean up later” kind of way. [13:57] Holiday chaos, BE GONE. Allison’s no-fuss tips for staying organized and stress-free during holiday meal prep. Connect with Allison: Instagram: @PrepDish Website: PrepDish Resources Mentioned: PrepDish Free Trial: Want meal prep to be easy AND delicious? Try out Allison’s meal prep service for two weeks FREE at PrepDish.com/clutter. Get FAST Results With My Free Guide: 75 Things to Declutter! Ready to kickstart your decluttering journey? Download my free guide for quick wins that make a big impact. Download now. Join My Next 14-Day Challenge! Need a little extra motivation? Join our upcoming 14-day challenge to tackle clutter together and transform your space. Sign up here. Work 1-1 With Me: Looking for personalized support? Let’s work together one-on-one to create the clutter-free life you’ve been dreaming of. Learn more. Get Your Personalized Home Management Blueprint! Want a plan tailored just for you? Get your personalized blueprint for managing your home efficiently. Get started. Connect with Me on Instagram! Follow me for daily tips, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes peeks at my life. Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram.

The holiday season is here – and with it, the stress that can sneak up when we’re trying to make everything magical. In this episode, I’m bringing back parenting expert Caley Kukla to chat all things holiday sanity. If you’re already feeling the overwhelm of balancing family traditions, schedules, and self-care that actually helps, this one’s for you. We’re diving into how to stay grounded, how to make holiday moments meaningful (not perfect), and why multitasking is a myth. Let’s keep the holidays simple, joyful, and – dare I say it – peaceful. Here’s What We Get Into: "One Thing" Practice 🎯: Caley shares her “one thing” approach to help us all slow down the holiday chaos and reduce that never-ending to-do list anxiety. Real Self-Care, Not Just Bubble Baths 🛁: We go beyond the usual self-care tips and talk about meeting our core needs (think: food, rest, and yes, remembering to go to the bathroom!). Tradition Tweaks 🎉: I share my own story of learning to let go of a “perfect” holiday tradition when it wasn’t clicking with my kids. Caley and I chat about ways to keep traditions meaningful and intentional, even if they look a little different. Overcoming Overwhelm 💆‍♀️: We talk about why tuning into our own needs first can transform family gatherings, make us less reactive, and help us show up as the calm, connected parents we want to be. Memorable Moments: My Tree Decorating Reality Check: I share the story of my high hopes for a picture-perfect tree-decorating night…and how it actually went down when my kids weren’t exactly on board. Caley’s “Gruffalo Crumble” Tradition: Caley shares her heartwarming story about turning a nostalgic family dish into a holiday staple with a kid-friendly twist. “Rhythm Over Routine” for the Holidays: Caley’s advice on balancing holiday busyness with downtime so you and the family stay refreshed (instead of frazzled). Your Holiday Takeaway: This episode is packed with insights you can use today – like creating a “stress-release list” to stay grounded, and taking just a few minutes to meet your own basic needs during a busy day. The holidays don’t have to be chaotic. Let’s make them exactly what we want them to be – simple, intentional, and full of moments that matter. Links & Resources Mentioned: Clutter-Free Gift Guide 🎁: Tired of the holiday gift pile-up? Check out my guide with 75+ clutter-free gift ideas and a bonus gift calendar to stay organized! Get it here for just $3. Follow Caley: Connect with Caley on Instagram for more insights on intentional parenting and self-care – and hear about her upcoming community for parents!

Ready to get your hygge on? (Don’t worry, I’ll help you pronounce it.) In today’s episode, we’re diving into what hygge—you know, that cozy, calm, peaceful vibe you’re craving—really means. Spoiler: It’s not about loading up on overpriced blankets and candles. It’s about connection, simplicity, and creating a home that feels good to live in. We’ll cover: The biggest misconception about hygge (hint: it’s NOT a decor trend). How to make your home cozy without buying more stuff. The power of creating a calming atmosphere with what you already have. Why it’s all about connection—whether it’s a family dinner or a simple chat over tea. And listen, while you’re transforming your home into a hygge haven, don’t forget about the air you’re breathing! Clean air = a cozier, healthier space. That’s why I use the Air Doctor air purifier, and guess what? Podcast listeners get UP TO $300 off. Just head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code MAX for the discount. Plus, you’ll get a free 3-year warranty. Boom! Grab your coffee, tea, or (if you’re feeling fancy) your favorite candle, and let’s make your home the ultimate cozy retreat. And don’t forget to DM me on Instagram with your hygge wins after the show! Want cleaner air? Go to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code MAX to get up to $300 off plus a free 3-year warranty. Your lungs will thank you. Get FAST Results With My Free Guide: 75 Things to Declutter! Ready to kickstart your decluttering journey? Download my free guide for quick wins that make a big impact. Download now. Join My Next 14-Day Challenge! Need a little extra motivation? Join our upcoming 14-day challenge to tackle clutter together and transform your space. Sign up here. Work 1-1 With Me: Looking for personalized support? Let’s work together one-on-one to create the clutter-free life you’ve been dreaming of. Learn more. Get Your Personalized Home Management Blueprint! Want a plan tailored just for you? Get your personalized blueprint for managing your home efficiently. Get started. Connect with Me on Instagram! Follow me for daily tips, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes peeks at my life. Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram.  

Think January is the only time to tackle that clutter? Nah. Let’s bust that myth wide open. Waiting until the new year might sound cute, but spoiler alert: it’s actually setting you up for more mess and more stress. In this episode, we’re talking about why right now is the best time to start decluttering. Not January, not “when things calm down”—but today. You’ll learn why waiting just piles on more clutter (thanks, holiday gifts), why starting small makes a big difference, and how a few simple changes can keep you from drowning in stuff before the year even ends. What you’ll hear: Why waiting until January might be the worst decluttering advice ever. Easy, no-pressure ways to declutter while you go about your day (spoiler: you’re probably already doing it). The genius trick that makes letting go of stuff feel like zero effort. How to set up your home so clutter doesn’t sneak back in. Ever. Stop letting future-you handle everything. Present-you can totally handle a little decluttering right now, and trust me—you’ll feel a whole lot lighter going into the holidays. Hit play to find out how to start decluttering TODAY, without breaking a sweat. Get FAST Results With My Free Guide: 75 Things to Declutter! Ready to kickstart your decluttering journey? Download my free guide for quick wins that make a big impact. Download now. Join My Next 14-Day Challenge! Need a little extra motivation? Join our upcoming 14-day challenge to tackle clutter together and transform your space. Sign up here. Work 1-1 With Me: Looking for personalized support? Let’s work together one-on-one to create the clutter-free life you’ve been dreaming of. Learn more. Get Your Personalized Home Management Blueprint! Want a plan tailored just for you? Get your personalized blueprint for managing your home efficiently. Get started. Connect with Me on Instagram! Follow me for daily tips, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes peeks at my life. Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram.  

Are you ready to reclaim your craft room and turn it from a dreaded ‘doom room’ into a space that sparks joy and creativity? In this episode, I dive deep into why our creative spaces often feel overwhelming and what we can do to change that. Inspired by a listener's heartfelt question, we’re exploring the emotional attachments and mindset traps that clutter our craft rooms—and our minds. What You’ll Learn: The Top 5 Reasons Craft Rooms Become 'Doom Rooms'—including emotional attachments, inconsistent use, and the ‘I might need this’ mentality. How to identify and overcome the beliefs that may be cluttering your space and holding you back creatively. Reflective questions to help you decide what stays, what goes, and how to make room for creativity in your life right now. If you’ve ever felt torn between holding onto past projects and making space for the new, you’re not alone. We’ll unpack the root causes behind this struggle and offer solutions to help you transform your space into one that truly serves you. In This Episode, We Discuss: Why unlimited possibilities and limited time create chaos in your creative space. How emotional attachment to craft supplies might be stalling your creativity. The role of sentimental items in cluttering both your craft room and your mind. Practical steps to shift your mindset and declutter both physically and emotionally. Don’t miss my exclusive Declutter Your Craft Room masterclass, available only to Clutter Cure Club members. In this step-by-step guide, I’ll help you reclaim your space and creativity with actionable tips and strategies. Not a member yet? Join today and get access to the masterclass! Let’s Simplify: Ready, set, simplify—and remember, your creativity isn’t defined by how much stuff you have, but by the joy you find in the process.

🍂 Fall is here, and while it might feel like the calm before the holiday storm, we both know what’s coming—endless to-do lists, gift-giving pressures, and the kind of clutter that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. But this year? We’re getting ahead of the chaos. In today’s episode, I’m spilling the tea on how to mentally and physically prepare for the holidays, so you can avoid those pesky clutter traps that love to trip us up. We’ll talk mindset shifts, how to set boundaries with your holiday spending, and why you don’t need to say “yes” to every single holiday tradition (or sales pitch) that comes your way. Trust me, you don’t have to buy into the holiday hype to make it magical. Instead, let’s focus on what truly matters to you this season and create a home—and a headspace—that feels light, calm, and clutter-free. Key Takeaways: Ditch the Holiday Perfection: Forget the pressure to have everything just right. The holidays should be about what you value, not about meeting someone else’s expectations. Mental Clutter Is Real: Before the season ramps up, let’s clear out those unrealistic expectations and focus on what really makes the holidays special for you. Be Intentional with Your Stuff: Businesses are experts at making you feel like you need more to have the perfect holiday. Spoiler alert: you don’t. Set boundaries on what you bring into your home. Small Steps, Big Impact: Start with a little pre-holiday decluttering—just the hotspots like your kitchen or entryway. You’ll thank yourself later when things get busy. Mentioned in This Episode: Mindset Shift: It’s not about having the “perfect” holiday—it’s about having one that’s meaningful to you. Practical Tips: Create a gift-giving plan, say no to unnecessary commitments, and do a mini-declutter now to make room for the good stuff. Join the Conversation: Loved this episode? Share it with a friend who could use a little help avoiding the holiday clutter traps. And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss out on more tips to keep your home and mind clutter-free! Get Ahead of the Holiday Clutter: Grab my FREE guide 75 Things to Declutter Today and start clearing space for what really matters this holiday season. Stay Connected: Follow me on Instagram for more decluttering wisdom and behind-the-scenes fun. Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you tune in for your weekly dose of calm. Leave a review if this episode gave you a little “aha!” moment—I’d love to hear from you!

Ever notice how trees just let go of their leaves every fall? No drama, no clinging—they just drop those suckers like they’re hot. Now, imagine if we could do the same with the clutter in our homes and lives. Today’s episode is all about that sweet, sweet release. We’re talking about letting go of the junk (and the baggage) that’s weighing you down and making space for what’s next. You’ve already done the heavy lifting with the decluttering, but have you thought about what you’re still holding onto? And more importantly, why? We’ll dig into how holding on to things from past seasons of your life can keep you stuck and how letting go—just like those leaves—can open you up to a whole new world of possibilities. I’m also spilling some tea on a little nature-inspired epiphany I had the other day, plus sharing a story about one of my amazing students who ditched her boxes of “memories” and made space for something way cooler. If you’re ready to stop clinging and start living, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways: Life Has Seasons—So Does Your Stuff: Just like trees drop their leaves, you need to drop the clutter that no longer serves you. Trust me, it’s holding you back. Decluttering = Mental Detox: Forget the chore mindset. Think of decluttering as a brain cleanse. You’re making room for clarity, creativity, and, you know, life. Take It One Baby Step at a Time: No need to go full KonMari in a weekend. Start small—one drawer, one shelf, one random pile of “important” papers. Trust the Process: Letting go is hard, but trust me, it’s like a magic spell for inviting in the new, shiny things that your future self will thank you for. Join the Conversation: If this episode hit you in the feels, share it with a friend who needs to hear it too. And make sure you subscribe—because missing an episode is like leaving money on the table, and who wants to do that? Ready to Declutter? Keep the momentum going and grab my FREE guide 75 Things to Declutter Today. Because seriously, why not start now? Download now. Join My Next 14-Day Challenge! Need a little extra motivation? Join our upcoming 14-day challenge to tackle clutter together and transform your space. Sign up here. Work 1-1 With Me: Looking for personalized support? Let’s work together one-on-one to create the clutter-free life you’ve been dreaming of. Learn more. Get Your Personalized Home Management Blueprint! Want a plan tailored just for you? Get your personalized blueprint for managing your home efficiently. Get started. Stay Connected: Follow me on Instagram for daily doses of decluttering wisdom (and some fun behind-the-scenes stuff). Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your weekly dose of awesome. Leave a review if this episode rocked your world—I’d love to hear from you!

Social media is filled with unboxings and endless hauls, and we’ve all been there—tempted to hit “add to cart” just to keep up. But here’s the truth: fast fashion is draining our wallets and our planet. In today’s episode, we’re doing the opposite of a haul. I’m walking you through how to break the cycle of over-consumption, declutter your wardrobe, and fall in love with what’s already hanging in your closet. Because, spoiler alert: you don’t need new clothes to feel new. We’re talking about: Why most of your wardrobe ends up in a landfill (yikes). The influencer illusion (no, they don’t actually live that minimalist dream). How to declutter without the stress—seriously, it’s not as hard as you think. Shopping your own closet like a pro and rediscovering pieces you forgot you owned. You’ll leave this episode feeling lighter, more organized, and in control of your closet—no shopping spree required. What’s Inside: Fast Fashion’s Dirty Secret Let’s get real for a second: up to 10% of global carbon emissions come from the fashion industry. So, yeah, those impulse buys have a way bigger impact than we think. In this episode, I share some jaw-dropping stats that’ll make you rethink those late-night shopping sprees (like the fact that making one cotton t-shirt uses 700 gallons of water—yikes). Declutter Like a Pro Here’s the good news: you don’t have to toss everything in your closet to feel organized. I’ll show you how to declutter strategically—without the overwhelm. Plus, I’ll share my favorite hack, the hanger trick, to figure out what you’re really wearing and what’s just taking up space. Shop Your Closet If you’ve ever said, “I have nothing to wear,” you’ll love this part. Once you’ve decluttered, it’s time to rediscover your wardrobe. I promise, you’ve got hidden gems in there just waiting to be loved again. You’ll feel like you’ve gone shopping—without spending a dime. Plan Outfits for the Week You meal plan, right? So why not do the same with your wardrobe? I share my trick for hanging up your outfits for the week (which seriously makes getting dressed in the morning so much easier), and you’ll find yourself excited about what you already own. How to Stop Buying So Much Want to break the shopping cycle? I give you my no-BS tips on how to curb those “gotta-have-it” impulses, including my favorite: the 48-hour rule. Trust me, it works. Want more tips on simplifying your life? Join my Ready, Set, Simplify Newsletter where I drop all the best decluttering and simplifying hacks straight to your inbox. (Hint: there’s some seriously good stuff in there). Sign up here! Love what you’re hearing? Drop a rating and review on Apple Podcasts—it helps me reach more listeners just like you! And hey, don’t forget to hit that follow button so you never miss an episode.

Do you ever look at a pile of stuff on your desk and think, “I know I don’t need this... but what if I do?!” Or maybe it’s the craft supplies, gathering dust, making you feel like you’re going to start that project. Someday. In today’s episode, I’m tackling the exact reason why we hold onto things that are just taking up space—in our homes and in our heads—and how to finally start letting go. Spoiler alert: It’s not about tossing everything in a bin and calling it a day. It's about getting real with yourself, ditching the fear of “what if,” and taking baby steps toward a clutter-free life. We’ll dive into why your “just in case” clutter is really a security blanket made of guilt and fear. Plus, I’m giving you practical tools (hello, Let-Go Rule) to clear that mental clutter and make room for what actually matters. Because let’s face it: we all deserve a space that feels as light and peaceful as a Sunday morning. In this episode, you’ll hear: The real reason your “what if” items are still hanging around Why guilt and fear are keeping you from letting go The Let-Go Rule—your new favorite tool for decluttering with confidence How to reframe that “I might need this one day” thinking And yes, we’re talking about those dusty crafting supplies, too. It’s time to be honest about whether you’re ever going to use them. (Don’t worry, no judgment.) Tune in and learn how to declutter your space—and your mind. Rate, review, & follow on Apple Podcasts! Get FAST Results With My Free Guide: 75 Things to Declutter! Ready to kickstart your decluttering journey? Download my free guide for quick wins that make a big impact. Download now. Join My Next 14-Day Challenge! Need a little extra motivation? Join our upcoming 14-day challenge to tackle clutter together and transform your space. Sign up here. Get Your Personalized Home Management Blueprint! Want a plan tailored just for you? Get your personalized blueprint for managing your home efficiently. Get started. Connect with Me on Instagram! Follow me for tips, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes peeks at my life. Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram.  

Are you ready to hit reset on your home and kick clutter to the curb? With summer chaos behind us and back-to-school routines in full swing, now’s the perfect time to simplify! 🎉 In this episode of The Maximized Minimalist, I’m giving you no-fluff, action-packed tips to declutter your home and your mind without the overwhelm. Whether you’ve got 5 minutes or a whole hour, I’m here to show you how to ditch the mess and stress for good! Today I'm sharing: Why 5-20 minute decluttering sessions are the game-changer you need The magic of focusing on high-impact spaces (goodbye, entryway chaos!👋) My “Clutter Control Trifecta” that will keep your home tidy for the long haul The secret to stopping clutter before it starts  No more waiting for the “perfect” time to declutter! Let’s clear the way for a calm, joyful home that helps you thrive — one small step at a time. 🎯 🔥If you’re ready to level up your decluttering game, sign up for my 14-Day Clutter Crusher Challenge — transform your space in just 20 minutes a day! Use code PODCAST for 50% off. Don’t wait, spots are going fast!