243: 5 Ways to Simplify Your Chores

I'm super excited to have Katie Kimball with us again. You might know Katie as the genius behind the Kids Cook Real Food e-course, which even the Wall Street Journal called the best online cooking class for kids out there. We’re diving into something all parents think about: how to raise kids who are ready to take on the world. Katie, a former teacher and mom of four, is here to chat about why it’s crucial (and totally doable) to teach your kids practical life skills. We’re talking about everything from cooking to cleaning, and why these aren’t just chores, but opportunities to build confidence and reduce anxiety in your kids. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why letting kids help around the house is a good thing (and not something to feel guilty about). The big wins your family can score when your kids learn to handle tasks on their own. Tips on how to get past the common hurdles parents face, like guilt and a crazy schedule. Heartwarming stories from Katie’s own life that show the magic of teaching kids to be more independent. Katie's got some fantastic stories to share about her own journey and the surprising ways these skills have brought her family closer. Whether you’re dealing with mom guilt or just trying to figure out where to start, this episode is packed with insights and laughter to guide you. Ready to dive even deeper into building life skills with your kids? Join us for the #LifeSkillsNow Summer Camp! It’s the perfect place for your kids to learn, grow, and have fun, all while gaining those crucial skills they’ll use for life. Whether it’s cooking, managing chores, or handling their first debit card, we’ve got it covered. Don’t miss out on the fun and learning—spots are filling fast! Sign up today and let’s make this summer one to remember!

We're getting personal about fashion guest Jennine Jacob, a style guru who turned her passion for threads into a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. From overcoming a shopping addiction to rocking the fashion blogging world, Jennine has seen it all and has some eye-opening insights to share. In today’s episode, she spills the beans on how our wardrobes are more than just a collection of clothes—they're a reflection of who we are inside. Ever feel like you’re stuck on a fashion treadmill, always chasing trends but never finding pieces that feel “right”? Jennine’s here to help you break that cycle with stories and strategies that are all about finding and owning your unique style. What we’re unpacking today: Why our fashion choices really matter and how they're linked to our emotions. Jennine’s wild ride from shopping addict to influential fashion blogger. Thrift shopping like a pro—tips for scoring finds that scream ‘you’. Crafting a capsule wardrobe that’s all killer, no filler. The dark side of fast fashion—what it’s doing to our planet and our psyche. Simple ways to ditch the trend-trap and create a sustainable, stylish look that lasts. Jennine’s got the lowdown on making your style as unique as you are. Tune in, get inspired, and let’s start wearing what we love in a way that tells our story.

Ever walk into a home decor store or scroll through Pinterest and feel totally overwhelmed by all the choices? You're definitely not alone. In today's chat, we sit down with Tasha Agruso, the brain behind "Designer in a Binder," to get real about making design choices that feel right and make your space feel like *you*. Tasha breaks down how to focus on what you love rather than what’s trending to turn your space into a true sanctuary. Forget impressing the neighbors or copying those picture-perfect homes on Instagram. It's all about creating a space that welcomes you with a big, warm "I am home." In this episode, you'll discover: How listening to your gut can lead to the best design decisions Tips for finding inspiration without just copying someone else’s style Why the colors in your home matter more than you think and how they affect your mood Simple steps to stop overthinking and start loving your home decor choices Tasha’s personal experiences with home renovation and how she avoids common pitfalls Join us as Tasha walks us through her approach to making design personal and meaningful. Whether you're looking to spruce up a corner or overhaul an entire room, these insights will help you confidently create a space that truly reflects who you are. Grab your FREE ticket to the "Beautiful Home Beautiful Life" summit and join us as we delve deeper into creating spaces that inspire and energize.

Ready to tackle the clutter that's been cramping your style—and your wallet? This episode is all about breaking free from the mess and the stress. We're diving deep into decluttering, but it's not just about tossing things in a trash bag. It’s about understanding why we end up with so much stuff in the first place and how that links to our spending habits. Join me as I chat about: How to tackle credit card debt with strategies that last: Featuring insights from Bree Sedano’s course, "Drop the Debt Once and for All". The real reasons behind our shopping splurges: Understanding why we buy and how to overcome the guilt associated with purchases. Practical steps to prevent falling back into old habits: Building a sustainable, clutter-free lifestyle. This isn’t about minimalism or denying yourself joys—it’s about making smarter choices that truly add value to your life. So, plug in, and let’s get this declutter party started! It's time to simplify our spaces and our spending. And don’t forget to check out Bree Sedano’s incredible course, "Drop the Debt Once and for All." If you’re ready to stop the debt cycle for good, Bree’s got your back with practical advice that really works.

It's time to get cozy and dive into something we all think about but don't always chat about - aging. Yep, you heard me. This week, I'm spilling the tea on getting older, all sparked by a laugh-out-loud moment with my kiddo, Levi, and my unexpected journey into the world of silver strands. This conversation isn't just about gray hairs and laugh lines; it's a candid look at how the anti-aging narrative influences our self-perception, spending habits, and the clutter – both physical and emotional – that accumulates as a result. We'll dive into the roots of our clutter and how it's intertwined with our fears of aging. Here's what you'll learn: How social media and the $93 billion anti-aging industry shape our views on aging. The emotional and financial clutter tied to our fear of aging. Strategies for embracing aging with grace, from shifting mindsets to practical steps for decluttering our lives and finances. Tune in as we laugh, reflect, and maybe even change the way we think about those sneaky silver hairs and laugh lines. Because, let’s face it, aging is inevitable, but how we feel about it? That's totally up to us. Links Mentioned in the Episode Ready to declutter your finances? Grab Drop the Debt

In today's episode, we're diving into the world of color analysis with the brilliant Jeannie of Your Color Guru. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the endless choices in your wardrobe or find yourself stuck in a cycle of buying and purging clothes, this conversation is a must-listen.  Jeannie breaks down how matching your personal colors—think hair, eyes, and skin—to your clothes can seriously upgrade your style game. No more standing in front of your closet thinking you've got nothing to wear. We're talking about a complete wardrobe revolution, making your morning routine a breeze and helping you step out the door feeling like a million bucks. In today’s chat, we get real about: The lowdown on how color analysis works, even through your screen. A few aha-moments from people who've tried it, proving it's not just hype. Jeannie's journey from color curious to creating Your Color Guru, and why it's a game changer for your closet. How to actually use that color card instead of letting it collect dust. Plus, Jeannie answers listener questions about adapting your wardrobe to seasonal changes, the impact of hair dye and tans on your color profile, and how to start your own color analysis journey. Ready to uncover the colors that make you shine? Jeannie is giving listeners of The Maximized Minimalist an exclusive 10% off on your very own color analysis! 🎉 Use the code: CLUTTERFREE at checkout 

Hear from my coaching student, Kimberly, a full-time working mama of two, and now clutter crusher extraordinaire and her biggest takeaways from my 1-1 Coaching Program. Her story brought me to tears (in the best of ways). As much as I LOVE all of her before and afters photo - the most life-changing benefits from decluttering can't be seen in a picture... Here's what Kim said: "The level of calm in my house is so much greater.  I can do fun things with my family and not feel guilty I'm not doing chores. My stress levels are way better and honestly, this program has changed my life." Kimberly shared how working directly with me was the reason she reached her goals and had the confidence to tackle all her scary spaces. If you're struggling to achieve the results and clutter-free home you deserve, it's time to do something different. I'd love to help you inside my Inner Circle 1-1 Coaching Program. Learn more here: https://www.katyjoywells.com/innercircle Pssstt.....I have limited availability, so snag your spot while they last! xx Katy

Have you ever felt overwhelmed not just by the clutter in your home but by the emotional weight each item carries? You're not alone. Today on the Maximized Minimalist Podcast, I'm talking about a different approach to decluttering that goes beyond the physical – it’s about emotional detox. In the episode I'll share with you my own personal struggle with emotional attachment and letting go. I'm also sharing Lori's story with you. Lori is one of my coaching clients who, like many of us, struggled with letting go emotionally of items. Through the Emotional Detox Declutter Method, Lori found a way to release decades of emotional baggage, proving it's never too late to reclaim control and find peace in your own space. I'll dive into practical steps to confront and let go of the emotional attachments that keep us stuck, inspiring you to embark on your own path to a simpler, more intentional life. Want 1:1 support from Katy? Enrollment for my one-on-one coaching program, The Inner Circle, is now open! Secure your spot and let's simplify your home and life together!

Do you find it difficult to let go of things, even when you know they're just cluttering up your life? It's not just you. There's a psychological phenomenon at play here, known as the "endowment effect," which makes us overvalue our possessions simply because they're ours. This attachment can make decluttering feel like an uphill battle against our own minds. In today's episode of The Maximized Minimalist, we delve into the depths of why letting go feels so hard. I'm Katy Wells, and I'll guide you through understanding the endowment effect and share practical, actionable tips to help you overcome it. From real estate reality TV shows to everyday decisions about junk drawers, we explore how this bias influences our perceptions and behaviors. But it's not all psychology - this episode is packed with Katy-style strategies to help you detach, declutter, and move towards a simpler, more joy-filled life. Whether it's reassessing the true value of your possessions or learning to emotionally detach from them, we've got you covered. If you're tired of feeling weighed down by things you don't need or use, this episode will offer you a fresh perspective and the tools you need to start letting go. Because decluttering isn't just about clearing out physical space; it's about making room for more happiness, peace, and intention in your life. Tune in and take the first step towards a clutter-free existence. It's time to reclaim your space, your peace of mind, and your joy. Want a Roadmap to Declutter Your Home? Join The Clutter Cure Club Ready to Master Your Home Management? Transform the way you handle chores and simplify your life with Home Management Mastery. 

Do success stories make you feel like garbage? Instead of feeling motivated and inspired by others, you become acutely aware of your own shortcomings. Your inner critic blasts you with thoughts like: I should be further ahead by now. Why haven't I accomplished that yet? Maybe I should just give up. I stink at this. In today's episode of The Maximized Minimalist, we talk about this oh-so-relatable thought cycle and I'm sharing actionable steps to help get you back onto the the declutter bandwagon and achieving your dreams. Oh and here's the deal,  if seeing your peers succeed makes you jealous, sad or defeated... You’re not a bad person. This is a really common experience, especially for ambitious, achieving (and mildly competitive? 😆) folks like you and me. As long as you're here - you're not behind and it's never too late to create a simpler, more peaceful life.   Join the next Clutter Challenge: Get $20 Off our next 14-Day Clutter Challenge with promo code: podcast