167 // 15 Decluttering Rules To Help You Conquer the Chaos

When it comes to living a clutter-free, intentional life, we often start with our physical belongings. But being intentional is so much more than stuff and can be applied to every area of our lives. In Shira Gill’s new book LifeStyled: Your Guide to a More Organized & Intentional Life, she provides a holistic view about how to reduce volume, create systems, and implement habits across a variety of life domains. We talk about how to find freedom in “lowering the bar”, how to silence the voices of comparison and mom guilt, and how she has redefined “enough” in her minimalism journey. Shira Gill is a globally recognized home organizing expert and bestselling author with a minimalist philosophy. She has inspired thousands of people to clear clutter from their homes and lives, and developed a process and toolkit that applies to anyone, regardless of budget, space, or lifestyle.  She is the author of Minimalista, Organized Living, and LifeStyled, and has been featured in 100+ print and media outlets including Good Morning America, Architectural Digest,  Vogue, Real Simple, and The New York Times.  Her popular newsletter has subscribers from all 50 states and 140 countries!  Resources Mentioned (note: affiliate links may be included): Check out Shira’s books Minimalista, Organized Living, and LifeStyled Connect with Shira on her website or Instagram. Related Episodes: Episode 169: Finding Contentment in a World of Comparison with Courtney Florey from Declutter and Dwell Episode 72: Declutter Your Schedule for a More Intentional Motherhood with Sasha Star Robertson Episode 22: Marie Kondo Didn’t “Give Up” on Tidying. Here’s What She Gave Up On - and 3 Ways You Can Do the Same *** I help moms declutter their homes, heads, and hearts. Contact - > [email protected]  Podcast -＞ https://www.simplebyemmy.com/podcast Learn -＞ https://www.simplebyemmy.com/resources Connect -＞ Join our free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms Instagram -＞ @simplebyemmy and @momsovercomingoverwhelm   *** Don't Know Where to Start? *** 5 Steps to Overcome Overwhelm -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/5steps/ 5 Mindset Shifts for Decluttering -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/mindset/   Wanna work with me to kick overwhelm to the curb, mama? There are three options for you! Step 1: Join a supportive community of moms plus decluttering challenges to keep you on track at the free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms Step 2: Sign up for the weekly Decluttering Tips and Resources for Overwhelmed Moms Newsletter and see samples here: https://pages.simplebyemmy.com/profile Step 3: Get more personalized support with in-person or virtual decluttering and organization coaching! https://www.simplebyemmy.com/coaching

Hosting for the holidays? Freaking out because your home is a disaster zone? Don’t fret! Follow these 5 steps to get ready for holiday guests FAST! Have a question about decluttering, simplifying, systems, or anything else we talk about on the podcast? You can now leave me a voice message here. Scroll to the bottom and look for the microphone and the bottom that says START RECORDING. Who knows, your question may be answered on an upcoming episode! Related Episodes: Episode 53: Cleaning Doesn't Have to be Overwhelming! 8 Ways to Make it Stress-Free Episode 34: Are Toys Taking Over Your Home? Tackle Toy Clutter with my 5-Step Plan for Busy Moms Episode 115: 5 Must-Have Bins That Keep My Home Clutter-Free *** I help moms declutter their homes, heads, and hearts. Contact - > [email protected]  Podcast -＞ https://www.simplebyemmy.com/podcast Learn -＞ https://www.simplebyemmy.com/resources Connect -＞ Join our free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms Instagram -＞ @simplebyemmy and @momsovercomingoverwhelm *** Don't Know Where to Start? *** 5 Steps to Overcome Overwhelm -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/5steps/ 5 Mindset Shifts for Decluttering -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/mindset/ Wanna work with me to kick overwhelm to the curb, mama? There are three options for you! Step 1: Join a supportive community of moms plus decluttering challenges to keep you on track at the free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms Step 2: Sign up for the weekly Decluttering Tips and Resources for Overwhelmed Moms Newsletter and see samples here: https://pages.simplebyemmy.com/profile Step 3: Get more personalized support with in-person or virtual decluttering and organization coaching! https://www.simplebyemmy.com/coaching

Today is Thanksgiving in the U.S., where we give thanks for all our blessings and remember what matters most. Unfortunately, we are still heavily influenced by ads that bombard us multiple times a day and the unrelenting comparison that plagues us due to social media and not feeling "enough".  How do we cultivate contentment in a world of comparison? How do we see ourselves as "enough" when it comes to our stuff, our roles, and the stories we tell ourselves? Today my guest, Courtney Florey, and I discuss these topics and much more! Courtney Florey is a military wife, boy mom, & Decluttering Coach who is passionate about helping moms find contentment in life through decluttering their homes. Her heart is to help moms find freedom in letting go of things they no longer need while forming meaningful relationships with moms along the way, because life is better when it's lived together. Resources Mentioned: Connect with Courtney on her website or on Instagram Join Courtney’s Decide to Declutter 3 Day Email Series Related Episodes: Episode 58: Strategies for Smoother Mornings and Being the “Mom in the Arena” with Mollie Donghia from This Evergreen Home Episode 146: “Don’t Cause Your Own Chaos” - Reduce Your Overwhelm, Find Contentment, and Embrace Your Season of Motherhood - with Andrea Dekker Episode 168: Embracing Slow Living and Cultivating Contentment in a Hustle-Driven World - with Stephanie O’Dea *** I help moms declutter their homes, heads, and hearts. Contact - > [email protected]  Podcast -＞ https://www.simplebyemmy.com/podcast Learn -＞ https://www.simplebyemmy.com/resources Connect -＞ Join our free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms Instagram -＞ @simplebyemmy and @momsovercomingoverwhelm   *** Don't Know Where to Start? *** 5 Steps to Overcome Overwhelm -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/5steps/ 5 Mindset Shifts for Decluttering -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/mindset/   Wanna work with me to kick overwhelm to the curb, mama? There are three options for you! Step 1: Join a supportive community of moms plus decluttering challenges to keep you on track at the free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms Step 2: Sign up for the weekly Decluttering Tips and Resources for Overwhelmed Moms Newsletter and see samples here: https://pages.simplebyemmy.com/profile Step 3: Get more personalized support with in-person or virtual decluttering and organization coaching! https://www.simplebyemmy.com/coaching

As we snowball to the end of 2024, how can we slow down and find contentment? How can we Simple Look Only Within and shut out the voices of comparison? Stephanie O’Dea, New York Times best-selling author and host of the Slow Living podcast, is sharing how a slow lifestyle can bring you peace and ease and how we can opt-out of hustle culture as overwhelmed moms. Her newest book, Slow Living: Cultivating a Life of Purpose in a Hustle-Driven World is now available wherever books are sold. Resources Mentioned (note: affiliate links may be included): Connect with Stephanie on her website, Instagram, and her podcast. Purchase her book Slow Living: Cultivating a Life of Purpose in a Hustle-Driven World Related Episodes: Episode 112: Opt Out of Mom Guilt and Let Go of “Either/Or” Thinking - with Stephanie O’Dea Episode 166: Why Compassionate Time Management Matters - with Kendra Adachi from The Lazy Genius *** I help moms declutter their homes, heads, and hearts. Contact - > [email protected]  Podcast -＞ https://www.simplebyemmy.com/podcast Learn -＞ https://www.simplebyemmy.com/resources Connect -＞ Join our free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms Instagram -＞ @simplebyemmy and @momsovercomingoverwhelm   *** Don't Know Where to Start? *** 5 Steps to Overcome Overwhelm -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/5steps/ 5 Mindset Shifts for Decluttering -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/mindset/   Wanna work with me to kick overwhelm to the curb, mama? There are three options for you! Step 1: Join a supportive community of moms plus decluttering challenges to keep you on track at the free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms Step 2: Sign up for the weekly Decluttering Tips and Resources for Overwhelmed Moms Newsletter and see samples here: https://pages.simplebyemmy.com/profile Step 3: Get more personalized support with in-person or virtual decluttering and organization coaching! https://www.simplebyemmy.com/coaching

Feeling stuck and unmotivated to declutter? Pick one (or more) of these 15 rules to help you declutter your home more effectively. My personal favorites are the 12-12-12 and the 90/90 rules! Resources Mentioned: Want to find the podcast episodes that will be most helpful for you? Join the Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms Facebook group for accountability and access to my podcast catalog. Also coming soon for group members - personalized playlists targeted for your specific needs! An article about the 12-12-12 rule by Julianna Poplin from The Simplicity Habit The Minimalists’ Minimalist Rulebook - download yours for free Gretchen Rubin’s One-Minute Rule Related Episodes: Episode 163: Overwhelmed by Clutter? Take Action with My “5-S” Formula! Episode 28: Are You Constantly Shuffling Around Piles of Papers? Steal my No-Fail Paper Processing Routine Episode 24: Instead of “Does it Spark Joy?” Ask These 4 Questions to Help You Declutter Episode 15: These 3 Words are Sabotaging Your Decluttering Efforts Episode 55: Is Your Closet Overflowing with Clothes You Never Wear? Try These 5 Decluttering Hacks *** I help moms declutter their homes, heads, and hearts. Contact - > [email protected]  Podcast -＞ https://www.simplebyemmy.com/podcast Learn -＞ https://www.simplebyemmy.com/resources Connect -＞ Join our free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms Instagram -＞ @simplebyemmy and @momsovercomingoverwhelm *** Don't Know Where to Start? *** 5 Steps to Overcome Overwhelm -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/5steps/ 5 Mindset Shifts for Decluttering -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/mindset/ Wanna work with me to kick overwhelm to the curb, mama? There are three options for you! Step 1: Join a supportive community of moms plus decluttering challenges to keep you on track at the free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms Step 2: Sign up for the weekly Decluttering Tips and Resources for Overwhelmed Moms Newsletter and see samples here: https://pages.simplebyemmy.com/profile Step 3: Get more personalized support with in-person or virtual decluttering and organization coaching! https://www.simplebyemmy.com/coaching

Do you feel like a failure because you are constantly behind? Do you have a stack of planners collecting dust and a to-do list that overwhelms you? You don’t need to hustle. You don’t need to “crush” the day. What you need - what we all need - is a disruption to the toxic productivity paradigm. In Kendra Adachi’s compassionate time management approach, we have it! In this episode, Kendra shares her PLAN system that is built on the foundation of knowing what matters most to you in this season and supported by integration, our ability to pivot, and above all being kind to ourselves. I know you will be blessed by our conversation! Kendra is the New York Times bestselling author of The Lazy Genius Way, The Lazy Genius Kitchen, and The PLAN. and host of the nationally-ranked The Lazy Genius Podcast. As an expert in compassionate time management, Kendra helps others stop doing it all for the sake of doing what matters. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and three kids. Resources Mentioned (note: affiliate links may be included): Connect with Kendra on her website, where you can learn more about her books The Lazy Genius Way, The Lazy Genius Kitchen, and The PLAN. Listen to The Lazy Genius Podcast Sign up for The Lazy Letter, Kendra’s monthly newsletter Related Episodes: Episode 117: Declutter the Mental Load of Motherhood by Following My 5-Step System Episode 78: Intentional Planning to Combat Overwhelm with Sarah Horgan From Simple + Intentional Episode 162: How to Successfully Set and Reach Goals - Even as an Overwhelmed Mom - with Gabe Cox from Red Hot Mindset *** I help moms declutter their homes, heads, and hearts. Contact - > [email protected]  Podcast -＞ https://www.simplebyemmy.com/podcast Learn -＞ https://www.simplebyemmy.com/resources Connect -＞ Join our free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms Instagram -＞ @simplebyemmy and @momsovercomingoverwhelm   *** Don't Know Where to Start? *** 5 Steps to Overcome Overwhelm -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/5steps/ 5 Mindset Shifts for Decluttering -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/mindset/   Wanna work with me to kick overwhelm to the curb, mama? There are three options for you! Step 1: Join a supportive community of moms plus decluttering challenges to keep you on track at the free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms Step 2: Sign up for the weekly Decluttering Tips and Resources for Overwhelmed Moms Newsletter and see samples here: https://pages.simplebyemmy.com/profile Step 3: Get more personalized support with in-person or virtual decluttering and organization coaching! https://www.simplebyemmy.com/coaching

When we are in seasons of waiting, it can often feel like something to be endured, rather than enjoyed. How can we “wait well” even if we’re in a season of overwhelm? How can we find contentment rather than wishing it away? How do we shift our gaze from our circumstances to something greater than ourselves? On today’s episode I’m speaking to Erika Diaz-Castro, Christian life coach for Christian women, the founder and owner of Her Renewed Strength Co,, and the host of Her Renewed Strength - the Podcast. She is also the host of the upcoming 2024 RENEWED Conference where 10 experts (including me!) will talk about what it means to wait well. Erika talks about her journey to wait well through financial uncertainty, her 5-year cancer journey, her struggles with drugs and alcohol, and more. This is a faith-filled conversation that will fill you with hope and encouragement. Erika is a Christ follower, wife, mama, and graduate student at Dallas Theological Seminary. She is passionate about helping women get in God's Word and grow in their faith as Christians.   Resources Mentioned: Join me and nine other amazing speakers! Register for the free 2024 RENEWED Conference November 4-8, 2024. Connect with Erika on her website or Instagram. The Bible Recap Related Episodes: Episode 49: Digital Organization and Home Management Tips with Time Management and Biblical Mindset Coach Erika Diaz-Castro Episode 164: Finding Inspiration on the Journey to “Think More and Do With Less” - with Diane Boden from the Minimalist Moms Podcast Episode 82: 3 Critical Mindset Tools To Help You Overcome Overwhelm and Be a Calm “Cyclone” Mom with Danielle Thienel *** I help moms declutter their homes, heads, and hearts. Contact - > [email protected]  Podcast -＞ https://www.simplebyemmy.com/podcast Learn -＞ https://www.simplebyemmy.com/resources Connect -＞ Join our free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms Instagram -＞ @simplebyemmy and @momsovercomingoverwhelm   *** Don't Know Where to Start? *** 5 Steps to Overcome Overwhelm -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/5steps/ 5 Mindset Shifts for Decluttering -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/mindset/   Wanna work with me to kick overwhelm to the curb, mama? There are three options for you! Step 1: Join a supportive community of moms plus decluttering challenges to keep you on track at the free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms Step 2: Sign up for the weekly Decluttering Tips and Resources for Overwhelmed Moms Newsletter and see samples here: https://pages.simplebyemmy.com/profile Step 3: Get more personalized support with in-person or virtual decluttering and organization coaching! https://www.simplebyemmy.com/coaching

Our journeys to a simpler, more intentional life can be influenced by many things - including books, podcasts, our faith, other thought traditions, and more. Today I have the pleasure of speaking to my friend Diane Boden from the top-rated podcast, Minimalist Moms, where she spreads her ideas and interviews in regards to living a life in the pursuit of less. For more than a decade, Diane’s goal has been simple to think more and do with less. Her journey has incorporated aspects of her Christian faith, as well as nature, Stoicism, Buddhism, and other faith traditions and philosophies to help her live a more intentional life. We talk about our guilty pleasure Love Is Blind, as well as the importance of discomfort and boredom, as well as the values we’ve imparted onto our children due to a simpler, more minimal lifestyle. Diane has been featured on other popular podcasts: The Spillover with Alex Clark, The Mom Hour, Find the Magic, With Intention, and many others. She has also been featured in Simplify Magazine in March 2023. Her first book Minimalist Moms: Living and Parenting with Simplicity released in March 2021. She lives in Columbus, Ohio with her husband and three children. Resources Mentioned (NOTE: affiliate links may be included): Connect with Diane on her website, her podcast, or Instagram Diane’s book: Minimalist Moms: Living and Parenting with Simplicity There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather by Linda Åkeson McGurk Reconnected by Carlos Whittaker The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin Awareness by Anthony De Mello   Related Episodes: Episode 44: 8 Important Values Decluttering Teaches Our Kids Episode 128: How a Personal Inventory Can Help You Calm the Chaos and Live More Intentionally - with Kari Davis from The Well - Health and Wholeness Podcast Episode 130: Make Minimalism Your Own with Desirae Endres from Minimal-ish *** I help moms declutter their homes, heads, and hearts. Contact - > [email protected]  Podcast -＞ https://www.simplebyemmy.com/podcast Learn -＞ https://www.simplebyemmy.com/resources Connect -＞ Join our free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms Instagram -＞ @simplebyemmy and @momsovercomingoverwhelm   *** Don't Know Where to Start? *** 5 Steps to Overcome Overwhelm -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/5steps/ 5 Mindset Shifts for Decluttering -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/mindset/   Wanna work with me to kick overwhelm to the curb, mama? There are three options for you! Step 1: Join a supportive community of moms plus decluttering challenges to keep you on track at the free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms Step 2: Sign up for the weekly Decluttering Tips and Resources for Overwhelmed Moms Newsletter and see samples here: https://pages.simplebyemmy.com/profile Step 3: Get more personalized support with in-person or virtual decluttering and organization coaching! https://www.simplebyemmy.com/coaching

Is the chaos of your home so overwhelming you have no idea where to start? The 5-S formula will help you prioritize and take action so you can start building momentum towards your clutter-free home! Resources Mentioned (affiliate links may be included): Remaining You While Raising Them: The Secret Art of Confident Motherhood by Alli Worthington Atomic Habits by James Clear Related Episodes: Episode 3: Before you Declutter, You MUST Do This First Episode 5: Don’t Know Where to Start Decluttering? The Answer May Surprise You Episode 61: 5 Questions to Get You Unstuck on Your Decluttering Journey *** I help moms declutter their homes, heads, and hearts. Contact - > [email protected]  Podcast -＞ https://www.simplebyemmy.com/podcast Learn -＞ https://www.simplebyemmy.com/resources Connect -＞ Join our free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms Instagram -＞ @simplebyemmy and @momsovercomingoverwhelm   *** Don't Know Where to Start? *** 5 Steps to Overcome Overwhelm -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/5steps/ 5 Mindset Shifts for Decluttering -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/mindset/   Wanna work with me to kick overwhelm to the curb, mama? There are three options for you! Step 1: Join a supportive community of moms plus decluttering challenges to keep you on track at the free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms Step 2: Sign up for the weekly Decluttering Tips and Resources for Overwhelmed Moms Newsletter and see samples here: https://pages.simplebyemmy.com/profile Step 3: Get more personalized support with in-person or virtual decluttering and organization coaching! https://www.simplebyemmy.com/coaching

Do you love goal setting? Or do you avoid it because you’re so overwhelmed and you don’t want one MORE thing to focus on? Gabe Cox is sharing her best tips for realistic goal setting for overwhelmed moms. We chat about how to cultivate a “red hot mindset” through creating our vision, using a “stepping stone” approach to break down big goals, and celebrate our small victories along the way. Gabe is a goal planning and business strategist and the founder of Red Hot Mindset. She helps entrepreneurs personalize and take action on a game plan that works with their capacity in different seasons so that they don't have to sacrifice everything to hit their goals. She teaches how to market your business without relying on social media so that you can ditch the hustle culture for good. Resources Mentioned: Connect with Gabe on her website or check out her free 3 Pillars to Crusthing Goals Masterclass Related Episodes: Episode 94: 5 Productivity Hacks to Help You Stay on Top of Your Day with Michelle Byrd from The Busy Vibrant Mom Episode 128: How a Personal Inventory Can Help You Calm the Chaos and Live More Intentionally - with Kari Davis from The Well - Health and Wholeness Podcast Episode 148: The Power of a “Yes” List to Overcome Overwhelm - with Jessica Jackson from the Thriving in Motherhood Podcast *** I help moms declutter their homes, heads, and hearts. Contact - > [email protected]  Podcast -＞ https://www.simplebyemmy.com/podcast Learn -＞ https://www.simplebyemmy.com/resources Connect -＞ Join our free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms Instagram -＞ @simplebyemmy and @momsovercomingoverwhelm   *** Don't Know Where to Start? *** 5 Steps to Overcome Overwhelm -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/5steps/ 5 Mindset Shifts for Decluttering -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/mindset/   Wanna work with me to kick overwhelm to the curb, mama? There are three options for you! Step 1: Join a supportive community of moms plus decluttering challenges to keep you on track at the free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms Step 2: Sign up for the weekly Decluttering Tips and Resources for Overwhelmed Moms Newsletter and see samples here: https://pages.simplebyemmy.com/profile Step 3: Get more personalized support with in-person or virtual decluttering and organization coaching! https://www.simplebyemmy.com/coaching