305: How to Protect the Time You Gain After Decluttering and Why It Matters More Than You Think

Packing light shouldn’t feel like rocket science… or like you’re prepping for the runway. This week, I’m walking you through my exact minimalist travel system—no overpacking, no stress, and zero suitcase regrets. 👕👖☀️What if you could pack less and actually feel more like yourself on your next trip? Whether you’re hitting the road for a weekend getaway or jetting off on an overseas adventure, this episode is your permission slip to ditch the “what-if” items and build a travel wardrobe that works hard for you. I’ll share my go-to 5/4/3/2/1 packing formula, the truth about “aspirational outfits,” and the one mindset shift that changed how I travel forever. ✈️ In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How to avoid overpacking by planning for the real you, not the vacation fantasy version of you The 5/4/3/2/1 minimalist packing formula that simplifies everything Why “just in case” items = clutter in disguise The color palette hack that makes mix-and-matching effortless My favorite fabrics for wrinkle-free travel that don’t scream “tourist” One thing to do before zipping your suitcase that will save your sanity later 💡Packing Tips That’ll Change Your Travel Game: The unexpected reason we overpack—and how to quiet that clutter voice Why breathable, layerable pieces are your vacation MVPs How snapping outfit photos before your trip becomes your secret weapon What to pack instead of extra outfits (hint: it smells amazing and saves your back) Yup—decluttering your air is a thing. And AirDoctor makes it ridiculously easy. It filters out 99.99% of dust, mold, pet dander, and even bacteria. 🎁 Grab up to $300 off + a FREE 3-year warranty at airdoctorpro.com with code MAX Ready to Simplify Even More? Start Here: ✅ Declutter Fast with My Free Guide: 75 Things to Declutter Right Now Quick wins. Instant relief. Clear space in minutes. 📥 https://www.katyjoywells.com/declutter 💬 Get Personalized Coaching from Me Stuck in your clutter cycle? Let’s build a simple, customized plan to clear the overwhelm. 💼 https://www.katyjoywells.com/innercircle 📝 Create Your Home Management Blueprint Finally feel on top of your home—with routines and systems built just for you. 🏡 https://www.katyjoywells.com/home-management-mastery 📲 Come Say Hi on Instagram Behind-the-scenes, real-life simplicity, and lots of laughs. 💛 @katyjoywells 📲 Found this helpful? Text this episode to your favorite overpacker. They’ll thank you at baggage claim. And don’t forget to tag @katyjoywells on Instagram—we’re all about traveling lighter together. You don’t need more outfits to have more fun. You just need space for what matters. Ready, Set, Simplify.

Wait… buying things in a minimalist lifestyle? Yep. We’re going there. If you’ve ever felt guilty for buying something new—even something that actually made your life easier—this episode is for you. Because decluttering isn’t about never buying again. It’s about buying smarter. More intentionally. In ways that support your current season (not clutter your home or conscience). In this honest and practical episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on 8 simple purchases I’ve made over the years that have truly helped me streamline routines, reduce friction, and support my peace. From laundry hacks that keep my boys’ floors clear 🙌 to the one kitchen item that makes every morning feel just a little more joyful—these aren’t “influencer” recommendations. They’re real-life, tried-and-true tools that help a home work. 💡 What You’ll Walk Away With: The reframe you need if you feel guilty about buying (even useful!) things My go-to habit-supporting tools for smoother mornings, less nagging, and fewer meltdowns Why spending money can align with minimalist values (and how to tell if it actually will) The underrated power of functional upgrades—and how to spot them in your own routines 🛍️ Mentioned in This Episode: Hanging laundry hampers for kids’ rooms A countertop espresso machine that sparks joy ☕ Matching garage bins that finally ended bin Jenga Reusable plastic sleeves + dry erase markers for family routines Visual timers for time-blind kiddos (and mamas) Our beloved digital photo frame My favorite way to “read” more books without the guilt stack → Audible ✨ Let This Be Your Permission Slip: Buying less is a powerful tool. But buying better? That’s how you build a home that serves your life. So if you’ve been eyeing something that would actually make your days flow easier—this is your nudge. Don’t overthink it. Just press play. 🎯 SEO keywords woven throughout: minimalist lifestyle hacks, simple home organization tools, decluttering guilt, best household purchases, how to simplify your life, family organization ideas, minimalism for moms, smart home buys 🧡 Loved this episode? Join me inside the Clutter Cure Club (https://www.katyjoywells.com/cluttercureclub-page837548) — where we take conversations like this even deeper, and I help you simplify everything. 📩 Or subscribe to my free weekly newsletter, Ready, Set, Simplify (https://www.katyjoywells.com/simplify), for one decluttering mindset shift every Wednesday morning. Tag me @katyjoywells with your favorite simplifying purchase—I’d love to cheer you on. See you next week. Ready, Set, Simplify.

Ever feel like the world’s designed to keep you anxious… and stuck? You’re not alone. And today’s guest—Martha Beck, best-selling author and world-renowned life coach—is here to show us a gentler way forward. In this episode, Martha shares the soul-soothing, science-backed strategies from her latest book, “Beyond Anxiety: Curiosity, Creativity, and Finding Your Life’s Purpose.” We dive deep into why anxiety is on the rise (and what you can do to quiet it), how to live in a “circle world” even when life feels like a box, and the simple actions that unlock your purpose—no hustle required. 🎙️ Inside this conversation: 🌿 How your environment (yes, even your kitchen counters!) can either fuel anxiety or bring calm 🌱 Why modern life is like living in a box… and how to create your own circles of peace, creativity, and connection 🧠 The real reason your brain is stuck in the anxiety spiral (it’s not your fault!) 💡 The magic of “sense drenching” and how it can melt anxiety in minutes 💛 Why your life’s purpose isn’t something you have to find—it’s something you live, one step at a time Martha’s insights are more than just tips—they’re an invitation to come home to yourself. To swap out overwhelm for curiosity. To finally create the calm and purpose you know you’re craving. Because when we declutter the noise and listen to our soul’s quiet whispers? That’s where real peace—and real purpose—live. 🔗 Links & Resources: Martha’s must-read book: “Beyond Anxiety” (https://marthabeck.com/beyond-anxiety/) Free Anxiety Toolkit (https://marthabeck.com/exercises/) from Martha to help you put these ideas into practice Join my free weekly newsletter, Ready, Set, Simplify, (https://www.katyjoywells.com/simplify) for more ways to calm the chaos in your home (and head!) 👉 Let’s step out of the box, into the circle, and find the freedom you’ve been waiting for. Hit play and let’s simplify, together.

If you’ve ever felt torn between wanting to improve yourself and just wanting to be… this episode is for you. I sat down with Gretchen Rubin—best-selling author, researcher, and self-knowledge expert—to unpack some of her most powerful insights from her book, “Secrets of Adulthood.” We’re talking about real-life advice you can actually use… the kind that makes you go, “Oh, that’s me.” 👉 No one-size-fits-all life hacks. 👉 No endless to-do lists. 👉 Just honest, practical wisdom about how to be a little more you—and a little happier in the process. 🎙️ What You’ll Hear: Gretchen’s favorite secrets of adulthood—like why “no tool fits every hand” is a game-changer for simplifying your life The surprising link between self-knowledge and decluttering (yes, your home and your mind!) How to stop “arrival fallacy” thinking—where we wait for someday to feel happier or enough Tips for balancing ambition with acceptance… because love is unconditional (and demanding!) Why self-awareness is the missing piece to everything from better mornings to real calm ✨ Why It Matters: So often, we’re bombarded with advice that doesn’t fit our lives or personalities. Gretchen and I dive deep into how to find what actually works for you—and why knowing yourself is the ultimate clutter cure. Because when you truly know yourself, you can build a life that feels lighter, calmer, and more aligned with what matters most. 🔗 Links & Resources: Grab Gretchen’s book, Secrets of Adulthood (https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Adulthood-Simple-Truths-Complex/dp/0593800737), for even more bite-sized wisdom you’ll want to stick on your fridge (link in show notes!) Love this kind of conversation? Join my free weekly newsletter, Ready, Set, Simplify (https://www.katyjoywells.com/simplify), for bite-sized tips and pep talks to help you declutter your home and your mind 👉 Ready for some of the best life advice you’ll ever hear? Hit play and let’s simplify—inside and out.

Ever looked around your house and thought, “Where would I even start?” Maybe the idea of decluttering feels overwhelming—like you need a whole weekend, a label maker, and a small army to make progress. But what if I told you that big results don’t require big time? In this episode of the Maximized Minimalist, I’m flipping the script on what it really takes to simplify your space—and your headspace. I’m sharing 7 ridiculously doable decluttering wins you can grab in five minutes or less… even if your schedule is slammed. No perfect conditions required. No color-coded bins necessary. If you’ve ever felt stuck because you didn’t have time, energy, or motivation—this episode will help you get started (and feel good doing it). What You’ll Learn: Why traditional decluttering advice might be sabotaging your progress The nightstand trick that can create a domino effect of calm What your purse really says about your stress level (👀) My favorite way to clear digital clutter that takes less time than brewing coffee And the one drawer you definitely need to rename ASAP Real talk: It’s not about doing it all. It’s about doing something. Listen now for 7 quick wins that’ll leave you thinking, “Wait… decluttering can feel this good?” Links Mentioned: Want to breathe easier? I love AirDoctor (https://www.airdoctorpro.com) for cleaning up the invisible clutter in my home. Use code MAX for up to $300 off + a free 3-year warranty. Need a weekly nudge to simplify your life? Join my free newsletter (https://www.katyjoywells.com/simplify) for 60-second decluttering tips that actually fit your life.

Do you feel like your body is constantly on high alert—even when nothing’s technically wrong? Or maybe you wake up already tired, feel wired-but-exhausted by 2 PM, and no matter how much you “rest,” it never feels like enough? You're not broken, friend. You're likely stuck in nervous system dysregulation—and today’s episode will help you get back into alignment. I’m joined by Michelle Grosser, a nervous system coach, somatic practitioner, and former trial attorney who now helps women regulate stress, calm overwhelm, and feel safe and present again in their bodies and lives. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What a dysregulated nervous system actually is—and why it matters How to tell if you’re stuck in fight, flight, or freeze (even if you're “functioning”) Simple 90-second practices to regulate your nervous system on the spot Why hustle feels “safe” to your brain—and how to rewire that response How slowing down physically can create more clarity, peace, and energy 🔥 Quick, Practical Tools Shared: The Physiological Sigh — the 3-second breath technique that soothes your system instantly The Shake + Move Method — what your body needs when you feel anxious or overstimulated Cold touch hacks (yes, frozen peas can regulate your vagus nerve!) The Sensory Grounding Scan — perfect for when you feel stuck, numb, or foggy 💡 Your Takeaway Today: You don’t have to earn your rest. You don’t have to hustle for your worth. And you don’t have to live in a body that feels like a battlefield. There are simple, gentle tools that help your nervous system exhale—and once you learn them, everything shifts. 📥 Want More Support? Grab Michelle’s free Nervous System Reset Guide here: 👉 michellegrosser.com/reset And be sure to follow Michelle for more somatic tips: 📲 Instagram: @itsmichellegrosser 🎙️ Podcast: The Calm Mom 💛 Simplify Even More with These Resources: Ready to Declutter Even More? Check Out These Resources: 🚀 Get FAST Results with My Free Guide: 75 Things to Declutter Right Now Need a quick win? This guide helps you clear space and see results fast. 📥 https://www.katyjoywells.com/declutter 💡 Work 1-on-1 With Me Need personalized support to simplify your life? Let’s create a plan that works for you. 💼 https://www.katyjoywells.com/innercircle 🏡 Get Your Personalized Home Management Blueprint Want a step-by-step plan to manage your home effortlessly? Let’s create your custom blueprint. 📝 https://www.katyjoywells.com/home-management-mastery 📲 Connect with Me on Instagram Follow me for daily decluttering tips, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes peeks into my life. 💛 https://www.instagram.com/katyjoywells

☀️ Ready for a calmer, lighter summer? Let’s make that happen—starting with your stuff. If summer’s approaching and you’re already feeling behind—hello, cluttered counters, mystery sunscreen stash, and overflowing school papers—this episode is your roadmap to reset. In this episode, I’m walking you through 5 specific things to declutter now that will make your summer feel easier, more peaceful, and way more manageable. No massive overhaul. No organizing binge. Just small, powerful wins that help you create the margin you’re craving. Because here’s the truth: You don’t need more bins or a color-coded summer calendar. You need space—for joy, rest, fun, and being present. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 1️⃣ How to Clear the End-of-School-Year Dump Zone (Without Guilt) Tired of stacks of artwork and random folders piling up? I’ll show you how to quickly process school papers—and how to make one decision that eliminates the overwhelm for good. 2️⃣ The Easy Way to Declutter Last Year’s Summer Gear No more moldy towels, broken goggles, or expired sunscreen hanging around. Learn how to create a quick “maybe” bin to make decluttering painless and kid-friendly. 3️⃣ A 10-Minute Pantry Reset for Summer Sanity Toss the stale snacks, organize your overflow, and create a grab-and-go summer snack bin your kids can actually use—without asking you 47 times a day. 4️⃣ How to Let Go of Your “Maybe Someday” Summer Projects This is the pep talk you didn’t know you needed. You don’t have to organize your whole house or start a garden to have a meaningful summer. I’ll help you pick one thing—and release the rest with zero guilt. 5️⃣ Breaking Free from the Pressure to “Do Summer Right” This one goes deep. I’m sharing what shifted for me when I gave up being the Pinterest-perfect fun mom and chose presence over performance. 💡 One Powerful Reminder from This Episode: “Summer doesn’t need to be productive to be valuable. It just needs space to be what you need it to be.” 💬 Your Challenge This Week: Pick one clutter zone we talked about—school paper piles, summer gear, or your pantry—and give yourself just 10 minutes to tackle it. Then pause, breathe, and soak in the difference it makes. 🎧 Loved this episode? Share it with a friend who’s feeling summer stress before school even ends. And if you haven’t yet, be sure to subscribe so you never miss the simple mindset shifts and micro-wins that make a big impact. Ready, Set, Simplify – bye! 💛 Simplify Even More with These Resources: Ready to Declutter Even More? Check Out These Resources: 🚀 Get FAST Results with My Free Guide: 75 Things to Declutter Right Now Need a quick win? This guide helps you clear space and see results fast. 📥 https://www.katyjoywells.com/declutter 💡 Work 1-on-1 With Me Need personalized support to simplify your life? Let’s create a plan that works for you. 💼 https://www.katyjoywells.com/innercircle 🏡 Get Your Personalized Home Management Blueprint Want a step-by-step plan to manage your home effortlessly? Let’s create your custom blueprint. 📝 https://www.katyjoywells.com/home-management-mastery 📲 Connect with Me on Instagram Follow me for daily decluttering tips, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes peeks into my life. 💛 https://www.instagram.com/katyjoywells

📦 You finally cleared the clutter. 🧺 Your routines are smoother. ⏳ You’ve carved out breathing room. But now what? If you've ever found yourself staring at an empty shelf... or sitting in a tidy room… and feeling strangely uncomfortable—this episode is for you. Because here's the thing no one talks about: decluttering isn’t just about clearing physical space—it’s about learning how to be in that space without filling it back up. 🧠 What This Episode Will Help You Understand: Why rest can feel uncomfortable after a busy season The hidden belief that “stillness = laziness” What to do with the space you’ve worked so hard to create (spoiler: nothing) How to stop striving and start truly savoring the life you’re building ✨ This episode is your permission slip to: Pause without guilt Say no without shame Choose peace over pressure Because friend, the margin you’ve made? It’s not empty. It’s sacred. 🎯 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: ✅ Why so many of us are addicted to “go mode” (and how to exit it) ✅ How to reframe your relationship with rest, silence, and stillness ✅ What it actually means to protect your margin once you’ve made it ✅ Three gentle ways to practice presence without jumping back into productivity 🧡 Quick Win: Sit in a decluttered room. Don’t touch a thing. No cleaning. No optimizing. No to-do list. Just sit. Breathe. Let yourself be. Because the space you’ve created? It’s not waiting to be filled—it’s waiting to hold you. 🎧 Loved this episode? Send it to a friend who’s been stuck in the “I know what to do, but…” loop. And if you haven’t already, tap that subscribe button so you never miss a dose of motivation + momentum. Ready, Set, Simplify – bye! Ready to Simplify Even More? Start Here: ✅ Declutter Fast with My Free Guide: 75 Things to Declutter Right Now Quick wins. Instant relief. Clear space in minutes. 📥 https://www.katyjoywells.com/declutter 💬 Get Personalized Coaching from Me Stuck in your clutter cycle? Let’s build a simple, customized plan to clear the overwhelm. 💼 https://www.katyjoywells.com/innercircle 📝 Create Your Home Management Blueprint Finally feel on top of your home—with routines and systems built just for you. 🏡 https://www.katyjoywells.com/home-management-mastery 📲 Come Say Hi on Instagram Behind-the-scenes, real-life simplicity, and lots of laughs. 💛 @katyjoywells

“I know what I need to do… I’m just not doing it.” If that sounds like something you’ve said lately, friend—you’re in good company. Whether it's decluttering, tackling your to-do list, or finally organizing that one room that’s driving you nuts, knowing what to do isn’t always the hard part. It’s actually doing it. So… why do we freeze? Why do we scroll instead of sort? Why do we put off the one drawer that could take 5 minutes to clear? That’s exactly what we’re diving into today. 🎧 In this episode, I’m unpacking 5 hidden reasons you’re stuck—even when you really want to move forward—and how to finally create the momentum you’ve been craving. 🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 1️⃣ The Real Reason You’re Not Taking Action (Hint: It’s NOT laziness) There’s almost always an invisible roadblock between knowing and doing. I’ll walk you through how to spot it—and how to clear it without shaming yourself in the process. 2️⃣ How to Get Crystal Clear on What “Done” Looks Like Vague goals like “declutter my house” will keep you spinning. I’ll show you how to create a clear vision that actually motivates action (and feels do-able, not overwhelming). 3️⃣ How Your Identity Might Be Holding You Back If you’ve ever said “I’m just not an organized person,” this section is for you. I’ll share a powerful mindset shift that can change the way you see yourself and your space. 4️⃣ How to Beat Decision Fatigue and Get Instant Wins Tired brains don’t declutter. That’s why I teach my students to start with Low-Hanging Fruit. You’ll learn how to build momentum with zero stress. 5️⃣ What to Do When Clutter Feels Emotional Sometimes, we avoid stuff because it makes us feel guilt, grief, or shame. I’ll guide you through what to do when it’s not just stuff—it’s emotional baggage. 💬 This episode is especially for you if: You want to declutter but keep putting it off You’re overwhelmed by decisions or perfectionism You keep waiting for motivation that never seems to come You’re sick of feeling stuck, but don’t know how to move forward Friend, you’re not broken. You’re just carrying more than you realize. Let this episode be the gentle push forward you’ve been needing. 💡 Resources Mentioned: 🌀 The Momentum Maker Module – Inside the Clutter Cure Club It’s your go-to for beating decision fatigue and taking fast, feel-good action—without overthinking. Already a member? Go check it out! 🗞️ Join the Ready, Set, Simplify Newsletter Over 35,000 women read it weekly for clutter-busting tips, tiny mindset shifts, and practical steps to simplify your home and your life. 👉 Sign up here 💥 Your 5-Minute Challenge This Week: Set a timer for 5 minutes and take one action: 📦 Toss out broken pens 📬 Recycle junk mail 🧦 Say goodbye to socks with holes Just ONE. That’s all it takes to knock over the first domino and get unstuck. 🎧 Loved this episode? Send it to a friend who’s been stuck in the “I know what to do, but…” loop. And if you haven’t already, tap that subscribe button so you never miss a dose of motivation + momentum. Ready, Set, Simplify – bye! Ready to Simplify Even More? Start Here: ✅ Declutter Fast with My Free Guide: 75 Things to Declutter Right Now Quick wins. Instant relief. Clear space in minutes. 📥 https://www.katyjoywells.com/declutter 💬 Get Personalized Coaching from Me Stuck in your clutter cycle? Let’s build a simple, customized plan to clear the overwhelm. 💼 https://www.katyjoywells.com/innercircle 📝 Create Your Home Management Blueprint Finally feel on top of your home—with routines and systems built just for you. 🏡 https://www.katyjoywells.com/home-management-mastery 📲 Come Say Hi on Instagram Behind-the-scenes, real-life simplicity, and lots of laughs. 💛 @katyjoywells

If you’ve ever felt exhausted but couldn’t explain why… If you’ve ever thought, “I’m doing all the right things, but I still don’t feel like me”... If the word burnout feels a little too real lately... This episode is a must-listen. 💛 I’m joined by Dr. Ashley Rath—a functional medicine practitioner, mom of three, and Midwest gal after my own heart—to unpack what burnout really is (hint: it’s not just being tired) and how to finally start healing from the inside out. We’re talking emotional exhaustion, flatlined energy, and why “just getting more sleep” doesn’t actually solve the problem. You’ll walk away from this episode not only feeling seen but equipped with practical, powerful tools to reclaim your energy and joy—even if your schedule feels full and your to-do list never ends. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 1️⃣ How to Know If You’re Burned Out (vs. Just Having a Hard Week) Burnout is sneaky—and it often hides behind fatigue, short tempers, or emotional numbness. Dr. Ashley breaks down the red flags most women miss and how to spot them early. 2️⃣ Why “Hustle Harder” Doesn’t Work (and What Actually Does) Learn why traditional advice falls flat when your cortisol is already on empty—and how to support your body with simple, science-backed shifts that reset your energy from the inside out. 3️⃣ The Resilience Formula That Works with Your Life (Not Against It) From identifying energy leaks to creating margin without adding “one more thing,” you’ll hear small, sustainable changes that make a big impact—especially in a busy season of motherhood. 4️⃣ How Identity Shapes Behavior (And How to Shift Yours Starting Today) You don’t have to wait until you “feel” healthy or energized to start showing up as the person you want to be. This episode shares how to begin acting from your future identity—and why that unlocks lasting change. 💡 One Mic-Drop Moment You’ll Remember: “You can’t delegate your healing. But you also don’t have to hustle for it.” – Dr. Ashley Rath 📚 Resources + Links from the Episode: Grab Dr. Ashley Rath’s book: Love Your Life & Yourself: A Modern Mom’s Guide to Happiness, Health, and Resilience 📖 Available on Amazon Visit Dr. Ashley's website for resources, free tools, and virtual consults: 🌐 www.drashleyrath.com Follow Dr. Ashley on Instagram: 📲 Instagram.com/drashleyrath Get bite-sized hormone tips, burnout education, and behind-the-scenes of life as a functional medicine doc and mom. 💬 Your Challenge This Week: Try the Stop, Delegate, Systemize method: ✂️ Stop what doesn’t serve you 🤝 Delegate what you don’t have to do yourself 🗂️ Systemize what you do daily Even just one shift can help you carve out space to rest, recharge, and reconnect with yourself again. 🎧 Loved this episode? Send it to a friend who’s feeling burnt out but doesn’t know where to start. And if you haven’t yet—subscribe to the show so you never miss a new conversation that’ll help you simplify and breathe easier again. Ready, Set, Simplify – bye! Ready to Declutter Even More? Check Out These Resources: 🚀 Get FAST Results with My Free Guide: 75 Things to Declutter Right Now Need a quick win? This guide helps you clear space and see results fast. 📥 https://www.katyjoywells.com/declutter 💡 Work 1-on-1 With Me Need personalized support to simplify your life? Let’s create a plan that works for you. 💼 https://www.katyjoywells.com/innercircle 🏡 Get Your Personalized Home Management Blueprint Want a step-by-step plan to manage your home effortlessly? Let’s create your custom blueprint. 📝 https://www.katyjoywells.com/home-management-mastery 📲 Connect with Me on Instagram Follow me for daily decluttering tips, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes peeks into my life. 💛 https://www.instagram.com/katyjoywells