339: Why Fresh Starts Fail And What Actually Works Instead

📚 PRE-ORDER MY NEW BOOK Making Home Your Happy Place: The Real-Life Guide to Decluttering Without the Overwhelm releases February 17th. Pre-order now to receive exclusive bonus goodies—simple, supportive tools you can start using right away. 👉 Pre-Order wherever books are sold 🎯 TAKE THE FREE DECLUTTERING STYLE QUIZ Discover your personal Decluttering Style and get a clear, realistic starting plan that actually fits your life. 👉 Take the free quiz Every January, we're sold the same promise: New year, new you. Fresh motivation. Big plans. A clean slate. But what if the "fresh start" was never designed to work in the first place? And what if the reason it hasn't worked for you has nothing to do with discipline, motivation, or willpower? In this episode, I'm unpacking why traditional January resets fail so consistently—and what actually creates lasting change instead. We're talking about motivation myths, generic plans that ignore real life, and why trying to declutter (or change anything) alone is one of the biggest reasons people get stuck. I'm also sharing the real story of a client (Evie) whose yearly January reset cycle left her feeling defeated, ashamed, and convinced something was wrong with her—until she tried a completely different approach. If you've ever felt hopeful on January 1st… only to feel discouraged by January 18th, this episode is for you. What You'll Learn Why most New Year's resolutions fail by mid-January (and the exact date most people quit) The cultural myth behind "fresh starts" and why it quietly blames you when it fails Why motivation is not a strategy—and what actually sustains progress The three core reasons January resets almost always fall apart How generic decluttering plans work against busy families Why real change rarely happens in isolation The difference between a heroic push and a sustainable system What finally helped one mom break out of the January-reset cycle for good How shifting the method (not yourself) changes everything Want Support Instead of Another January Reset? If this episode resonated and you're done repeating the same cycle, applications are now open for The Inner Circle—my 90-day coaching experience. Inside, you'll get: A personalized decluttering plan built around your life Support and accountability Monday–Friday Help navigating stuck points (because everyone gets stuck) A realistic, sustainable approach—no PTO required, no weekend marathons 🗓 Starts January 5 👥 Limited to 25 women 📝 Application only (open now through January 1 or until full) 👉 Apply to work with me 1-on-1 in the Inner Circle If your fresh starts have failed before, please hear this clearly: It was never you. You don't need fixing. You don't need more willpower. You don't need a new identity. You need a method that actually works for real life. I'm cheering for you—and I'll see you in the next episode. Ready, set, simplify. 💛

📚 PRE-ORDER MY NEW BOOK! Making Home Your Happy Place: The Real Life Guide to Decluttering Without the Overwhelm releases February 17th! Pre-order now and receive exclusive bonus goodies—simple, supportive tools you can apply right away through the holiday season and beyond! 👉 Pre-Order Your Copy Today! 🎯 TAKE THE FREE QUIZ! Discover your unique Decluttering Style and get personalized tips that actually work for YOU. 👉 Take the Decluttering Style Quiz Somewhere right now, there's a decorative ceramic rooster sitting in the back of a closet—kept out of guilt, obligation, or fear of hurting someone's feelings. In today's episode, we're finally setting that rooster free. I'm sharing a simple, compassionate 3-step framework for letting go of unwanted gifts without guilt, why holding onto gifts we don't want isn't gratitude (it's fear), and how to separate the intention behind a gift from the object itself. We'll talk about the emotional beliefs that keep unwanted gifts stuck in our homes—and I'll even give you a simple script for what to say if Aunt Linda ever asks where her rooster went. If you've ever smiled, said "thank you," and then wondered what am I supposed to do with this now?—this episode is for you. What You'll Learn The 3-step framework for letting go of unwanted gifts Why over half of Americans receive unwanted gifts—and what usually happens to them The hidden belief that makes letting go of gifts feel so hard Why keeping unwanted gifts isn't gratitude—it's emotional self-protection How to separate the gift from the giver without damaging relationships A personal story about a childhood necklace and the mindset shift that changed everything The difference between honoring someone's intention and storing the object forever Exactly what to say if the gift-giver asks about it later (yes, I give you a script) Key Takeaways Gratitude does not require permanent storage. You can appreciate the thought behind a gift without keeping the item itself. Unwanted gifts often stay because we fear awkward conversations—not because we value them. The object carried the sentiment, but once received, the sentiment lives in you, not the thing. Letting go of gifts you don't want is not rejection—it's stewardship. Keeping something out of obligation only creates clutter in your home and your head. Mini Challenge Before the Holidays Open one closet today and find your version of the ceramic rooster. Ask yourself: Do I actually use or enjoy this? Am I keeping it because I want it—or because I feel like I should? If the giver knew I was keeping this out of obligation, would they want that for me? Then decide: donate, re-gift, or set a clear deadline. Want to Go Deeper? Join Clutter Cure Club Want to create a home that feels light, peaceful, and aligned with real life? Inside CCC, we turn tiny shifts (like today's reset) into lasting rhythms that stick. 👉 Join me inside the Clutter Cure Club (https://www.katyjoywells.com/clutter-cure-club) Join the Ready, Set, Simplify Newsletter Over 35,000 women read it weekly for clutter-busting tips, mindset support, and doable steps to simplify your home. 👉 Sign up here (https://www.katyjoywells.com/simplify) Come Say Hi on Instagram Real-life simplicity, behind-the-scenes, and encouragement. @katyjoywells Interested in Working with Me 1:1? Join the Inner Circle Waitlist If you're thinking, "I know what to do, I just can't seem to follow through," or clutter keeps coming back no matter how much you reset—this is your next step. The Inner Circle opens once a year, and waitlisters get first access. Applications open mid-December. 👉 Join the waitlist (https://www.katyjoywells.com/innercircle) Go find your ceramic rooster. Let it fly (even if roosters technically can't). Make the decision. I'll see you in the next episode. 💛

📚 PRE-ORDER MY NEW BOOK! Making Home Your Happy Place: The Real Life Guide to Decluttering Without the Overwhelm releases February 17th! Pre-order now and receive exclusive bonus goodies—simple, supportive tools you can apply right away through the holiday season and beyond! 👉 Pre-Order on Amazon 🎯 TAKE THE FREE QUIZ! Discover your unique Decluttering Style and get personalized tips that actually work for YOU. 👉 Take the Decluttering Style Quiz In this heartfelt episode, Andrew joins me to share the story of our unexpected mold crisis—one that forced us to let go of sentimental items, old hobbies, emotional keepsakes, and "someday" things… almost overnight. What started as a stressful, logistical nightmare in our basement turned into one of the clearest real-life lessons we've ever had about clutter, attachment, identity, and what truly matters. We're taking you behind the scenes of what it was really like to lose a space that held so many of our memories—Andrew's office, our wellness area, guest room, and our entire storage zone. What we learned surprised us both: what we missed, what we didn't, what stirred emotions we didn't expect, and what letting go made room for. If you've ever feared "What if I need this someday?" or felt stuck because everything feels meaningful… this conversation is going to feel like a warm exhale. What You'll Learn How our mold discovery forced a decluttering process we didn't choose—but deeply benefited from Why "I might need it someday" feels SO real… and how to see through that fear What sentimental items actually represent—and why letting go doesn't erase the memories Andrew's journey from "the guy with a hoarder-room" to someone who enjoys living with less Why time is often the most powerful tool when it comes to releasing emotional items How relationships, identity, and childhood experiences shape the way we hold on to stuff What to do when your partner's things trigger you (and vice versa) The surprising emotional layers behind trophies, t-shirts, rugs, and wedding keepsakes How decluttering actually makes many people more sentimental, not less Why a "good enough" home (not a perfect one) builds peace and connection Key Takeaways The memories don't live in the items. They live in you—and letting go cannot erase them. Sentimental clutter is deeply personal. What looks like "junk" to someone else may represent years of meaning you can't see on the surface. Your partner's pace matters. Slow, patient progress creates lasting change—pressure doesn't. Time does emotional heavy lifting. What once felt impossible to part with may someday feel neutral. Seasons of life shift what belongs in your home. Hobbies evolve, kids grow, needs change—and your home should adapt too. Letting go often creates more presence. You notice the life happening now, not just the life that already happened. A home that's "good enough" supports you far better than a home striving for perfection. Quotable Moment "When you get rid of stuff, it doesn't make you less sentimental—it makes you more sentimental in the moments that actually matter." — Andrew Wells The Most Powerful Stories From This Episode 🧡 Andrew's 5K T-shirts How a duffel bag of old race shirts turned into a lesson on fatherhood, memories, and what we really hold on to. And how two vintage Bulls shirts ended up becoming treasured keepsakes for our boys. 🧡 The Moroccan Rug A story about backpacking, freedom, and why a rug bought at 22 taught Andrew more about letting go at 42 than he ever expected. 🧡 Our Wedding Time Capsule What happened when we finally opened our handmade wedding box—14 years late—and why a moment of discomfort led to one of the clearest reminders of what matters most. 🧡 Parenting, Airsoft, and the "Junk" in the Garage Why the piles of pallets and gear that once felt like clutter now feel like connection, community, and exactly the kind of childhood we want our boys to remember. Join Clutter Cure Club Want to create a home that feels light, peaceful, and aligned with real life? Inside CCC, we turn tiny shifts (like today's reset) into lasting rhythms that stick. 👉 Join me inside the Clutter Cure Club (https://www.katyjoywells.com/clutter-cure-club) Join the Ready, Set, Simplify Newsletter Over 35,000 women read it weekly for clutter-busting tips, mindset support, and doable steps to simplify your home. 👉 Sign up here (https://www.katyjoywells.com/simplify) Come Say Hi on Instagram Real-life simplicity, behind-the-scenes, and encouragement. @katyjoywells Interested in Working with Me 1:1? Join the Inner Circle Waitlist If you're thinking, "I know what to do, I just can't seem to follow through," or clutter keeps coming back no matter how much you reset—this is your next step. The Inner Circle opens once a year, and waitlisters get first access. Applications open mid-December. 👉 Join the waitlist (https://www.katyjoywells.com/innercircle) Coming Up Next Week Don't miss our next episode, where I share more holiday-season support, simple home resets, and practical encouragement to help you stay grounded and peaceful in a full season. Ready, Set, Simplify! 💛

📚 PRE-ORDER MY NEW BOOK! Making Home Your Happy Place: The Real Life Guide to Decluttering Without the Overwhelm releases February 17th! Pre-order now and receive exclusive bonus goodies—simple, supportive tools you can apply right away through the holiday season and beyond! 👉 Pre-Order on Amazon 🎯 TAKE THE FREE QUIZ! Discover your unique Decluttering Style and get personalized tips that actually work for YOU. 👉 Take the Decluttering Style Quiz In today's bonus episode, we're talking about something nearly every woman struggles with this time of year—when your home suddenly feels loud, chaotic, and like everything has spiraled… fast. I'm breaking down the difference between expected mess and actual clutter, why mixing them up keeps you stuck in shame, and how a simple 10-minute reset can pull you out of overwhelm and bring your nervous system back online. I'm sharing the story of a client who texted me feeling defeated after dropping her Target bags on the floor and realizing every surface in her home felt like it was screaming at her. Her experience is so common—and the shift she made is one I want every woman to have during this busy, full season. If your home has started behaving like a runaway train, this episode will help you tap the brakes with compassion, clarity, and small steps that actually work. What You'll Learn Why expected mess is not the same thing as clutter—and why the distinction matters The common mental spiral ("I failed… it always comes back… I'm bad at this") and how to interrupt it The 10-minute reset that gives your brain an instant sense of calm How visible surfaces act as your home's "dashboard" for your nervous system What research says about clutter, cortisol, and working memory How to shrink mental load simply by putting things back where they belong Why one small clear zone can change your entire emotional state How resets create "visual islands of calm" during the busiest weeks of the year The mindset shift that keeps your home from getting as loud in the first place Key Takeaways Expected mess is normal. It's a byproduct of being alive—not a moral failure. Clutter is different. It's the stuff no longer serving you, and treating expected mess like clutter keeps you overwhelmed. Your brain craves order. Even one cleared surface sends a safety signal that lowers stress. You don't need a marathon. Two minutes or even 30 seconds of returning items to their homes can shift everything. Good enough is the goal. Your home doesn't need to look like a Pottery Barn ad to support you well. Consistency > intensity. The more you declutter and reset, the quieter your home feels day-to-day. You're not missing discipline—you're missing the right rhythm and brain-friendly strategy. Quotable Moment "One clear section of your counter is truly all it takes. When you reset your space, you reset your nervous system—and your home stops feeling like a runaway train." — Katy Wells Connect with Katy & Resources Join Clutter Cure Club Want to create a home that feels light, peaceful, and aligned with real life? Inside CCC, we turn tiny shifts (like today's reset) into lasting rhythms that stick. 👉 Join me inside the Clutter Cure Club (https://www.katyjoywells.com/clutter-cure-club) Join the Ready, Set, Simplify Newsletter Over 35,000 women read it weekly for clutter-busting tips, mindset support, and doable steps to simplify your home. 👉 Sign up here (https://www.katyjoywells.com/simplify) Come Say Hi on Instagram Real-life simplicity, behind-the-scenes, and encouragement. @katyjoywells Interested in Working with Me 1:1? Join the Inner Circle Waitlist If you're thinking, "I know what to do, I just can't seem to follow through," or clutter keeps coming back no matter how much you reset—this is your next step. The Inner Circle opens once a year, and waitlisters get first access. Applications open mid-December. 👉 Join the waitlist (https://www.katyjoywells.com/innercircle) Coming Up This Week Don't miss Wednesday's episode with my husband, Andrew, where we talk about what our mold crisis taught us about clutter, comfort, and letting go. A powerful conversation you won't want to miss. Ready, Set, Simplify! 💛  

📚 PRE-ORDER MY NEW BOOK! Making Home Your Happy Place: The Real Life Guide to Decluttering Without the Overwhelm releases February 17th! Pre-order now and receive exclusive bonus goodies—simple, supportive tools you can apply right away through the holiday season and beyond! 👉 Pre-Order on Amazon 🎯 TAKE THE FREE QUIZ! Discover your unique Decluttering Style and get personalized tips that actually work for YOU. 👉 Take the Decluttering Style Quiz In this special episode, I'm sharing the deeply personal story behind writing my first book—from an unexpected moment in my laundry room where I felt called to write, to the journey of trusting the process through prayer, connection, and even a hurricane. I'm opening up about how God meets us in ordinary moments, why clutter is rarely just about the stuff, and the heart behind my holistic decluttering method that honors your whole self. What You'll Learn The laundry room moment that sparked the idea for this book Why "God doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called" became myguiding principle The three pillars of my holistic decluttering method: Root Awareness, Empowered Action, and Sustainable Momentum An introduction to the four clutter types: Superficial, Scarcity, Sentimental, and Identity clutter Why this book is about freedom—from shame, overwhelm, and unrealistic expectations What to expect from bonus December episodes with quick wins for the holiday season Key Takeaways Your home doesn't have to be perfect to support you—it just has to be good enough to hold you and your family well. Clutter is rarely just about the stuff—it's the stories, emotions, beliefs, and pressures wrapped around it. You can declutter your home over and over, but until you understand yourself, the clutter and overwhelm will keep coming back. Different clutter types need different toolkits—one size does not fit all. We are often met by God in the middle of ordinary life, and callings can show up in spaces where we don't expect. The Four Clutter Types (From the Book) Superficial Clutter: Surface piles that reappear the moment life speeds up Scarcity Clutter: "Just in case" items that feel safe but can be suffocating Sentimental Clutter: Memory-filled treasures that are hard to let go Identity Clutter: Items tied to past, future, or aspirational versions of ourselves Quotable Moment "I wasn't failing the solutions. They were failing me. Nothing was wrong with me, and nothing's wrong with you either. You just need a compassionate, real life approach that honors who you are and the life you're living." — Katy Wells Connect with Katy & Resources Join Clutter Cure Club Want to create a home that feels light, peaceful, and aligned with what truly matters? Inside CCC, we turn powerful mindset shifts (like today's episode) into small, doable changes that last. 👉 Join me inside the Clutter Cure Club 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 Come Say Hi on Instagram Behind-the-scenes and real-life simplicity. @katyjoywells Coming Up in December Look out for bonus Monday episodes throughout December with super actionable quick wins—what to do with unwanted stuff, simple resets to make your home feel lighter instantly, and more. Hit follow or subscribe so you don't miss them! Ready, Set, Simplify! 💛  

You can declutter every drawer, color-code every pantry shelf, and label every bin… but if your nervous system braces every time your in-laws walk through the door, your home will never truly feel peaceful. In today's powerful conversation, clinical psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Tracy Dalgleish returns to the show to unpack one of the most common sources of emotional clutter and holiday stress: in-law dynamics — especially between daughters-in-law and mothers-in-law. If you've ever felt squeezed between your partner and their parent, felt like you were "keeping the peace" at the cost of your own wellbeing, or wondered why family visits leave you emotionally wiped… this episode will bring so much clarity, permission, and grounding. Dr. Tracy breaks down the family patterns we inherit, the roles we unconsciously step into, why your nervous system reacts the way it does, and her powerful VAULT Method that helps couples set healthier boundaries together with compassion, not conflict. Grab your tea (or your cold Americano 😉) — this one is validating, eye-opening, and deeply empowering. 💡 You'll Learn: 1️⃣ Why your nervous system reacts to family the way it does (and why in-law interactions can hijack your fight/flight/fawn response) 2️⃣ The hidden family patterns you bring into your marriage — and how they shape your expectations, emotional triggers, and boundaries. 3️⃣ The most common mistakes couples make when dealing with in-laws (like attacking the mother-in-law instead of asking for what you need) 4️⃣ Why your partner may struggle to set boundaries with their parent — and why it's not because they don't care about you. 5️⃣ A deep dive into Dr. Tracy's VAULT Method: V — Values: Build a united foundation as a couple A — Aspirations: Align on what you want your family life to actually look like U — Understanding Your Triangle: Recognize the dynamics you're pulled into L — Limits & Boundaries: Create boundaries as a united front T — Take Action: Put your plan into practice with clarity and compassion 6️⃣ How to respond when a boundary isn't respected (hint: it's not about arguing — it's about empathy + holding the line) 7️⃣ What to do when your mother-in-law brings clutter into your home — childhood trophies, boxes of stuff, unwanted gifts… all of it. 🎯 If You're Feeling Emotionally Cluttered… This episode pairs beautifully with my DASH Method for physical clutter. If your home feels heavy and you want guided support applying DASH step-by-step: 👉 Join Clutter Cure Club (CCC) for the DASH Masterclass + monthly coaching https://www.katyjoywells.com/cluttercureclub-page If this episode made you feel seen or validated (and I bet it did), share it with a friend who's navigating tough family dynamics — especially with the holidays approaching. If you haven't yet, hit Follow and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review. It helps more women find calm, clarity, and connection through the show.

Ever look around your house and think, "How did it get this bad?" You're not failing at being an adult, friend — you're just human. In this episode of The Maximized Minimalist Podcast, we're walking through my signature method, The DASH Framework, to help you figure out exactly what's behind your clutter (and what to do about it). You'll learn how to tell whether you're dealing with everyday mess, deeper clutter, or a system that simply needs tweaking, so you can stop spinning your wheels and finally create a home that feels light, manageable, and peaceful again. If you've ever tried to organize clutter, declutter what wasn't actually clutter, or wondered why the chaos keeps coming back, this episode will be a game-changer. 💡 You'll Learn: How to tell the difference between "expected mess" and true clutter — and why each needs a totally different solution. Why mess and clutter raise stress hormones (yes, really) and how to lower that mental load that's keeping you reactive. What to do when your home feels overwhelming — without starting from scratch or burning it all down. The DASH Method explained and how to use it anytime your home starts spiraling. How to know which step to focus on next so you don't waste time, energy, or money solving the wrong problem. Want the full walkthrough? 👉 Get the DASH Step-by-Step Masterclass inside Clutter Cure Club: (https://www.katyjoywells.com/cluttercureclub-page837548) 🧺 Real-Life Examples Inside Clutter Cure Club, members are using DASH to find calm again: Megan realized her family room chaos wasn't clutter — her toy system just needed an update. Jen added a catch-all basket for mail and papers, instantly clearing her counters. Tanya turned her nightly reset from resentment to relaxation with a cup of tea and her favorite playlist. Each woman solved a different kind of "mess," but the outcome was the same: peace, not perfection. Resources & Mentions: AirDoctor Promo for Podcast Listeners  Head to https://airdoctorpro.com/ and use promo code MAX — You'll receive UP TO $300 off air purifiers! PLUS, exclusive to podcast listeners, you'll also receive a FREE 3-year warranty (an additional $84 value). Go to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code MAX to claim your savings. Join Clutter Cure ClubWant to create a home that feels light, peaceful, and aligned with what truly matters? Inside CCC, we turn powerful mindset shifts (like today's episode) into small, doable changes that last. 👉 Join me inside the Clutter Cure Club (https://www.katyjoywells.com/cluttercureclub-page837548) 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 (https://www.katyjoywells.com/simplify) Come Say Hi on Instagram Behind-the-scenes and real-life simplicity. @katyjoywells 💬 Let's Keep Simplifying If this episode helped you breathe a little deeper (literally and figuratively), share it with a friend who's drowning in the mess right now. And if you haven't yet — hit Follow and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review. It helps other women find the show and join our community of Simplifiers who are trading perfection for peace.

The holidays are supposed to feel magical, but let's be honest — sometimes they just feel messy. Between packed calendars, Pinterest pressure, and the endless to-do lists, it's easy to forget what this season is really about: connection. In this cozy, feel-good episode of the Maximized Minimalist Podcast, host Katy Wells shares nine no-stress holiday traditions that bring back the joy, warmth, and presence you've been craving. You'll walk away with ideas that are simple to start, fun for the whole family, and proven (by you — the listeners!) to create the kind of memories your kids will still talk about years from now. Grab your cocoa (or cold Americano 😉) and let's make the holidays calm, connected, and actually meaningful again. 💡 You'll Learn: 1️⃣ The secret to stress-free holiday traditions — why the best memories come from connection, not perfection. 2️⃣ Nine easy, cozy ideas that don't require extra shopping, Pinterest crafts, or late-night wrapping marathons. 3️⃣ How to know when a tradition needs to evolve so it still fits your current season of life. 4️⃣ Simple ways to spark nostalgia and gratitude through everyday rituals like pizza night or "Seasonal Soup Sundays." 5️⃣ Real listener traditions you'll want to steal — from cookie deliveries to ER staff to gratitude garlands and Christmas-tree-skirt handprints. 🎁 Traditions Mentioned in This Episode Holiday Light Scavenger Hunt – pile the family in the car, turn on the playlist, and count Santas, snowmen & glowing reindeer. Hot Chocolate Bar Night – low-lift, high-joy. (Pretzels in cocoa optional 😂) Cozy Holiday Campout – sleeping bags + Christmas movie + living-room floor = instant memory. Outdoor Movie Night – turn your backyard into a drive-in (projector + marshmallows = magic). Gratitude Garland – create a colorful paper chain of daily "thankfuls." Seasonal Soup Sundays – a warm, grounding ritual that melts the Sunday Scaries. Family Gratitude Workout – burn off the pie and fill up on laughter and gratitude. Each of these ideas checks the box for meaningful, not messy — because your December doesn't need more pressure. It needs peace. 🔑 Key Takeaways Connection > Perfection: Traditions don't have to look picture-perfect to matter. Simplify the Season: Pick one or two ideas that genuinely light you up. Let Go Gracefully: It's okay to evolve or skip traditions that no longer serve your family. Small Rhythms = Big Memories: Pizza Fridays, movie nights, or soup Sundays count just as much as Christmas morning. Resources & Mentions: Join Clutter Cure Club Want to create a home that feels light, peaceful, and aligned with what truly matters? Inside CCC, we turn powerful mindset shifts (like today's episode) into small, doable changes that last. 👉 Join me inside the Clutter Cure Club (https://www.katyjoywells.com/cluttercureclub-page837548) 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 (https://www.katyjoywells.com/simplify) Come Say Hi on Instagram Behind-the-scenes and real-life simplicity. @katyjoywells 💬 Let's Keep This Tradition Going If this episode brought a smile, share it with a friend who's craving a calmer Christmas. And if you haven't already, hit Follow and leave a quick ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review — your words help more women discover a simpler, more joyful holiday season.

What is up, Simplifiers? I'm so excited you're here. In today's episode of the Maximized Minimalist Podcast, we dive into one of those uncharted territories that doesn't always come up when we're talking about decluttering our homes: the money side of our life-seasons. Because listen—moving houses, starting school, kids growing up, sending them off, career shifts… these aren't just about stuff. They shake up our finances, our routines, our mental load, and yes, our homes. I brought on my two AMAZING guests — finance strategists and self-proclaimed "budget besties," Vanessa and Shana (yes, alliteration and all the good vibes) — to unpack how transitions impact money, how you can build guardrails (just like you do with your home), and how you can walk into the next season with more peace, presence, and joy instead of overwhelm and guilt. Whether you're prepping for a move, entering a new parent phase, supporting teens, or just feeling the mental load of "what's next?" — this episode is for you. We'll meet you where you are and give you the tools to create financial clarity and calm. 🎧 What You'll Learn Why life transitions (moving, growing kids, career shifts) trigger money stress. Our guest experts walk through how what's already stressful + what's already money-stress = a double dose of overwhelm. How to set up financial systems that run on auto­pilot so you don't have to hold it all. Think: separate accounts for bills, spending, savings. Guardrails for your money so you can move forward freely. (Yes — budgets that feel like freedom, not friction.) How to have the "money talk" with your partner, kids, and yourself — without the guilt or the tension. Because simplifying your home helped you breathe; this will help your bank account breathe. Turning a big change into a chance for clarity, not chaos. When you name the savings account "Mini Pony Fund" or "Moving House Buffer," you're giving purpose to your money. You're anchoring it to what matters. 🔑 Key Takeaways 1️⃣ You don't have to feel bad about money stress — it's just a signal you need a new system. You're not broken. You're simply trying to run with yesterday's budget in today's season. 2️⃣ Money systems + automation = calm in the midst of the shift. Set up accounts that do the work for you, so you can focus on your dance parties, slow mornings, and the people you love. 3️⃣ This is a team conversation. Don't DIY your finances in silence. Bring your partner or your older kids into it. Dream together. Name together. Build together. 💡 Resources Mentioned Visit Vanessa & Shayna at Budget Besties for their upcoming 5-day bootcamp: budgetbesties.com/bootcamp Check out the "Financial Coaching for Women" podcast (where they break down every single one of these steps) Grab a pen and paper (or your phone notes) and ask yourself: What do I want my money to do for me this season? MORE FROM ME Love this show? Subscribe to the Maximized Minimalist Podcast so you never miss an episode. Follow me on Instagram at @katyjoywells for behind-the-scenes, tips on simplifying your home and your bank account. Want to revisit the "declutter your home" side while you work on your money side? Check out the Clutter Cure Club at https://www.katyjoywells.com/cluttercureclub-page SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If you walked away from this episode feeling more empowered, more clear, or more "I've got this," will you do me a huge favor? Head to Apple Pods (or wherever you listen), hit subscribe, and leave a review. When you do, you help other overwhelmed women find this show and start turning their homes and their finances into happy places. 🎙❤️ Thanks for being here, friend. Ready, set, simplify—and let's budget boldly, live freely, and create a home and a life that gives back more than it takes. See you next time!

If you've ever stood in a cluttered room thinking, "But what if I need this later?"—this episode is for you. In this short and powerful story, I'm sharing what happened when my son Levi, a lifelong Lego lover, walked into the room and said something I never thought I'd hear: "Mom, I don't need my Legos anymore." What?! My jaw dropped. But here's the beautiful part—he didn't let go because I nagged or convinced him. He let go because he saw them differently. And that's exactly what we're unpacking in this episode. Whether it's Legos, clothes, mugs, or treadmills, we all have stuff that once felt meaningful… until it didn't. Letting go becomes easy when you understand the 3 quiet shifts that lead to readiness. What You'll Learn: Why readiness to declutter isn't about willpower—it's about perspective The 3 subtle mindset shifts that make it easier to let go (space, value, impact) How to help your kids—or yourself—release clutter without forcing it A gentle reframe if you're feeling stuck or not "ready" to part with something Ready to go deeper with support, decluttering momentum, and a step-by-step plan? Join the Inner Circle Waitlist and be the first to know when doors open again! This is where the real transformation happens—inside your home and your habits. 👉 https://www.katyjoywells.com/innercircle Quick Links & Resources: Get weekly decluttering tips inside the Ready, Set, Simplify newsletter: Sign up here Learn more about the Clutter Cure Club: Explore the Club Follow along on Instagram for daily inspiration: @katyjoywells