📚 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

1. 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.

2. Clutter is rarely just about the stuff—it's the stories, emotions, beliefs, and pressures wrapped around it.

3. You can declutter your home over and over, but until you understand yourself, the clutter and overwhelm will keep coming back.

4. Different clutter types need different toolkits—one size does not fit all.

5. 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.

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.

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.

• 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)

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.

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• 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

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.)

3. 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.

4. 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.

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.

• 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?

• 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

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.

• 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

In this powerful, hope-filled episode, I sit down with Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart, clinical psychologist and parenting expert, to talk about what's really going on beneath the surface during the teen years.

She unpacks what to do when your teen shuts down, why nagging and lecturing don't work, how to reset when you've lost your cool, and how to support your teen without losing yourself in the process.

From messy rooms to slammed doors and screen-time battles, this episode will give you practical tools to reconnect with your teen, regulate your own emotions, and build a stronger relationship—without the shame spiral or the power struggles.

Because behind every behavior is a need. And when you meet your child with curiosity instead of control, that's when real change happens.

💬 Whether you're parenting a tween, teen, or just want to prepare for what's ahead, this one is a must-listen.

• Why the behavior you see isn't the full story (and what to focus on instead)

• How to navigate the belief → behavior gap with empathy

• The best questions to ask your teen (even when they say "I don't know")

• A simple strategy to reset yourself before reacting

• How to stop parenting from fear and build connection instead

• Why phones and social media are creating emotional dysregulation—and what to do about it

• When to lean in, when to back off, and how to build trust in the hardest moments

📘 Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart's new book: Love the Teen You Have
📲 Follow Dr. Ann-Louise on Instagram: @dr.annelouise.lockhart
🌐 Visit her website: www.anewdaysa.com

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

Ever hit 5:00 pm and suddenly realize… you have no idea what's for dinner? 😬

In this episode, we're cutting through the dinner-time chaos with one of the most powerful tools for simplifying your evenings: freezer meals. But don't worry — this isn't your typical "spend all Sunday batch cooking" kind of advice. My guest, Nikita from The Freezer Meals Club, shares her zero-fuss approach to make-ahead meals that work for real life (with real schedules, picky eaters, and limited freezer space).

Whether you love to cook or avoid it at all costs, this episode will show you how to turn just one night of dinner into three — without a single extra pan to wash.

• Why freezer meals aren't just for "supermoms" — and how Nikita stumbled into the system that changed everything
• The simple freezer meal strategy that takes 5 extra minutes (no 4-hour prep required)
• What foods freeze well (and what to skip to avoid soggy surprises)
• How to store and label meals to avoid freezer burn and keep things fresh
• Genius tools and storage tips that don't require a second freezer
• Why just one batch-cooked meal per week can eliminate 4–6 nights of cooking each month
• How to get your kids involved (or how to use freezer meals to free up time for your kids)

Want Nikita's help each week? Join the Freezer Meals Club to get weekly freezer-friendly recipes (serves 12+), reheating instructions, remix ideas, and batch-cooking support — all for just $14.40/month with code KATY (doors close Oct 18 and won't reopen until 2026).

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

If you're ready to simplify dinner without the stress, this episode is your permission slip to stop overcomplicating meal prep and start saving time, money, and sanity — one freezer meal at a time.

Ready, Set, Simplify.
— Katy