Because sometimes even a decluttered home can feel like… too much. 🔥 PSST—QUICK HEADS UP: The Clutter Cure Course is 50% off this week only! In honor of Independence Day, gain freedom from the clutter that’s still weighing you down. Lifetime access. Step-by-step home reset. Only $77. 👉 Grab it now before the flash sale ends 👈 So you’ve KonMari’d your closet, donated the baby gear, and finally tamed the junk drawer. Your home looks… decluttered. But your nervous system? Still on edge. If you’ve ever walked into your kid’s room and felt like the Legos might actually swallow you whole, this episode will feel like a deep exhale. In this real-talk episode, I break down why a home with less stuff can still feel overstimulating—and what to do when your outer space doesn’t match your inner peace. 💡 You’ll Learn: Why visual clutter isn’t the only kind of clutter messing with your calm The difference between “expected mess” vs. true clutter—and why it matters How to navigate the tension between your needs and real life with kids (without guilt) Simple questions to help you decide what’s worth addressing—and what’s just part of the season you’re in ✨ Highlights from the Episode: My honest response to a listener who decluttered and still feels overwhelmed The reframe that will help you stop gaslighting yourself for being “too sensitive” Real-life examples of how to reset overstimulating spaces (without tossing everything) What to do when your minimalist values clash with plastic toys, busy schedules, and motherhood 🧘♀️ Truth Bomb of the Day: You don’t want less stuff. You want less nervous system activation. And that’s a completely valid goal. So let’s shift the conversation from “how much is too much” to: → What supports your peace? → What disrupts your calm? → And how can you build rhythms that honor both your family and your own capacity? 🧡 Loved this episode? → Grab The Clutter Cure for just $77 (https://www.yoursimplifiedhomecourse.com/flashsale) during the Independence Day Flash Sale → Join our supportive community inside the Clutter Cure Club (https://www.katyjoywells.com/cluttercureclub-page837548) → Subscribe to the free Ready, Set, Simplify Newsletter for weekly motivation (https://www.katyjoywells.com/simplify) 📸 And don’t forget to tag @katyjoywells on IG if this episode made you feel seen—we're in this together. See you next week, friend. Ready, Set, Simplify.
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312: The Minimalists Summer Packing List Without Sacrificing Style or Sanity
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.
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311: 8 Things I Bought That Actually Simplified My Life
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.
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310: How to Break Free from Anxiety and Find Your Lifes Purpose with Martha Beck
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.
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309: Life Advice You'll Actually Use Gretchen Rubins Secrets of Adulthood
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.
You’ve decluttered before…so why does the mess keep coming back?
You’ve done the checklists, the bins, the late-night cleanouts—only to find yourself right back where you started.
It’s not your fault. You’ve just never been taught to declutter in a way that actually works long-term.
The Maximized Minimalist is the go-to podcast for women ready to declutter their homes, lighten their mental load, and finally feel in control of their space—and their life.
With over 5 million listens and a spot in the Top 50 global podcasts, host and holistic decluttering expert Katy Wells shares a fresh take on what it really means to clear the clutter—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Whether you’re:
✔️ Drowning in laundry and clutter
✔️ Feeling behind on everything (including your own to-do list)
✔️ Tired of organizing the same space over and over
✔️ Or just craving a calmer, more peaceful home
This show will help you go from overwhelmed to in control—without the pressure to be perfect.
Inside each episode, you’ll get:
✔️Practical strategies you can implement in 10 minutes or less
✔️Mindset shifts to help you let go (even of the sentimental stuff)
✔️Encouragement to quiet the guilt, the “what ifs,” and the mental load
✔️And simple systems to help you keep the progress going
You might be wondering:
“How do I get my family on board?”
“What if I have emotional attachments to everything?”
“Why do I declutter and it still doesn’t feel ‘done’?”
“Can I really simplify when life feels so full?”
These are the exact questions Katy answers every week—with honesty, real-life examples, and step-by-step guidance that actually works for busy families.
Whether you’re deep in clutter or just craving a little more breathing room—you’re in the right place.
🎧 New episodes every Wednesday
🎁 Start simplifying with Katy’s FREE guide: https://www.katyjoywells.com/declutter
📲 Learn more at: https://www.katyjoywells.com
Ready, Set, Simplify!
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