Maximized Minimalist Podcast

Katy Wells

  • 10 minutes 33 seconds
    276: MythBuster: Why You Don't Need to Wait Until January to Declutter

    Think January is the only time to tackle that clutter? Nah. Let’s bust that myth wide open. Waiting until the new year might sound cute, but spoiler alert: it’s actually setting you up for more mess and more stress.

    In this episode, we’re talking about why right now is the best time to start decluttering. Not January, not “when things calm down”—but today. You’ll learn why waiting just piles on more clutter (thanks, holiday gifts), why starting small makes a big difference, and how a few simple changes can keep you from drowning in stuff before the year even ends.

    What you’ll hear:

    • Why waiting until January might be the worst decluttering advice ever.
    • Easy, no-pressure ways to declutter while you go about your day (spoiler: you’re probably already doing it).
    • The genius trick that makes letting go of stuff feel like zero effort.
    • How to set up your home so clutter doesn’t sneak back in. Ever.

    Stop letting future-you handle everything. Present-you can totally handle a little decluttering right now, and trust me—you’ll feel a whole lot lighter going into the holidays.

    Hit play to find out how to start decluttering TODAY, without breaking a sweat.

    Get FAST Results With My Free Guide: 75 Things to Declutter! Ready to kickstart your decluttering journey? Download my free guide for quick wins that make a big impact. Download now.

    Join My Next 14-Day Challenge! Need a little extra motivation? Join our upcoming 14-day challenge to tackle clutter together and transform your space. Sign up here.

    Work 1-1 With Me: Looking for personalized support? Let’s work together one-on-one to create the clutter-free life you’ve been dreaming of. Learn more.

    Get Your Personalized Home Management Blueprint! Want a plan tailored just for you? Get your personalized blueprint for managing your home efficiently. Get started.

    Connect with Me on Instagram! Follow me for daily tips, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes peeks at my life. Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram.

     

    16 October 2024, 5:30 am
  • 9 minutes 50 seconds
    275: Craft Room Confessions Why Your Creative Space Feels Overhelming

    Are you ready to reclaim your craft room and turn it from a dreaded ‘doom room’ into a space that sparks joy and creativity? In this episode, I dive deep into why our creative spaces often feel overwhelming and what we can do to change that. Inspired by a listener's heartfelt question, we’re exploring the emotional attachments and mindset traps that clutter our craft rooms—and our minds.

    What You’ll Learn:

    • The Top 5 Reasons Craft Rooms Become 'Doom Rooms'—including emotional attachments, inconsistent use, and the ‘I might need this’ mentality.
    • How to identify and overcome the beliefs that may be cluttering your space and holding you back creatively.
    • Reflective questions to help you decide what stays, what goes, and how to make room for creativity in your life right now.

    If you’ve ever felt torn between holding onto past projects and making space for the new, you’re not alone. We’ll unpack the root causes behind this struggle and offer solutions to help you transform your space into one that truly serves you.

    In This Episode, We Discuss:

    • Why unlimited possibilities and limited time create chaos in your creative space.
    • How emotional attachment to craft supplies might be stalling your creativity.
    • The role of sentimental items in cluttering both your craft room and your mind.
    • Practical steps to shift your mindset and declutter both physically and emotionally.

    Don’t miss my exclusive Declutter Your Craft Room masterclass, available only to Clutter Cure Club members. In this step-by-step guide, I’ll help you reclaim your space and creativity with actionable tips and strategies. Not a member yet? Join today and get access to the masterclass!

    Let’s Simplify: Ready, set, simplify—and remember, your creativity isn’t defined by how much stuff you have, but by the joy you find in the process.

    9 October 2024, 5:30 am
  • 12 minutes 44 seconds
    274: Preparing for the Holiday Season Avoiding Clutter Traps

    🍂 Fall is here, and while it might feel like the calm before the holiday storm, we both know what’s coming—endless to-do lists, gift-giving pressures, and the kind of clutter that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. But this year? We’re getting ahead of the chaos.

    In today’s episode, I’m spilling the tea on how to mentally and physically prepare for the holidays, so you can avoid those pesky clutter traps that love to trip us up. We’ll talk mindset shifts, how to set boundaries with your holiday spending, and why you don’t need to say “yes” to every single holiday tradition (or sales pitch) that comes your way.

    Trust me, you don’t have to buy into the holiday hype to make it magical. Instead, let’s focus on what truly matters to you this season and create a home—and a headspace—that feels light, calm, and clutter-free.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Ditch the Holiday Perfection: Forget the pressure to have everything just right. The holidays should be about what you value, not about meeting someone else’s expectations.
    • Mental Clutter Is Real: Before the season ramps up, let’s clear out those unrealistic expectations and focus on what really makes the holidays special for you.
    • Be Intentional with Your Stuff: Businesses are experts at making you feel like you need more to have the perfect holiday. Spoiler alert: you don’t. Set boundaries on what you bring into your home.
    • Small Steps, Big Impact: Start with a little pre-holiday decluttering—just the hotspots like your kitchen or entryway. You’ll thank yourself later when things get busy.

    Mentioned in This Episode:

    • Mindset Shift: It’s not about having the “perfect” holiday—it’s about having one that’s meaningful to you.
    • Practical Tips: Create a gift-giving plan, say no to unnecessary commitments, and do a mini-declutter now to make room for the good stuff.

    Join the Conversation:

    Loved this episode? Share it with a friend who could use a little help avoiding the holiday clutter traps. And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss out on more tips to keep your home and mind clutter-free!

    Get Ahead of the Holiday Clutter:

    Grab my FREE guide 75 Things to Declutter Today and start clearing space for what really matters this holiday season.

    Stay Connected:

    • Follow me on Instagram for more decluttering wisdom and behind-the-scenes fun.
    • Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you tune in for your weekly dose of calm.
    • Leave a review if this episode gave you a little “aha!” moment—I’d love to hear from you!
    2 October 2024, 5:30 am
  • 10 minutes 50 seconds
    273: What You're Overlooking in your Declutter Journey

    Ever notice how trees just let go of their leaves every fall? No drama, no clinging—they just drop those suckers like they’re hot. Now, imagine if we could do the same with the clutter in our homes and lives. Today’s episode is all about that sweet, sweet release. We’re talking about letting go of the junk (and the baggage) that’s weighing you down and making space for what’s next.

    You’ve already done the heavy lifting with the decluttering, but have you thought about what you’re still holding onto? And more importantly, why? We’ll dig into how holding on to things from past seasons of your life can keep you stuck and how letting go—just like those leaves—can open you up to a whole new world of possibilities.

    I’m also spilling some tea on a little nature-inspired epiphany I had the other day, plus sharing a story about one of my amazing students who ditched her boxes of “memories” and made space for something way cooler. If you’re ready to stop clinging and start living, this episode is for you.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Life Has Seasons—So Does Your Stuff: Just like trees drop their leaves, you need to drop the clutter that no longer serves you. Trust me, it’s holding you back.
    • Decluttering = Mental Detox: Forget the chore mindset. Think of decluttering as a brain cleanse. You’re making room for clarity, creativity, and, you know, life.
    • Take It One Baby Step at a Time: No need to go full KonMari in a weekend. Start small—one drawer, one shelf, one random pile of “important” papers.
    • Trust the Process: Letting go is hard, but trust me, it’s like a magic spell for inviting in the new, shiny things that your future self will thank you for.

    Join the Conversation:

    If this episode hit you in the feels, share it with a friend who needs to hear it too. And make sure you subscribe—because missing an episode is like leaving money on the table, and who wants to do that?

    Ready to Declutter?

    • Keep the momentum going and grab my FREE guide 75 Things to Declutter Today. Because seriously, why not start now? Download now.
    • Join My Next 14-Day Challenge! Need a little extra motivation? Join our upcoming 14-day challenge to tackle clutter together and transform your space. Sign up here.
    • Work 1-1 With Me: Looking for personalized support? Let’s work together one-on-one to create the clutter-free life you’ve been dreaming of. Learn more.
    • Get Your Personalized Home Management Blueprint! Want a plan tailored just for you? Get your personalized blueprint for managing your home efficiently. Get started.

    Stay Connected:

    • Follow me on Instagram for daily doses of decluttering wisdom (and some fun behind-the-scenes stuff).
    • Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your weekly dose of awesome.
    • Leave a review if this episode rocked your world—I’d love to hear from you!
    25 September 2024, 5:30 am
  • 17 minutes 37 seconds
    272: Anti-Haul: How to Shop Your Own Closet

    Social media is filled with unboxings and endless hauls, and we’ve all been there—tempted to hit “add to cart” just to keep up. But here’s the truth: fast fashion is draining our wallets and our planet. In today’s episode, we’re doing the opposite of a haul. I’m walking you through how to break the cycle of over-consumption, declutter your wardrobe, and fall in love with what’s already hanging in your closet.

    Because, spoiler alert: you don’t need new clothes to feel new.

    We’re talking about:

    • Why most of your wardrobe ends up in a landfill (yikes).
    • The influencer illusion (no, they don’t actually live that minimalist dream).
    • How to declutter without the stress—seriously, it’s not as hard as you think.
    • Shopping your own closet like a pro and rediscovering pieces you forgot you owned.

    You’ll leave this episode feeling lighter, more organized, and in control of your closet—no shopping spree required.

    What’s Inside:

    1. Fast Fashion’s Dirty Secret Let’s get real for a second: up to 10% of global carbon emissions come from the fashion industry. So, yeah, those impulse buys have a way bigger impact than we think. In this episode, I share some jaw-dropping stats that’ll make you rethink those late-night shopping sprees (like the fact that making one cotton t-shirt uses 700 gallons of water—yikes).

    2. Declutter Like a Pro Here’s the good news: you don’t have to toss everything in your closet to feel organized. I’ll show you how to declutter strategically—without the overwhelm. Plus, I’ll share my favorite hack, the hanger trick, to figure out what you’re really wearing and what’s just taking up space.

    3. Shop Your Closet If you’ve ever said, “I have nothing to wear,” you’ll love this part. Once you’ve decluttered, it’s time to rediscover your wardrobe. I promise, you’ve got hidden gems in there just waiting to be loved again. You’ll feel like you’ve gone shopping—without spending a dime.

    4. Plan Outfits for the Week You meal plan, right? So why not do the same with your wardrobe? I share my trick for hanging up your outfits for the week (which seriously makes getting dressed in the morning so much easier), and you’ll find yourself excited about what you already own.

    5. How to Stop Buying So Much Want to break the shopping cycle? I give you my no-BS tips on how to curb those “gotta-have-it” impulses, including my favorite: the 48-hour rule. Trust me, it works.

    Want more tips on simplifying your life? Join my Ready, Set, Simplify Newsletter where I drop all the best decluttering and simplifying hacks straight to your inbox. (Hint: there’s some seriously good stuff in there). Sign up here!

    Love what you’re hearing? Drop a rating and review on Apple Podcasts—it helps me reach more listeners just like you! And hey, don’t forget to hit that follow button so you never miss an episode.

    18 September 2024, 5:30 am
  • 17 minutes
    271: Why We Hold On: Bridging the Gap Between Knowing and Doing

    Do you ever look at a pile of stuff on your desk and think, “I know I don’t need this... but what if I do?!” Or maybe it’s the craft supplies, gathering dust, making you feel like you’re going to start that project. Someday.

    In today’s episode, I’m tackling the exact reason why we hold onto things that are just taking up space—in our homes and in our heads—and how to finally start letting go. Spoiler alert: It’s not about tossing everything in a bin and calling it a day. It's about getting real with yourself, ditching the fear of “what if,” and taking baby steps toward a clutter-free life.

    We’ll dive into why your “just in case” clutter is really a security blanket made of guilt and fear. Plus, I’m giving you practical tools (hello, Let-Go Rule) to clear that mental clutter and make room for what actually matters. Because let’s face it: we all deserve a space that feels as light and peaceful as a Sunday morning.

    In this episode, you’ll hear:

    • The real reason your “what if” items are still hanging around
    • Why guilt and fear are keeping you from letting go
    • The Let-Go Rule—your new favorite tool for decluttering with confidence
    • How to reframe that “I might need this one day” thinking
    • And yes, we’re talking about those dusty crafting supplies, too. It’s time to be honest about whether you’re ever going to use them. (Don’t worry, no judgment.)

    Tune in and learn how to declutter your space—and your mind.

    Rate, review, & follow on Apple Podcasts!

    Get FAST Results With My Free Guide: 75 Things to Declutter! Ready to kickstart your decluttering journey? Download my free guide for quick wins that make a big impact. Download now.

    Join My Next 14-Day Challenge! Need a little extra motivation? Join our upcoming 14-day challenge to tackle clutter together and transform your space. Sign up here.

    Get Your Personalized Home Management Blueprint! Want a plan tailored just for you? Get your personalized blueprint for managing your home efficiently. Get started.

    Connect with Me on Instagram! Follow me for tips, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes peeks at my life. Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram.

     

    11 September 2024, 5:30 am
  • 20 minutes 7 seconds
    270: Back-To-School Declutter, Let's Go!

    Are you ready to hit reset on your home and kick clutter to the curb? With summer chaos behind us and back-to-school routines in full swing, now’s the perfect time to simplify! 🎉

    In this episode of The Maximized Minimalist, I’m giving you no-fluff, action-packed tips to declutter your home and your mind without the overwhelm. Whether you’ve got 5 minutes or a whole hour, I’m here to show you how to ditch the mess and stress for good!

    Today I'm sharing:

    • Why 5-20 minute decluttering sessions are the game-changer you need
    • The magic of focusing on high-impact spaces (goodbye, entryway chaos!👋)
    • My “Clutter Control Trifecta” that will keep your home tidy for the long haul
    • The secret to stopping clutter before it starts 

    No more waiting for the “perfect” time to declutter! Let’s clear the way for a calm, joyful home that helps you thrive — one small step at a time. 🎯

    🔥If you’re ready to level up your decluttering game, sign up for my 14-Day Clutter Crusher Challenge — transform your space in just 20 minutes a day! Use code PODCAST for 50% off. Don’t wait, spots are going fast! 

     

    4 September 2024, 5:30 am
  • 15 minutes 51 seconds
    269: Experience Blockers: The Hidden Obstacles in Your Life
     

    You ever feel like life is just… too much?

    Like, there's always something in the way of really enjoying the moments that matter? Whether it’s the mess in your house, your never-ending to-do list, or that sneaky time-suck we call social media, these things can seriously block us from living our best lives.

    In this episode of the Maximized Minimalist podcast, I’m getting real about the “experience blockers” that might be keeping you from fully enjoying life. Imagine your life is like a soccer game (stick with me here!). These blockers are like the other team’s defenders—they’re constantly tripping you up and making it hard to score your goals.

    But don’t worry, I’ve got some easy tips to help you clear those blockers, get your life back, and make space for what really matters.

    We’ll chat about:

    • How social media and digital distractions are stealing your time—and how to take it back.
    • The power of saying “no” and setting boundaries (even when it’s hard).
    • Why we procrastinate and how to break the cycle.

    So grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and hit play. Let’s tackle this together and clear some space for the things (and people) you love. You deserve a simpler, more joy-filled life, and it starts right here.

     

    Get FAST Results With My Free Guide: 75 Things to Declutter! Ready to kickstart your decluttering journey? Download my free guide for quick wins that make a big impact. Download now.

    Join My Next 14-Day Challenge! Need a little extra motivation? Join our upcoming 14-day challenge to tackle clutter together and transform your space. Sign up here.

    Work 1-1 With Me Looking for personalized support? Let’s work together one-on-one to create the clutter-free life you’ve been dreaming of. Learn more.

    Get Your Personalized Home Management Blueprint! Want a plan tailored just for you? Get your personalized blueprint for managing your home efficiently. Get started.

    Connect with Me on Instagram! Follow me for daily tips, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes peeks at my life. Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram.f

    28 August 2024, 5:30 am
  • 10 minutes 4 seconds
    268: Mindset Reset: #1 Thing You Don't Realize You're Missing

    We all know clutter can turn our homes into chaos zones, but did you know it's also blocking you from living your best life?

    Yup, that pile of stuff is doing more than just collecting dust—it's stealing your joy and keeping you from soaking up those sweet life moments!

    In this episode of the Maximized Minimalist podcast, I’m spilling the tea on how clutter isn't just annoying—it's a full-blown experience blocker. Whether it's chilling with your favorite book, having deep convos with your loved ones, or just kicking back after a long day, clutter is the sneaky culprit keeping you from being present and loving life.

    Here’s what we’re diving into:

    • What the heck is an "experience blocker," and why is clutter the worst one?
    • The sneaky ways clutter is robbing you of your peace and joy
    • Imagine walking into a clutter-free zone—instant bliss, right? Here’s how it can boost your mood and motivation
    • Time for a mindset makeover! Let’s flip the script from what you lose when you declutter to what you gain (spoiler: it’s awesome)
    •  Easy-peasy tips to kick those experience blockers to the curb starting today

    Get FAST Results With My Free Guide: 75 Things to Declutter! Ready to kickstart your decluttering journey? Download my free guide for quick wins that make a big impact. Download now.

    Join My Next 14-Day Challenge! Need a little extra motivation? Join our upcoming 14-day challenge to tackle clutter together and transform your space. Sign up here.

    Work 1-1 With Me Looking for personalized support? Let’s work together one-on-one to create the clutter-free life you’ve been dreaming of. Learn more.

    Get Your Personalized Home Management Blueprint! Want a plan tailored just for you? Get your personalized blueprint for managing your home efficiently. Get started.

    Connect with Me on Instagram! Follow me for daily tips, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes peeks at my life. Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram.

     

    21 August 2024, 5:30 am
  • 20 minutes 59 seconds
    267: Planning for Uncertainty with Time Management Expert Megan Sumrell

    Hey, busy mamas and multitaskers!  Are you ready to ditch the stress and embrace a life filled with joy and balance? 

    Join me as I chat with the amazing Megan Sumrell, our go-to guru for all things time management. Megan's back, and she's spilling the tea on her super flexible planning approach that’s perfect for us modern-day chaos jugglers. Spoiler alert: You don't need to have your entire life mapped out to get things done!

    In this episode, we’re diving into:

    • How to mix structure and spontaneity without losing your mind (seriously!)
    • The real definition of productivity (hint: it's not about cramming more into your day)
    • A super simple trick to figure out how much unpredictability you’re really dealing with each week
    • Why blocking time for life’s little surprises is your secret weapon
    • The magic of guilt-free downtime and how to score more of it

    Megan’s insights will have you planning like a pro and ready to navigate the curveballs life throws your way. 

    So grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and let’s revolutionize your schedule so you can spend more time on what truly makes you happy.

    Click play and let’s start making life a little more awesome, one plan at a time!

     

    🗓️ Don’t miss out on Planapalooza! Snag your Early Bird ticket for just $47 by the end of August and learn how I use Habit Stacking to Master Your Mess. Grab your ticket now!

     

    Want More?

    Get FAST Results With My Free Guide: 75 Things to Declutter! Ready to kickstart your decluttering journey? Download my free guide for quick wins that make a big impact. Download now.

    Join My Next 14-Day Challenge! Need a little extra motivation? Join our upcoming 14-day challenge to tackle clutter together and transform your space. Sign up here.

    Work 1-1 With Me Looking for personalized support? Let’s work together one-on-one to create the clutter-free life you’ve been dreaming of. Learn more.

    Want a plan tailored just for you? Get Your Personalized Home Management Blueprint!  Get your personalized blueprint for managing your home efficiently. Get started.

    Connect with Me on Instagram! Follow me for daily tips, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes peeks at my life. Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram.

     

    14 August 2024, 5:30 am
  • 8 minutes 22 seconds
    266: Mindset Reset: Turning Negative Thoughts into Positive Progress

    Feeling overwhelmed by clutter, whether it’s in your home or your mind? You’re not alone! In this episode of "Mindset Reset," I’m sharing a super simple but powerful framework to help you bust through those negative thought patterns that keep you stuck.

    I've been where you are—staring at a pile of stuff, thinking, "Why even bother?" But here's the thing: clearing out the mental clutter is just as important as tackling those physical piles. That’s where the four N's come in—Notice, Normalize, Neutralize, and Next Best Thought. Trust me, these steps can transform how you think about challenges.

    Here’s what we’ll chat about:

    • The real reasons mindset matters (hint: it's the key to using all those strategies you’ve learned!)
    • My own "aha" moment when I realized my clutter wasn't just physical
    • A step-by-step guide to using the Four N’s framework to flip your mindset
    • How this framework helped me write my first book (even when self-doubt crept in!)

    Plus, I'm spilling the details on my free "Ready Set Simplify" newsletter, packed with tips and inspiration to keep you motivated on your decluttering journey. And don't miss out on a free masterclass from my friend Brie Sedano on mastering your finances—because a clutter-free life and wallet go hand in hand!

    Tune in now for a dose of inspiration and practical advice to start clearing out the clutter in your life and mind. 🎧✨

    Watch Brie Sodano’s free masterclass on learning to use the powers of your mind and emotions to create financial abundance and prosperity. https://bit.ly/multiplyingmoneymasterclass

    Get FAST Results With My Free Guide: 75 Things to Declutter! Ready to kickstart your decluttering journey? Download my free guide for quick wins that make a big impact. Download now.

    Join My Next 14-Day Challenge! Need a little extra motivation? Join our upcoming 14-day challenge to tackle clutter together and transform your space. Sign up here.

    Work 1-1 With Me Looking for personalized support? Let’s work together one-on-one to create the clutter-free life you’ve been dreaming of. Learn more.

    Want a plan tailored just for you? Get Your Personalized Home Management Blueprint! Get your personalized blueprint for managing your home efficiently. Get started.

    Connect with Me on Instagram! Follow me for daily tips, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes peeks at my life. Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram.

     

    7 August 2024, 5:30 am
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