Maximized Minimalist Podcast

Katy Wells

  • 32 minutes 14 seconds
    293: Preserving Your Family Legacy Through Photobooks with Casey Von Stein

    Ever feel like your phone is holding your family’s memories hostage? You’re not alone! Today, professional photo organizer Casey von Stein—better known as Miss Freddy—is back to help us tackle the digital photo clutter and create tangible keepsakes that actually get enjoyed (instead of collecting digital dust).

    We’re diving into:

    • The emotional weight of unorganized photos (and how to lift it off your shoulders)\
    • Why printing your photos isn’t just cute—it’s essential for preserving family memories
    • Simple, no-stress ways to get your pictures off your phone and into your life (hello, photo placemats!)
    • The #1 first step to take when sorting through thousands of photos (because yes, we’ve ALL got a million of them)

    Plus, Casey shares the genius (and surprisingly easy!) way she created a legacy book for her mother-in-law—so her family stories can be passed down for generations.

    If your camera roll is a black hole of 30,000+ pictures, don’t worry—this episode will help you declutter, organize, and finally do something with those precious memories.

    Resources & Links: ✨ Ready to take control of your photo chaos? Casey’s Backup Boot Camp is your guide to organizing your photos and keeping them safe forever. Use code MINIMAL for $10 off → https://www.backupbootcamp.missfreddy.com/intro?a=G4YLL33e

    🖼️ Obsessed with digital frames? Check out the Aura Digital Photo Frame to display your favorite memories effortlessly → https://lvnta.com/lv_wiVeFmISgPrBcu0GW6

    📲 Follow Casey on Instagram for more photo organization tips → @miss.freddy

    Loved this episode? Snap a screenshot and share your biggest takeaway on Instagram—don’t forget to tag me @maximizedminimalist and @miss.freddy so we can cheer you on! 🎉

    12 February 2025, 6:30 am
  • 14 minutes 37 seconds
    292: 5 Ways to Reduce Decision Fatigue And Skyrocket Your Progress

    Decision fatigue—it’s sneaky, it’s draining, and it’s likely slowing you down more than you realize. Ever feel like by the time you’ve decided what’s for dinner, what to wear, and which email to answer first, you’re too exhausted to tackle what really matters? That’s decision fatigue at work.

    But here’s the good news: You don’t have to let it run the show. In this episode, I’m sharing five powerful strategies to help you cut through the mental clutter, reclaim your energy, and make progress on the things that actually move the needle.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    ✔️ How automating small, daily choices can free up tons of mental space ✔️ Why “pre-deciding” can be a total game-changer for your productivity ✔️ The power of batching (and how one of my clients used it to simplify her chaotic paper piles) ✔️ The simple boundary trick that makes decluttering (or any decision-making) so much easier ✔️ Why prioritizing rest isn’t a luxury—it’s a productivity superpower

    💡 Plus, I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes look at my Sunday ritual that keeps my mornings stress-free and my workouts on autopilot.

    And before we wrap, I’ve got something exciting for you—my free Ready Set Simplify newsletter! 🎉 If you love the podcast, this is your next step. Each week, I drop exclusive decluttering tips, mindset shifts, and motivation straight into your inbox. It’s like having a personal cheerleader in your simplifying journey!

    👉 Grab your spot here

    Resources & Links: 📩 Join my Ready Set Simplify Newsletter! 📍 Share your decluttering win & be our next Simplifier of the Week!

    Let’s keep simplifying, friend! Thanks for tuning in—see you next week!

       
    5 February 2025, 6:30 am
  • 43 minutes 43 seconds
    291: ADHD and Executive Function Strategies for Better Decision-Making and Focus with Dr. Ann Louise Lockhart

    Ever feel like the clutter and endless to-dos are winning? You’re not alone, and today I’m diving into the why behind those struggles—and how to overcome them—with Dr. Ann Louise Lockhart. We’re talking about ADHD, executive function, and what makes seemingly simple tasks like laundry or decluttering feel overwhelming for so many of us.

    Dr. Lockhart shares why tasks like “clean your room” or “just get started” are harder than they seem, especially if ADHD or executive functioning challenges are in play. She gives us practical, no-fluff strategies for reducing overwhelm and building systems that actually work—whether it’s for you or your kids. If you’ve ever thought, Why is this so hard for me when it seems easy for everyone else? this episode is for you.

    Here’s What We Cover:
    • What ADHD really looks like in adults (hint: it’s not just about focus).
    • Why executive functioning is the hidden key to organizing and decision-making.
    • Strategies to break big tasks down so they feel less overwhelming.
    • How to support kids—and yourself—through collaboration and curiosity instead of shame.
    • Simple resets, body doubling, and externalizing tasks to stay on top of it all.

    Dr. Lockhart also shares why shame and overwhelm can keep us stuck, how to combat those emotions, and actionable steps to build habits that stick.

    Links and Resources:
    • Connect with Dr. Ann Louise Lockhart

    • Dr. Lockhart’s New Book Love the Teen You Have – A must-read for parents of tweens and teens, packed with insights for raising confident, capable kids.

    • Free Resource: Declutter Your Paper Piles Download my cheat sheet for tackling those stacks of paper that seem to multiply overnight. It’s a game-changer for simplifying your home.

    Let’s Simplify Together:

    If you loved this episode, don’t forget to hit subscribe and share it with a friend. Together, we can ditch the overwhelm and create homes (and lives) that feel more manageable and joyful.

     

    Simplifier Spotlight: Let’s Celebrate Your Wins! I love hearing how you’re simplifying your life! Whether you’ve made progress on decluttering your space, reworked a system that makes life easier, or just shifted your mindset, I’d love to celebrate your wins.

    Want to be featured? Submit your story at katyjoywells.com/simplifier. I can’t wait to shine a spotlight on YOU!

    Resources to Help You Simplify Your Life:

    • Get FAST Results with My Free Guide: 75 Things to Declutter Right Now Ready to kickstart your decluttering journey? This guide is packed with quick wins to help you clear space and see results fast. Download it here

    • Join My Next 14-Day Challenge Need extra motivation to tackle clutter? Join us for a 14-day challenge and transform your space one step at a time. Sign up here

    • Work 1-on-1 With Me Looking for personalized support to simplify your home and life? Let’s create the clutter-free life you’ve been dreaming of—together. Learn more here

    • Get Your Personalized Home Management Blueprint Want a custom plan to streamline your home? I’ll create a blueprint tailored just for you. Get started here

    • Connect with Me on Instagram Follow me for daily tips, inspiration, and a behind-the-scenes look at my life.

    29 January 2025, 6:30 am
  • 38 minutes 58 seconds
    290: Decluttering Your Spending: How to Align Your Money with What Matters most with Jill Sirianni

    Episode: Decluttering Your Spending: How to Align Your Money with What Matters Most (with Jill Sirianni)

    Are Your Spending Habits Aligned With What Matters Most?

    This week, I’m joined by Jill Sirianni, co-host of the Frugal Friends Podcast and author of Buy What You Love, to tackle an area of life that’s often overlooked in the decluttering conversation: your spending habits. If you’ve ever felt that impulse buys, sales, or the influencer-driven “must-have” culture were derailing your financial goals, this episode is for you.

    Jill shares practical strategies for curbing impulse spending, aligning your money with your values, and building mindful financial habits that stick. Spoiler: Spending is a skill, and you can learn it at any age!

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    • Why impulse buying is so common—and how to stop it in its tracks.
    • The psychology behind sales and discounts (and how to resist the pull!).
    • How to navigate a world of targeted ads and influencer culture with confidence.
    • Practical tips for making small changes that lead to big financial results.
    • Why spending is a skill—and how you can develop it.

    ✨ Simplifier Spotlight: Let’s Celebrate Your Wins! I love hearing how you’re simplifying your life! Whether you’ve made progress on decluttering your space, reworked a system that makes life easier, or just shifted your mindset, I’d love to celebrate your wins.

    Want to be featured? Submit your story at katyjoywells.com/simplifier. I can’t wait to shine a spotlight on YOU!

    Grab Jill’s Book: Buy What You Love Ready to dive deeper into mindful spending? Jill’s new book, Buy What You Love, is packed with practical advice to help you align your money with what matters most.

    📚 Grab your copy here: http://buywhatyoulovebook.com/

    Resources to Help You Simplify Your Life:

    • Get FAST Results with My Free Guide: 75 Things to Declutter Right Now Ready to kickstart your decluttering journey? This guide is packed with quick wins to help you clear space and see results fast. Download it here

    • Join My Next 14-Day Challenge Need extra motivation to tackle clutter? Join us for a 14-day challenge and transform your space one step at a time. Sign up here

    • Work 1-on-1 With Me Looking for personalized support to simplify your home and life? Let’s create the clutter-free life you’ve been dreaming of—together. Learn more here

    • Get Your Personalized Home Management Blueprint Want a custom plan to streamline your home? I’ll create a blueprint tailored just for you. Get started here

    • Connect with Me on Instagram Follow me for daily tips, inspiration, and a behind-the-scenes look at my life. Follow me here

    Quick Win Challenge: This week, take a look at your spending habits. Before making your next purchase, ask yourself:

    • Am I buying this because I need it or because it’s on sale?
    • Does this purchase align with my values and goals?

    These small moments of mindfulness can make a big difference!

    Big hugs, my friend, and I’ll see you next week! Ready, set, simplify—bye!

     

    22 January 2025, 6:30 am
  • 12 minutes 51 seconds
    289: Deinfluenced The Validation Trap

    Ever found yourself clicking “Buy Now” on something just because an ad promised compliments galore? You’re not alone, friend. In this week’s episode, we’re diving into the sneaky world of the “Validation Trap”—those clever marketing tactics that sell you more than a product. They sell the promise of being noticed, admired, and loved.

    But here’s the truth: no product can truly give you the connection and confidence you’re looking for. That’s something we cultivate from within and through real, meaningful relationships.

    This episode is all about recognizing the pattern, breaking free from the trap, and choosing differently.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    • Why validation feels so good—and why it’s a slippery slope when tied to stuff.
    • How the “Compliment Trap” hooks us and keeps us spending.
    • My personal story about sandals (and the cycle of searching for more).
    • Practical questions to ask yourself before making a purchase.

    Your Simplifier of the Week! This week, I’m thrilled to highlight YOUR wins with a brand-new tradition: Simplifier of the Week! Whether you decluttered a corner of your home, shifted your mindset, or tackled something big or small, I want to hear about it.

    ✨ Want to be featured? Submit your story at katyjoywells.com/simplifier. I can’t wait to celebrate you!

    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.

    15 January 2025, 6:30 am
  • 11 minutes 47 seconds
    288: The Art of Curating How to Love Your Home Again

    Discover the Magic of Curating Your Space

    This week, I’m taking you on a journey from cluttered chaos to intentional curation—because your home deserves to feel more like an inspiring gallery and less like an overwhelming storage unit. Inspired by my youngest son Levi’s adorable obsession with rocks (and how we turned his collection into a curated treasure), I’ll share why curating your home isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    • The difference between collecting and curating—and why it matters for your home.
    • How to uncover your home’s story and decide what deserves a prime spot in your “gallery.”
    • Practical steps to highlight your “masterpieces” and let go of the filler that’s taking up space.
    • Why leaving room for meaning and breathing space transforms how you feel about your home.

    Simplifier of the Week I’m so excited to launch this new tradition! Each week, I’ll spotlight your wins—big or small—as you simplify your home and life. Want to be featured? Share your story at katyjoywells.com/simplifier. I can’t wait to celebrate your success!

    Grab Your Free Guide: 75 Things to Declutter Right Now Feeling inspired but not sure where to start? I’ve got you covered! Download my free guide, 75 Things to Declutter Right Now, and take your first step toward a curated home. Get it here.

    Your Home Is Your Gallery Curating your space is about choosing what serves your life and tells your story. It’s not about perfection—it’s about love. Take one area of your home this week, and start small. Decide what stays, what goes, and what makes your space feel like you.

    Ready, set, curate!

    Big hugs, my friend, and I’ll see you next week!

    8 January 2025, 6:30 am
  • 14 minutes 29 seconds
    287: The #1 Decluttering Tip You Don't Wanna Snooze On

    Kick Off 2025 with a Fresh Start! Are you ready to transform your home and your mindset in the new year? This week, Katy dives into a simple but game-changing tool that will help you declutter more efficiently, reduce overwhelm, and create a home that supports your goals—a donation station. If the idea of long-term, holistic decluttering speaks to your soul, this episode is your ultimate starting point.

    Here’s What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode:

    • Why Your Environment Shapes Your Behavior: Discover how clutter impacts your energy and focus, and why setting up systems can make all the difference.
    • The Donation Station Game-Changer: Learn how this one simple tool eliminates decision fatigue, makes decluttering easier, and keeps your momentum going.
    • How to Set Up Your Donation Station Today: Katy shares practical tips for creating your donation station, even if you’re short on space, and a quick win challenge to get you started.
    • The Ripple Effect of Decluttering: See how small steps like this lead to big transformation, not just in your home, but in how you feel every day.

    Ready to take action? Grab a box or bag, set up your donation station, and add at least three items you no longer need before the day ends. Share your progress with Katy on Instagram for a virtual high-five!

    Applications are still open for my Inner Circle Coaching Program, where you’ll get personalized support to declutter, design systems that stick, and create a home that works for you. Don’t wait—spots are filling fast, and the program kicks off January 6th!

     

    1 January 2025, 6:30 am
  • 15 minutes 58 seconds
    286: Feel Lighter in 2025 with This Simple Strategy

    Ready to start 2025 with more clarity and calm?

    Let’s be real—the holidays, as joyful as they are, can leave our homes (and our minds) feeling a little full. Between the decorations, the gifts, and the aftermath of hosting or traveling, you might be craving a reset right about now. If so, you’re in the right place!

    In today’s short and sweet episode, I’m sharing a simple, stress-free strategy that’ll help you reset your home and create a fresh start for 2025. Whether your dining table is buried under leftover wrapping paper or your kitchen counters look like they hosted the entire holiday season, this strategy will help you:

    • Bring your home back to a manageable, feel-good baseline—without spending hours cleaning.

    • Identify sneaky clutter that doesn’t belong anymore.

    • Build daily rhythms that make your space feel calm, clear, and inviting.

    I’ll walk you through exactly how to get started with quick and easy “Daily Resets,” including how to:

    1. Choose the right Reset Zones in your home—and why small, focused actions make the biggest impact.

    2. Decide how often to reset each zone based on your home’s unique rhythm.

    3. Anchor your resets to routines you already have, so they feel automatic (not like another to-do).

    Here’s what you’ll learn in today’s episode:

    • Why quick “Daily Resets” are the ultimate clutter-busting hack for your home.

    • Simple, actionable strategies to make resets part of your everyday routine—without overwhelm.

    • How resets can give you clarity and help you tackle bigger decluttering projects with confidence.

    Ready to reset, refresh, and start 2025 feeling lighter? Let’s do this!

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts If you love the podcast and want to support it, consider leaving a quick review. Your feedback helps others find the show and start simplifying their homes too! Simply click here to rate and review.

    Let’s Connect!

     

    25 December 2024, 6:30 am
  • 11 minutes 14 seconds
    285: How to Stop Spinning Your Wheels with Clutter

    If you’ve ever felt like you’re stuck on a hamster wheel of decluttering—clearing one space only to have the mess sneak back in—you’re not alone. The good news? It’s not your fault, and there’s a way out of the cycle.

    In today’s episode, I’m sharing the #1 game-changing strategy to stop spinning your wheels and finally create a home that works for you (instead of stressing you out). We’ll tackle the emotional, logistical, and practical sides of clutter—because spoiler alert: it’s not just about “stuff.”

    By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear path forward and the confidence to start making progress that sticks.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    • Why your clutter isn’t just physical—it’s tied to your emotions, habits, and beliefs.
    • The three sneaky reasons you feel stuck in the clutter cycle (and how to break free).
    • My holistic approach to decluttering that works for real life (and real people).
    • Simple, sustainable strategies that prevent clutter from creeping back in.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Clutter is emotional. It’s not about “just toss it”—it’s about uncovering why you’re holding on and finding peace with letting go.
    • Overwhelm is the enemy. Starting small (think: one drawer or one shelf) can create massive momentum.
    • Systems are the secret sauce. Without them, clutter will always creep back. The key? Building habits that fit your life, not someone else’s Instagram-perfect version of it.

    The Approach That Changes Everything: Holistic Decluttering isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s about understanding the why behind your clutter, taking empowered action with small, intentional steps, and creating sustainable systems that work for you—your home, your values, your story.

    Think of it like a recipe. Some people need more “root awareness,” while others thrive with an extra helping of “sustainable systems.” It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress—and creating a home that supports your life, not drains it.

    CTA: If this approach feels like the breath of fresh air you’ve been craving, I’d love to help you go deeper. My Inner Circle coaching program is designed to guide you every step of the way, with personalized support to help you clear the clutter and build systems that last.

    The next round kicks off on January 6th, and spots are limited—so don’t wait. Head to katyjoywells.com/innercircle to apply now and start the new year with a home (and life) you love.

    Resources Mentioned:

    18 December 2024, 6:30 am
  • 14 minutes 7 seconds
    284: Stuff and Identity The Hidden Layers of Clutter

    Ever feel like clutter is more than just the stuff piling up on your counters or that chair in your room (you know the one)? That’s because it is. Clutter isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, and often, it’s tied to the identity we’re striving for or the insecurities we’re trying to fix.

    In this episode, we’re peeling back the layers of clutter to reveal what’s really going on beneath the surface. Here’s what we’re diving into:

    • How clutter is connected to your identity and self-worth
    • The emotional weight of items you hold onto (like that stack of unread books)
    • Why letting go can feel so hard—and what to do about it
    • Practical strategies to break free from the cycle

    I’ll also share Crissy’s powerful story of her book collection and how it became a symbol of unmet expectations—and how she’s starting to let go with grace.

    If you’re ready to stop decluttering the same spaces over and over again and finally get to the root of your clutter, this episode is for you.

    Resources & Links:

    Ready for a deeper transformation? The waitlist for my 1:1 coaching program, Inner Circle, is officially open! This is where we go beyond the surface, diving into the emotional and identity-driven layers of clutter to create lasting change in your home and your life. Spots are limited, so don’t wait!

    11 December 2024, 6:30 am
  • 12 minutes 28 seconds
    283: A Simpler Season Toy Declutter

    Overwhelmed by toy chaos as the holidays approach? You’re not alone—and today, we’re tackling it head-on. In this episode, I’m sharing how to declutter toys before Christmas without losing your mind (or your kids’ cooperation). We’ll chat about why clearing space now makes the holiday season feel lighter and calmer, plus I’ll give you practical tips to:

    ✔️ Make room for new gifts while keeping the clutter at bay ✔️ Get your kids on board with donating (yes, it’s possible!) ✔️ Decide what to keep, what to donate, and where to donate it

    I’m also spilling my top tricks for setting toy boundaries (hello, six-cube cubbies!) and why fewer toys can actually mean more creative play.

    And don’t miss this: If you’re looking for clutter-free gift ideas, grab my Clutter-Free Gift Guide for just $3. It’s packed with thoughtful, space-saving gift ideas to make your holiday season simpler and more joyful.

    Resources & Links:

    Quick Favor? If this episode helps you breathe a little easier, take a sec to rate, review, and follow the show on Apple Podcasts. Your support means the world—and it helps more overwhelmed moms find the tools to simplify and enjoy their homes.

     

    4 December 2024, 6:30 am
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