Maximized Minimalist Podcast

Katy Wells
  • 4.8 (866)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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!

  1. 6D AGO

    The Countertop Clutter Magnet EffectAnd How to Fix It

    Ever cleared your kitchen counters… only to blink and find them cluttered again? 😩 You are not imagining it—there’s a reason every surface in your home seems to magically collect stuff. It’s called the Countertop Clutter Magnet Effect, and once you notice it, you can’t unsee it. In today’s episode, I’m breaking down why stuff attracts stuff (yes, there’s brain science behind it), and what you can do to finally stop the clutter creep—without giving up your much-needed visual reminders. Because if you're the kind of person who needs to SEE your supplements, bills, or to-do list to actually remember them… this episode is going to change your life. 🙌 3 Key Takeaways from This Episode: 1. Why “Stuff Attracts Stuff” Is a Real Thing It’s not just clutter—it’s how our brains work. Once one item lands on a surface, it signals to our brains that it’s now a holding zone. I’ll explain how this happens and how to break the pattern. 2. How to Keep Visual Reminders Without the Chaos If “out of sight, out of mind” is your struggle, I’ve got you. From daily action trays to vertical organizers, I’ll show you how to keep your reminders visible but contained so they don’t take over your space. 3. How to Use the Clutter Magnet Effect For You Yep, you can flip the script. I’ll share how one simple change—like adding a fruit bowl—turned a clutter hotspot into a healthy habit zone. (And how you can do the same with your desk, bathroom, or entryway.) Resources Mentioned in This Episode: AirDoctor Air Purifier Invisible clutter is a thing too—dust, dander, and all the stuff you can’t see but definitely don’t want to breathe in. 👉 Get up to $300 off select models at AirDoctorPro.com with code KATY Your Challenge This Week: Take a look around your home and identify one clutter magnet zone. Then ask yourself: “What do I actually want this space to attract?” Pick one small swap—maybe a tray, a clear bin, or a vertical organizer—and give that space a job. Let’s stop letting clutter call the shots. Ready, Set, Simplify – bye! Ready to Declutter Even More? Check Out These Resources: 🚀 Get FAST Results with My Free Guide: 75 Things to Declutter Right Now Need a quick win? This guide helps you clear space and see results fast. 📥 https://www.katyjoywells.com/declutter 💡 Work 1-on-1 With Me Need personalized support to simplify your life? Let’s create a plan that works for you. 💼 https://www.katyjoywells.com/innercircle 🏡 Get Your Personalized Home Management Blueprint Want a step-by-step plan to manage your home effortlessly? Let’s create your custom blueprint. 📝 https://www.katyjoywells.com/home-management-mastery 📲 Connect with Me on Instagram Follow me for daily decluttering tips, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes peeks into my life. 💛 https://www.instagram.com/katyjoywells

    13 min

  2. APR 9

    3 Game-Changing Wardrobe Strategies to Love Your Clothes and Stop Overbuying

    Ever feel like you have a closet full of clothes and still nothing to wear? 🙋‍♀️ You’re not alone—and if you're constantly buying new pieces hoping this will be the outfit that finally makes you feel confident, this episode is for you. I used to believe that creating a wardrobe I loved meant buying more. But the truth? No amount of shopping fixed that feeling. It wasn’t until I stopped asking “What do I need to buy?” and started asking “What do I need to see?” that everything changed. In this episode, I’m sharing 3 wardrobe strategies that completely shifted how I dress, shop, and feel about my closet. If you’re ready to declutter your wardrobe, stop overbuying clothes, and finally love getting dressed again—this one’s a must-listen. 🔑 3 Key Takeaways from This Episode: 1️⃣ Find Your Personal Style Using the 3-Word Method No more following trends or trying to wear pieces that don’t feel like you. I’ll walk you through how to define your style using Alison Bornstein’s three-word method—so you can confidently choose outfits that match your life, your vibe, and how you want to feel. (Hint: it’s not about “what’s in,” it’s about what feels right.) 2️⃣ Discover the Power of Color Analysis Color is one of the most overlooked tools in curating a closet you love. I share how getting my colors done by Your Color Guru changed the way I shop and helped me declutter my wardrobe with less overwhelm. (Use code CLUTTERFREE for 10% off any package!) 3️⃣ Shop Your Closet First—Before You Buy Anything New You don’t need more clothes—you need more inspiration. I’ll show you how I use screenshots from my favorite brands and stylists to “shop my closet” and recreate fresh outfits from pieces I already own. (It gives me the same dopamine hit as buying something new—without the regret.) 💡 Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Get Your Color Analysis – Use Code CLUTTERFREE for 10% Off https://yourcolorguru.com/ Follow Alison Bornstein on Instagram for style inspiration and 3-word method tips 💬 Your Challenge This Week: Try just one of these strategies. Define your three style words. Book a color analysis. Or screenshot a look you love and recreate it with what you already have. You might be surprised how little you need to finally feel like you have a wardrobe that works for you. 🎧 If this episode helped you, share it with a friend or leave a review on Apple Podcasts—it truly helps other women find this show and join the Simplifier community. Ready, Set, Simplify – bye!   Ready to Declutter Even More? Check Out These Resources: 🚀 Get FAST Results with My Free Guide: 75 Things to Declutter Right Now Need a quick win? This guide helps you clear space and see results fast. 📥 https://www.katyjoywells.com/declutter 💡 Work 1-on-1 With Me Need personalized support to simplify your life? Let’s create a plan that works for you. 💼 https://www.katyjoywells.com/innercircle 🏡 Get Your Personalized Home Management Blueprint Want a step-by-step plan to manage your home effortlessly? Let’s create your custom blueprint. 📝 https://www.katyjoywells.com/home-management-mastery 📲 Connect with Me on Instagram Follow me for daily decluttering tips, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes peeks into my life. 💛 https://www.instagram.com/katyjoywells

    16 min
  3. 300 Episodes Later The 3 Biggest Lessons on Living Simply and Intentionally

    APR 2

    300 Episodes Later The 3 Biggest Lessons on Living Simply and Intentionally

    Can you believe it? 300 episodes! What started as a simple mission to help women declutter has grown into a movement—one filled with transformation, growth, and more "aha" moments than I ever imagined. To celebrate this milestone, I’m sharing the three biggest lessons I’ve learned after all these conversations and coaching sessions. If you’ve ever wondered what it really means to simplify, this one’s for you. In this episode: Lesson 1: Clutter Is a Symptom Decluttering is rarely about the stuff—it’s about what the stuff represents. Guilt, fear, or a past identity? I share a powerful story from a listener who let go of more than just boxes of craft supplies. Try this: Ask yourself: What does this item represent, and is it helping me move forward? Lesson 2: Change Starts With Compassion You can’t bully yourself into being more organized. Real growth begins with kindness and curiosity. Ditch the self-criticism and make space for grace. Try this: When you feel overwhelmed, ask: How can I meet this moment with kindness instead of criticism? Lesson 3: Simplify Your Time First Decluttering your calendar matters just as much as decluttering your closet. Learn how I started protecting my time—and how it brought more peace than any organizing bin ever could. Try this: Ask: What’s one thing I can say no to this week to create more space for what matters? ✨ Your challenge: Take one small step. Whether it's clearing a drawer or reclaiming 15 minutes of quiet, small shifts = big results. Thanks for being part of this amazing journey. Here’s to the next 300! Ready to Declutter Even More? Check Out These Resources: 🚀 Get FAST Results with My Free Guide: 75 Things to Declutter Right Now Need a quick win? This guide helps you clear space and see results fast. 📥 https://www.katyjoywells.com/declutter 💡 Work 1-on-1 With Me Need personalized support to simplify your life? Let’s create a plan that works for you. 💼 https://www.katyjoywells.com/innercircle 🏡 Get Your Personalized Home Management Blueprint Want a step-by-step plan to manage your home effortlessly? Let’s create your custom blueprint. 📝 https://www.katyjoywells.com/home-management-mastery 📲 Connect with Me on Instagram Follow me for daily decluttering tips, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes peeks into my life. 💛 https://www.instagram.com/katyjoywells

    18 min
  4. Lighten Your Mental Load: Expert Tips from Dr. Morgan Cutlip on Finding Balance in Motherhood

    MAR 26

    Lighten Your Mental Load: Expert Tips from Dr. Morgan Cutlip on Finding Balance in Motherhood

    Let’s talk about that feeling. The one where you're managing doctor's appointments, school events, birthday gifts, grocery lists, carpool logistics—and yet somehow, it still looks like you're "just" staying on top of life. But under the surface? It’s heavy. It’s exhausting. It’s invisible. In today’s conversation, I sat down with Dr. Morgan Cutlip (yes, again—and you’ll see why!) to talk about her brand-new book A Better Share and how we can finally name, understand, and redistribute the mental load many of us carry. We dive deep into what the mental load actually is (spoiler: it’s more than just remembering appointments), how it shows up in your everyday life, and how to finally start conversations with your partner that don’t end in frustration or tears. Even if you feel like you’ve already "tried talking about it," this episode offers powerful reframes, practical scripts, and gentle encouragement to keep going—because you deserve a life that doesn’t constantly feel like one giant to-do list. In this episode, we chat about: Why "just tell me what to do" misses the mark in partnerships The 3 overlapping types of tasks that make up the mental load (and why they’re so hard to delegate) The hidden cost of emotional labor in motherhood What to say when your partner gets defensive (and how to prep for the convo so you don’t spiral) How to ask for appreciation (and why that’s not needy—it’s necessary!) If you've ever felt like you're carrying too much—and no one quite sees it—this episode is a must-listen. 📘 Grab Dr. Morgan's brand-new book A Better Share https://a.co/d/alpGD4g It’s the handbook every couple needs to navigate modern family life with more clarity, teamwork, and peace. Trust me, you’ll want to highlight every page. Thanks so much for listening, and if this episode gave you an aha! moment, would you mind sharing it with a friend or leaving a quick review? It helps this little show reach more moms who need it. Ready, Set, Simplify Ready to Declutter Even More? Check Out These Resources: 🚀 Get FAST Results with My Free Guide: 75 Things to Declutter Right Now Need a quick win? This guide helps you clear space and see results fast. 📥 https://www.katyjoywells.com/declutter 📅 Join My Next 14-Day Challenge Declutter your home with me! We’re tackling clutter together for 14 days, one step at a time. 🚀 https://www.katyjoywells.com/email-clutter-crusher-challenge 💡 Work 1-on-1 With Me Need personalized support to simplify your life? Let’s create a plan that works for you. 💼 https://www.katyjoywells.com/innercircle 🏡 Get Your Personalized Home Management Blueprint Want a step-by-step plan to manage your home effortlessly? Let’s create your custom blueprint. 📝 https://www.katyjoywells.com/home-management-mastery 📲 Connect with Me on Instagram Follow me for daily decluttering tips, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes peeks into my life. 💛 https://www.instagram.com/katyjoywells

    44 min
  5. Finding Peace in Everyday Life The Benefits of Slowing Down

    MAR 19

    Finding Peace in Everyday Life The Benefits of Slowing Down

    Hey friend, I just got back from our annual camping trip to Hunting Island State Park, and it reminded me of something important—slower moments hold the most joy. Wandering the beach, looking for shark teeth, watching the kids play—no rush, no distractions, just being present. And I realized: Why do these moments feel so peaceful, and how can we bring more of them into everyday life? What We’re Talking About Today: Why slowing down makes life feel better (and actually be better) The science of ‘glimmers’—tiny moments of joy we often miss Simple ways to create more breathing room in your daily routine Speaking of Finding Calm… If you’re looking for a way to bring more peace into your home, let me tell you about the AirDoctor air purifier—a total game-changer. Did you know indoor air can be up to 100 times more polluted than outdoor air? AirDoctor eliminates 99.99% of harmful contaminants, allergens, and mold spores. And as a cat-lady and mom to two high-energy boys, having cleaner air makes a huge difference. It’s like breathing in a little slice of zen. Head to https://airdoctorpro.com/ and use promo code MAX to get up to $300 off today! Your Challenge This Week: Find One Glimmer Here’s my challenge for you—find one moment to slow down this week. Maybe it’s a quiet cup of coffee before the kids wake up, a short walk with no destination, or just sitting still for a few minutes and noticing what’s around you. Because the joy we’re looking for? It’s already there—we just have to slow down enough to see it. Ready, Set, Simplify—bye! Ready to Declutter Even More? Check Out These Resources: 🚀 Get FAST Results with My Free Guide: 75 Things to Declutter Right Now Need a quick win? This guide helps you clear space and see results fast. 📥 https://www.katyjoywells.com/declutter 📅 Join My Next 14-Day Challenge Declutter your home with me! We’re tackling clutter together for 14 days, one step at a time. 🚀 https://www.katyjoywells.com/email-clutter-crusher-challenge 💡 Work 1-on-1 With Me Need personalized support to simplify your life? Let’s create a plan that works for you. 💼 https://www.katyjoywells.com/innercircle 🏡 Get Your Personalized Home Management Blueprint Want a step-by-step plan to manage your home effortlessly? Let’s create your custom blueprint. 📝 https://www.katyjoywells.com/home-management-mastery 📲 Connect with Me on Instagram Follow me for daily decluttering tips, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes peeks into my life. 💛 https://www.instagram.com/katyjoywells

    15 min
  6. Ultimate Spring Reset: Cleaning, Organizing and Systems that Stick with Cas of Clutterbug

    MAR 12

    Ultimate Spring Reset: Cleaning, Organizing and Systems that Stick with Cas of Clutterbug

    If you’ve ever wondered why maintaining an organized home feels impossible (despite your best efforts), today’s episode is for you! We’re diving deep into spring cleaning, clutter-busting, and simple systems that actually stick—without the overwhelm. My guest is none other than [Guest’s Name], the brilliant mind behind the Clutterbug organizing styles, and she’s sharing her game-changing approach to setting up an organized home that works for you and your family. We talk about: Why traditional organization advice might not work for you (and what to do instead!) The 4 Clutterbug organizing styles and how to identify yours The golden rule of organization (this one’s a game-changer!) How to get your spouse and kids to actually help—without nagging Spring cleaning made easy with her simple, no-pressure approach The one home item she swears by that makes tidying effortless (spoiler: it’s not a fancy storage bin!) This episode is packed with relatable moments, laugh-out-loud real talk, and easy, practical tips you can start using today. READY TO DITCH THE CLUTTER FOR GOOD? Join the 14-Day Clutter Crusher Challenge and transform your home in just 20 minutes a day—without the stress or overwhelm. For a limited time, get $20 off when you use code PODCAST at checkout! Start today → https://www.katyjoywells.com/cluttercrusherchallenge

    50 min
  7. Stronger with Purpose: A Simpler, More Sustainable Approach to Fitness and Life with Emily Long

    MAR 5

    Stronger with Purpose: A Simpler, More Sustainable Approach to Fitness and Life with Emily Long

    Ever feel like you’re stuck in an all-or-nothing cycle when it comes to fitness, mindset, or even just keeping up with life? You’re not alone. Today, I’m sitting down with Emily Long, the creator of the STRONGER framework, to talk about a simpler, more sustainable approach to fitness and life—one that actually works for busy women like you. Emily knows firsthand what it’s like to feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and unsure of where to start. That’s why she developed STRONGER, a method that helps women build strength with purpose—without the guilt, shame, or burnout. In this episode, we’re breaking down: ✔️ The STRONGER framework—what it stands for and how it helps women stay consistent ✔️ Why the all-or-nothing mindset is so common (and how to ditch it for good) ✔️ How to build momentum and stay motivated even when life gets chaotic ✔️ The smallest, easiest step you can take today to start feeling stronger—inside and out Plus, Emily is sharing what kind of support truly moves the needle when it comes to long-term success (spoiler: it’s not what you think!). If you’re ready to stop feeling stuck and start feeling stronger with purpose, you won’t want to miss this episode. 👉 Links & Resources Mentioned: Join Emily’s FREE 5-Day 'STRONGER Starts Here' Kickstart challenge → https://strongerwithpurpose.life/optin?am_id=katywells9911 Grab your spot in the 14-Day Clutter Crusher Challenge for just $17 (with promo code PODCAST!) → https://www.katyjoywells.com/email-clutter-crusher-challenge PS: This challenge kicks off on March 17th, and spots are limited! If you’ve ever wished your home could just magically declutter itself, this is for you. 🎉 Hit play now, and let’s get stronger—together.

    47 min
  8. The Stuff You Keep for Someday And Why Its Holding You Back

    FEB 26

    The Stuff You Keep for Someday And Why Its Holding You Back

    Ever Open Your Closet and Feel Defeated? You’re Not Alone. We’ve all been there. You catch a glimpse of that pair of jeans you swore you’d fit into again, or the untouched art supplies that were going to make you the next Picasso. But instead of feeling motivated, you feel a little stuck—maybe even guilty. If that sounds familiar, then, friend, this episode is for you. Today, we’re talking about aspirational clutter—the stuff we hold onto because it represents who we hoped we’d become. The fancy cookware for the gourmet chef phase that never happened. The fitness gear collecting dust in the corner. The books you swore you’d read but haven’t cracked open. And the hard truth? Keeping these items doesn’t inspire us. It keeps us stuck. So, in this episode, we’re unpacking: Why aspirational clutter is so tough to let go of The sneaky ways it keeps you from moving forward How to release it without guilt (for real this time!) And don’t worry—letting go isn’t about giving up on your dreams. It’s about making space for who you are right now. Because, friend, you are worthy and enough in this very moment—no extra supplies required. Listener Challenge: Take Back Your Space! Find one item of aspirational clutter in your home. Ask yourself: 👉 Does this fit my current season of life? 👉 Do I feel inspired or guilty when I see it? If it no longer serves you, let it go. And if you do? I want to hear about it!  Share your story. Ready to Declutter Even More? Check Out These Resources: Get FAST Results with My Free Guide: 75 Things to Declutter Right Now Need a quick win? This guide helps you clear space and see results fast. 📥 Download it here Join My Next 14-Day Challenge Declutter your home with me! We’re tackling clutter together for 14 days, one step at a time. 📅 Sign up here Work 1-on-1 With Me Need personalized support to simplify your life? Let’s create a plan that works for you. 💼 Learn more here Get Your Personalized Home Management Blueprint Want a step-by-step plan to manage your home effortlessly? Let’s create your custom blueprint. 📝 Get started here Connect with Me on Instagram Follow me for daily decluttering tips, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes peeks into my life. 💛 Follow me here Friend, you deserve a home (and a life) that feels light, free, and yours. Let’s do this together!

    16 min
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    4.8
    out of 5
    866 Ratings

    About

    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!

    Information

    • Creator
      Katy Wells
    • Years Active
      2019 - 2025
    • Episodes
      304
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Copyright
      © The Maximized Minimalist 2025
    • Show Website
      Maximized Minimalist Podcast

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