If you feel like you’re always decluttering and never making progress, perhaps it’s because you haven’t looked at the stuff behind the stuff. In this episode, I chat with Katy Joy Wells, host of The Maximized Minimalist podcast and author of Making Home Your Happy Place: A Real-Life Guide to Decluttering Without the Overwhelm to explore the deeper emotional roots of clutter and discover practical strategies for creating a peaceful home. Katy shares her powerful personal story and introduces her Holistic Decluttering Method that goes far beyond simple organizing tips.

We discuss:
- how Katy realized she was using clutter as a shield after a car accident rocked her family’s world in 2017
- her Holistic Decluttering Method including root awareness, the four types of clutter, and designing our homes for follow-through
- how we can find freedom by letting go of identity clutter - arguably the hardest type of clutter for moms

Katy Joy Wells is a declutter expert, podcaster, simplifier, hype-woman, and boy mom. Through her best-selling declutter courses and globally recognized podcast, The Maximized Minimalist, Katy inspires a grace-filled, practical and self-affirming sense of "Wow! I really can do this!" for over 250,000 families across the world. Her new book Making Home Your Happy Place: A Real-Life Guide to Decluttering Without the Overwhelm helps families overcome overwhelm with actionable strategies, declutter with confidence, uncover the deeper roots of clutter and create effortless systems to maintain a peaceful home.

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Katy on her website, Instagram, and her podcast

Pre-order her new book Making Home Your Happy Place: A Real-Life Guide to Decluttering Without the Overwhelm and snag some amazing bonuses here.

**GIVEAWAY ALERT! Katy has graciously agreed to give away a signed copy of her new book. In addition, next week’s guest Joshua Becker will be giving away a signed copy of his new book Uncluttered Faith! If you want to enter, follow these steps:

Please leave a 5-star written review of the Moms Overcoming Overwhelm podcast in Apple Podcasts (only if you haven’t left one before), or a rating/comment in Spotify. Here’s a tutorial on how to leave a written review in Apple Podcasts.

OR

share it with a friend via text or social media!

Screen shot the review BEFORE you submit a review (as it can take a few days to show up in Apple Podcasts) OR after you share with your friend and e-mail me at info@simplebyemmy.com before 8 PM EST on Monday, February 9th, 2026. Please let me know in the e-mail if you’re interested in Making Home Your Happy Place, Uncluttered Faith, or either book.

The winners will be announced on the next episode on Thursday, February 12, 2026. Good luck!

Related Episodes:

Episode 10: The MOST Challenging Type of Clutter for Moms! 4 Kinds of Aspirational Clutter and How to Finally Let Go

Episode 35: The One Habit That Keeps Your Home Clutter-Free with Lisa Lizotte from the Habits and Home Show

Episode 16: “My Husband Doesn’t Want to Get Rid of Anything!” How to Get Your Spouse on Board with Decluttering in 5 Simple Steps

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I help moms declutter their homes, heads, and hearts.

Contact - > info@simplebyemmy.com

Podcast -＞ https://momsovercomingoverwhelm.podbean.com/

Learn -＞ https://www.simplebyemmy.com/resources

Connect -＞ Join our free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms

Instagram -＞ @simplebyemmy and @momsovercomingoverwhelm

*** Don't Know Where to Start? ***

5 Steps to Overcome Overwhelm -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/5steps/

5 Mindset Shifts for Decluttering -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/mindset/
Get podcast playlists for decluttering mindset, tactical decluttering tips, ADHD, getting kids & family on board, and more! https://www.listennotes.com/@momsovercomingoverwhelm/playlists/

Wanna work with me to kick overwhelm to the curb, mama? There are three options for you!

Step 1: Join a supportive community of moms plus decluttering challenges to keep you on track at the free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms

Step 2: Sign up for the weekly Decluttering Tips and Resources for Overwhelmed Moms Newsletter and see samples here: https://pages.simplebyemmy.com/profile

Step 3: Get more personalized support with in-person decluttering and organization coaching (Washington DC metro area)! https://www.simplebyemmy.com/workwithme