

Maximized Minimalist Podcast
Katy Wells
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!
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!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 24, 2024 • 14min
264: A Take on Influencing Nobody Ever Talks About
Hey friends! Today, let's dive into something super interesting: the power of influence. We usually think of influencers as those with thousands of followers, but guess what? We all have influence in our everyday lives! Whether it's recommending a book, sharing a productivity hack, or talking about a fitness tip, our influence matters. 🌟 In this episode, you'll hear about: How recognizing your influence can change your perspective 8:12 - Personal stories of positive influence in my life How trying new things, like a weighted vest, can lead to healthier habits Practical ways to use your influence for good in your community I'll share how I was influenced to try a weighted vest, which totally boosted my fitness routine, and how one listener streamlined her mornings with a simple tip. This episode is all about harnessing positive influence to make real changes in your life. Listen now and see how a little influence can go a long way! 👉 Ready to declutter and feel amazing? Grab your free guide and start your journey to a simpler, more impactful life today!

Jul 17, 2024 • 24min
263: Creating a Peaceful and Healthy Bedroom Space
Did you know, clutter in your bedroom is affecting your sleep?🌙🛌 Yep, it's true! In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the surprising connection between a cluttered environment and sleep quality. As a new mom, I realized just how crucial sleep is and how clutter made it even harder to get the rest I needed. Studies show that clutter not only increases stress and cortisol levels but also disrupts our cognitive functions, making it difficult to relax and sleep soundly. Discover the science behind why our brains crave order and how visual chaos can drain our mental resources. We'll explore practical steps you can take to declutter your space, starting with your bedroom, to create a serene sleep sanctuary. Today, you'll hear about: The significant impact of clutter on sleep quality and cognitive function. How clutter increases cortisol levels, leading to stress and sleep difficulties. Practical tips to start decluttering your bedroom and create a restful environment. The role of cool room temperature, air quality, and noise levels in enhancing sleep. Real-life examples and success stories from those who have transformed their sleep by decluttering. Join us for this transformative conversation and learn how to reclaim your sleep and well-being by simply tidying up! 🌟🧹 Ready to sleep better? Tune in now and start your journey towards a clutter-free, restful night's sleep. 🌙✨ Ready to transform your sleep quality? Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code MAX for up to $300 off AirDoctor air purifiers, plus a free 3-year warranty! 🛌 Breathe easy with 99.99% cleaner air and wake up refreshed.

Jul 10, 2024 • 15min
262: A Life Hack I Just Learned about Commitment
In this episode, we're diving into the magic of commitment and how just taking that first step can totally change your life. Inspired by a recent chat with a friend, I'm sharing an incredible story about her mother-in-law. This awesome lady signed up for a group bike trip in Portugal and a hiking adventure in Machu Picchu before she was even ready. Talk about fearless! We'll explore how committing to something before you feel prepared can push you to reach your goals. Whether it's a fitness challenge, a new hobby, or a big life change, making that commitment creates accountability and urgency, helping you tackle fears and doubts. Join me as I share my own stories, like running a race three months after having a baby. (Spoiler: It wasn't easy, but it was SO worth it!) We'll talk about the power of setting a date, making a public declaration, and stepping out of our comfort zones. In today's episode, you'll hear about: How committing before you're ready can nudge you toward your goals The magic of creating accountability and urgency in your commitments Easy tips on how to start small and build up to bigger challenges Ready to take the leap and transform your life? Tune in and let's discover how the power of commitment can make all the difference. And don't forget to grab my free guide, "75 Things You Can Declutter Today," packed with super easy tips to make immediate progress in your home.

Jul 3, 2024 • 16min
261: Breaking Free from Emotional Spending
Ever bought something thinking it would make you feel better, only to realize it didn't change a thing? Yep, been there! I recently had an eye-opening experience with a swimsuit purchase that made me reflect on why we buy things we don't need. Spoiler: It's not just for the dopamine hit! In this episode, we chat about: Why we often buy out of emotions and not logic My personal story of emotional buying and what it taught me Fun, confidence-boosting activities that don't involve shopping Getting the support you need to make lasting changes By the end of this episode, you'll understand your buying habits better and have some practical tips to keep emotional buying in check. Let's get real and tackle this together! 🎉 My top-rated declutter course, The Clutter Cure, is 50% off this week only in honor of Independence Day! Ready to say goodbye to clutter-induced stress and fall in love with your home again? Check it out!

Jun 26, 2024 • 9min
260: The Declutter Diaries: Lessons from My Garden
Ever come back from a trip to find your garden overrun with weeds? That's what happened to me after being away for two and a half weeks. As I was knee-deep in pulling those pesky weeds, I had an aha moment: decluttering our homes is a lot like weeding a garden! In this episode, I share how this simple task made me realize the impact of clutter on our lives. Just like weeds steal nutrients from your plants, clutter drains your energy and joy. Let's dig into how simplifying your space can create room for the things that truly matter. 🌸 Here's what you'll hear about: The surprising joys of gardening and how it relates to decluttering 🌼 Why clutter is more than just a mess—it's a thief of your happiness The connection between physical and mental clutter Three mindset shifts to make decluttering a breeze So, if you're ready to weed out the unnecessary and make room for what truly matters, hit play and join me on this journey to a more organized, peaceful life. 🎧 Ready, set, declutter! Ready to weed out the clutter and let your life bloom? 🌺 Join me in the Clutter Cure Club! This summer, we're launching the Summer Simplicity Sprints—quick and easy tasks designed to help you declutter both physically and mentally. It's perfect for those busy months when you want to make a big impact with minimal effort.

Jun 19, 2024 • 36min
259: Creating Wellness: From Body to Home with Dr. Joel Warsh
We've got a super special guest on the show today – Dr. Joel, an amazing integrative pediatrician I met through Katie Kimball's Life Skills Summit. He's here to shake up the way we think about kids' health! Dr. Joel's journey is fascinating. After going through the usual pediatric training, he realized the system's focus on quick visits and medication wasn't cutting it. So, he dived into integrative and natural medicine, combining the best of both worlds to truly help kids thrive. And trust me, this is not the "woo-woo" stuff you might be thinking about. We dive into some really eye-opening topics: Dr. Joel's journey to integrative pediatrics Why combining Western medicine with holistic practices works Creating emotionally nurturing spaces for our kids The "Dr. Gator Smoothie" – no, it's not a real smoothie, but a recipe for balanced, healthy living! Fun and practical ways to keep our kids active and healthy Tackling screen time and building stress resilience We also chat about his new book, "Parenting at Your Child's Pace," which is packed with insights for navigating the first three years of your child's life. It's like having a friendly guide by your side, helping you make informed choices without all the stress. Tune in and get ready to rethink how you approach your family's health. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or just curious about holistic health, there's something in this episode for you. Links Mentioned: Katie Kimball's Life Skills Summit: Grab your free ticket! AirDoctor Air Purifier: Use promo code MAX for up to $300 off and a free 3-year warranty! Dr. Joel's Book: "Parenting at Your Child's Pace" – Get it here

Jun 12, 2024 • 16min
258: Beyond Souvenirs: The Real Treasures of Our European Trip
I'm beyond excited to share this episode with you because I just returned from an incredible 17-day road trip through Southern France and Spain with my family. 🚗✨ We traveled through 20-25 towns and villages, soaking up the charm of quaint villages, indulging in delicious local foods, and creating priceless memories. From the vibrant streets of Barcelona to the picturesque cliffs in French national parks, our journey was a beautiful reminder of the power of choosing experiences over material possessions. In this episode, you'll hear about: Why we chose experiences over stuff and how it transformed our trip The magical local festival we stumbled upon in a small French town Boating through a stunning gorge with turquoise-green water Attending the epic Monaco Formula One qualifying race Exploring ancient caves and medieval fortresses Simplifying our packing: How we managed with just three carry-ons Tips for embracing experiences over stuff in your daily life Join me as I recount our adventures and share insights on living a simplified, intentional life. Whether you're planning a big trip or looking for ways to add more meaningful experiences to your everyday routine, this episode is for you. Ready, set, simplify! Ready to Master Your Home Management? Transform the way you handle chores and simplify your life with Home Management Mastery. Join now and create a home where chores are no longer a burden, but a seamlessly managed part of your daily routine.

Jun 5, 2024 • 32min
257: Simplified Exercise for Busy Women (And Myths Keeping You Stuck)
Are you struggling to find time for exercise amidst the chaos of motherhood? 🤯 In this episode of The Maximized Minimalist, I'm thrilled to welcome Amy and Krystle from Expecting and Empowered! These amazing sisters and fitness experts share their top strategies for fitting in workouts, debunking common fitness myths, and adapting exercise routines to fit your busy lifestyle. We dive deep into the importance of physical health for mental well-being and how even a single workout can set you up for success in multiple areas of life. Whether you're a morning person like Krystle or prefer afternoon workouts like Amy, they've got tips to help you find what works best for you. Tune in to learn: How to tailor your workouts to fit your unique schedule 🗓️ The benefits of weekend workouts for busy moms 🌟 Why 30-minute workouts are the sweet spot for consistency and effectiveness ⏱️ How to shift your mindset to embrace flexibility and overcome limiting beliefs 🧠 Don't miss out on this engaging conversation packed with practical advice and inspiring stories that will motivate you to prioritize your health and fitness, no matter how hectic life gets. Episode Highlights: Finding the best time to work out that suits your lifestyle The power of weekend workouts and how they benefit the whole family Overcoming limiting beliefs about exercise and creating sustainable fitness habits Fun and innovative ways to keep workouts exciting and motivating Join us and discover how to make fitness an achievable part of your daily routine. 💪 Connect with Amy & Krystle: Expecting & Empowered Website Expecting & Empowered Instagram

May 29, 2024 • 17min
256: How to Troubleshoot Clutter [Part 2]
Are you ready to finally tackle those clutter hotspots in your home? You know the ones I'm talking about – the entryway, kitchen counter, or that one corner of the living room that just seems to attract clutter like a magnet. Today, I'm sharing some super practical tips to keep these spots clutter-free, not just during the summer, but all year round! In this episode, we'll walk through a step-by-step process to identify and conquer your clutter hotspots. We'll chat about the difference between expected mess and clutter, the magic of daily resets, and how to respect your home's physical boundaries. Plus, I'll let you in on my favorite decluttering trick – the clutter audit. Trust me, it's a game-changer! Here's what we'll cover: How to spot your clutter hotspots and figure out why they gather clutter. The power of consistent decluttering and how to do a quick clutter audit. Why setting up a permanent donation bin can make your life so much easier. How to combine daily resets with clutter audits for double the impact. Honoring your home's physical boundaries to keep clutter at bay. Changing your mindset to tackle procrastination and clutter effectively. By the end of this episode, you'll have a bunch of easy strategies to keep your home neat and organized. Imagine how much more time, energy, and peace of mind you'll have! Ready to dive deeper and get more personalized help? I'd love to welcome you to the Clutter Cure Club. Inside, you'll get my Clutter Freedom Roadmap and join a community of like-minded folks all working towards a clutter-free home. We're kicking off our Summer Simplicity Sprints soon, so now's the perfect time to join! Head over to katiejoywells.com/cluttercureclub and let's transform your home together in just 10 minutes a week.

May 22, 2024 • 23min
255: How to Troubleshoot Expected Mess [Part 1]
As summer unfolds, our routines shift, and our homes often bear the brunt of it. With kids home more and the influx of outdoor activities, managing the inevitable mess can feel overwhelming. But fear not! Today, I'm sharing four practical strategies to help you stay on top of the summer mess and keep your home a sanctuary of calm and order. Whether it's the never-ending piles of laundry, toys scattered everywhere, or the extra clutter that summer brings, I've got you covered with actionable tips and mindset shifts to make your summer both enjoyable and manageable. In this episode, you'll learn: The truth about expected mess vs. clutter and why it's crucial to differentiate between the two. How to implement quick cleanup rituals, or "resets," to keep your home tidy and stress-free. The benefits of rotating indoor activities to keep things fresh and reduce clutter. How to simplify and organize your outdoor gear for maximum efficiency and minimal stress. The importance of setting realistic expectations and embracing the natural mess that comes with an active, fun-filled summer. These insights and practical tips will help you reduce overwhelm, improve your home's functionality, and enhance your overall well-being. Plus, discover how embracing a bit of mess can actually lead to a happier, more fulfilling home life. Listen in and transform your approach to managing summer mess. Your home can be both a lively, fun space and a well-organized haven! Head to https://airdoctorpro.com/ and use promo code MAX - you'll receive UP TO $300 off air purifiers! Exclusive to podcast customers, you will also receive a free 3 year warranty on any unit, which is an additional $84 value! Go to https://airdoctorpro.com/ and use promo code MAX. Enroll in the Toy Clutter Cure Here


