You can simplify your life and Katy Wells will show you how.
Katy is the host of the globally recognized Top-50 Podcast, The Maximized Minimalist, and a leadin...
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: Clutter-Free Gift Guide: 75+ Meaningful Gift Ideas Let’s connect on Instagram: @katyjoywells 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.
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282: 5-Minute Gratitude Reset: A Simple Practice for a Stress-Free Holiday
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. 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.
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281: Scarcity and Emotional Spending with Financial Expert Brie Sodano
Hey there, friend! This week on The Maximized Minimalist Podcast, we’re diving into something I KNOW so many of us deal with—scarcity mindset and emotional spending. And to help us unpack it all, I brought on financial expert and author Brie Sedano. Let me tell you—this convo is packed with golden nuggets that’ll leave you thinking, Wait, how did she get in my head? We’re talking about why scarcity isn’t just in your mind (spoiler alert: it’s also in your body!), how it triggers some not-so-great spending habits, and what you can do about it. Plus, Brie’s new book, Cash Confident: Practical Money Management for the Modern Woman, is a total game-changer. Think of it as your step-by-step guide to ditching money guilt and building systems that actually work for YOU. And oh, the stories we share—like, who knew scarcity mindset could show up as hoarding granola bars or buying one more lipstick you’ll never wear? If you’re ready to get real about money without the shame or judgment, this episode is for you. Here’s What You’ll Learn: Why scarcity mindset isn’t just in your head—and how it hijacks your decision-making. The surprising connection between emotional spending and self-worth. Why you don’t need a budget (yes, really) and what to do instead. How to tune into your body’s cues to avoid WTF money moves. The secret to letting go of money guilt—and actually enjoying what you buy. Links Worth Clicking: Brie’s New Book: Cash Confident: Practical Money Management for the Modern Woman Clutter-Free Gift Guide 🎁: Ready to simplify your gift-giving this holiday season? Grab my guide for just $3! 75 Things to Declutter (Free Guide): Need a quick win? Download my free guide for fast results! 14-Day Challenge: Ready to tackle clutter? Join my next challenge and transform your space! Home Management Blueprint: Get a personalized plan tailored to YOU! Start here. Follow Me on Instagram: Let’s connect! Follow me for tips and inspo.
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280: 5 Simple Holiday Traditions for More Joy and Connection
Ever feel like your holiday traditions have turned into just another to-do list? In this episode, I’m sharing how I learned to let go of "perfect" traditions and embrace a simpler, more joyful way of celebrating. Through a little (messy) cookie-baking memory, I realized that the magic of traditions isn’t in getting every detail just right – it’s in the laughter, the connection, and making memories that feel real. Tune in as we reframe holiday traditions to focus on what truly brings joy and connection, minus the stress. I’ll walk you through a quick exercise to help you decide if your traditions still fit your family, and I’ll share fresh ideas to make your holiday season meaningful without all the fuss. Whether you’re ready to tweak an old favorite or are curious about adding something new, this episode will help you keep the season fun, cozy, and all about togetherness. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: How to assess if your traditions still fit or if it’s time for a refresh Why letting go of ‘perfect’ can bring more joy to the season Simple ways to make the season special, memorable, and low-stress So grab a cozy spot and join me for some inspiration to simplify, savor, and truly enjoy the season with the ones you love most. Mentioned in This Episode: Breathe easy this holiday season! 🌬️ Ready to create a cozy, fresh space without the stuffy air? My go-to AirDoctor Air Purifier has you covered! It’s like a deep clean for your home’s air – filtering out all those pesky pollutants. Use promo code ‘MAX’ at airdoctorpro.com for up to $300 off and enjoy a healthier home with an extra 3-year warranty.
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279: Creating a Functional, Organized Kitchen with Allison Schaaf
Let’s talk about the one place in your house that can either make your day a total breeze or an absolute disaster: the kitchen. If your kitchen looks more like a chaotic war zone than a functional workspace, it’s time for a little intervention. Today, Katie sits down with chef and dietitian Allison Schaaf to help you whip your kitchen into shape—think less clutter, more calm. Allison drops some major wisdom on why less is actually more when it comes to kitchen tools, how to organize your space like a pro, and even how to get your kids to help out without them turning it into a circus. Plus, we’re diving into tips on how to survive holiday meal prep without losing your sanity (hint: it doesn’t involve making everything from scratch). So, whether you’re cooking for your fam or just trying to find a spatula in the abyss of your utensil drawer, this episode has you covered. Key Takeaways: Smaller Kitchens > Bigger Kitchens: Wait, what? Yep. Allison explains why having a teeny tiny kitchen can actually make your life easier. No more walking 50 miles between your stove and fridge just to make dinner. Declutter Your Drawers, Save Your Sanity: Do you have three potato peelers but only use one? It’s time for a drawer detox. Learn how cutting down on kitchen gadgets can make cooking faster and (dare we say) more enjoyable. How to Set Up Your Kitchen Like a Pro: Want to stop running around like a headless chicken every time you cook? Allison shares the exact spots to store your essentials to make meal prep a breeze. Get Your Kids Involved—Without Losing Your Mind: Allison’s genius tips for getting your kids to help in the kitchen without turning it into a food fight. (Hint: It’s all about making things easy for them. And for you.) Holiday Meal Prep, Simplified: We all want to be Martha Stewart, but we also don’t want to spend six hours making a gingerbread house from scratch. Allison’s advice? Pick your favorite traditions and let the rest go. Your future self will thank you. Episode Highlights: [00:01] Katie kicks off the episode with a reality check: if your kitchen’s a mess, so is your life. [00:29] Allison Schaaf joins the party, sharing her experience as a personal chef and why big kitchens can be totally inefficient. [05:00] The most overlooked area in your kitchen that’s probably driving you nuts (and how to fix it). [07:57] Let’s be real: how many spatulas do you actually need? Allison’s no-BS guide to streamlining your kitchen tools. [10:45] How to make your kids help in the kitchen—and not in that “Here’s a mess for you to clean up later” kind of way. [13:57] Holiday chaos, BE GONE. Allison’s no-fuss tips for staying organized and stress-free during holiday meal prep. Connect with Allison: Instagram: @PrepDish Website: PrepDish Resources Mentioned: PrepDish Free Trial: Want meal prep to be easy AND delicious? Try out Allison’s meal prep service for two weeks FREE at PrepDish.com/clutter. 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.
You can simplify your life and Katy Wells will show you how.
Katy is the host of the globally recognized Top-50 Podcast, The Maximized Minimalist, and a leading declutter expert.
It’s her mission to uncover the root cause of people’s clutter problems and guide them through practical and sustainable solutions in the forms of decluttering physical, mental and emotional clutter and what’s holding them back in life.
Through her online programs, social media channels, youtube channel and podcast, she has helped hundreds of thousands of families transform their home from chaotic to calm, have less stress and anxiety and gain freedom from clutter.
Tune in and buckle up - your life is about the change. Listen weekly on Wednesdays!
Get started decluttering your home with her FREE guide here: https://www.decluttersurvivalguide.com
To learn more about Katy and her signature programs go to: https://www.katyjoywells.com