191: Mental Health And Clutter: What's The Connection

You may not realize this depending on how long you've been a listener of the show, but my passion for helping other simplify wasn't born because I love to help people make their home look pretty and organized... it's because decluttering was the catalyst that turned my mental health around and helped put an end to 24/7 stress, anxiety and depression. While I don't think that clutter wasn't the *cause* of my mental health struggles, there certainly was a correlation which became more and more obvious the more stuff I got rid of. Now, several years later having helped thousands of students and hearing story after story about how their stress levels have improved, they feel happier, hopeful, have a more positive outlook, less depression and so much more... it only reinforces the idea that we are intricately connected to our environments... and when we change our environments, our thoughts, emotions and even actions can change, as a result. Today's episode, to kick-off the start of mental-health awareness month, I share some fascinating studies focused on just how clutter and mental health are connected. I hope you find it inspiring, encouraging and just the words you needed to hear today. xx Katy P.S. Know someone who's struggling like I was? Please forward them this episode. It's a powerful thing to know we're not alone. 💖

Om Podcasten

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!