Moms Overcoming Overwhelm | Decluttering Tips, Declutter, Systems, Routines for Moms, Home Organization

I’m excited to bring you this bonus episode with my friend Michelle Byrd from The Busy Vibrant Mom podcast and a regular guest on Moms Overcoming Overwhelm.

It’s the 16th episode of Coffee and Tea with M&E!

Grab your coffee or tea, pull up a chair, and join us.

Hope you enjoy this honest conversation between two moms who GET IT!

NOTE: I will be pausing the podcast to focus on my health and will let you know when new episodes are coming out.

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

Contact - > info@simplebyemmy.com 

Podcast -＞ https://www.simplebyemmy.com/podcast

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/

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 (coming soon to Pittsburgh)! https://www.simplebyemmy.com/workwithme

You tell yourself that you’re going to get your life together - drink more water, journal, exercise, declutter. You do great for a few days and then your kid gets sick, or there’s an emergency at work. You feel like a failure and wonder if you can ever create habits that will actually stick.

If this sounds familiar, don’t despair. Traditional habits wisdom, largely created by men, fails women because it ignores invisible labor and praises consistency that relies on perfection.

Monica Packer is a mom of five and the founder of About Progress, a top-rated podcast about adopting progress over perfection. She has served thousands of women online as a certified habits and identity coach.

In this episode, we dive into her new book Sticky Habits: A Woman’s Guide to Reclaim Happiness, Ditch Perfectionism, and Create Habits That Last.

We chat about:

why women feel like failures when trying to follow traditional habits advice

a different definition of consistency that takes the unpredictability of womens’ lives into account

the 4 S’s that make habits sticky

why tying identity with habits is an integral piece many habits experts miss

...and much more!

Resources Mentioned:

You can grab Monica’s new book Sticky Habits (and learn about the pre-order bonuses) here.

Fair Play by Eve Rodsky

Flecks of Gold journal

Related Episodes:

Episode 57: Want Your Routines to Stick? 3 Habit Hacks You Have to Try!

Episode 173: How Atomic Habits Can Transform Your Mom Life in 2025 - with Emily Nichols from Habit Hack Your Health

Episode 217: Could Habit Stacking be the Key to Get Your Out of Overwhelm? - with Jessica Przulj from the Habit Stacking Mom Podcast

***

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 virtual OR in-person decluttering and organization coaching (in-person coming soon- Pittsburgh, PA)! https://www.simplebyemmy.com/workwithme

What happens when your partner has a completely different idea of how much stuff you should own?

Today I’m answering a listener question about what to do when your stuff/clutter threshold is far different than your spouse’s - and the intentionality behind what we own.

Have a question you’d like answered on the show? Just e-mail me at info@simplebyemmy.com.

Resources Mentioned:

To find out more about monthly virtual decluttering coaching, e-mail me at info@simplebyemmy.com

The Diderot Effect

More about clutter thresholds (from Dana K. White)

Related Episodes:

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

Episode 152: Getting Family Members on Board, Intentional Purchases, and Capsule Wardrobes - a Coaching Call with Vanessa Gurrusquieta

Episode 203: Is Kids’ Stuff Taking Over Your House? Top Tips for Getting Your Family Involved with Decluttering -  with Laura Forbes Carlin

***

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 virtual OR in-person decluttering and organization coaching (in-person coming soon- Pittsburgh, PA)! https://www.simplebyemmy.com/workwithme

Do you feel overwhelmed in your home, even after you’ve decluttered? It may be that you need to “hush” it instead. Today I’m speaking to bestselling author Myquillyn Smith about her new book House Hushing: The Simple Method to Declutter and Decorate for a More Peaceful Home.

Hushing your home isn’t just about decluttering - it also quiet decorating, soulful styling, and living seasonally. It’s about finding harmony and being able to hear what your house is saying to you.

Myquillyn and I discuss:

- why backwards decluttering is the high-reward, low-risk approach you’ve been looking for
- how quiet decorating allows us turn down the volume of our house without getting rid of things
- how to create a soulful home over time by layering in soul of the past, present, and futur
- the edit/audit and plan/pick aspects of living seasonally and how to intentionally choose how you want to live in this season

Go to Amazon or your favorite book retailer to get your copy of the book…or check below to see how to enter the book giveaway.

 

Resources Mentioned:

I have a beautiful hardback copy of House Hushing I want to gift to you.

Between August 20 and August 26, share this episode with a friend or leave a podcast review in Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Then e-mail a screen shot to info@simplebyemmy.com. I will announce the winner on the episode August 27!

Related Episodes:

Episode 245: Why Reverse Decluttering is My New Favorite Approach and 5 Steps to Get You Started

Episode 27: What Does Your Home Say About You? The Secret to Decorating Intentionally with Dani Watson from fig & farm at home

Episode 197: Simple Ways to Elevate Your Home's Look (Without Another HomeGoods Trip) - with Dani Watson from fig + farm at home

***

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 virtual OR in-person decluttering and organization coaching (in-person coming soon- Pittsburgh, PA)! https://www.simplebyemmy.com/workwithme

It’s the 250th episode of Moms Overcoming Overwhelm! To celebrate, I’m sharing 25 questions to ask yourself to help you live a clutter-free life!

Thanks for all your support over the (almost) four years I’ve been doing this podcast.

 

5 Questions for Before You Buy:

1. Does this item bring freedom or burden to my life?
2. Where will it live?
3. Does it align with my values?
4. Can I borrow it instead?
5. Do I need to buy it now, or can I pause and check in later?

5 Mental Clutter Busting-Questions:

1. Is this thought serving me?
2. Is this thought absolutely true?
3. How would I feel without this thought?
4. What is a true thought that could replace this negative thought?
5. Do I have to think about this now, or can I choose another time to think about it?

10 Decluttering Mindset Questions:

1. Does this item reflect my values?
2. Do I have the capacity to manage this item in this season?
3. Does it support my current self in my current season of motherhood, or is it aspirational? (focusing on past or potential future)
4. Would I buy this again, if I didn’t own it already?
5. How would I feel if this item spontaneously combusted?
6. If I were moving, would I bubble wrap it and pack it, AND unpack it when I arrived?
7. Can I recognize this item has value AND I can let it go to experience something better?
8. If I were to pass away unexpectedly, would I want my family members to have to go through these items?
9. Am I keeping this “just in case” (which likely means never) or am I keeping it “just for when” with a specific timeframe/season in mind?
10. Am I keeping this out of guilt or obligation? Why am I feeling guilty? Is it my perception?

5 Questions to Get Started:

1. Is perfectionism causing me to put off decluttering? Am I afraid about doing it “wrong”?
2. If time is my biggest barrier, what is one activity that currently doesn’t serve me that I can replace with decluttering for 10-15 minutes?
3. When is the ideal time for me to declutter based upon my energy levels and current schedule?
4. Can I commit to a weekly donation pickup (or drop-off) at a place I feel good about, knowing that I can be more discerning later on?
5. Does the boundary I’ve selected for this category reflect the value I place on it, and my capacity to manage it?

BONUS: How do I want this space to feel, function, and flow?

Resources Mentioned:

Check out my podcast playlists

For mental clutter questions, I got several from The Work by Byron Katie.

Check out my freebie 50 Questions Minimalists Ask and my other free resources.

 

Related Episodes:

Episode 85: 23 Things I Learned About Decluttering in 2023

Episode 100: We Made it to 100! Here’s the Top 10 Most Downloaded Episodes of All Time

Episode 182: Declutter Your Life by Simplifying These 10 Things

***

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 virtual OR in-person decluttering and organization coaching (in-person coming soon- Pittsburgh, PA)! https://www.simplebyemmy.com/workwithme