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

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

Decluttering can be hard because it seems like a constant tension between two things: holding on and letting go. But there is one mindset shift that has helped me break free of the prison of this dichotomous thinking.
Resources Mentioned:
5 Mindset Shifts to Help You Let Go of Clutter
Related Episodes:
Episode 204: Hate to Feel Wasteful? 3 Ways You Brain Tricks You Into Keeping What You Don’t Need
Episode 223: Become Unstoppable in Decluttering with These Critical Mindset Shifts - with Tracy Hoth from The Organized Coach Podcast
Episode 238: Three Common Decluttering Roadblocks (and How to Overcome Them)
***
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

I’m so excited to air my conversation with Shannon Leyko on her podcast Paring Down all about Swedish Death Cleaning.
The crux of Swedish death cleaning is taking care of your stuff and your affairs now so your loved ones aren’t burdened with it after you pass. It’s an act of love that we can do now, even if we’re not towards the end of our lives.
Shannon and I discuss:
• What types of things to declutter and organize today in the off chance we pass away unexpectedly
• What is "the sign up list" and how does it preserve your family's relationships?
• What book do we recommend to help you through the process?
Resources Mentioned:
The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson
5 Simple Steps to Start Swedish Death Cleaning
Related Episodes:
Episode 65: Could Swedish Death Cleaning Be the Decluttering Motivation You Need? 5 Simple Steps to Get You Started
Episode 61 - 5 Questions to Get You Unstuck on Your Decluttering Journey
Episode 232: The Secret to Finding Decluttering Motivation That Sticks - with Shannon Leyko from Paring Down
***
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

Clutter is fraught with emotions - especially guilt - which makes it incredibly difficult to let things go. Combined with aspirations of who we “could” be if we only had the time and energy, it’s a wonder we can get rid of anything.
 
In my interview on the No Guilt Mom podcast, host JoAnn Crohn and I chat about:
 
Why we have so much more stuff than previous generations — and why it just keeps coming
The real reason decluttering gets put off again and again (hint: it's not that you don't care)
How to handle the guilt of getting rid of a gift — especially when the gift-giver asks where it went
 
…and much more.
Related Episodes:
Episode 14: Is Your Family Pressuring You Into Holding Onto Stuff You Don’t Want? Say Goodbye to Guilt with These 3 Tips
Episode 59: Your 5-Step Plan to Declutter Unwanted Gifts Guilt-Free
Episode 233: Listener Question: What Do I Do With Gifts I Don’t Want From Loved Ones Who Guilt Me Into Keeping Them?
 
***
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

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 15th episode of Coffee and Tea with M&E!
Grab your coffee or tea, pull up a chair, and join us as we chat about:✨ How to navigate BIG transitions like moving and see it as a “blank slate” for strategic family
✨ Navigating a packed summer as a busy mom
✨ Making a fun summer “bucket list” without stressing out about doing all the things…and more!
Hope you enjoy this honest conversation between two moms who GET IT!
 
***
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

If you've ever entered Target with the intention of getting one or two things, only to leave with armfuls of shopping bags, this episode is for you. 
In my conversation with the Budget Besties Shana and Vanessa, we chat about:
- Why Target feels so hard to resist for so many women
- The connection between clutter, emotional overwhelm, and identity shifts
- How the “experience” of shopping can lead to overspending
- What to do instead of buying bins and baskets first
...and much more! 
Resources Mentioned:
Listen to the Budget Besties on Financial Coaching for Women
Join the free Facebook group for decluttering support!
Related Episodes:
Episode 237: Overcome Financial Overwhelm and be “Bougie on a Budget” with the Budget Besties Shana and Vanessa
Episode 86: Struggle with Impulse Purchases? Intentional Purchasing and Values-Based Spending Strategies with Meghan Dwyer from Money Isn’t Scary
Episode 160: Simple Strategies for Intentional Purchasing When You’re Bringing Too Much Into Your Home - My Coaching Call with Natalie Cook (Part 2)
***
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

Focusing on what you’re removing can be stressful. Reverse decluttering means you focus on what you’re keeping, which can help you feel more intentional and aligned with your values, rather than questioning your every decision.
In this episode I talk about what reverse decluttering is, give you several examples, as well as a 5-step process to get you started!
Resources Mentioned:
Join the free Facebook group to participate in bi-weekly decluttering challenges.
Related Episodes:
Episode 189: Unmotivated to Declutter? Try the Move-Out and Vacation Declutter Methods to Make Progress Faster
Episode 243: 5 Things Moving Taught Me About Decluttering
Episode 48: The ONE Thing That You Need To Add to Your Decluttering Toolbox
***
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

If your motherhood journey is plagued with mom guilt, feelings of failure, and wishing you didn’t yell at your kids (again), today’s episode is for you.
JoAnn Crohn is the author of The Best Mom is a Happy Mom and the founder of No Guilt Mom. She is also a parenting coach dedicated to helping overwhelmed moms create calmer, happier homes. Through practical strategies and mindset shifts, she teaches moms how to communicate better with their kids, reduce stress, and stop carrying the entire mental load alone.
We chat about:
The difference between mom guilt and mom shame and why you’re constantly calling yourself a “bad mom”
How to set healthy boundaries with your kids without the guilt
The benefit of circle thinking to help you create new neural pathways (and stop yelling at your kids)
using JoAnn’s HAPPY framework to work through your kids’ annoying behaviors!
Resources Mentioned:
Loving What Is by Byron Katie
The Explosive Child by Dr. Ross Greene
Connect with JoAnn on her website or her podcast
Check out my recent interview on JoAnn’s podcast
Related Episodes:
Episode 112: Opt Out of Mom Guilt and Let Go of “Either/Or” Thinking - with Stephanie O’Dea
Episode 161: Mom Guilt Be Gone! 5 Causes of Mom Guilt and How to Say Goodbye for Good
Episode 84: Simple Techniques to Build Emotional Resilience to Combat Overwhelm and Dysregulation with Michelle Grosser from The Calm 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 (coming soon- Pittsburgh, PA)! https://www.simplebyemmy.com/workwithme

I am moving to Pennsylvania after over 20 years in Virginia. The process has taught me a few things about my relationship with stuff, asking for help, and the memories that are in us. Today I’m sharing the top five things I’ve learned about decluttering while moving.
Resources Mentioned:
Join your local Buy Nothing group
Related Episodes:
Episode 189: Unmotivated to Declutter? Try the Move-Out and Vacation Declutter Methods to Make Progress Faster
Episode 126: Drowning in Toys? Embrace a “Borrow, Don’t Buy” Mentality by Using Toy Libraries - with Lisa Bourven from The Toy Nest
Episode 11: Holding onto EVERYTHING Sentimental? 3 Decluttering Hacks you HAVE to Try
***
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 (coming soon- Pittsburgh, PA)! https://www.simplebyemmy.com/workwithme