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.

***

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

Contact - > [email protected] 

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:

...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 - > [email protected] 

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/

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 [email protected].

Resources Mentioned:

To find out more about monthly virtual decluttering coaching, e-mail me at [email protected]

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 - > [email protected] 

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/

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:

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 [email protected]. 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 - > [email protected] 

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/

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:

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 - > [email protected] 

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/

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 - > [email protected] 

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/

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 - > [email protected] 

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/

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:

…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 - > [email protected] 

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/

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:

✨ Navigating a packed summer as a busy mom

✨ Making a fun summer “bucket list” without stressing out about doing all the things

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

***

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

Contact - > [email protected] 

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 - > [email protected] 

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/

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