333: Is It Mess or Clutter? How to Diagnose What Your Home Actually Needs

Ever look around your house and think, “How did it get this bad?”
You’re not failing at being an adult, friend — you’re just human.

In this episode of The Maximized Minimalist Podcast, we're walking through my signature method, The DASH Framework, to help you figure out exactly what’s behind your clutter (and what to do about it).

You’ll learn how to tell whether you’re dealing with everyday mess, deeper clutter, or a system that simply needs tweaking, so you can stop spinning your wheels and finally create a home that feels light, manageable, and peaceful again.

If you’ve ever tried to organize clutter, declutter what wasn’t actually clutter, or wondered why the chaos keeps coming back, this episode will be a game-changer.

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💡 You’ll Learn:

• How to tell the difference between “expected mess” and true clutter — and why each needs a totally different solution.
• Why mess and clutter raise stress hormones (yes, really) and how to lower that mental load that’s keeping you reactive.
• What to do when your home feels overwhelming — without starting from scratch or burning it all down.
• The DASH Method explained and how to use it anytime your home starts spiraling.
• How to know which step to focus on next so you don’t waste time, energy, or money solving the wrong problem.

Want the full walkthrough?
👉 Get the DASH Step-by-Step Masterclass inside Clutter Cure Club: (https://www.katyjoywells.com/cluttercureclub-page837548)

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🧺 Real-Life Examples

Inside Clutter Cure Club, members are using DASH to find calm again:

• Megan realized her family room chaos wasn’t clutter — her toy system just needed an update.

• Jen added a catch-all basket for mail and papers, instantly clearing her counters.

• Tanya turned her nightly reset from resentment to relaxation with a cup of tea and her favorite playlist.

Each woman solved a different kind of “mess,” but the outcome was the same: peace, not perfection.

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Resources & Mentions:

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• Join Clutter Cure Club
  Want to create a home that feels light, peaceful, and aligned with what truly matters?
  Inside CCC, we turn powerful mindset shifts (like today’s episode) into small, doable changes that last.
  👉 Join me inside the Clutter Cure Club (https://www.katyjoywells.com/cluttercureclub-page837548)
• Join the Ready, Set, Simplify Newsletter
  Over 35,000 women read it weekly for clutter-busting tips, tiny mindset shifts, and practical steps to simplify your home and your life.
  👉 Sign up here (https://www.katyjoywells.com/simplify)
  
  
• Come Say Hi on Instagram
  Behind-the-scenes and real-life simplicity. @katyjoywells

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💬 Let’s Keep Simplifying

If this episode helped you breathe a little deeper (literally and figuratively), share it with a friend who’s drowning in the mess right now.

And if you haven’t yet — hit Follow and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review. It helps other women find the show and join our community of Simplifiers who are trading perfection for peace.