Identifying and Maintaining your Decluttering Progress with Katy Jo Wells

After big bursts of motivation, such as the GOHQ virtual conference, many people struggle to keep their homes clutter-free. Katy Jo Wells emphasizes that clutter is normal, not a personal failure. She recalls being overwhelmed as a young mom and realizing that quick-fix methods didn’t address why clutter kept coming back.

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• Episode Transcript

KEEPING UP MOMENTUM
After big bursts of motivation, such as the GOHQ virtual conference, many people struggle to keep their homes clutter-free. Katy Jo emphasizes that clutter is normal, not a personal failure. She recalls being overwhelmed as a young mom and realizing that quick-fix methods didn’t address why clutter kept coming back.

GETTING TO THE ROOT CAUSE
Katy Jo developed a holistic decluttering philosophy that considers emotions, habits, and the way our brains are wired.

Rather than treating clutter as a surface-level problem, Katy Jo focuses on finding the root causes—like emotional ties and ingrained behaviors. Addressing these leads to more sustainable results than one-time purges.

DECLUTTERING AS A MUSCLE
Katy Jo emphasizes that decluttering is a skill—a muscle that strengthens with practice. She compares it to the initial emotional high of a decluttering blitz, which feels motivating but often isn’t sustainable.

Without habits to support ongoing maintenance, clutter can quickly creep back into the home. Integrating decluttering into daily routines is more effective than relying on occasional purges.

ENVIRONMENT SUPPORTS HABITS
Katy Jo explains that the way a home is designed can make desired habits easier and more automatic. Setting up functional spaces—like entryways with proper storage—reduces friction and encourages family members to follow through on tasks.

CLUTTER VS. MESS
Katy Jo  also explains the importance of distinguishing between clutter and normal mess. Clutter consists of items that no longer serve a purpose, while everyday mess is temporary and expected. Understanding this helps target solutions more effectively, addressing root causes rather than surface-level disorder.

THE POWER OF SMALL ACTIONS
Katy Jo recommends tools like donation stations—visible, accessible bins that make it easy to let go of items regularly. These small daily actions compound over time, creating lasting impact.

IDENTIFYING THE REAL PROBLEM
Not all mess indicates clutter; some spaces may only need better systems rather than more decluttering. Katie explains that trying to force a solution on a space that isn’t the real problem leads to frustration and the yo-yo cycle of clutter returning. Recognizing the difference between clutter and expected mess is an important first step in creating lasting progress.

STARTING WITH DECLUTTERING
Katy Jo emphasizes that decluttering is usually the root problem. Once clutter is reduced, it becomes easier to implement systems and habits that maintain order over time.

THE DASH METHOD
Katy Jo shares her DASH method for tackling problem areas: Declutter, Assess, Systems, Habits. Declutter what you can without aiming for perfection, then assess the space to see if any tweaks are needed. Then, set up systems and habits to maintain the space.

MAINTAINING PROGRESS
Even with systems in place, expected mess will occur, but it no longer triggers stress or self-judgment. Having structured habits and fallback plans reduces mental load, helping the home feel manageable and less overwhelming.

ROUTINES AND RESET STRATEGIES
Routines and small resets, whether daily or weekly, keep clutter manageable and prevent overwhelm from building. This approach allows flexibility for unexpected events without derailing your progress.

SMALL ACTIONS AND ADAPTABILITY
Katie explains that what works for clutter and habits six months ago may need some adjustment as life changes. Regular evaluation helps to keep both mental and physical order.

DECLUTTER THE STANDARD
Katy Jo encourages us to let go of perfectionism in keeping up our home. The goal is a home that functions well and supports the family. Sometimes it’s about redesigning the environment, implementing simple habits, or adjusting expectations.

PRIORITIZING WHAT MATTERS
Focus on areas that cause the most stress rather than following generic checklists. Habits and systems should reflect what truly matters in each home and each season of life.

MINDSET SHIFTS
Katy Jo wraps up by sharing one mindset and one actionable takeaway. She explains how perfectionistic thinking can keep people from making progress. Believing you have to declutter or organize perfectly often leads to procrastination and self-sabotage.

DECLUTTERING AS A LIFESTYLE
Katy Jo encourages us to think of decluttering as a lifestyle rather than a project. She recommends doing quick “clutter audits”—tiny moments throughout the day where you remove one or two items you no longer need.

CREATING HOMES FOR CLUTTER
She emphasizes again the importance of having donation stations or designated spots for unwanted items. When every item has a home, it’s easier to make decisions and let go without overthinking. This applies to clutter as well.

THE COMPOUND EFFECT
By consistently removing just one or two items a day, progress compounds over time without needing marathon decluttering sessions.

JUST START SOMEWHERE
Finally, Katy Jo encourages us to simply start, even if it feels like progress will be slow. Setting up a small, visible space for donations helps build momentum and reinforces the habit of letting go.