Feeling overwhelmed by clutter—but too tired or busy to do anything about it? You’re not alone. In this episode, Lori sits down with Emily from the Moms Overcoming Overwhelm podcast to talk about the real reason decluttering feels so hard (and it’s not just about your stuff!).
Together, they uncover the three mindset shifts every busy mom needs to finally make progress—without waiting for motivation, the perfect bins, or an entire weekend to yourself. You’ll learn how to:
✅ Let go of perfectionism that’s keeping you stuck
✅ Ditch the “all or nothing” thinking that kills momentum
✅ Use small bursts of time to create huge results
If you’ve ever said, “I’ll declutter when life slows down,” this episode will show you why that moment never comes—and how to start feeling lighter, calmer, and more in control right now.
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Rather read? Check out the show notes and episode content right here!
Show Notes: The 3 Mindset Shifts That Make Decluttering Finally Feel Doable
Hey, hey friend! Welcome to Episode #262 of The Secrets of Supermom Show!
If you’ve ever looked around your home and thought, “I don’t even know where to start,” this episode is for you. In this inspiring conversation, I sit down with Emily, host of the Moms Overcoming Overwhelm podcast and a professional home organizer, to talk about the mental roadblocks that keep moms stuck—and how to finally move past them.
Emily was a featured counselor at Supermom Summer Camp, and she’s back to share practical, realistic advice for decluttering even when you’re tired, busy, and totally overwhelmed.
🌿 Why Decluttering Feels So Hard
Let’s face it—life as a busy mom means schedules that are always changing, kids that need constant attention, and a to-do list that never ends. Decluttering often feels like something we’ll “get to later.” But as Emily explains, our clutter is more than just stuff—it’s a physical and emotional barrier between us and the life we want.
“Clutter is physically and emotionally blocking us from the life we want. It’s the mountain between us and peace.”
💡 Mindset Shift #1: Perfectionism Is the Enemy of Progress
If you’ve ever said, “I’ll declutter when I have more time,” or “I’ll start once I find the perfect system,” you’re not alone. Emily calls this the perfectionism trap.
Instead of waiting for the perfect moment, try her simple strategy:
- Think long-term: Decluttering is a savings account for your time.
- Start small: Set a timer for 15 minutes—it’s all you need to make visible progress.
- Focus on low-hanging fruit: Expired makeup, old food, broken toys—those quick wins build momentum.
🧠 Mindset Shift #2: Let Go of All-or-Nothing Thinking
You don’t have to be “an organized person” to make your home feel peaceful. Emily reminds us that two things can be true at once—you can be grateful for your stuff and still let it go.
Whether it’s guilt from gifts, money you’ve spent, or sentimental items, releasing those things doesn’t mean you’re ungrateful.
“A gift given out of love doesn’t need to be kept out of guilt.”
Try reframing: “I’m not throwing away my grandmother’s memory—I’m making space for the life she’d want me to live.”
⚡ Mindset Shift #3: Motivation Comes After Action
Waiting to feel motivated? You might wait forever. Emily shares a concept from habits expert James Clear—the idea of activation energy.
Start with a micro-task so small it’s impossible to say no. For example:
- Go through just one shelf.
- Sort only short-sleeve shirts.
- Clear one drawer while the kids take a bath.
Once you start, motivation builds naturally.
“You won’t wake up one day wanting to declutter—but you’ll always love how it feels when you’re done.”
🧺 Quick Tips for Sustainable Decluttering
- Create a playlist or accountability buddy for energy and fun.
- Make decluttering fit your day—during cooking, between meetings, or while the kids play.
- Celebrate every small win (yes, even cleaning out the fridge counts!).
✨ The Takeaway
Decluttering doesn’t have to be perfect, all-consuming, or even time-consuming. With small actions and the right mindset, you can create space—physically and mentally—for more peace, joy, and connection.
As Emily says, “You are worth more than the clutter standing between you and the life you want.”
📚 Connect with Emily
🎁 Free Guide: 5 Mindset Shifts to Help You Let Go of Clutter
🎙️ Podcast: Moms Overcoming Overwhelm
💻 Facebook Group: Join her decluttering challenges
💻Instagram: Simple by Emmy
About Our Guest: Emily McDermott
Emily McDermott is a wife, mother of two energetic boys, and simplicity seeker. She is also the host of the top 1% globally ranked podcast Moms Overcoming Overwhelm, where she helps moms declutter their homes, heads, and hearts. As a virtual and in-person decluttering coach, she works with moms one-on-one to be intentional about what’s coming into their home, let go of what is no longer serving them, and create systems to maintain a clutter-free life. Emily enjoys writing custom poetry, dancing, and eating peanut butter out of the jar.
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About the Host: Lori Oberbroeckling
Lori Whitney Oberbroeckling is a mom of four, corporate leader, podcaster, productivity expert, and author of the book Secrets of Supermom: How Extraordinary Moms Succeed at Work and Home & How You Can Too!
She is passionate about helping parents who want fulfilling careers–or side hustles or passion projects–while also wanting to feel present and connected to their families.
