Hey there, Boss Moms! You know we’re all about raising and nurturing both your business and your babies—without losing your mind in the process. And today? Oh, today is special. We’re talking about something that every mom (yes, you) has probably struggled with: clutter.
Let’s be real. Clutter is one of those things that can sneak up on us and leave us feeling overwhelmed, guilty, and totally buried. But what if I told you it doesn’t have to be that way?
I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Krista Lockwood, founder of Motherhood Simplified, and let me tell you—this woman is a game-changer. Krista has cracked the code on decluttering for moms who want to keep their sanity intact without having to go full-on minimalist. And let’s be honest: we’re all raising our hands right now because minimalism can feel a little…extreme.
Krista’s Story: From Alaska to Florida with a Suitcase (and Three Kids!)
Krista’s journey started in 2013 when she and her husband made the bold decision to move their family from Alaska to Florida. Sounds dreamy, right? Beaches, sunshine…yeah, I’m already picturing myself there. But here’s the kicker—they moved with only one suitcase per person.
Oh, and did I mention they had three kids at the time? Yup. Three little ones.
Now, Krista will tell you she’s not asking anyone to go that extreme, but that move taught her something powerful: we don’t need as much stuff as we think we do.
She shared how, at first, it was terrifying. Imagine giving away almost everything you own and thinking, “What if I regret this? What if I need it all back?” But once she got to Florida, she realized she didn’t miss a thing. What she did feel, though, was this overwhelming sense of freedom. No more drowning in stuff, no more trying to organize things she didn’t even care about—just space to breathe and focus on what mattered.
The Moment Everything Clicked
Fast forward a few years, and Krista found herself in a Facebook mom group with other women who had just had babies. Everyone was venting about the chaos of postpartum life—piles of laundry, toys everywhere, and feeling like they couldn’t keep up.
But Krista? She wasn’t feeling that way. Her house wasn’t a constant mess, and she wasn’t overwhelmed by all the “stuff.” She couldn’t quite figure out why until one day, someone in the group asked her to show her house on a live video.
The reaction? “Where’s all your stuff?”
And that’s when it hit her: her life wasn’t easier because she lived near the beach or had some magical postpartum powers. Her life was easier because she had decluttered. She wasn’t drowning in things she didn’t need, and that gave her the space—both physically and mentally—to enjoy her life.
That was the moment she decided to teach other moms how to do the same. And boom, Motherhood Simplified was born.
Decluttering Isn’t About Tossing Everything
Now, before you panic and think, “Oh no, she’s going to tell me to throw out all my kids’ toys and live with one pair of jeans,” let me stop you right there.
Krista is all about balance. She doesn’t believe in forcing minimalism down anyone’s throat. Instead, she helps moms figure out what’s “enough” for them. Because let’s face it, we’re not all Marie Kondo.
Decluttering isn’t about depriving yourself—it’s about creating space for what matters most.
How Decluttering Changes Everything
Here’s the thing about clutter: it’s not just physical. It takes up mental space, too.
Think about it. How often do you feel like you can’t focus because there’s just so much stuff around you? How much time do you spend managing your things—cleaning, organizing, searching for things that have disappeared into the abyss?
When you clear the clutter, you’re not just tidying up your home. You’re creating mental clarity. You’re making room for creativity, connection, and joy.
Krista talked about how she built her business during “naptime hours”—literally working in one- or two-hour pockets while her kids slept. And you know what? She did it because her home wasn’t weighing her down. She had the mental space to focus on her goals.
How Decluttering Your Space Can Boost Your Productivity as a BossMom
Let’s face it: as a BossMom, your life is a whirlwind of business meetings, school pick-ups, and endless to-do lists. It’s easy for clutter to pile up, not just in your home but in your mind too. But here’s the thing: decluttering can make a huge difference in your productivity, energy, and mental clarity.
In today’s blog, we’ll dive into how clearing the clutter in your space can lead to a more focused, efficient, and balanced life.
What’s the Big Deal with Clutter?
Clutter isn’t just about having too much stuff. It’s about how it impacts your mental space. When your home or workspace is cluttered, your brain has to work harder to focus, making it harder to be productive. Whether it’s a messy kitchen counter or a chaotic to-do list, clutter takes a toll.
But don’t worry—decluttering doesn’t mean you have to completely overhaul your entire space. Instead, it’s about creating room for what matters: your business, your family, and your well-being.
3 Simple Ways to Declutter and Boost Productivity
1. Start Small and Tackle One Area at a Time
The thought of decluttering your entire house can be overwhelming, especially when you’ve got a million other things on your plate. But don’t worry—you don’t have to do it all at once. Start small. Pick one area (maybe that junk drawer or the stack of papers on your desk) and clear it out. As you begin to declutter in small bursts, you’ll feel less stressed and more in control.
2. Let Go of the Guilt and Keep What Serves You
As moms and entrepreneurs, we often hold on to things because of guilt—maybe it’s old clothes your kids have outgrown or business items that no longer serve you. But clutter isn’t just physical; it’s emotional too. Letting go of things that no longer serve your goals (whether it’s a physical item or a task on your to-do list) can help you create more space in your life.
3. Declutter Your Mind
Decluttering isn’t just about your physical space—it’s about clearing your mind too. Take time every day (even if it’s just 10 minutes) to reset mentally. Whether it’s journaling, meditating, or simply sitting in silence, giving your brain a break from the clutter can help you feel more focused and refreshed.
How Decluttering Can Free You (and Your Mind!) as a BossMom
As a BossMom, your plate is already full—family, business, life, and all the things. But have you ever stopped to think about how the clutter in your home is affecting you emotionally? I’m not just talking about the pile of toys or the laundry mountain (though that’s a big one, too)—I mean the deeper emotional clutter we all carry around with us through things like old clothes, gifts, or furniture that hold memories you’d rather forget.
So, let’s talk about something that’s not just about cleaning up—it’s about letting go of the stuff that’s holding you back, physically and emotionally.
Decluttering: It’s About More Than Just Stuff
Here’s the thing: when we talk about decluttering, we often focus on just the physical stuff. But honestly, the emotional clutter can be just as heavy, if not heavier. I mean, we all have that drawer or closet filled with things that remind us of times we’d rather forget. Maybe it’s clothes you kept for years, even though they remind you of a time when you didn’t feel like the amazing mom you are now. Or maybe it’s that table in your living room that was passed down from your mom, but you and her don’t exactly have the best relationship.
It can be hard to let go of things like this. I totally get it. But those items are holding onto pieces of your past—pieces you might not need anymore.
The Power of Letting Go: A Real-Life Example
Krista shared this story about her friend who had an heirloom table in her apartment. It was passed down from her mom, but the relationship was anything but loving. Every time she sat down at that table, she was reminded of all the bad memories and tension they had.
Finally, she decided to let it go. And you know what? It was a huge relief. It wasn’t about the table itself—it was about taking control of the memories attached to it. By letting go of that item, she was able to free herself from the past and start creating a better life for herself and her kids.
It’s not just about the stuff. It’s about creating space for the future you want.
Clutter and Your Mental Health
It’s crazy how much your physical space can affect your emotional and mental health. Every time you look at that clutter—whether it’s old clothes, furniture, or knick-knacks—it brings back memories and emotions you might not even realize you’re carrying around. All that mental energy you’re spending on those things could be better used on something that makes you feel good.
The more cluttered your space, the more cluttered your mind feels. It’s like you’re carrying around a mental backpack, full of all the things you don’t need anymore.
The Moment You Realize: “I Don’t Need This”
Krista shared a moment with me when she realized she was holding onto clothes that no longer fit the person she is now. These clothes reminded her of a time when she didn’t feel like a great mom or a confident business owner. The moment she decided to let go of them, she felt a weight lift off her shoulders. It was like she was saying goodbye to an old version of herself.
That’s the magic of decluttering: you’re not just getting rid of stuff. You’re making room for the life you actually want.
Practical Tips for Letting Go of Emotional Clutter
- Check In With Yourself
Start by asking yourself: Do I really need this? Look at the things in your home that trigger negative emotions. Is it really worth holding onto them? Chances are, it’s time to let go. - Make Space for the Life You Want
If something is holding you back or reminding you of the past, get rid of it. You don’t need to hang onto stuff that doesn’t make you happy. Decluttering is about making space for the things that align with the future you want to create. - No Guilt, No Regret
It’s easy to feel guilty when letting go of items, especially if they were gifts or passed down. But if that item is causing emotional stress, it’s okay to let it go. Protecting your peace is more important than keeping things out of obligation. - Start Small
Don’t try to declutter your entire house in one day—it’s way too overwhelming. Pick one small area to start with, like a drawer or a closet. Gradually work through it, and before you know it, your whole space will feel lighter.
Decluttering With Kids: The Struggle Is Real
As a BossMom, we know how hard it is to declutter with kids around. They touch EVERYTHING, and suddenly that toy you were about to toss becomes their favorite thing ever. But trust me, it’s totally possible to declutter with kids in the mix.
Krista offers a course specifically for decluttering toys with your kids. The key is getting them involved in the process—so they feel like they’re part of the decision-making. Plus, when they help, they learn valuable lessons about letting go of things that no longer serve them.
Wrapping It Up: Declutter for Your Mind, Body, and Soul
Here’s the deal: decluttering is so much more than just making your house look pretty. It’s about freeing yourself from the emotional baggage that’s keeping you stuck in the past. It’s about clearing the space (both physically and emotionally) for the life you want to create.
So, BossMom, are you ready to ditch the clutter? Start small, let go of what no longer serves you, and create a space that reflects who you are today and who you’re becoming.
Need Help Getting Started?
Krista has amazing resources for you if you’re ready to dive into decluttering. From her toy course to her clothes course, she’ll walk you step-by-step through the process. She even has a free “Purge-a-thon” challenge to help you take action quickly and easily.
Check out Krista’s courses and community to start decluttering your life today. Trust me, your future self will thank you.
July 28, 2020