Clutter is not just a mess you walk around, it is a constant tax on your time, your attention, and your ability to say yes to the life you actually want. We dig into minimalism as a practical tool for both travel and home, because packing light is only half the story. The other half is what happens when you walk back through your front door and your space either supports you or instantly stresses you out.
Website link: https://www.katyjoywells.com
Book purchase link: https://amzn.to/4oWSp5e
Katy's Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/katyjoywells/
Decluttering Style Quiz: https://www.katyjoywells.com/decluttering-style-quiz
GILLY LOCO:
Website: https://gillyloco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gillyloco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gilly_loco/
We’re joined by Katie Joy Wells, author of *Making Home Your Happy Place* and host of *The Maximize Minimalist*. Katie shares her real-life turning point and the mindset shifts behind holistic decluttering, from clearing the mental “shoulds” to building systems that actually match your season of life. We talk carry-on packing, decision fatigue, the “just in case” spiral, and why so many of us pack for an aspirational version of ourselves instead of the person we are today. You’ll also hear practical travel tips like keeping an always-ready toiletry bag and creating clear “homes” for your essentials so unpacking and repacking stops feeling like a recurring crisis.
Then we pivot to ourconversation with Mark Escajeda of Gilly Loco, a New Mexico brand making coconut oil tortilla chips and salsas with simple, recognizable ingredients. We get into what “seed oil-free” means to customers, why coconut oil is central to their process, and where you can buy Gilly Loco chips nationwide, including HomeGoods, plus online shipping and select grocery partners.
Also mentioned in this episode:
Onli Travel:https://onlitravel.com/ Use code ROAM10 for 10% OFF through August 2026
Lauri Newell — Victory Organizing
Professional organizing for your life and work spaces, based in Nashville, TN. Lauri helps people thrive where they are — no shame, no judgment, just warm, hands-on help transforming your home or office into a space that works for you.
victoryorganizing.com
IG @victory_organizing
H is for Happy Place - Episode 285
B is for Bath - Episode 279
If you’re craving less clutter and more room to breathe, listen now, share this with a friend who loves travel, and subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next. After you listen, will you try packing lighter, decluttering one category, or both?
Decluttering is not a new concept here! Episodes 46 - 51 also expand on this concept, so check out those mini-series episodes if you haven't yet.
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The ROAMies
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