Moms Overcoming Overwhelm | Decluttering Tips, Declutter, Systems, Routines for Moms, Home Organization

Does it ever feel like the mental load of home and family life is all on you? In this episode, productivity coach and Certified Fair Play Facilitator Valerie Recore shares practical ways to bring more balance and teamwork into your home — without walking on eggshells, nagging, or carrying the weight alone. Valerie opens up about the moment she realized resentment was creeping in (yes, it involved dirty dishes!) and how she and her husband created a simple system that worked for both of them. She explains how the Fair Play Method helps couples define shared values, set clear standards, and divide household tasks more equitably. You’ll walk away with tangible strategies for: * Starting the conversation about sharing household tasks * Using the “Minimum Standard of Care” to prevent conflict * Making family clean-up time fun and connected * Regularly checking in to keep things fair through changing seasons If you’ve ever wished your family could “just see” what needs to be done — this episode will help you start fresh with clarity, teamwork, and peace. About Valerie: Valerie Recore is a productivity coach and Certified Fair Play Method Facilitator. She helps moms share the load with their partners without walking on eggshells, feeling resentful, or constantly nagging. She’s passionate about helping women feel more peace and accomplishment at the end of the day. Valerie is a mom of two tween girls and enjoys finding ways to make daily life run more smoothly — both at home and in her coaching practice. Connect with Valerie on her website [https://strideproductivity.com/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/StrideProductivity], and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/strideproductivity/] Grab her free Fair Play Conversation Starter Playbook [https://strideproductivity.com/conversationstarter/]   Resources Mentioned: Fair Play [https://amzn.to/3JpNzgD] by Eve Rodsky   Related Episodes: Episode 117: Declutter the Mental Load of Motherhood by Following by 5-Step System [https://momsovercomingoverwhelm.podbean.com/e/117-declutter-the-mental-load-of-motherhood-by-following-my-5-step-system] Episode 132: How to Diagnose and Fix Broken Rhythms At Work and Home - with Jeanette Tapley from the Moms at Work Podcast [https://momsovercomingoverwhelm.podbean.com/e/132-how-to-diagnose-and-fix-broken-rhythms-at-work-and-home-with-jeanette-tapley-from-the-moms-at-work-podcast] Episode 16: “My Husband Doesn’t Want to Get Rid of Anything!” How to Get Your Spouse on Board with Decluttering in 5 Simple Steps [https://momsovercomingoverwhelm.podbean.com/e/my-husband-doesn-t-want-to-get-rid-of-anything-how-to-get-your-spouse-on-board-with-decluttering-in-5-simple-steps]   *** I help moms declutter their homes, heads, and hearts. Contact - > info@simplebyemmy.com [info@simplebyemmy.com]  Podcast -＞ https://www.simplebyemmy.com/podcast [http://www.simplebyemmy.com/] Learn -＞ https://www.simplebyemmy.com/resources [http://www.simplebyemmy.com/resources] Connect -＞ Join our free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms [https://www.facebook.com/groups/494375618865628/] Instagram -＞ @simplebyemmy [https://www.instagram.com/simplebyemmy/%20] and @momsovercomingoverwhelm [https://www.instagram.com/momsovercomingoverwhelm/%20]   *** Don't Know Where to Start? *** 5 Steps to Overcome Overwhelm -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/5steps/ [https://simplebyemmy.com/5steps/] 5 Mindset Shifts for Decluttering -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/mindset/ [https://simplebyemmy.com/mindset/]   Wanna work with me to kick overwhelm to the curb, mama? There are three options for you! Step 1: Join a supportive community of moms plus decluttering challenges to keep you on track at the free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms [https://www.facebook.com/groups/494375618865628/] Step 2: Sign up for the weekly Decluttering Tips and Resources Newsletter and see samples here: https://pages.simplebyemmy.com/profile [https://pages.simplebyemmy.com/profile] Step 3: Get more personalized support with in-person decluttering and organization coaching (metro DC area only): https://simplebyemmy.com/workwithme/ [https://simplebyemmy.com/workwithme/]

If the thought of unpacking bins of holiday decorations makes you feel more stressed than merry, this episode is for you. I’m walking you through five simple, practical steps to simplify and streamline your holiday decor - so you can actually enjoy the season without feeling buried in clutter. Before you head to Target or HomeGoods, press pause! We’re shopping your home first. Learn how to focus on what matters most, decorate intentionally, and create peaceful, clutter-free spaces for your favorite holiday traditions. Resources Mentioned: MindMeister for mind mapping [https://www.mindmeister.com/] Related Episodes: Episode 27: What Does Your Home Say About You? The Secret to Decorating Intentionally with Dani Watson from fig & farm at home [https://momsovercomingoverwhelm.podbean.com/e/27-what-does-your-home-say-about-you-the-secret-to-decorating-intentionally-with-dani-watson-from-fig-farm-at-home/] Episode 197: Simple Ways to Elevate Your Home's Look (Without Another HomeGoods Trip) - with Dani Watson from fig + farm at home [https://momsovercomingoverwhelm.podbean.com/e/197-simple-ways-to-elevate-your-homes-look-without-another-homegoods-trip-with-dani-watson-from-fig-farm-at-home/] Episode 77: 5 Permission Slips to Allow You To Enjoy This Holiday Season [https://momsovercomingoverwhelm.podbean.com/e/77-5-permission-slips-to-allow-you-to-enjoy-this-holiday-season] *** I help moms declutter their homes, heads, and hearts. Contact - > info@simplebyemmy.com [info@simplebyemmy.com]  Podcast -＞ https://www.simplebyemmy.com/podcast [http://www.simplebyemmy.com/] Learn -＞ https://www.simplebyemmy.com/resources [http://www.simplebyemmy.com/resources] Connect -＞ Join our free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms [https://www.facebook.com/groups/494375618865628/] Instagram -＞ @simplebyemmy [https://www.instagram.com/simplebyemmy/%20] and @momsovercomingoverwhelm [https://www.instagram.com/momsovercomingoverwhelm/%20]   *** Don't Know Where to Start? *** 5 Steps to Overcome Overwhelm -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/5steps/ [https://simplebyemmy.com/5steps/] 5 Mindset Shifts for Decluttering -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/mindset/ [https://simplebyemmy.com/mindset/]   Wanna work with me to kick overwhelm to the curb, mama? There are three options for you! Step 1: Join a supportive community of moms plus decluttering challenges to keep you on track at the free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms [https://www.facebook.com/groups/494375618865628/] Step 2: Sign up for the weekly Decluttering Tips and Resources Newsletter and see samples here: https://pages.simplebyemmy.com/profile [https://pages.simplebyemmy.com/profile] Step 3: Get more personalized support with in-person decluttering and organization coaching (metro DC area only): https://simplebyemmy.com/workwithme/ [https://simplebyemmy.com/workwithme/]

What if your family’s values could help you feel calmer, more connected, and less overwhelmed—especially when life feels chaotic? This week, I’m joined by Adriane Thompson, certified parenting coach and founder of Raising Kids with Purpose. [https://raisingkidswithpurpose.com/] Adriane helps parents understand the why behind their child’s behavior and build a home culture rooted in connection. As a mom of three neurodivergent boys, Adriane knows firsthand how challenging it can be to stay grounded when emotions run high. She shares how defining her family’s values—like safety and kindness—became an anchor point during meltdowns, transitions, and everyday stress. In this episode, Adriane walks us through: 🌿 Why defining your family values gives you a “home base” when things feel messy or unpredictable 🌿 How to host a fun family meeting (yes, pizza can be involved!) to define your core values 🌿 Practical ideas for weaving those values into daily routines—like creating rituals, songs, or reflection moments with your kids My favorite takeaway? You’re probably already living out your family’s values—you just may not have written them down yet. Once you name them, it’s so much easier to align your time, energy, and parenting choices with what truly matters most. Adriane is a certified parenting coach living in Surprise, Arizona, with her husband, three energetic boys, and two Aussiedoodles. She’s passionate about helping parents navigate challenges with a connection-based approach. Adriane has a talent for breaking down complex topics like neurodevelopment, emotional regulation, attachment, and family culture into relatable and impactful strategies. Resources Mentioned: Connect with Adriane on her blog [http://www.raisingkidswithpurpose.com], Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/raisingkidswithpurpose], and Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/raisingkidswithpurpose] Grab her FREE family values and goal setting toolkit [https://www.subscribepage.com/familyvaluestoolkit] The Whole-Brain Child [https://amzn.to/4obIsQ6] by Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson The Upside of Stress [https://amzn.to/3KESFpE] by Kelly McGonigal How to Define and Discover Your Family Values [https://raisingkidswithpurpose.com/defining-family-values/] 6 Genius Ways to Make Your Family Values Stick [https://raisingkidswithpurpose.com/strong-family-values/]   Related Episodes: Episode 44: 8 Important Values Decluttering Teaches Our Kids [https://momsovercomingoverwhelm.podbean.com/e/44-8-important-values-decluttering-teaches-our-kids/] Episode 96: How to Live “By Design” Rather than “By Desire” to Combat Stress and Overwhelm in Motherhood - with Barb Raveling [https://momsovercomingoverwhelm.podbean.com/e/96-how-to-live-by-design-rather-than-by-desire-to-combat-stress-and-overwhelm-in-motherhood-with-barb-raveling/] Episode 172: Clear Relational Clutter, Regulate Your Emotions, and Resolve Family Conflict Using the Connection Codes - with Tera Wages [https://momsovercomingoverwhelm.podbean.com/e/161-mom-guilt-be-gone-5-causes-of-mom-guilt-and-how-to-say-goodbye-for-good] *** I help moms declutter their homes, heads, and hearts. Contact - > info@simplebyemmy.com [info@simplebyemmy.com]  Podcast -＞ https://www.simplebyemmy.com/podcast [http://www.simplebyemmy.com/] Learn -＞ https://www.simplebyemmy.com/resources [http://www.simplebyemmy.com/resources] Connect -＞ Join our free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms [https://www.facebook.com/groups/494375618865628/] Instagram -＞ @simplebyemmy [https://www.instagram.com/simplebyemmy/%20] and @momsovercomingoverwhelm [https://www.instagram.com/momsovercomingoverwhelm/%20]   *** Don't Know Where to Start? *** 5 Steps to Overcome Overwhelm -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/5steps/ [https://simplebyemmy.com/5steps/] 5 Mindset Shifts for Decluttering -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/mindset/ [https://simplebyemmy.com/mindset/]   Wanna work with me to kick overwhelm to the curb, mama? There are three options for you! Step 1: Join a supportive community of moms plus decluttering challenges to keep you on track at the free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms [https://www.facebook.com/groups/494375618865628/] Step 2: Sign up for the weekly Decluttering Tips and Resources for Overwhelmed Moms Newsletter and see samples here: https://pages.simplebyemmy.com/profile [https://pages.simplebyemmy.com/profile] Step 3: Get more personalized support with in-person decluttering and organization coaching (Washington DC metro area)! https://www.simplebyemmy.com/workwithme [https://www.simplebyemmy.com/workwithme]

These ten tools are the things in my home that help me the most in staying clutter-free. Remember - you don’t need to go to The Container Store to buy a bunch of bins! Resources Mentioned: 1 Inbox Tray [https://www.target.com/p/mesh-stacking-letter-tray-with-wide-side-opening-black-brightroom-8482/-/A-83901172] (or vertical file storage [https://a.co/d/1mO8jZW]) 2 ScanSnap scanner [https://amzn.to/4pi7le0] 3 Amazon Basics Shredder [https://amzn.to/3yA9UPO] 4 Artwork purgatory [https://www.instagram.com/p/CkiuovZgIX0/] 5 Label Maker [https://amzn.to/3SrwqE8] 6 OXO Pop Top Containers [https://amzn.to/4iSwGag] 7 Caddy for daily toiletries [https://a.co/d/7OusZ3E] 8 Amazon boxes for storage/drawer dividers 9 Trashie Take Back bags [https://www.trashie.io/tbb-collection] + Tech Bags [https://shop.trashie.io/products/tech-take-back-box-medium] 10 "Just for me" box [https://www.target.com/p/sugar-paper-essentials-paper-file-box-flax/-/A-86816394]/keepsake boxes for kids' memories [https://www.target.com/p/bigso-ulrika-set-of-2-storage-boxes-large-small-with-lids-ideal-for-keepsakes-photos-and-home-organization/-/A-1003647514] Here's a video about how to use Apple Notes to scan and organize your documents [https://youtube.com/shorts/Aidyhnuhxvs?feature=share] if you're an Apple/iPhone user. BONUS: Research local resources for donating and recycling [https://search.earth911.com/] - Buy Nothing groups [https://buynothingproject.org/find-a-group], library for book donations, Staples for e-recycling/school supplies [https://www.staples.com/stores/recycling#rec], and more.   Related Episodes: Episode 28: Are You Constantly Shuffling Around Piles of Papers? Steal my No-Fail Paper Processing Routine [https://momsovercomingoverwhelm.podbean.com/e/28-are-you-constantly-shuffling-around-piles-of-papers-steal-my-no-fail-paper-processing-routine] Episode 115: 5 Must-Have Bins That Keep My Home Clutter-Free [https://momsovercomingoverwhelm.podbean.com/e/115-5-must-have-bins-that-keep-my-home-clutter-free] Episode 208: The 13 Apps that Keep Me Organized and Clutter-Free [https://momsovercomingoverwhelm.podbean.com/e/208-the-13-apps-that-keep-me-organized-and-clutter-free]   *** I help moms declutter their homes, heads, and hearts. Contact - > info@simplebyemmy.com [info@simplebyemmy.com]  Podcast -＞ https://www.simplebyemmy.com/podcast [http://www.simplebyemmy.com/] Learn -＞ https://www.simplebyemmy.com/resources [http://www.simplebyemmy.com/resources] Connect -＞ Join our free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms [https://www.facebook.com/groups/494375618865628/] Instagram -＞ @simplebyemmy [https://www.instagram.com/simplebyemmy/%20] and @momsovercomingoverwhelm [https://www.instagram.com/momsovercomingoverwhelm/%20]   *** Don't Know Where to Start? *** 5 Steps to Overcome Overwhelm -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/5steps/ [https://simplebyemmy.com/5steps/] 5 Mindset Shifts for Decluttering -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/mindset/ [https://simplebyemmy.com/mindset/]   Wanna work with me to kick overwhelm to the curb, mama? There are three options for you! Step 1: Join a supportive community of moms plus decluttering challenges to keep you on track at the free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms [https://www.facebook.com/groups/494375618865628/] Step 2: Sign up for the weekly Decluttering Tips and Resources for Overwhelmed Moms Newsletter and see samples here: https://pages.simplebyemmy.com/profile [https://pages.simplebyemmy.com/profile] Step 3: Get more personalized support with in-person decluttering and organization coaching (Washington DC metro area)! https://www.simplebyemmy.com/workwithme [https://www.simplebyemmy.com/workwithme]

I’m excited to bring you this bonus episode with my friend Michelle Byrd from The Busy Vibrant Mom [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-busy-vibrant-mom-strategic-time-management-home/id1546521336] podcast and a regular guest on Moms Overcoming Overwhelm. It’s the sixth episode of Coffee and Tea with M&E! We talk about what didn’t work this week, how we pivoted, what things we are excited about, and things that made us laugh! Grab your coffee or tea, pull up a chair, and join us as we chat about: ✨ How to raise resilient kids in a digital age ✨ Practical ways to set screen time boundaries (without constant battles!) ✨ Tips for stress-free fall + holiday planning ✨ Simple family traditions that bring more peace and connection Hope you enjoy this honest conversation between two moms who GET IT! *** I help moms declutter their homes, heads, and hearts. Contact - > info@simplebyemmy.com [info@simplebyemmy.com]  Podcast -＞ https://www.simplebyemmy.com/podcast [http://www.simplebyemmy.com/] Learn -＞ https://www.simplebyemmy.com/resources [http://www.simplebyemmy.com/resources] Connect -＞ Join our free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms [https://www.facebook.com/groups/494375618865628/] Instagram -＞ @simplebyemmy [https://www.instagram.com/simplebyemmy/%20] and @momsovercomingoverwhelm [https://www.instagram.com/momsovercomingoverwhelm/%20]   *** Don't Know Where to Start? *** 5 Steps to Overcome Overwhelm -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/5steps/ [https://simplebyemmy.com/5steps/] 5 Mindset Shifts for Decluttering -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/mindset/ [https://simplebyemmy.com/mindset/]   Wanna work with me to kick overwhelm to the curb, mama? There are three options for you! Step 1: Join a supportive community of moms plus decluttering challenges to keep you on track at the free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms [https://www.facebook.com/groups/494375618865628/] Step 2: Sign up for the weekly Decluttering Tips and Resources for Overwhelmed Moms Newsletter and see samples here: https://pages.simplebyemmy.com/profile [https://pages.simplebyemmy.com/profile] Step 3: Get more personalized support with in-person decluttering and organization coaching (Washington DC metro area only)! https://www.simplebyemmy.com/workwithme [https://www.simplebyemmy.com/workwithme]