Decluttering for a Happier Home: Melissa Welch’s Guide to Organization and Peaceful Living

In today’s fast-paced world, homes can quickly become overrun with clutter—piles of laundry, scattered toys, and storage areas filled with items we “might use someday.” For Melissa Welch, professional home organizer and founder of Happy Home Decluttering and Organization, creating a peaceful and functional home is not just a passion, but a mission. She believes that an organized space leads to a calmer mind, reduced stress, and a happier family.

In her recent interview on Omaha Mom Talks, Melissa shared practical decluttering strategies, insights on minimalism, and daily habits to help busy moms take control of their homes and create spaces that work for their families.

 

Finding Purpose in Decluttering

Melissa’s journey into home organization was fueled by conversations she had with other moms—at the park, in social settings, and online. Over and over, she heard the same frustrations:

• The mental burden of clutter made it hard to relax.
• Moms felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of stuff in their homes.
• The lack of systems and organization made daily routines more stressful.

Recognizing how much stress an untidy home can cause, Melissa made it her mission to help moms simplify their lives. She believes that every family deserves a home that supports their well-being rather than adding to their stress.

 

The Connection Between Clutter and Mental Load

Many moms underestimate the impact of clutter on their mental health. Melissa explained that clutter contributes to overstimulation, making it harder to relax and be present with family. Parents tend to be quicker to snap at their kids, and children, in turn, are more prone to tantrums and frustration when surrounded by too many toys and disorganized spaces.

Having a decluttered and organized home can:

• Reduce stress and anxiety.
• Make daily routines smoother.
• Free up more time for family and relaxation.
• Help children develop responsibility and independence.

 

Minimalism: Keeping What Matters

Melissa discovered minimalism about a decade ago, and it transformed the way she approached organization. While some people think minimalism means having an empty home, Melissa explained that it is really about prioritizing what adds value to your life and letting go of distractions.

By applying minimalism, families can make intentional choices about what they keep, rather than accumulating items based on trends or marketing pressure.

Melissa offered a key piece of advice for expecting parents:

“Babies really don’t need a lot. New moms are bombarded with advertisements disguised as advice, telling them they need every new gadget. Focus on the essentials first, and add as needed.”

 

Decluttering Tips for Moms

One of the biggest questions Melissa gets is, “Where do I start?” She suggests a few different approaches:

1. Start Small and Easy – Grab a trash bag and walk through your house, filling it with things you know you don’t need (expired items, broken toys, old papers). This helps build momentum.
2. Focus on High-Stress Areas – Pick the space that overwhelms you the most, such as the kitchen counters, laundry area, or kids’ playroom. Decluttering this area first can have an immediate calming effect.
3. Declutter with Kids – Instead of secretly removing their toys, involve them in the process. Teach them about space limits and the joy of donating toys to others who need them.
4. Set Up a System for Clothes – Kids outgrow clothes constantly. Keep a designated bin in their room or laundry area where you immediately place outgrown items. Decide if they will be donated, stored for a younger sibling, or passed on to a friend.
5. Give Items a Home – Melissa introduced the concept, “Don’t put it down, put it away.” Having a specific place for everything makes tidying up faster and prevents clutter from building up.
6. Create Sentimental Limits – Many moms struggle with holding onto sentimental items, especially their children’s artwork or baby clothes. Melissa suggests keeping one labeled storage bin per child. If it doesn’t fit, reconsider whether it’s worth keeping.

 

The Key to Letting Go: Overcoming Common Decluttering Struggles

What if I might use it someday?

Melissa suggests asking:

• When was the last time I used this?
• Would I buy it again today?
• Is it worth taking up space in my home?

If the answer is no, it’s time to let it go.

What if I spent a lot of money on it?

Many people hold onto expensive items, even if they no longer serve them. Melissa reminds moms that keeping something out of guilt doesn’t bring the money back—but freeing up space can bring peace of mind.

What if I feel bad getting rid of gifts?

Melissa encourages people to separate the gift from the giver. The item has already served its purpose by showing someone cared. Keeping it out of guilt only clutters your home.

Selling vs. Donating

Many moms set aside items they plan to resell on Facebook Marketplace but never get around to it. Melissa advises:

• If selling is slowing down your decluttering process, just donate it.
• If you do want to sell, set a deadline (ex: “If this doesn’t sell in two weeks, I’ll donate it”).

 

Sustainable Organizing and Under-Consumption

Melissa also emphasizes sustainability in decluttering. Instead of immediately buying more bins and storage solutions, she suggests:

• Reusing containers from around the house.
• Borrowing or repurposing items instead of buying new.
• Avoiding trendy purchases just because they are marketed as “must-haves.”

Melissa challenges the notion that we constantly need to upgrade our belongings. One small example is bringing a reusable cup to Starbucks rather than using a disposable one.

 

Daily Habits for an Organized Home

Decluttering is one thing, but maintaining organization is another. Melissa recommends simple daily habits to keep things under control:

1. After-Dinner Reset – Set aside 10–15 minutes every evening for the entire family to put away toys, dishes, and items that belong in different rooms.
2. Everything Has a Home – If something doesn’t have a designated place, create one.
3. Reduce What Comes In – Be intentional about new purchases and resist impulse shopping.
4. Label Storage Areas – This makes it easier for family members to return items where they belong.

 

Melissa’s Message to Moms: Decluttering is Not Your Fault

One of the most powerful messages Melissa shared in the podcast is that clutter is not a personal failure.

She reminds moms that no one has taught us how to manage the sheer volume of things we accumulate. Between advertising, societal expectations, and the fast-paced nature of parenting, it is no wonder that clutter builds up.

Instead of feeling shame or embarrassment, she encourages moms to embrace the process as a way to reclaim their home and mental space.

 

How to Work with Melissa Welch

Melissa offers in-person home organizing services in Omaha and virtual support for those outside the area. She works side by side with clients, helping them declutter while creating sustainable systems.

A bonus of her service? She personally takes donation items away so clients don’t have to worry about it lingering in their home.

To learn more, visit her website: https://www.melissalwelch.com/ or follow her on Instagram @melissalwelch.

 

Final Thoughts

Decluttering is more than just tidying up—it’s about creating a home that supports your well-being. Melissa’s advice is simple:

• Start small.
• Let go of guilt.
• Embrace habits that keep your home peaceful.

 

By making space for what truly matters, moms can reduce stress, reclaim time, and enjoy their homes in a whole new way.

 

This blog post is based on a transcript from the Omaha Mom Talks podcast episode released on March 5th 2025.

Omaha Mom Talks is all about creating connection for moms in Omaha, Nebraska. Join your host, Jessie Gutierrez, a mental health therapist and mom of two, to explore the joys and struggles of motherhood, the importance of mental health, and the best Omaha has to offer. Whether you’re a new mom or a seasoned pro, each episode brings you expert advice, community stories, and local gems to support you on your motherhood journey.

Edited by Grace Dunbar