302: The Countertop Clutter Magnet EffectAnd How to Fix It

Ever cleared your kitchen counters… only to blink and find them cluttered again? 😩

You are not imagining it—there’s a reason every surface in your home seems to magically collect stuff. It’s called the Countertop Clutter Magnet Effect, and once you notice it, you can’t unsee it.

In today’s episode, I’m breaking down why stuff attracts stuff (yes, there’s brain science behind it), and what you can do to finally stop the clutter creep—without giving up your much-needed visual reminders.

Because if you're the kind of person who needs to SEE your supplements, bills, or to-do list to actually remember them… this episode is going to change your life. 🙌

3 Key Takeaways from This Episode:

1. Why “Stuff Attracts Stuff” Is a Real Thing It’s not just clutter—it’s how our brains work. Once one item lands on a surface, it signals to our brains that it’s now a holding zone. I’ll explain how this happens and how to break the pattern.

2. How to Keep Visual Reminders Without the Chaos If “out of sight, out of mind” is your struggle, I’ve got you. From daily action trays to vertical organizers, I’ll show you how to keep your reminders visible but contained so they don’t take over your space.

3. How to Use the Clutter Magnet Effect For You Yep, you can flip the script. I’ll share how one simple change—like adding a fruit bowl—turned a clutter hotspot into a healthy habit zone. (And how you can do the same with your desk, bathroom, or entryway.)

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

AirDoctor Air Purifier Invisible clutter is a thing too—dust, dander, and all the stuff you can’t see but definitely don’t want to breathe in. 👉 Get up to $300 off select models at AirDoctorPro.com with code KATY

Your Challenge This Week:

Take a look around your home and identify one clutter magnet zone. Then ask yourself: “What do I actually want this space to attract?” Pick one small swap—maybe a tray, a clear bin, or a vertical organizer—and give that space a job. Let’s stop letting clutter call the shots.

Ready, Set, Simplify – bye!

Ready to Declutter Even More? Check Out These Resources:

🚀 Get FAST Results with My Free Guide: 75 Things to Declutter Right Now Need a quick win? This guide helps you clear space and see results fast. 📥 https://www.katyjoywells.com/declutter

💡 Work 1-on-1 With Me Need personalized support to simplify your life? Let’s create a plan that works for you. 💼 https://www.katyjoywells.com/innercircle

🏡 Get Your Personalized Home Management Blueprint Want a step-by-step plan to manage your home effortlessly? Let’s create your custom blueprint. 📝 https://www.katyjoywells.com/home-management-mastery

📲 Connect with Me on Instagram Follow me for daily decluttering tips, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes peeks into my life. 💛 https://www.instagram.com/katyjoywells