From Chaos to Calm: Nervous System Friendly Organizing with Tracy Hoth

What if being “messy” doesn’t mean you’re disorganized—and clutter isn’t the real issue?

In this episode of the Building Resilience Podcast, I’m joined by organizing coach Tracy Hoth for a powerful reframe on what it really means to be organized. Spoiler: It’s not about color-coded bins or minimalist living. It’s about safety, clarity, and knowing where your stuff is—80% of the time.

We talk about the nervous system side of clutter, why perfection is a trap, and how “messiness” might be a protective response rather than a personal flaw. You’ll walk away with mindset shifts, practical tips (hello, SPASM method!), and a whole new lens on what organized can actually feel like.

If you’ve ever looked at your home, your business, or your life and thought, “I should have it more together by now”—this conversation is for you.

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Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome + Leah admits she might not be that organized

02:34 – Meet Tracy: An organizing coach with a nervous system twist

05:55 – Why “organized” doesn’t mean minimalist or picture-perfect

09:18 – The 80% Rule: A realistic definition of being organized

12:43 – Leah’s tiny Toronto home vs. American closets

17:05 – You can be organized and have stuff

21:17 – Nervous system links: Why some people need more things to feel safe

24:30 – SPASM: The 5-step framework for organizing

29:49 – The hardest part of getting organized (it’s not what you think)

33:12 – The emotional side of purging (guilt, scarcity, memories)

38:05 – How to set limits without feeling deprived

41:50 – Why baskets and bins aren’t the answer

44:37 – Benefits of organizing: Calm, clarity, confidence

48:30 – Organizing as a nervous system regulation tool

52:11 – What organization reveals about your identity

56:05 – How to break projects into doable steps

59:40 – Is your “mess” actually protecting you?

01:02:55 – Where to start: Mindset before method

01:05:23 – Final takeaways + how to work with Tracy

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🧠 Want More Tools?

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