Decluttering the Mental Load: Creating a More Balanced Home Life with Paige Connell (Ep 264)

About the episode

Struggling under the weight of doing it all? In this episode, Deanna is joined by Paige Connell—a working mom of four—to talk about decluttering the mental load. They dive into invisible labor, the pressure modern moms face, and how to create more balance at home through honest conversations and shared responsibility.

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In this episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast, Deanna Yates is joined by Paige Connell—a working mom of four and a powerful voice for moms navigating the mental load of motherhood. Together, they unpack the invisible labor so many women carry: remembering appointments, managing the household, keeping the family running… and somehow staying sane through it all.

Paige brings honesty, humor, and a big dose of validation as she shares her own experiences and the collective wisdom of the community she’s built on Instagram and TikTok. This isn’t about doing more—it’s about letting go of the idea that you have to do it all.

If you’re feeling burned out from being the default parent, struggling to find balance at home, or wondering how to have more equitable conversations with your partner—this episode is for you.

We talk about real-life strategies to simplify your mental load, how to advocate for change inside and outside the home, and why asking for help is a radical (and necessary) act of self-care.

Key Takeaways:

1. What the mental load looks like in everyday life—and why it’s so draining

2. How to talk with your partner about sharing the load without starting a fight

3. Simple ways to create more connection, peace, and partnership at home

4. Why building a support system is essential (not selfish)

5. How even small shifts can declutter the overwhelm and help you breathe easier

About Paige Connell:

Paige is a working mother of four who shares relatable content on TikTok and Instagram, highlighting the everyday experiences of women balancing motherhood, careers, and relationships. Known for her candid insights on the mental load of motherhood and the challenges of creating equity at home and work, Paige’s content resonates with millions. She also advocates for affordable childcare, paid leave, and reproductive rights, sparking important conversations about what families need to thrive. Her impactful voice and relatable storytelling have led to features in Scary Mommy, The Today Show, Good Morning America, and more.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:51 Starting the Conversation with Paige Connell

03:14 Balancing Motherhood and Career

04:26 Addressing Societal Expectations and Double Standards

08:42 Equity in Household Responsibilities

14:22 Common Misconceptions About Working Moms

20:04 Starting Conversations at Home

26:50 Addressing Defensiveness in Conversations

28:55 Understanding Societal Pressures on Partners

31:09 Navigating Parenting and Mental Load

35:50 Building Community and Support Systems

36:50 Advocating for Family-Friendly Work Policies

43:05 Practical Tips for Sharing Responsibilities

46:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

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About Deanna Yates

Based in San Diego, CA, Deanna helps high-achieving moms clear the clutter from their homes and lives.

Through coaching, courses, summits, and her top-ranked Wannabe Clutter Free podcast, she supports modern women in building organized, peaceful homes where they can thrive.

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