The 3 Times of Year to Declutter with Kids
Trying to keep a house decluttered with kids can almost feel impossible. That’s why I broke down the best 3 times a year to declutter with your kids. We follow these times in our home and it has helped to combat the clutter and keep me a little bit more sane. Hopefully it can do the same for you.
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Why designated decluttering
I found that setting up times throughout the year to do designated decluttering has helped me avoid feeling stressed all year long.
When clutter or toys start to build up throughout the year, it’s nice to know that there is a designated declutter day in my future.
It has also helped the kids adapt more to the process. They know that decluttering is part of our process and our habits and it makes the whole process a lot easier.
The out before in rule
A genuine rule that we have in our house is that before new things come in, we have to make room for them.
When we want something new in our lives, we have to find things that no longer serve a purpose or bring joy. That’s why our 3 times a year that we declutter with our kids revolve around those major times of year when it’s out with the old and in with the new.
Other minimalist posts:
- A Total Budget Friendly Guide to Minimalist Birthday Parties
- 11 Hacks to Fake a Minimalist Home
- How to: Minimalist Parenting at Every Age
- Minimalist Living with Kids
Before birthdays
When I know my house is going to be flooded with toys I try to get some clutter out before more
While we don’t buy the kids much for birthdays, grandparents do and we have what seems like an endless amount of grandparents!
Before each child’s
This helps clear out the house and tidy things up before any guests might come over and creates more space for toys that might be coming in.
End of school year
Because we are a homeschooling family, our schooling year
Not only do you have finished homework, notebooks, folders, books and backpacks to filter through, there’s a good chance you have some clothes that are officially outgrown or worn in as well.
Before gift giving holidays
Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or another gift giving holiday throughout the year, this is the BEST time to start ditching old kid clutter.
I always remind my kids that if they want new things coming in, they have to be willing to part with some old things that are no longer serving them.
As we prep for Christmas, I’ll often take out bags or boxes and have the kids filter through their less-than-used toys that they are willing to part with. I’ll remind them that if they are hoping for new things, they have got to make room!
How to talk to your kids about decluttering
Be patient and understanding with your kids when it comes to decluttering. Honestly, my biggest fear here is that I will create future hoarders if I don’t choose my ways wisely.
Allow your kids to have a say in the decluttering process and don’t shame them for their sentimental feelings they might have toward certain things.
We all have to go through our own process when it comes to letting go of our stuff.
Just remember to control what you can, encourage where you are able and then just LET GO of everything else. (Physically and metaphorically).
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