6 Steps to Decluttering with Kids

We’ve involved our kids in our simplifying journey since day one.  Our initial simplifying efforts took us from a 4-bedroom house to a 2-bedroom condo and meant letting go of nearly 75% of our belongings.   Our children (grade school age at the time) were right alongside us through that year and a half long effort.Although that major purge is well behind us, living simply requires continuous intentional living along with periodic decluttering events.  Our children know that every six to twelve months, it’s time, once again, to declutter the toys, trinkets, books, art supplies, papers, games, puzzles, and clothes that made their way in, but that no longer deserve a place in our home.We’ve found teamwork to be the key to our successful decluttering days.  By making it a family event that everyone contributes to, we’re working together and teaching our children healthy habits, including how to let go, be generous and embrace open, clear spaces.Teamwork alone won’t get the job done, though.  Here are 6 steps we take each time to make sure the process goes smoothly and our efforts are successful.

1. Set the stage - We begin talking about the upcoming decluttering day a week or two in advance.  While we’re all together at dinner, we talk about which areas have some room for improvement.   We talk about why it’s important to go through this process and remind them of some of our simplifying rules like "We won’t go shopping for new clothes until we get rid of the ones that no longer fit," and "No new birthday gifts will be opened until old items have been decluttered."
2. Have a plan - After we’ve started the process with a family discussion, my husband and I plan for which areas we’ll begin with.  We know that leading by example is an effective way to help our children simplify so we always start with our areas (usually clothes and paper) first.  We talk about why we’re making the choice to let one item go versus another and we get excited about the space we’re creating.  They hear us asking questions to help make decisions we feel good about.  Witnessing all of this plus seeing the donation bags start to fill always inspires action from the kiddos.
3. Make it a game - Making a game out of simplifying can be fun for adults and children alike, so we always incorporate some level of challenge.  Sometimes this means turning on the music and seeing who can get through the most during one song.  Sometimes it means seeing who can get through their sock drawer first.
4. Remind them why they’re doing it - They’ve experienced the big benefits of our major life simplifying (including traveling and getting to live near the ocean) and they’ve felt what it’s like to have a clean desk to sit at and create.  They’ve learned that you can get dressed more easily when you have an organized closet and they know that you can play a game quicker when the game cabinet is tidy and only has games they actually want to play.  They’ve learned that their physical space and time have limits and that they have opportunities to choose what fills those spaces.  They’ve even felt the joy of unearthing things they thought were lost.  Reminding them of past successes like these helps them get through the process each time.
5. Provide specific instructions - Unearthing treasures they once thought were lost and finding craft supplies they forgot about can be distracting.  It’s easy for them to want to stop and play with everything or try on all the dress up clothes as they uncover them so providing specific instructions throughout the process is critical.  Sorting one drawer or pile into “keep” or “get rid of” is something most school-age children can do.  Putting game pieces into the correct box and gathering all of one type of toy into an area should also be easy tasks.  They’re often more likely to remember exactly where that random tiny piece belongs than you are!  Kids are also great at testing markers and craft supplies to see what’s dried up and no longer usable.
6. Always have food - And finally, always have food!  It’s never a good idea for children (or adults) to begin an organizing project on an empty stomach.  Being well fed (and well rested) keeps everyone in the game and focused longer.  It’s important to take breaks also.  You’ll know what the best time of day is for your crew and how long they’ll be able to maintain focus.

We always approach these decluttering days as a family, but you could opt to work independently with one child at a time instead.  How old each child is and whether they share rooms are factors to consider.  You know your family dynamics best so choose what works for you.  You’ve got this!To Simplicity & Joy,Lisa