Every parent knows that it's a constant struggle to deal withclutter.
Getting rid of all the unused toys, clothes, collections and more ishard enough in itself. But getting through the process without any hurtfeelings can be even more difficult. Here are six tips to make decluttering easyand harmonious.
1. Communicate
Decluttering is ten times easier if everyone is on board. If you throwthings out without talking to their owner first, it's guaranteed to cause tension.
2. One thing in and one thing out
This simple rule can be incredibly helpful. Everyone needs new things onoccasion, but if you don't throw anything out, your house will be a pigsty inno time! Obviously, this needs to be applied in a common sense way – if youhave enough space for a new sofa you buy, there's no need to throw out an oldone – but this rule can be very useful as a framework to keep on top ofclutter. Some of the best targets for this principle include clothes and toys.
3. Do the easy things first
Decluttering is all about momentum: You have to work up to things. Getrid of outgrown clothes, things you haven't used for a long time and any itemsthat are broken first of all. Once you're on a roll, then you can startthinking about whether those unused toys that used to be prized possessionsshould be kept, thrown out or put into storage.
4. Make it regular
With all the demands on everyone's time, it can be very difficult tomake sure that decluttering gets done. The best way to ensure that it actuallyhappens is to put it in the calendar and schedule other things around it. A good frequency for a basic declutter isaround once a month, while a comprehensive declutter should take place aroundonce a year. With all the influx of gifts on Christmas, many families find it usefulto do an annual declutter in December.
5. Create limits
Your sense of what is normal and acceptable determines how much clutterwill be in your house. To get a handle on this stuff, come up with clear rules.Maybe the collection of stuffed toys can keep growing until it fills thecupboard, or you can keep getting new military models provided that they canfit on a table. Havingclear limits in place creates structure for your living space. It is a greatway to minimize clutter without putting a lot of effort in.
6. Do it as a family
On a practical level, you'll get rid of clutter more quickly with morepeople doing the work. Decluttering might never be a whole lot of fun, butcollective family activities are always good for your kids' development. Getting rid of clutter together represents anopportunity to encourage your kids to take responsibility for things ratherthan expecting you to take care of them. It's a way to get your kids startedwith a good habit that will serve them well in later life.
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