Decluttering with Children
Every parent knowsthat it's a constant struggle to deal with clutter. Getting rid of all theunused toys, clothes, collections and more is hard enough in itself. Butgetting through the process without any hurt feelings can be even moredifficult.

Here are six tipsto make decluttering easy and harmonious.

1.     Communicate

Decluttering is ten times easier if everyone is onboard. If you throw things out without talking to their owner first, it'sguaranteed to cause tension.

2.     One thing in and one thing out

This simple rule can be incredibly helpful. Everyoneneeds new things on occasion, but if you don't throw anything out, your housewill be a pigsty in no time! Obviously this needs to be applied in a commonsense way – if you have enough space for a new sofa you buy, there's no need tothrow out an old one – but this rule can be very useful as a framework to keepon top of clutter. Some of the best targets for this principle include clothesand toys.

3.     Do the easy things first

Decluttering is all about momentum: You have to workup to things. Get rid of outgrown clothes, things you haven't used for a longtime and any items that are broken first of all. Once you're on a roll, thenyou can start thinking about whether those unused toys that used to be prizedpossessions should be kept, thrown out or put into storage.

4.     Make it regular

With all the demands on everyone's time, it can bevery difficult to make sure that decluttering gets done. The best way to ensurethat it actually happens is to put it in the calendar and schedule other thingsaround it. A good frequency for a basic declutter is around once a month, whilea comprehensive declutter should take place around once a year. With all theinflux of gifts on Christmas, many families find it useful to do an annualdeclutter in December.

5.     Create limits

Your sense of what is normal and acceptable determineshow much clutter will be in your house. To get a handle on this stuff, come upwith clear rules. Maybe the collection of stuffed toys can keep growing untilit fills the cupboard, or you can keep getting new military models providedthat they can fit on a table. Having clear limits in place creates structurefor your living space. It is a great way to minimize clutter without putting alot of effort in.

6.     Do it as a family

On a practical level, you'll get rid of clutter morequickly with more people doing the work. Decluttering might never be a wholelot of fun, but collective family activities are always good for your kids'development. Getting rid of clutter together represents an opportunity toencourage your kids to take responsibility for things rather than expecting youto take care of them. It's a way to get your kids started with a good habitthat will serve them well in later life.