Families For Life | 5 tips to declutter together with your kids

Does your home need decluttering, especially after the holiday season, when it is filled with new toys, white elephant gifts, and random trinkets you may not have a use for? The good news is your kids can help! With a few simple strategies, you can turn decluttering into a team effort and start the new year with a cleaner, calmer space. Here’s how to make it a breeze with your kids!

Include them in the preparation

When kids get to contribute, it gives them a sense of responsibility and makes them more willing to help out with decluttering. It doesn’t take much on your side either! Bring your kids along to buy plastic bags, baskets, or boxes for sorting. Let them make simple labels like “Donate” or “Throw”. When they help set things up, they feel responsible and are more engaged in the decluttering process.

Start small

Kids can stay focused for longer when tasks feel doable. Starting with large items, like toy sets or entire wardrobes, can feel daunting and make them lose interest quickly. Instead, start with their craft supplies or gifts from special events. Small wins build momentum, and they’ll see that tidying doesn’t have to be a big, tiring job.

Set simple rules

Rules will help your kids make decisions about their things more easily. It also keeps everyone on the same page as you sort through the clutter together. Unsure where to start? Here are some rules you and your kids can follow:

Crafting supplies

  • Throw away dried-out markers, paints, pens and modelling clay

  • Sort out crayons that are broken or too small to use. Throw them out or melt them down to reuse.

  • Sort out used sticker sheets, notebooks, colouring books and throw away pages that cannot be used again

Clothes

  • Throw out clothes that are too small

  • Throw out clothes that are damaged, torn or unable to be repaired

  • Consider donating clothes that are rarely used, or that your kids don’t like

Toys, puzzles and board games

  • Throw away toys that are broken or missing pieces

  • Keep toys that are special, gifted or made specially for them

  • Donate toys that siblings or cousins can play with

  • Throw away or donate games that no longer interest them

Books

  • Donate books that have not been read in the past year

  • Throw books that have torn or missing pages, creased edges or are not in good condition

  • Keep books that have sentimental value to your family

Take it slow

Decluttering can get tiring, especially for young kids. It’s okay if you can’t get everything done in one day. Divide the decluttering process into several days or daily sessions with plenty of breaks. Slow and steady makes decluttering feel less like a chore and more like a family activity.

Have fun!

Like any chore, the way for your kids to enjoy them is to make them fun! If they rediscover an old toy or costume, let them play with it for a while. Keep everyone’s mood up by playing energising music and celebrating every completed task. Affirm their choices and give lots of praise as they sort. When the process feels fun, they are also more willing to keep going and help again next time. Plus, these small moments can make new family memories!

Decluttering can be easy for any family

Decluttering can be effortless if everyone helps out. Getting your kids started with decluttering also helps them learn to be responsible for their things and the importance of keeping things in the right place. With these tips, you and your family can enjoy the peace and calm that comes with a clean, tidy home. Good luck!