Decluttering with Kids: Tricks That Actually Work

The trick is to do one of two things: 

1. The one item a day method I write about in Home: Phase 1. This feels like it will never make a dent, but trust me it will build momentum. You’ll look back and realize wow I worked through this bin focusing on one item a day in 30 days vs looking back two years later and being scared to start because of how daunting it’s become. This method works best for moms in the thick of it with very young babies and toddlers that can’t be left alone for a second yet.
2. The second option is dealing with very tiny pieces at a time and accepting that while you’re working on sorting one mess the kids are somewhere creating another mess. This works when the kiddos are a little older and they can be off playing with their toys for 10-15 mins while you tackle a small drawer or bin. They are preferably making a small mess with their toys vs going through whatever you are going through. 

Other tips:

1. Decluttering toys is the number one step I recommend because with the right type of toys they can entertain themselves to give you pockets of time to work on whatever you need to work on. Read my slightly unconventional perspective on toys here because I think it will make your life a little easier. 
2. Keep the trash can in a place they can’t reach/go through while you are decluttering and on the daily if you are doing the one item a day method.

The most important part is: do not take it all out and think you are going to be able to deal with it. 

I did it in my storage room and then threw everything back the next day because my kids got into it and I couldn’t possibly get it all done in the 20-45 min naps they took. It was a mess that I didn’t want to touch for a long time and couldn’t bring myself to look at it all again so I put it off for years. When I finally had to deal with it because we were renovating the rooms, I was forced to practice what I preach and focused on one item a day. I was done in a month and so relieved. 

Your takeaways: 

1. Do not put it off to sort through it all later.
2. Do not take it all out at once. 
3. Bite sized pieces only. 

You got this mamma!!