It is so difficult to keep a tidy home, especially with children. The whole house becomes dedicated to children’s items and as they grow, the things they need pile up. However, don’t lose hope, because a tidier home is possible! If haven’t seen Tidying up on Netflix or read the book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” by Marie Kondo, I couldn’t recommend it more. It has inspired me to get rid of clutter and start thinking about my space in a different perspective.
A big cause of a cluttered home is the sheer amount of stuff. So first things first, get rid of stuff. Marie Kondo suggests holding each item in your hands and asking yourself, does this spark joy? Do this for the stuffed animals that your child hasn’t touched in years, the toys that are piled up in the corner, and the clothes your child has grown out of. If it doesn’t spark joy, say your goodbyes, literally. “Thank you, stuffed animals, thank you toys, thank you adorable clothes. It is time for you to leave our home.”
Starting is the hardest part, but you can do it! Chances are, once you’ve decluttered and tidied up, you will feel a huge weight lifted off your shoulders. Here are some tips on getting started and some ideas on how to maintain a clutter-free home.
- Start easy! Start with the stuff you won’t mind getting rid of, like the old crusty Tupperware, or last decade’s wardrobe and then work your way to the harder, more sentimental things.
- Although Kondo suggests doing it all at once, if you aren’t able to, start small! Begin with a section or a room this weekend and move to another section next weekend.
- Involve the children in determining what goes and what stays, especially when it comes to their things. This can also be a great teaching opportunity about donating and helping those that are less fortunate.
- Take pictures of sentimental drawings/letters to keep digitally instead of physically.
- Kondo says treat your possessions as if they are alive!
If you need some child-free time to get started, sign up for Parent’s Night Out this week, on February 15th at ScuttleBugs CDC! (This service is for ScuttleBugs enrolled children parents only).
