Decluttering with Kids: Ideas for how to make it fun!
Decluttering and organizing with kids can seem super intimidating. I’ll be the first to tell you that it is one hundred percent easier to let go of items when the kids are at school or with Grandma for the weekend. However, we don’t always have that luxury. Especially when you live in New England, like me, and have more snow day/remote learning days than you care to count! So when those days present themselves, here are a few ways to get your kids involved while also having fun AND getting the job done!
Ways to make your project feel less like work and more like quality time and fun with mom/dad.
1. Turn it Into a Treasure Hunt: Create a treasure hunt where the kids have to find and collect specific items that need to be decluttered. Give them a list of items or categories to search for and let them enjoy the thrill of the hunt.
2. Use a Sticker Chart: Create a sticker chart or a visual progress tracker to track their decluttering achievements. Each time they complete a task or declutter a certain area, they can earn a sticker or mark their progress. Offer rewards or incentives for reaching milestones on the chart. An example of a fun chart is below!
3. Set Up a "Store": Create a pretend store where the kids can "sell" their items that they no longer need. Let them set up a table, price the items, and take turns being the shopkeeper. This can make the decluttering process feel more like a fun role-playing game.
4. Have a Fashion Show: Turn decluttering clothes into a fashion show. Let the kids try on different outfits and have a mini runway show. They can decide which clothes to keep and which ones to donate based on their fashion preferences.
5. Create a DIY Project: Choose a decluttering task that can be turned into a fun DIY project. For example, let the kids decorate and personalize storage bins or create their own toy organizers. This way, they not only declutter but also have a sense of ownership over their newly organized space.
6. Make it a Scavenger Hunt: Hide small items or treasures among the clutter and challenge the kids to find them while decluttering. It adds an element of excitement and surprise to the process.
7. Use Colorful Labels: Use colorful labels or stickers to categorize items and make it visually appealing for kids. Let them choose and decorate their own labels to make the organizing process more engaging.
Remember to involve the kids in decision-making and give them a sense of autonomy during the decluttering process. Make it a fun and collaborative activity, and celebrate their efforts and accomplishments along the way.
Happier snow days ahead!
