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It’s a fact of life: kids love stuff. They love their own stuff, like the latest toys and gadgets, but it doesn’t stop there. They also love their parents’ stuff, their older siblings’ stuff, sometimes even stuff that doesn’t belong to anyone, like litter!

It’s very endearing, of course, but too much stuff is bad for you. It’s also bad for your house.

The difference between organising and decluttering

There is a difference, and it’s a powerful one. Basically, organising is simply rearranging the stuff you have; decluttering is getting rid of it entirely. Those old books you have might look very nice indeed neatly organised on a shelf, but if you don’t actually read them, what’s the point?

People are often told to organise their house for a simpler life, but if you have kids to think of as well this may lead to the exact opposite for you. Kids, especially young ones, simply aren’t that bothered about keeping their things in order. You’ll be forever frantically re-organising whatever they’ve been playing with that day, reordering your ornaments or re-hiding those cushions you don’t particularly like but feel obliged to keep. It’s more trouble than it’s worth, which is why you need to de-clutter. Grab those binbags and start to decide for yourself: what do you really need in your house?

Bite The Bullet And Throw It Away

There are many reasons why we hold onto things we don’t want or need but sometimes you have to just bite the bullet and really consider why you’re still hoarding things from your past that you neither love nor particularly need. Perhaps you keep things around you house because you may, you think, need them in the future – but what if you don’t, and you’re just filling your living environment up with junk for no reason?

Getting your kids involved

Decluttering 100% does not mean taking your children’s toys away! There are ways, however, of gently easing young kids into the concept of decluttering without nagging or making them feel bad. If you see a toy of theirs that was once loved but now hasn’t been touched in years, try suggesting to them that other less fortunate children will benefit from it. (If it’s still in working condition, that is.) Not only is this a good way to clean up the house, it’s a way teaching your children some very, very important skills about selflessness and giving.

When it comes to your own things – clothes, electronics, all the junk that accumulates in a house – let your children help you decide what stays and what goes. Get them as involved in the process as much as possible. One great idea often touted when it comes to house decluttering is to sort things into three piles: keep, donate or sell, and throw. Your kids may very well enjoy doing that if you approach it from an exciting “today we’re going to do something special” angle. And it goes without saying that they’ll enjoy having more space in their house, even if it takes them a little while to adjust to it.

The ultimate benefits

Believe it or not, decluttering your house can increase its value by a whole seven percent! And while there are certainly other ways of adding value to your home, decluttering is one of the easiest – plus, it costs no money at all. In fact, if you’re choosing to sell your unwanted items via Ebay or similar websites, you might be able to come out of your decluttering process richer!

But there are other benefits besides monetary ones. A decluttered house is a house that’s easier to clean – thus saving you lots of time – and easier to move around in. You won’t have to annoy yourself constantly looking for things that were put down and then buried under clutter – therefore, less stress in your life. And you’re free to embrace a soothing minimalist aesthetic in your house. (Though, depending on what ages your children are, you might want to stay away from all-white décor.)

Decluttering your house is a great way of getting the whole family together to do something that benefits all of them. In the end, you’ll end up with more space, more tranquillity, and more time to spend with each other!

SHARE your thoughts with us in the comments below.

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  • I will just say that its best to donate things rather then toss them in the bin.
    If you live in an area with a lot of foot or road traffic then leave things on the kreb with a sign for people to help themselves.

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  • i would love to be ruthless and be able to chuck everything away.

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  • I do try to de-clutter, but I am not good at it. Think I’m getting better till I open the wardrobe – oh dear!

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  • I agree with keeping things de-cluttered and organised. It makes life less chaotic.

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  • I recently did a big declutter – and chucked out a Bunch of magazine clippings from years ago, which I now of course need and can’t replaceM

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  • Love this. I have 2 weeks off now and this is my goal. to firstly declutter and than to organize the whole house.

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  • Thanks l so need to decluttet ready for Spring!

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  • Yes!! I am slowly decluttering much of our house, it’s been a slow process but the parts that have been done have made a world of difference!
    They say change is as good as a holiday- well, I am inclined to agree ‘

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  • Decluttering also means more time to do the things that matter and less time looking after ‘stuff’.


    • It is about valuing the things you do have and if they have no value and bring you no joy then move them on.

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  • I am going through a major declutter at the moment as we will soon be moving house … unfortunately, nobody except me sees it as an imperative job! I’ll try some of your suggestions and hopefully get everyone involved!

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  • I love decluttering my friends and I sort through our stuff and sell lots at the local market. Rule is always nothing makes it back in the front door, if it’s not sold its donated or recycled.

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  • I like to declutter often, luckily. If I didn’t I think we would be sinking in stuff.

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  • Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

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  • My son’s rumpus/play room (he’s 15) is in definite need of a declutter. I keep telling him he can sell what he doesn’t want and keep the money but that has not yet enticed him to clean up. I think the job is overwhelming for him. I don’t want to be the one solely responsible for it (why always me?) so I think when school is done, and over the holidays, the whole family needs to get involved to get it done. We’ll be able to do it in a few hours. If we do it together!

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  • Aw I so need to declutter but always am busy and feel there are more important things to do. Now we have to move and I have to declutter desperately. Help !!

    Reply

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