Hi, I’m Rita Wilkins, the Downsizing Designer, and welcome back to the extended companion blog to my “Five in Five” video series, where I provide five expert decluttering tips in just five minutes. Here, we dive a little deeper into each tip, giving you even more insight and strategies for simplifying your life. Today’s focus is for all the minimalist parents out there who want to maintain a clutter-free home while embracing the joys—and challenges—of parenting.
If you’re striving to keep your space organized and instill minimalist values in your kids, this guide is for you! Parenting and minimalism may seem like opposites, but with a few strategies, you can teach your children to appreciate a clutter-free environment and help them grow up with the values of simplicity, responsibility, and mindfulness.
1. Involve Your Kids in the Decluttering Process
Decluttering isn’t just an activity—it’s a valuable skill that can become a habit with practice. Involve your kids in choosing what stays and what goes by letting them select books, clothing, or toys to donate or pass down. When children have a say in what they keep, they feel a sense of ownership over their things and develop important life skills like decision-making and empathy for others. Involving them in the process gives them control over their belongings and helps them learn to let go.
2. Make Decluttering a Game
Kids respond well to fun, so turn decluttering into a game to keep them engaged. Here are a few ways to gamify the process:
- Play their favorite music to create a fun atmosphere.
- Set a timer for five minutes and challenge them to find as many toys they no longer play with.
- Reward their efforts with a celebration once they’ve completed the task.
Start small with a short timer and gradually extend the game as they get the hang of it. When decluttering is enjoyable, kids are more likely to embrace tidiness and even look forward to it.
3. Give Everything a Home
One of the most effective ways to encourage kids to keep their space organized is to teach them how to give each item a designated “home.” Children love cubbies and compartments, so let them organize their toys and books just like they do at school. Encourage them to sort their items by category—cars, dolls, trucks—and ask them where each group should live. When everything has a designated spot, kids are more likely to put things away consistently, creating a sense of routine and pride in keeping their space neat.
4. Establish a Daily and Weekly Cleanup Routine
Consistency is key when it comes to maintaining an organized space. Set up a daily and weekly routine to make tidying up a natural part of their day. For example:
- Before bedtime, set a five-minute timer and encourage them to put everything back where it belongs. This helps them start each day with a clean and organized space.
- At the end of each week, offer a small reward for keeping their area tidy.
- For seasonal decluttering (like back-to-school or holidays), introduce a “Santa Bag” or similar themed clean-up to make donating fun and purposeful.
These routines teach kids the value of consistency and give them a sense of pride in a well-organized space.
5. Reduce the Toy Overload
One of the biggest challenges of minimalist parenting is controlling the number of toys. Did you know that the average American toddler has 139 toys, and a 10-year-old has about 248? This overabundance often leads to overstimulation, making it difficult for kids to engage deeply with any one toy.
Here are some ways to manage toy overload:
- Rotate Toys Weekly: Switch out toys weekly to keep things fresh while limiting the clutter.
- Limit Incoming Toys: Communicate with family members about your minimalist approach to keep new toys to a minimum.
- Teach Financial Responsibility: If your child wants a new toy, have them contribute by saving up for it.
When kids have fewer toys, they can explore each one in-depth, fostering creativity and focus. Less really is more, and it encourages children to value what they have.
Raising a New Generation of Minimalists
Minimalist parenting is an opportunity to instill values that will benefit your children throughout their lives. By involving them in the decluttering process, making tidying fun, and establishing a routine, you’re teaching them how to manage their environment with respect and care. You’re also giving them the tools to live with less and appreciate the simplicity of a clutter-free space.
So the next time you step on a stray toy or find yourself overwhelmed by kid clutter, remember this: every effort you make to reduce and organize is helping to create a new generation of minimalists—kids who understand the beauty of simplicity and the joy of living with only what they truly need.
If you’re ready to take your minimalist journey further, check out my “Essential Checklists” Decluttering Workbook, packed with room-specific checklists and 30-day challenges to help you simplify every area of your home. Purchase Rita’s Decluttering Workbook today and start creating a clutter-free, organized space for you and your family.
Got 5 minutes? Check out Rita’s 5 in 5 weekly series, where I share five quick tips in just five minutes on decluttering and simplifying your life.
