“Clean your room!” is the constant cry of frustrated parents overwhelmed with cluttered kids’ spaces. Taking time to organize thoroughly can help your kids learn to pick up after themselves.
- Clear out anything that isn’t in current use. From seasonal clothing to sporting equipment, items that aren’t in use become clutter, especially when space is at a premium. Store out-of-season playthings, such as beach balls in the winter, with your out-of-season clothing.
- Box up items that aren't today’s favorites, and store them somewhere out of sight for a month or two. Then, pull out the box of toys, and switch them out with whatever playthings your child is currently ignoring. You’ll keep extra toys off the floor, and your children will be excited to get new things.
- Use this decluttering project as an opportunity to teach your children the value of sharing. Toys that are no longer favorites and clothes that no longer fit can become treasures for less fortunate children. Involving your kids in the process is a great way to teach this lesson.
- Resist the urge to tackle the kids’ room on your own. While it might be easier to clean without the help of your children, involving them will help them learn to keep their rooms clean long-term. By partnering with your kids instead of treating them like part of the problem, you create an opportunity to help them understand how to maintain an organized room.
- Make room-cleaning into a game to keep it exciting for your kids. Encourage them to find toys that they haven’t seen for a while. Help them see the beauty in decluttering by showing them how much more fun art supplies are, for example, when you can easily access paints, crayons, scissors and other creative tools. If the process is pleasure instead of punishment, telling your kids to clean their rooms won’t be such a pain.
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