Involving your family in decluttering can be a challenge, but teamwork is key to easing home stress. So, how do you motivate your loved ones to declutter?
Whether it's teaching kids the importance of minimalism or tackling clutter with a partner who tends to hold onto everything, there are fun ways to shift perspectives on keeping spaces tidy.
Here are five effective strategies that professionals suggest for encouraging your family members to declutter.
Encouraging Family Decluttering
When inviting your family to declutter, be empathetic and consider their feelings along with yours. If a family member is hesitant, like a maximalist, understand that their attachment to items is valid. Promote a calm and accepting atmosphere for successful decluttering.
1. Turn Decluttering into a Game for Children
Engaging kids in decluttering can be easier with games like the 30-Day Minimalism Game or the 12-12-12 Decluttering Method. These methods make it fun and competitive, according to expert organizer Mary Jo Contello:
'Many find success in making tidying up a game. Set a timer for a race against the clock or see which child can pick up items fastest. Just make sure everything has a designated place to avoid confusion.'
For younger kids or those with varying reading abilities, using pictures alongside labels for storage can be very helpful. This teaches them where things belong.
After years in the corporate sector, Mary Jo transitioned into organizing, founding her business with the aim of helping people tidy their spaces in the Houston area. She is also a proud member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing.
2. Set Limits for Collections
A solid decluttering strategy involves planning, especially if you often pause decluttering mid-process. For family members who collect items, establish a designated space for their collection to prevent it from spilling over. Mary Jo Contello shares:
'If someone in your home collects, ensure there's enough space for their items. Help them decide what to keep, and when the area is full, encourage them to sell an item and treat themselves to a nice outing.'
3. Donate Together
One of the best things to do with decluttered items is donate them. Taking family members along when donating, especially to local charities, helps everyone feel good about their contributions, fostering a mindset for continued decluttering.
4. Implement a Visual Progress Tracker
Using a visual tracker can motivate everyone in the household to contribute to decluttering tasks. This habit promotes friendly competition and provides a sense of accomplishment, according to expert Millie Hurst:
'Consider using clear glass jars from Amazon to track decluttering successes with marbles or beads. It's a simple yet effective way to celebrate achievements and inspire future efforts.'
Setting goals with visual markers on the jars can also add an element of fun. Celebrate when they reach a set limit!
5. Establish Household Decluttering Rules
Creating family rules for maintaining a tidy home is essential. Develop clear guidelines and display them prominently, such as on a family planner whiteboard from Amazon.
'A great practice is to enforce a policy that for every new item brought home, one must go out,' advises Mary Jo Contello. 'Consider scheduling decluttering sessions around birthdays or holidays to make room for new gifts. Too much clutter can overwhelm children and hinder organization.'
Common Questions
What if my family is messy?
If the mess is overwhelming, have an open conversation with your family. Share your feelings and propose ideas for improvement.
Set realistic standards for what constitutes an acceptable level of mess and assign chores to help maintain order. A tracking system can also help monitor contributions.
Should I declutter other people's belongings?
When decluttering, avoid going through others' items without their presence or consent. This can create tension if important items are mistakenly discarded. Instead, involve them in the process and seek permission to clear out items.
To assist your family in decluttering, consider creating a decluttering checklist for them. This can guide them on where to begin. If family members are unsure of how to start, they may find it beneficial.
Next, explore guilt-free tips for handling unwanted gifts or try the concept of a sweeping week to encourage shared cleaning efforts.
