Who would have thought that decluttering could turn into a delightful family experience?
That's exactly what happened when my husband and I decided to clear out our house and invited our daughter to join in.
At just eight years old, she often had difficulty parting with her belongings. But with the exciting prospect of selling our items at a nearby flea market, she was eager to help declutter our entire home.
Make Decluttering a Fun Family Activity
1. Work as a Team
We kicked things off in my daughter's bedroom
One key lesson I've learned as a parent is that children cherish quality time together more than the task at hand. They simply want to be with you.
We played our favorite tunes as we tackled the process of decluttering her room and our shared living areas, sorting through all the drawers and storage spots as a family.
This wireless waterproof speaker offers 20 hours of playtime on a single charge. I took it from room to room, keeping our decluttering 'party' alive.
2. Offer a Reward
It's easier for little ones to part with belongings when there's a cash incentive involved.
We promised our daughter, Amelia, 10% of the profits, which totaled $250. While she saved most of it, she treated herself to two new dolls, a magical mermaid tail for swimming, and a few books.
With the potential for cash, Amelia became surprisingly motivated to declutter, eagerly letting go of puzzles, games, and books without hesitation or feeling overwhelmed.
Items she once clung to were now just opportunities for cash, making it easier and even thrilling to part with them.
3. Celebrate Achievements
Take breaks and reward yourselves to stay motivated throughout.
This decluttering mission was intense, especially given our family's unique challenges.
We tackled it room by room, sometimes just one drawer at a time, spreading the effort over a week to avoid burnout and keep it manageable. Afterward, we always treated ourselves.
Sometimes, we indulged in ice cream or simply enjoyed a movie together to relax.
Consider using the 20/10 rule: work for 20 minutes, then take a 10-minute break. This approach helps kids stay engaged while giving adults a much-needed pause to prevent burnout, especially during challenging times.
4. Turn It into a Game
Whatever area you're cleaning, make it enjoyable by turning it into a game.
We utilized empty bins for items that wouldn't break, like toys and clothes, creating a fun throwing game.
My daughter and I playfully teased her dad about his throwing accuracy. Even while loading the car for the flea market, Amelia acted as the go-between for her dad and me, adding giggles to this otherwise mundane task.
What to Buy
Reuse time and again
This folding table is perfect for garage sales or flea markets. Once done, it collapses for convenient storage.
Pack of six
We used clear lidded bins to organize items for sale or donation, making it easy to store leftovers for future charity runs.
Sturdy
A clothing rack makes it easier for shoppers to see your items. I didn't have one and regretted it, so I will be sure to get one for the next sale.
Streamlining my home while spending quality time with my family has been an incredible experience.
Discover what I cleared out at 40 and what a pro organized at 50, or explore our 50+ tested decluttering methods tailored to your needs for a fresh start this summer.
