Decluttering#withtheChildren#Timeinside#Qualitytime#Positive#Selfisolation#Unexpectedfun

Today, during this challenging and worrying time, the world is changing in a way we couldn’t have imagined but home remains essentially the same. So, I am going to talk to you about decluttering and the importance of involving children in the decluttering process.

I know it seems trivial in relation to the situation we are all facing.... but it’s a great opportunity for some quality bonding time with the kids plus it’s a good response to their complaints of boredom...

It’s great to get them on board, as it encourages them to take ownership of their own spaces and possessions from an early age, giving them essential life skills to take into adulthood.

It can be surprising how keen they are once they get started and what you think they would never want to get rid of they are happy to let go.

My children are currently hassling me to help them declutter their ornaments in their bedrooms, things they’ve slowly accumulated from an early age.... I never thought this would happen!

Through having a bin liner, selling bag/box and a charity donation bag it is quick to get the show on the road! So, kicking off with ‘Do you love this?’ or ‘Do you want to play with this again?’ or simply playing a game where they pick their soft toys in order of favourites.... then doing electronic toys, books etc.... Soon gets the ball rolling so to speak.

It can quickly be established what is surplus to requirements. These items can then either be thrown away into domestic waste if of no value or sold if this is an option. Check local selling pages for similar items for saleability. Some clean, reasonable quality items can also be donated to local charity shops (when they’re open! ) or failing that clothing and shoes can be taken to clothing recycling banks outside some supermarkets.

Of course, this all depends on how much time you have, as it can be time consuming to go down the selling route if you have lots of items to sell separately.... Also bear in mind with the current restrictions selling privately can be challenging for larger pieces which can’t be left outside. Or those which can’t be cleaned effectively in the situation. So maybe pick things you could take as a job lot to the post office whilst doing other essential tasks. Therefore, lower priced items, so for example £5 or less, could automatically go into the donation bag.

Soooo if your darlings aren't getting on board with the decluttering idea and are showing signs of reluctance or loss of momentum....the £££ always talks...who doesn’t like a mutually beneficial bribe?! A little word about how much pocket money they could be making...perhaps show them their items on Facebook Marketplace for example. My pair were suddenly very keen to off load any unloved items to new homes from the selling bag!

For slightly older children they can get involved with the photography and arrangement of items for sale in an appealing manner....leading onto perhaps writing the advert themselves under supervision. This helps show them the value of money and its positive for them to see their old unused neglected possessions go to new loving homes.

Younger children can get stuck into cleaning the items with anti-bac wipes and you can see from an early age which toys they naturally gravitate towards. Plus little one is getting to improve and develop their motor skills through doing this.

Through decluttering disused/unwanted toys they can then easily access and visually see the things they do actually want to play with. Who knows what hidden treasures they will discover that they had totally forgotten about! Rather than having their ‘what to play with right now? ‘ decision making, clogged up with age inappropriate, broken or just not their ‘thing’ toys.

Perhaps some items are sentimental like their drawings, were received as gifts from family members/friends at school or are passed down items...These can then be stored in an individual family member box,see next blog.....Coming soon!

In the meanwhile let me know if you need any video call assistance or email support XX