Summertime Tips for Decluttering Your Child’s Room (and Keeping It That Way)

Hey there, super parents! Have you ever found yourself wondering where the floor went in your child's room? Oh yeah, we've all been there. The toys, clothes, and mysterious items from the "I'll deal with it later" pile seem to multiply overnight. Well, worry no more! Today we're going to turn that tornado of a room into a tidy, happy place for your kiddo. Let's roll up our sleeves and get to it!

1. Let's Play the 'Keep, Donate, or Trash' Game

Remember how Marie Kondo, the super neat lady from "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up," says we should only keep what "sparks joy?" It's an awesome way to kickstart our organizing mission.

Your Little One is the Hero of this Adventure

Get your kiddo to join the fun! Sorting through their stuff together can be a cool way to bond and teach them about organization and decision-making. But don't throw everything at them at once. Scientists at Princeton tell us too much clutter can distract us from the task at hand (McMains & Kastner, 2011), so let's take it one category at a time – clothes today, toys next week, and so on.

Let's Sort It Out

Grab three boxes or big bags and label them "Keep," "Donate," and "Trash." Ask your child to decide where each item belongs. As a rule of thumb, if something hasn't been used or loved in the past year, it could make another child happy, so into the "Donate" box it goes!

2. Now, Let's Set the Stage for Fun

Alright, we have cleared the decks. Now, let's turn this room into a well-oiled fun machine. Peter Walsh, the organization wizard, always says, "A place for everything, and everything in its place." I couldn’t agree more.

Make it Kid-friendly

Keep things simple and within reach. If your child can easily get what they need, they'll also be able to put it back. Win-win!

Let's See What We've Got Here

We love using clear storage bins, and why not? Your kiddo can see what's inside, and you'll avoid the 'empty-every-bin-to-find-one-toy' scenario.

Label Every Bin

Label everything! (Seriously everything.) It's a great way for your child to learn where things go. For tiny tots who can't read yet, picture labels work like a charm.

Tidying Up Can Be Fun Too

Make a game out of tidying up. The American Academy of Pediatrics tells us that consistent routines help kids feel safe and organized (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2019). So why not end each day with a 10-minute 'put things away' dance-off?

3. Keep the Tidy Times Rolling

Okay, we've got this! But remember, a tidy room needs some love and attention now and then. So, make it a regular thing to go through your child's stuff, refresh the labels and switch up the storage if you need to.

There you have it! A super cool, super tidy space for your little one to play, dream, and grow. Remember, this isn't just about making things neat – it's about making room for the most magical thing – childhood!

Not sure how to tackle your organization project on your own? We can help! Contact us here to get the process started!