How is it that such tiny humans can have so much stuff? From clothes in a host of sizes to toys that fill buckets, bins, and closets, it can feel like your kids’ stuff is starting to take over your house. With so much stuff, it is no surprise that kids’ rooms can get pretty messy, even if your child is great about putting things away.
The reality is, your kids are constantly changing. Whether it’s a growth spurt that requires a new size of clothing or a change in interest that deems last season’s hobby uninteresting, the changes kids go through carry over into their belongings. This can leave parents with clothing in multiple sizes, toys in varied stages of play, and all the other things kids need like bedding, décor, and school things. No matter how much stuff your kids have, it is possible to get a handle on it so it doesn’t take over. The trick is to think about the three R’s.
Remove
Most of the time parents focus on keeping things tidy. This makes sense on a daily or weekly basis. Put the books on the bookshelf, get the toys in the bin, and hopefully get the laundry put away. These are great goals, but how do you handle all the things that keep coming into the space? To keep things in check, you must be willing to remove items.
Removing items has a few different parts. Each one is important and has a place in keeping kids’ belongings under control.
Remove clothing that no longer fits. If you are saving clothing for a younger sibling take the time to sort through everything—keep only what is really worth keeping. Store and label it for easy access later.
Remove toys they have outgrown. If a toy is developmentally young for them and they no longer have interest in it, that is a good sign to get rid of the item. If you are not sure, gather the items in a box and put it somewhere they can’t see. If they don’t ask for any of the items for a month, it’s a good sign you can get rid of them without any guilt.
Remove random items that don’t match their stage. Other items you may need to get rid of include bedding that is too small for their bed or bedroom décor that is no longer age-appropriate. Books are one exception to this as children will often go back to books that seem too young because they are favorites. You can get rid of books, but do so thoughtfully.
Remove anything that is broken or stained. Unless you plan to actually repair a broken item, remove it. Remove any items that you haven’t been able to get stains out of. Be honest. It may feel hard in the moment, but you don’t need items you have no use for taking up space in your home.
Remove anything they don’t need or use. After you have tackled everything else, take one last sweeping look for items they don’t need or use. The more thorough you can be, the better.
Reorganize
Going through everything may feel exhausting, but once you’ve done that, you can begin to reorganize what’s left. Many people make the mistake of starting with organization, only to discover they are spinning their wheels organizing things they don’t even need. Remember, the goal is to keep your kids’ belongings from overtaking your home—and your sanity!
It is tempting to go online and find the best organizing solutions, but start with what you have. You can always fill in the gaps later. Consider using storage solutions around the house such as bins, baskets, or shelves to keep things tidy. Then make a list of what you still need. Always organize before you buy new storage solutions.
Refresh
Now that you have all of their belongings in order, everything could use a bit of a refresh. Consider doing this in kids’ rooms, playrooms, and family rooms. Follow these steps to make the process easy and distraction free:
Dust and Wipe: Start by dusting all surfaces, including shelves, furniture, and electronic devices. Wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth or foam sponge to remove accumulated dirt or grime.
Vacuum and Mop: Next, clean the floors thoroughly. Vacuum carpets and rugs, and sweep or mop hard floors. Be sure to get corners, around heat sources, and under furniture. Deep-cleaning carpets or area rugs with a service or a carpet cleaner is also helpful.
Wash Bedding: Launder all bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, and blankets. This can contribute to a fresh and clean atmosphere in your room. Replace worn pillows or sheets. If pillows are yellowed, wash them as directed or replace them.
Clean Windows: Clean all windows inside and out. This will allow more natural light to enter and brighten up the space. Don’t just clean the glass. Be sure to clean the sills, tracks, trim, and screens so things are fresh and clean. Also, wipe down blinds or shades to remove any dust or dirt and make sure they are in working order. Remove curtains and wash as directed.
Check and Rotate Mattresses: If possible, rotate or flip mattresses. This helps to maintain their shape and comfort over time and improves longevity. Be sure to follow directions for each specific mattress as some types do not get flipped. Also, check to see if the mattress needs replacement. A quality mattress is important for sleep and overall wellness, even for kids.
Evaluate and Rearrange: Now that you’re done, take a moment to evaluate the layout of the room. Is everything working well? Do you notice any gaps or things that are not functional? Consider rearranging furniture or creating zones for a new look and improved functionality.
Keeping things from overtaking your home is a process. It would be great if you only had to go through this process once, but this is an ongoing process as long as you have kids in the house. Different ages and stages require different things. As you do this more often, it will get easier. And as kids get older they can be a helpful part of the process. Try to remove, reorganize, and refresh routinely so your home feels more peaceful for everyone.