How to Encourage Kids to Clean and Declutter their Spaces

Often times, one of the most frustrating aspects of becoming minimalist is the overwhelming desire for the rest of the family to come on board. Yesterday.
But the last thing you want is for it to become a battle; the reason you’ve embraced minimalism is for the peace it will bring, right?
Try as you might, you can’t force your husband to declutter, but what about the kids?

• How can you get the kids to declutter and clean their spaces without it turning into a battle?
• How can you foster healthy decluttering attitudes?

You certainly don’t want them to grow up feeling the need to save everything because you chucked all their favorite things without their input. On the other hand, you’re the parent. Too much stuff is too much stuff. It’s your home and your job to take the lead.
When they’re little, it’s easy. Their special things are obvious: the favored blanket or stuffed animal; the things you would be searching every nook and cranny in the house to find if it was ever missing. The rest can go if you wish, and chances are they’ll never notice.
With older kids, it becomes more important to have their input. It really depends on the age and personality how much of a challenge you have on your hands.
Here are six general strategies you can use to help motivate kids to declutter, clean, and “own” their spaces and to foster a positive, lifelong relationship with stuff:

#1 Lead by example

This may be the most important one of all. Our kids generally mimic our behaviors. How often have you heard them say something, only to cringe, because you realize they sound exactly like you? And most of the time, it isn’t pretty, is it?
However, when we model positive behaviors, they pick that up too.”Monkey see; monkey do” is a saying for a reason. If they see us letting go of broken items instead of having piles of things to fix “someday” (only they never get fixed) or donating an item we’re no longer using to a charity, they’re likely to learn those behaviors.
If they see you decluttering and maintaining routines, then that becomes the norm.

#2 Help them to see the vision/the why

The ultimate goal is for them to understand the reason why you’re decluttering and the vision for what’s possible with a clean and clear home. It helps for them to know how it will benefit them.
Things such as:

• Less stuff means they’ll be able to clean their room fast
• Friends will be able to come over more often
• There will be more time for fun activities like swimming or going to the park
• Being able to find what you need when you need it
• A clear space to work on their favorite project or play their favorite game
• To be able to give to others in need
• For teens, not showing up to school a wrinkled mess

#3 Help them to develop their own decluttering/cleaning routines

Helping them to establish routines teaches them habits that will last a lifetime and will keep their space from ending up an overwhelming mess.
Starting small sets them up for success. For example, simply making the bed each morning when they get up is a great habit to start with.
From there, you can build up their routine. Maybe pick a certain time of day they put up their clean clothes and pick up their toys. Or a certain day they are responsible for “deeper” cleaning in their area.
Before a birthday or Christmas is a great time to have a routine decluttering session. Or teach them simple decluttering rules, such as “one thing in-two things out.”

#4 Give them specific tasks

If the room is a disaster, and piled with too much stuff, telling them to just “go clean your room” probably won’t get the best results. Many kids become overwhelmed.
Remember how often you’ve been overwhelmed by stuff in the past?
You’ll likely find everything under the bed or shoved in the closet.
Specific directions make it clear what you expect from them. With time and practice, they’ll know what to do.
For example, instead of “go clean your room,” try:

• Make your bed
• Put your dirty clothes in the hamper
• Hang up your shirts
• Find five toys you would like to donate
• Dust your shelves

Breaking it into smaller pieces makes it much more manageable for them.

#5 Work alongside them and teach them how

Some are more prone to organization than others, but generally speaking, kids aren’t born knowing how to clean and manage stuff.They need to be shown how to do a job, to be encouraged as they’re learning, and to be assisted with the process.
It will certainly not be “good enough” in the beginning, but they need to be recognized for their efforts, and their skills will build over time. The outcome will be worth the patience you show.

#6 Give them something to look forward to when they’re done

It doesn’t have to be some huge reward. Just something motivating and something to look forward to. Who doesn’t like to be recognized for their hard work?
Maybe when they’re finished, it will be time for dessert or time to play a family game. Maybe you will go to the playground sometime during the week. If it’s a big job, maybe the family goes to a movie or out for ice cream. Whatever your kids enjoy.
More helps:

• How To Get The Kids On Board With Decluttering The Toys
• Decluttering the House (Even When the Children are Running Around)
• Inspiration and Decluttering Articles for the Overwhelmed Moms