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Is It Possible to Declutter When You Have Kids? Why Minimalism Expert Marie Kondo Says Yes

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Marie Kondo Tips For Decluttering With Kids

Is It Possible to Declutter When You Have Kids? Why Minimalism Expert Marie Kondo Says Yes

June 13, 2017 by Lauren Levy

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It's no secret that Japanese cleaning guru Marie Kondo knows how to keep an organized house. And while her minimalistic KonMari rules may feel like they only apply prebaby, this new mom also knows what it takes to live a decluttered lifestyle — even when kids are in the picture. If you feel like it's impossible to pare down all of the clutter (ahem, art projects, toys, school awards, books!) that comes with the parenting territory, you're not alone. We asked Kondo for realistic tips on how to declutter with kids, and some of her advice may surprise you!

Where should we even start?

"If you decide an item is not quite right for you to keep, you can sell it with eBay Valet, donate the item to charity, or pass it along to someone who might benefit from the item. For the stuff you get rid of, make sure to have your kids thank it for the pleasure it's brought to their life (I know it sounds strange, but try it!). And remind them that if an item no longer brings you joy, it might bring someone else joy."

When it comes to organizing kids' rooms and playrooms, who should be responsible — the children or the parents?

"Don't decide what to get rid of, only decide what to keep. You and your family should only save items that spark joy. Children as young as 3 years old can decide what gives them joy and the key principle is that each person should be making the decisions for themselves. If a parent or a spouse ever tries to 'force' another family member to tidy, not only will it not work, it could even have a negative effect."

What should parents keep and what should they throw out when it comes to school work and art projects?

"The greatest joy with any school projects is the feeling we get when they are first brought home, and the child and parents can celebrate together the pride the child has in the project. If you decide to store the work, you should keep them in a binder or rolled up in a paper tube if they are too big. Or the best idea: if they truly spark joy in you or your child, display them for everybody to see!"

Is it possible to be too organized for kids?

"The more accessible and well-organized the materials are, the more the child will be encouraged to play and to create. Kids love to select the materials, and the easier they can find what they want, the sooner they begin the project and the more encouraging it will be for them to get started."

What tips do you have for getting ready in the morning?

"To make this happen, you need to categorize your belongings and keep each item in a fixed position in your house. For clothing, you should fold each item according to my method and keep each item in an upright position in a drawer."

If my child's toy, sweater, or award doesn't spark joy in me, but it does in them, do you keep it?

"What you can do, however, is make sure that your child keeps his or her things in the agreed-upon area for their stuff. If your child has a favorite truck, or a favorite doll, make sure that the item is kept in a special place, and stored there always."

For adults, you advocate paring down to just a handful of books. Is there a similar system when it comes to kids' books?

"And for those books which you loved but which you now thank and part with, they just may be the bringers of joy for the next family to welcome them into their home."

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