Decluttering before a move doesn’t have to be a battle; it can be a meaningful and fun experience when you involve kids in the process. If your family is preparing for a move, here’s a simple, child-friendly, step-by-step guide to make it easier for everyone.
1. Start the Conversation Early
Kids need time to process change, so begin by talking openly about the upcoming move. Explain why decluttering is important: less to pack, less chaos, and more room for the things they truly love. When children understand the reason, they’ll be more willing to participate, making the process more efficient and manageable.
2. Declutter One Category at a Time
To make decluttering less intimidating, start with categories kids can understand, which include toys, books, clothes, and art supplies. Lay everything out so your children can see what they own. This helps them recognize duplicates, broken items, and things they’ve outgrown.
Give them simple prompts, like “Which toys do you still play with?” or “Which books do you want to bring to your new room?” By doing so, you can ensure that they’re keeping things that are important to them, rather than random items that just happen to catch their interest.
3. Use the “Keep, Donate, Toss” Method
Give your children three boxes or bags labeled keep, donate, and toss. This method can help create structure and give your little ones a sense of control. Encourage them to choose items that might make another child happy. When kids realize that their donations have a purpose, they tend to be more generous and participative.
4. Make it Fun
To make decluttering more fun, consider turning it into a game. You can set a timer, play upbeat music, or challenge your kids to find a certain number of items they no longer use or want. Younger kids enjoy sorting by color or size, while older kids may enjoy setting personal goals like reducing their stuffed animal collection by half. Make sure to celebrate progress with small rewards, such as extra playtime or choosing what to eat for dinner.
5. Manage the Overflow Wisely
Mid-move clutter is inevitable, and families often discover items that they aren’t ready to part with yet but don’t need immediately. This is where temporary storage solutions can help. Many parents use cheap storage pods to keep non-essential belongings safe during the transition. It’s a convenient option that frees up space at home while giving kids more room to organize and pack.
6. Involve the Kids in Packing Their Essentials
Every child should have a personal essentials box for moving week. This contains their favorite toys, comfort items, pajamas, books, and anything they want easy access to. This reduces stress and helps kids feel grounded even when the rest of the house is in chaos.
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Decluttering with kids before a move isn’t just about reducing belongings. It’s about teaching responsibility, independence, and the joy of a clean, intentional space. With patience and the right approach, you can turn the process into a positive, even memorable experience for the entire family.