Well, I make it a point to not get rid of things that the children do not want to get rid of.

I do allow the children to help me make decisions based on our family’s needs. Sometimes we let them choose their favorites to keep. Sometimes we explain how much space we have for a certain thing (blocks or puzzles for example) and let them figure out what to pass on. They love passing on their things to friends who they think will enjoy them.

If there is something that a child is attached to or doesn’t want to give up, we keep it within reason. We also try to keep in mind how much each child has, some children tend to be more attached to ‘things’ than others.

How do you de-clutter with your children around? I am not one of those moms who can never say “No” to a child or who caters to their food dislikes, but I do find it very hard to get rid of things they ‘like’ (and I use the term loosely here) in front of them. It seems every broken or unused-in-months toy/game/clothing item/movie I toss into the thrift store or garbage bag leads to a heart-wrenching comment of some kind, “Oh, Mommy! That was my favourite [piece of junk] that I got from [special relative] when I was three! I love that thing!”

Now, again, I am not a spineless mom, but it does get very wearying to hear this over and over as well as see their genuine tears over parting with their things. I have read the tip to do this when the kids are not around, but as the mom of a large family, you know how little this happens! (And with teens who stay up later than I do, ‘after the kids have gone to bed’ is not possible, either.)

Nikki and Jamie,
Join in whenever you can.

Kelli,
Be sure to take some before pictures.