For the past two months, the Coronavirus pandemic has caged us within our four walls. With lockdowns being in effect, the anxiety of when this pandemic could end looms over us. This time can be particularly complicated for working parents as taking care of the young ones while trying to juggle work, is no cakewalk. The health and safety of children is a priority, and since stepping outdoors isn’t an option this summer, keeping them productive with fun activities in the house could lend you a pair of helping hands as well.
We put our minds together to find a mundane activity that could be turned into something fun. That is wardrobe cleaning and decluttering.
Decluttering and organizing your child’s room or wardrobe can be a fulfilling process provided it is tackled with the right attitude and approach. Organizing clothes, shoes, toys and books and disposing of what is not required can be turned into a fun activity. According to Marie Kondo, founder of the Konmari method of decluttering and organizing, every item in your life should spark joy and when each item is done with their service to you, you should show it gratitude by saying thanks before you discard it.
This approach is best inculcated into the minds of the little ones, since a minimalist lifestyle could not only benefit your children in the future but could also help reduce the ill effects on the environment.
This is where quite a few parents ask the question, “But where do we begin?”
Prioritize and Categorize
To avoid overwhelming your child with the difficult decisions of having them give up their favorite action figure or sweater, it is best to step back and prioritize based on categories. In most cases, this begins with the removal of toys and clothes. If your child has clothes that they have outgrown, have a conversation with them explaining to them why it is necessary to make more room. If there are too many toys that your child doesn’t use, ask them whether they would like to give it away to the less fortunate. These conversations go a long way in molding your kids to have a considerate way of living.
Capsule Wardrobes are trendy
It is advised that a capsule wardrobe be put into action. A minimalist approach to dressing up can save you money, reduce the stress related to what your kids should wear, help you define their personal style and decrease environmental load.
Compartmentalizing your child’s clothes makes them easily accessible without having to turn the wardrobe inside out. Having separate drawers to keep their underwear, accessories, nightwear and socks, hangers for each set of clothes for the week, hooks for hats and a part of their wardrobe dedicated to footwear will ensure maximum neatness.
Once you’ve narrowed down the priorities, you and your child can start assessing the situation on a smaller scale. Help your kids in finding their favorite summer clothes. This lets you get to know their tastes and gives you a sense of what would be appropriate for them to let go of. Do not be afraid to take out what is not needed and hit the dispose button.
It’s All Fun and Games
Toys and books can be a more challenging affair. We’ve all had that one toy we absolutely loved and still reminisce about to this day. But looking back, in all honesty, it’s the memories that make them special. Give your kids an idea of what is to happen with the toys that are to be given away. Let them have a week to play with it one last time if that’s their request. Tackling this situation with respect to your child’s opinion is of utmost importance. The “20* toy rule” is an effective approach to having your kids choose their favorite or newest toys that are used the most and doing away with any of the remnants.
The process of decluttering must be made a staple in today’s households. A visible mess helps distract us from the true source of the disorder. Living a minimalist life may sound like it’s easier said than done, and it is true that in a time such as ours it has its own challenges. However, a simpler outlook on your way of living can make your life hassle free by giving you the right headspace to tackle situations that need more of your attention.
“We should be choosing what we want to keep, not what we want to get rid of.” – Marie Kondo.