It's not that I'm nesting or anything. I just really got tired of having so much clutter everywhere.
I understand the kids need toys for entertainment AND we are a family of readers...but...
Do those toys and books have to take over every inch of space?
Of course not. After all...
PLUS, I noticed that we had so many toys, but the kids hardly play with all of them. They still complain of having nothing to do!
Could it be that they had too many toys and weren't really appreciating what they had?
Maybe there's too much stuff in front of them that they can't decide?
Aha! They need to focus!
It was time for us to declutter and simplify!
So the first step, much to my children's SURPRISE, was to take ALL the toys and put them in a big box in the garage. (Oh the wailing and grinding of teeth!)
Then I told the kids they could only keep 5 toys each - so they had to choose their favorite toys carefully.
I think this step was one of the most satisfying because it actually made the kids think about which possession they valued and could enjoy the most (seeing as the 5 toys might be the only toys they will ever play with indefinitely).
Wouldn't you know it? THE KIDS STILL HAD FUN!
I agree with Mamalode on this one:
I let the kids stay like this for about a week. Then as I softened a little more, I went to the local store and bought some cubbies and a bookshelf. I let them add a few more choice toys to have in the house.
Essentially, each kid had 3 cubes for toys, 1 trunk for stuffed animals, and 1 trunk for a couple of oversized toys. Whatever didn't fit, stayed in the garage/storage.
IT WAS BEAUTIFUL.
And we're still loving it.
Linking up with MamaKat: 4.) Write a blog post inspired by the word: surprise.
I understand the kids need toys for entertainment AND we are a family of readers...but...
Do those toys and books have to take over every inch of space?
Of course not. After all...
PLUS, I noticed that we had so many toys, but the kids hardly play with all of them. They still complain of having nothing to do!
Could it be that they had too many toys and weren't really appreciating what they had?
Maybe there's too much stuff in front of them that they can't decide?
Aha! They need to focus!
It was time for us to declutter and simplify!
So the first step, much to my children's SURPRISE, was to take ALL the toys and put them in a big box in the garage. (Oh the wailing and grinding of teeth!)
Then I told the kids they could only keep 5 toys each - so they had to choose their favorite toys carefully.
I think this step was one of the most satisfying because it actually made the kids think about which possession they valued and could enjoy the most (seeing as the 5 toys might be the only toys they will ever play with indefinitely).
Wouldn't you know it? THE KIDS STILL HAD FUN!
I agree with Mamalode on this one:
I let the kids stay like this for about a week. Then as I softened a little more, I went to the local store and bought some cubbies and a bookshelf. I let them add a few more choice toys to have in the house.
Essentially, each kid had 3 cubes for toys, 1 trunk for stuffed animals, and 1 trunk for a couple of oversized toys. Whatever didn't fit, stayed in the garage/storage.
IT WAS BEAUTIFUL.
And we're still loving it.
How about you? Have you decluttered and simplified yet? Afraid to try? Or tried but didn't work?
Linking up with MamaKat: 4.) Write a blog post inspired by the word: surprise.
I wish I had known about this idea when my kids were little - we were drowning in tons of Barbies and Barbie clothes ...
ReplyDeleteI think the saying is true: "minimalism is subtraction for the sake of focus." I think we are over stimulated!
I have a sign in my house that says "Simplify". I have found it to be the best words of advice to live by. Less really is more! When my kids were young I remember doing the same thing, or throwing all the "stuff" away. Enjoyed your post.
ReplyDeleteit's a never ending battle. especially with a grandma that tends to show up with new things. It's all the little stuff - ya know? Polly Pockets and Strawberry Shortcake and La La Loopsie. that stuff is everywhere.
ReplyDeleteI have tried to purge though. honest, I've tried! LOL
Ack. I totally know what you mean about "grandma and new things!" I'm constantly telling my mom the kids don't need any more toys, but she never listens! LOL. So I just try and make sure that I bring a few toys back to her house now and then. Haha!
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteAnd I need me one of those signs! That way, when my kids want more, all I'll have to do is point to the sign. Thanks for the idea!
Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteYes, overstimulation was definitely the problem. And I think my husband's just glad that it isn't Barbie stuff all over the place. LOL
The only problem is as I declutter people continue to send toys and books and I am almost swimming in them before I donate them to goodwill or where ever.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny that adults can get this way, too. We're constantly trying to declutter. I'm out for a week on vacation, going to Seattle. God bless!
ReplyDeleteVery true. It can go mentally and spiritually too! (Have fun on your vacation! Don't eat too much junk food!)
ReplyDeleteThat's my dilemma when it comes to my mom! Haha!
ReplyDelete