3 Decluttering Myths Busted – Does Having Kids Mean You Can’t Have Nice Things?
All right friends, it’s myth-slaying time.
The idea that having kids means you can’t have nice things is a common misconception. The reality is, it’s all about how you manage your space and your belongings, not about having to give up on a beautifully maintained home.
I’ve seen too many toxic myths about decluttering with kids, ones that all beginners must break away from in order to maintain a lovely, organized home. Because with anything you do, your mindset is what will set you up for success.
“Clutter is not just physical stuff. It’s old ideas, toxic relationships, and bad habits. Clutter is anything that does not support your better self.”
Time to get straight with decluttering!
Decluttering Myth #1: You Can’t Have Nice Things with Kids
This is sooo not true. In fact, it burns me up every time I hear it.
Why is this a myth? Because having nice things doesn’t mean your home needs to look like a minimalist magazine spread; it’s about creating a space that’s functional, beautiful, and works for your family.
I’ve been managing a household with kids for years, and in that time, I’ve learned that you can absolutely have nice things if you implement smart storage solutions and teach your kids to respect their environment.
People still believe this myth because they see social media posts or hear comments from well-meaning friends and family who assume that children and a tidy home are mutually exclusive.
So don’t let anyone tell you that you must sacrifice having a beautiful, organized home just because you have kids.
The truth:
You’re going to have to try a few different methods of organizing and decluttering to find what works best for you and your family. Create designated spaces for your kids’ toys, invest in durable yet stylish furniture, and involve your children in the process of keeping the home tidy.
By setting boundaries and creating systems, you can have a home that is both kid-friendly and aesthetically pleasing.
Decluttering Myth #2: You Must Childproof Everything at the Expense of Style
This one may be surprising. If you have ever tried to childproof your home, you might have felt that safety comes at the cost of style.
However, the truth is, childproofing and style can coexist. There are plenty of chic, modern safety products available that blend seamlessly with your home decor.
People still believe this myth because traditional childproofing products were often bulky, unattractive, and took away from the home’s aesthetics.
The truth:
Childproofing has come a long way, and you can now find items like sleek, modern baby gates, stylish corner protectors, and furniture anchors that don’t disrupt your home’s style. By choosing products that match your home’s decor and keeping the overall design in mind, you can ensure both safety and style.
There is also a lot of big benefits to having things in your home that require your kids to take care of them.
Decluttering is more than just a way to keep a home tidy; it is a valuable teaching tool for children. By involving kids in the process of decluttering, parents can impart essential life skills and instill a sense of responsibility and respect for their belongings.
Firstly, decluttering teaches children organization skills. When children participate in sorting through their toys, books, and clothes, they learn how to categorize and prioritize items. This helps them understand the importance of keeping their space orderly and can translate into better organizational habits in other areas of their lives, such as schoolwork and personal projects.
Moreover, decluttering fosters a sense of responsibility. When children are given the task of deciding which items to keep and which to donate or discard, they begin to understand the value of their possessions. This process helps them recognize that their things require care and maintenance, leading to more mindful and respectful behavior towards their belongings.
In addition, decluttering can cultivate gratitude and generosity. As children sort through their items, they often find things they no longer need or use. Encouraging them to donate these items to those in need can instill a sense of empathy and kindness. This act of giving helps children appreciate what they have and fosters a habit of helping others.
Decluttering also helps reduce stress and creates a more harmonious home environment. A clutter-free space is often more calming and inviting, which can positively impact a child’s mood and behavior. When children see the benefits of a tidy, organized home, they are more likely to contribute to maintaining that environment.
Finally, involving children in decluttering can strengthen family bonds. Working together on a common goal encourages teamwork and communication. It provides an opportunity for parents to teach valuable lessons and for children to feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in contributing to the household.
Decluttering Myth #3: You Have to Get Rid of Sentimental Items to Declutter
I can totally understand why someone would believe this, especially if you feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of stuff.
I’ve been there myself, and I can tell you that decluttering doesn’t mean you have to throw away all your sentimental items. It’s about finding a balance and keeping the things that truly matter to you.
People still believe this myth because they think decluttering is synonymous with getting rid of everything.
The truth:
You can keep sentimental items without compromising on decluttering. The key is to be selective and intentional about what you keep. Store sentimental items in a way that honors their importance, such as creating a memory box or dedicating a specific shelf for display. By doing this, you can maintain a clutter-free home while preserving your cherished memories.
If you struggle to let go because of sentiment, go get this mini course!
Why is it misleading to believe these 3 myths?
Believing in these myths can make you question your ability to maintain a beautiful, organized home and stop you from taking the right actions to achieve it.
And I absolutely know you have everything it takes to create a lovely home, even with kids. You just need the right guidance to succeed in decluttering and organizing. Otherwise, you risk living in a space that doesn’t reflect your ideal environment.
Whatever you do, don’t give up!
I’ve seen countless parents achieve beautifully organized homes. There’s nothing mysterious or special about them. They did it by implementing practical strategies and putting in the effort to maintain their space.
I created this decluttering guide to help you get started on maintaining a beautiful home with kids.
Click here to download my free guide on what to keep, declutter and if you even have time to declutter right now so you can get started on creating a home that is peaceful, creative & easy to clean up.
Comments
3 responses to “How To Have Nice Things When You Have Kids & Want To Declutter”
Thanks for sharing! I like that you address the “just in case” mentality. The future is unpredictable either way.
Very true! Everyone should break up with Justin haha!
This was a good read! “Collecting” is a tricky hobby, but if the items get used, it can be valuable.