https://www.reddit.com/r/minimalism/comments/1j0sun4/minimalizing_with_kids/
created by slobtoslut on 01/03/2025 at 06:05 UTC
7 upvotes, 7 top-level comments (showing 7)
Hello! I recently looked around my cluttered house and realized that I need to try minimalizing a bit. 90% of my mess is usually clothes strewn about. Clean, dirty, never worn, you name it. It's on my floor, draped on the couch, piled in a basket, running through the washer and dryer. I've decided that I don't want these articles of clothing to dictate my life and happiness anymore. I'm absolutely fine with having 10 shirts and 5 pants, but how can I get my husband and kids on board? Tonight, I went through my kids(5 and 7) clothes and they picked out clothes that were too small, or that they didnt like, and we got rid of those... however, we still have piles and piles of clothes that haven't been gone through, AND they kept A LOT of clothing in this go around. I'm trying not to push them too hard because they're still pretty young, but I want to be able to maintain my household. My husband always rolls his eyes when I get started on my "things" And is really reluctant to purge with me. I just want control over my house again. I hate walking through my house having to dodge items and step on clothing. I dedicate so much of my life to cleaning and it feels like I never make progress because of how much stuff we have. I live in an extremely small house with no storage and no garage, so I'm either paying to store junk, or it sits all over my house. I just need advice. How would you go about minimalizing your kid's wardrobe and toys? Also, how do you handle reluctant partners? Honestly, any advice would be really welcomed. Thank you!
Comment by Balustrade_ at 01/03/2025 at 10:58 UTC
9 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Start with your own stuff.
Comment by Remarkable-Morning at 01/03/2025 at 11:47 UTC*
7 upvotes, 0 direct replies
First start by limiting what is coming in to your house. If your kids want to bring something in, they have to pick something to go out (in a similar category). Next, set physical boundaries - we can keep as many clothes as can fit in the dresser with all drawers closed correctly. We can fit as many items in the closet that hang with 1/2 inch of space between them, etc. We can keep as many puzzles, cars, dolls, as can fit in this bin.
Or, you could have your kids put everything they use in X time frame in a certain box/area. Anything not used during that time get a serious evaluation. The more frequently you do this the more it will become normal to them. It’s a constant exercise, it won’t be done all at once.
I tend to limit my kids to a “junk drawer” or under bed storage container for all of those miscellaneous items they like to keep (that is really just garbage like valentines, birthday party goodies, those types of things)
My 12 and 10 year old are pretty good now about managing their belongings but my 7 year old is still a toy hoarder. I let him have a laundry hamper of stuffed animals. They all have to fit inside. One drawer of his dresser is for random toys and papers - they don’t belong on his floor, they belong in the drawer. He has a bins under his bed for puzzles, figurines, cars. Lego sets get stored in containers in his closet.
Edit: also agree make sure your personal belongings are taken care of first. As a mom and wife, I found this to mean anything I personally brought into the house, even things that serve the family and not just myself. My husband has no idea what my intentions were for random things I brought into the house and I realized things I thought were “for the family” were really just for me. This includes house decor, holiday items, craft items, excess cleaning supplies, etc etc etc.
Comment by Apart_Result_4830 at 02/03/2025 at 00:42 UTC
4 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I did what you did. Had them pick what they want. 2 weeks later, we went over it again. Then, a month later. I didn't buy anything new. I have been letting the run through their winter clothes. Ones summer comes it's 4/6 pairs of shorts and a few shirts. New season I get rid of everything they won't be fitting into and keep the good items.
My husband isn't on board with me either, so he keeps his stuff. I don't bother with his junk. I just worry about myself and the kids. I have been applying the same strategy to my wardrobe. I also left enough towels for each and en extra.
Comment by sv_procrastination at 01/03/2025 at 07:46 UTC
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
You don’t handle your partner they are either on board or they aren’t. You can explain it to them or what it does to you but you can’t make them understand or consider you. That is a breeding ground for resentment.
But so is they ignoring you.
The kids is a difficult dilemma I can’t really help you with since I’m not an expert in kids. You can certainly teach them what is going on and what could be better but if you go to far they will start to hate you. You can certainly teach them to clean up after them and maybe they see the value in having less. Honestly ask an expert not an Reddit expert on that front.
Comment by reclaimednation at 02/03/2025 at 02:29 UTC
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Check out Dana K. White's Laundry Day: https://www.aslobcomesclean.com/2016/10/laundry-day-helps-declutter/[1][2] Her book, How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind[3] is really good. She talks about laundry day, dishes math, and of course, decluttering.
1: https://www.aslobcomesclean.com/2016/10/laundry-day-helps-declutter/
2: https://www.aslobcomesclean.com/2016/10/laundry-day-helps-declutter/
3: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29492076
Comment by [deleted] at 01/03/2025 at 06:15 UTC
2 upvotes, 1 direct replies
[deleted]
Comment by d16flo at 01/03/2025 at 13:56 UTC
2 upvotes, 0 direct replies
To be honest with the clothing this sounds like more of a chores issue than a total amount of things issue. You need to work with your kids on building systems for where they put clothing when and hold them to those systems. When you take something off it goes in the hamper (and then practice that) clean clothes go in drawers the second they come out of the dryer (have them put the clothes away, don’t worry about them folding anything just put stuff away where they’re not out and around the house). If you’re feeling like being strict about it you could then start bagging up any clothing that gets left out (either to actually give away or to store for a few weeks/months until they are better at the system).