How To Organize Family’s Help With Your De-Cluttering Mission.

You may have de-cluttering down pat, but feel that your family are not doing their bit to help the cause. Below are a few good ways to get the family to appreciate why ‘things need to change’ and what they can to do to help to remove the clutter.

1. Realise that a happy mum equals a happy family - Explain that all the clutter is making you feel stressed and grumpy and that a stressed mum/wife isn’t any fun to be around and that the good thing is that it doesn’t have to be that way.

2. Everyone needs to do their bit - Explain that by helping keep their designated areas tidy, and clutter free, you will all benefit. For the kids, explain that this may mean you will be more likely to let them have their friend over to play/ go to the movies/ have their favourite dinner, if they do their bit. For Hubby it may be to explain, that with a little more input from him and lessening the load of those boring mundane jobs we all hate, you will have a healthier relationship, as a result of feeling more appreciated. Happier family life all round!!

3. Lead by example - Show that you are making a big effort to be better organized and less stressed. More than anything else, this will influence your family’s response to your new commitment to a clutter free house. For example, if you are given something you won’t use/do not like, or you have something that breaks, that you know you will never get around to or isn’t worth fixing – show the kids that you have changed and throw these items away or donate them to charity – which ever one is applicable. So, when a toy breaks or a tool doesn’t work anymore you will more than likely be able to get them to do the same.

4. Everything should have a home - Clearly mark new homes for ‘like’ objects so that everyone knows where these new designated homes are and what goes in them. Then when something is out of place it will be obvious to everyone and can be put back where it belongs without any fuss.

5. Be realistic – I know that the above may sound like a make believe family but over time and with commitment and patience it can become your reality. You will more than likely carry the burden of keeping on top of any changes you have made for a while, but with encouragement and patience your family will get the message and come on board too.

6. Remember that the habits your family have formed didn’t happen overnight and you won’t be able to change them overnight. It may take a month or more, but it’s worth making a start to get back on track and have a happier family life as a result. You have to start somewhere, so why not here and now!

REMEMBER THAT TAKING STEPS TO DE-CLUTTER YOUR LIFE

IS THE KEY TO DE-STRESSING IT!!