Decluttering Tips and Support Weekly Newsletter Vol. 52

Dear Reader,

When my kids want to hold onto EVERYTHING that comes through the front door, I have to remember that it's normal to be attached to stuff. In fact, there are several cognitive biases that cause adults to hold on, so why should we expect our kids (whose brains don't fully develop until their mid-20's) to let go of their stuff willingly?

On the Podcast

​This week on the podcast, I shared some helpful tips about how to help your kids declutter when they think everything is special! Here's a preview:
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​1. Remember your role as a parent in setting boundaries. If I let my kids, they would eat candy for breakfast, would refuse to shower, and would go to bed at midnight. It's my job to set appropriate boundaries around the things that impact their health and well-being regardless of how much they protest.
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⚡Newsflash⚡ - stuff affects their health and well-being. Therefore it's my job to set appropriate limits around their stuff.

2. Talk to them about what "special" actually means. What's their favorite ice cream flavor? Why do we have cake on your birthday and not every day? Help your kids understand that if everything is special, nothing is. When you use the Container Concept, your kids will fill their boundary with what they love and what is most special first.

A member of our community shared a great Bluey episode that reminds us that when we have everything we want, nothing is special - and we can make others feel special by giving away what we no longer need.

3. Our homes are living space, not storage space. Remind your kids that having less stuff means more room to play, relax, and to enjoy our homes.

You can learn more in Episode 179 - listen or watch it on YouTube:

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In Case You Missed It...

Our bi-weekly decluttering challenges in the Facebook group are so much fun! This week we've been focusing on my TRANSFORM method and the members have been making great progress! Hope you can join us for the next one.

Things I'm Loving Right Now

✨ One of my favorite tools to stay organized is AnyList. I use it for grocery shopping, meal planning, and cooking. My favorite feature is how I can take any recipe on the web and easily import it to AnyList!

✨ My decluttering/organizing resource of the week are my decluttering playlists that I'm building out in Listen Notes. If you want to import one (or more) to your podcast player of choice, reply and I'll share the steps!

✨ My favorite meal of the week is this potato soup. My family GOBBLED it down.

What are some things you're loving right now? Hit reply and let me know.

On the journey with you,

Emily

P.S. Skipped to the end? No problem! This week I spoke about how to declutter when your kids want to keep EVERYTHING.

*Note: affiliate links may be included, which means I get a small commission if you use my link - thanks!