EXTREME Kids Paper Declutter | How We Manage Kids Artwork & Papers as a Minimalist Family

[@AtoZenLife]

Please like this video and check out this video if you want to know more about family minimalism: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHPFiGCPgLl1rtU

[@madeleineg2049]

Thank you for the video. Love how this turned out. And very cute keepsake. For those, who doubt that kids are fine without over 1000 toys, I want to add my personal opinion on this matter: Both kids seem to fully agree with the entire minimalism thing. I know it's hard to believe in our time, where the "newest and coolest" toys and "more, more, more" seem to be so important. But I remember from my own childhood, how we had more toys than space to put thoses toys in. We would be told to "tidy up" our room, but since there just wasn't enough storage room for the stuff and we hadn't learned to "let things go", we never accomplished this task as far as I remember. No matter how angry mom got or what punishment we were threaten with. It didn't help that mom also got upset when the things she got us, were lost or thrown away. She would take it as an insult. Like we didn't care that she bought us this stuff. In the end, grandpa introduced a compromiss: "der Weg zum Fenster bleibt frei" (Meaning: a way to the window stays without stuff). So we could actually let some air in. Which was actually manageable. Still, we basicly lived around our stuff, rather than with it. Everyone with far too many stuffed animals, knows how that looks. I'm glad your kids are spared that headache. (By now I did learn due to konmari to let things go and have less stuff. Mom still gets upset if I let go of some things she cares for. But it's limited to her photobooks now, so less dramatic than before. She was upset that I didn't lug around 16 heavy books on my last journey, though.) Since your kids are actually well used to the process, it was fine. But I would like to add, that for younger kids or when just starting, it may also be a good idea to make a few piles and go through them at different times. To give them time in between to recharge and avoid decision fatigue. And yes, decision fatigue can get problematic in some cases. I heard that decision making and disciplin use the same kind of energy. So if you make more decisions than usual, don't be surprised if you have trouble with having the disciplin for something in the same day. Anyway, enjoy your summer holidays. lots of love from europe

[@liliam7683]

Could you please let me know where you got those big portfolio folders? They look great and we definitely could do with one. Thank you

[@AtoZenLife]

@@liliam7683 Hi there, it was this one: www.lakeshorelearning.com/products/arts-crafts/collage-craft-materials/my-keepsake-portfolio/p/DD649/ I tried to find it on Amazon, but didn't see it, so it looks like it's only available through their website. Cheers!

[@Jo-hello]

I have just been doing this in our home! The amount the kids bring home is almost overwhelming! I used to feel so disrespectful throwing away the work they have spent so much time on and worked so hard on. I have found a way that seems to work for our family. We lay out all their exercise books and artwork and certificates on the floor around each child and take a picture of them surrounded by all their hard work from the year. It shows the volume they produced and also how much they have grown that year. If they want to pick out a few pieces to keep they can. 🙂 This is so much better for me because I used to keep everything they ever touched!

[@mariamunker5098]

❤ and make hardcopy prints of the photos for your children.

[@dearayleen]

Thank you ! I do something similar with the things that we choose not to keep! I simply take a photo of them and off they go..

[@claremiller9979]

That's such a great idea, I have boxes and boxes of stuff from school and my kids are only in Grade 2 and Prep!!

[@lindseystewart3194]

I like to keep a couple pieces of the kids' writing that describes their Christmas vacation, or something like that. That way it's an example of their writing, and also their perspective on something we did as a family.

[@pamandseth]

I mentioned on an earlier video this summer that I have finally started on the Closet of Doom. I found satchels full of artwork and school papers waiting for me to tackle them. What did each boy say? "Toss it." They're 15 and 18. All I had to do was keep it since preschool, use up closet space so much that I couldn't walk in there, and procrastinate all those years while intending to take pictures of the good stuff :-). (I finally did that, too!) One thing I am sure of is that this childhood artwork is for me, not them. So one part of the decision making was identifying items I personally like -- and that fit in the one box of sentimental stuff. I really miss the days when my boys were babies, but most of that can be relived through digital photos.

[@catharinab8860]

My kids are older (15 and 17) and they have gotten really good at throwing out their school work at school when they clean up before the summer break. Their teachers usually try to make them bring home more stuff but my kids only keep the stuff they want to save. This makes me so happy, before We always did the declutter at home but now we just put their chosen stuff in their keepsake boxes. This year they choose not to bring any paper home, I’m so proud 😊

[@andeebee2530]

Fabulous video with wonderful advice. Another great tip (similar to your sons project) is for kids like mine who have tons of artwork, use blue-tack or similar to temporarily display it all on a wall and take of photo of your child in front of it. It keeps a record of the artwork along with the age the child was when they did it.

[@nicolablom8053]

good job! Thanks for this. But the owl, oh the owl, it was sooooo beautiful!

[@nadikaperera9590]

Amazing work you three! Our son is only 3, but I know how much "training" it takes to teach kids certain behaviours and I can tell that your kids have practiced decluttering a lot, because they did an amazing job at going through their paperwork. This is such a valuable skill! Love it!

[@SamanthaNolte-Yupari]

Loved this! However as an art teacher, I can say if you have young artists for whom art making is a focus, 3-5 pieces might not be enough, (and they may need a portfolio for admittance into an arts middle school or possibly a later career). You CAN still de-clutter if they are prolific makers but aim for 10-15 pieces and use the idea of a professional artist's portfolio as a guide. So keep a landscape, a portrait/people, the work that they worked the longest/hardest on, the work that challenged them the most, the work the used the newest supplies/techniques they learned. You could also ask questions about which work they would like to revisit later? Or the work that has a story. Artists also keep two similar works over time to show their growth (so often in middle childhood young artists draw the same thing over and over for mastery). Keep a sequence in chronological order is meaningful. If they really still have works they can't give up, make an additional bin of Ooops drawings and papers where they find interesting marks, colors, or washes on half done works that could be re-used as collage pieces or the background for new works and make it a new practice that they should rework old papers before taking a clean sheet of paper at home. Old papers can also be folded and stitched into new sketchbooks and used up that way. Here's a great little video on pamphlet stitching (you only need a need and thread or string) www.starpointestudio.com/simple-pamphlet-stitch-book-step-by-step/

[@kathleensmith8336]

One of our daughters got into a special arts class that counted towards high school credit when she was in middle school. She didn't need a portfolio of work because her teacher vouched for her and included pictures. We did keep her artwork that won awards, so she's happy with a minor amount. She says she doesn't want any of the stuff she did "as a baby." She's 17 now. She's still my baby. And I love all the scribbles she's done. I've got my work cut out for me!

[@goingonabearhuntfamily]

THANK YOU FOR NOT SAYING TO TAKE PICTURES AND STORE EVERYTHING DIGITALLY 🎉🎉🎉🎉. 😂 I watched with my 9 year old daughter and we were both so impressed. Thanks for showing us these windows into how decluttering works with your boys- it always encourages us! And now 2 minutes later, she's asking to declutter her own paper clutter 😻 We love you, Marissa!

[@AtoZenLife]

Aw, hugs to both of you and good luck with decluttering. 😘

[@christinecoleman2964]

I have a small portable file box for each of my kids. Inside, I have 14 files labeled preschool thru 12th grade. I select a sample of their most special papers, especially things they wrote or drew. I only keep what reasonably fits in the file for that year. I take photos of some things that are special but not selected to keep, such as crafts or artwork. I print the photos and put those in the file. When my kids move out on their own and get settled, I will pass this one box on to them. I started doing this after my first child finished preschool and I had two huge Rubbermaid tubs filled with every paper she ever touched and realized that was not sustainable lol

[@mariaperez-i9n]

Mom and dad have good reasons to be proud of those 2 guys.

[@amydepaul3039]

I love keeping my girls artwork. I have hoarder tendencies so this is very helpful. I do try to throw out just scribbles at least. 😊

[@veerani]

Im not anywhere close to having kids haha but as an artist I really needed that decluttering tip on art supplies! It’s always when I pair down my materials when I feel most inspired to make art

[@aa-fw2pw]

Great video! Please could you post a video on tips to help kids declutter in general? Toys, clothes etc

[@claremiller9979]

I had this same question and she actually has a playlist that includes both clothes and toys decluttering. My issue is one of my kids really doesn't want to let stuff go and it's difficult to get her to throw out papers or donate toys even when she doesn't play with them (because she can't even reach them, they're under the toys she does play with!) I think i just need to do it with her more often in smaller amounts until she gets used to it and it becomes normal, like brushing teeth or something.

[@TheMennomilist]

I just told my sons to recycle all their stuff, so they did. Artwork we do have some of, but I am going to take pics or scans of them and keep them that way, which is what I've always done. It was cute watching your child declutter! and I like how you configured how to decide which artwork and books to keep or not. My oldest son wanted to keep his chemistry book (he wants to be a scientist) and I said, "Will you even look through this?" He wants to keep it for when his brother gets to his grade, but we'll see if he even uses it. I don't like keeping things even that long if I don't need to. That bee eraser is cute. aw.

[@ML-zb7gq]

Excellent parenting skills! Thanks for sharing your input on trying to live with less stuff and less stress. God bless your family!

[@CorinnaOnTheRun]

Love hearing your boys’ sweet voices

[@wendajones9040]

My kids” are all over 30, one over 40. And I’ve got big boxes of all their child artwork in my basement! I think it may be time to go through it all as they never have the time or the will! Wish I’d done this with them as you did!

[@Sophie-kn3gh]

Paper clutter is the hardest for me!

[@AtoZenLife]

I always feel like it’s the least fun category, lol

[@amandalcullen]

When my children were small I would keep some art pieces for a term and display them on a cork board. The rest I would take photos of them and bin them. Then at the end of the next term when new work came in I would in the old ones after taking photos of them. I now have a suitcase of all me children art throughout their schooling.

[@ljannell]

This video couldn’t have come at a better time. My kids finished school at the beginning of June and I have had their paper piles from school sitting on a coffee table since then, waiting for me to go through them. This summer we have been on the go, and so thinking about tackling their paper has been the last thing I want to do. Any ideas, like this video, is so helpful, thank you!!

[@AtoZenLife]

You are welcome and good luck with your decluttering 🙏

[@late921]

This was super helpful. If someone is a prompt like the whole class had to draw a bear because the story was about a bear that is something we might let go. Original art from my daughter’s head I’ll keep. The part about the creative process really helped me, my daughter has made little things like cut a hole in a cup and put a straw through it…cute but never touched again. I feel so bad tossing her creations sometimes.

[@minstrelgirl451]

Such a great end of school routing! Paper clutter will be one of the biggest things for me to conquer. My family kept most everything from school. Of course I expect there will be things I want to keep from my childhood, but teaching your children to pick out their own most important things gives such a unique snapshot - not only do you (and later them) get to look back on the work they did, but at what they valued!

[@nataliasucesos8251]

They are just so adorable! Amazing to be teaching decluttering to young children!

[@meganhamlyn1694]

My son and I went through his room together yesterday and I was so proud of him for getting rid of loads of clutter. Now his room is clean and functional. Feels good!

[@viviangautier2160]

Thank you Marissa for presenting your sons decluttering the school paper and art. I have no kids but I babysit my 10 year old niece and I have a lot of school papers at home. I need to teach her how to declutter. ❤️🤗

[@TigerG16]

Yes, I do this as well! Cute that your older son only wanted to keep one thing. I grew up in Germany, and it was fun seeing the old folders/notebook types that I had as a kid as well 😊

[@Saardestaartje]

My kindergartners (2!) are sooo productive, I was and am struggling to get a grip on all their lovely artwork and crafts. Thank you for all your tips and tricks, the comments are very helpfull as well ❤ thank you!

[@janetcolclough1987]

I wish I had done this when my 3 children were young. They are now adults-aged 24-30- and I have a lift full of books etc from school days. A summer decluttering job I think! Take my advice and keep only the special things. Great video as usual Marissa 😊xx

[@garlicgalore]

Great video! Narrowing decluttering into just two categories to start with is a good idea that can help anyone. We also say if it's an "I can't decide" it goes into the keep pile and it really will be easier to refine the decisions later as we get better at knowing how it feels to be decluttered. It really has been a brain change for me - learning I am safe in a decluttered world after growing up in a cluttered home -And most excitingly, learning what I truly feel in my own self about things. After a childhood of needing to figure out what others liked and valued it took time to learn to listen to myself and figure out what matters to me. I think that was my journey to getting decluttering muscles. It's really a joy to see how respecting and guiding your boys helps them figure these things out at a much earlier age.

[@mirayozgecengiz]

I love how effective and reasonable the process was🤩

[@AtoZenLife]

Thank you ☺️🙏

[@mirayozgecengiz]

@@AtoZenLife thank YOU for sharing 💝

[@misssoandso]

Hi Marissa! How are your kids adjusting to reading and speaking German in school so far? Since your family speaks multiple languages, what language do you and family use to communicate with mostly? Born and raised in the US, my siblings and I primarily spoke Mandarin and Cantonese at home, and English and Spanish elsewhere. Its funny, my siblings and I could each be speaking a different language in the same conversation, and still understand each other. Nearby strangers would be so confused but amused, lol. Do you or anyone else in multilingual families do that too?

[@Ramona-fu2kp]

Danke für das tolle und hilfreiche Video. Das probiere ich nächste Woche wenn meine Kinder in die Ferien starten direkt aus.

[@annikabein3368]

My parents collected all my school paper work. About 3 years ago I went through it, since my last school day was like 10 years ago. My brother joined in and we even found some of our grandma's school stuff. She told us to get rid of it, because she doesn't need them anymore 😅 Also your children did very well in the video. 👍 Very strong decluttering muscles 💪

[@AtoZenLife]

🤣 Thanks for sharing and yes, the boys have strong decluttering muscles now for sure

[@OdinsSage]

About 10 years after leaving high school my mom gave me a large box FILLED with projects and papers from elementary school. I wasn't even aware my mom had this box, but she plopped it on my doorstep and told me it was my problem now. 😅 Needless to say, I got rid of everything expect 1 item, which now lives in my memory box.

[@naomilindstedt6271]

I am in awe of your 3 to 5 pieces! I always end up keeping more then that. My suggestion is to write (or have the child) write their name and age/grade on the back of the art work.

[@verhanikawillhelm]

I sorted through my son's first grade papers while watching this! Seeing your son get down to just one thing was really incredible. We're packing ours up to be made into an art book by Artkive, but when it gets back we'll be even more ruthless about what we actually keep. Thanks, Marissa!

[@AtoZenLife]

Thanks for watching and sounds like you did great 👍

[@tkm2006]

This video is just what I needed!! My 5 year old wants to keep every piece of paper and piece of art she makes! However, I find that if we have a good container for her collection and go through it regularly she will decide not to treasure every last scrap of paper.

[@charlenebrissette3348]

Way to go Didi and Gege.

[@rachell6526]

Ugh, we homeschool. The struggle is real but I've gotten pretty good at taking a picture of their artwork and tossing it

[@garlicgalore]

We homeschooled also and one mom once told me she " gets rid of the good to make room for the best." That helped me at the time! Of course best is relative, and I like the categories Marissa points out for deciding that. ❤

[@AtoZenLife]

Love this!

[@rjones3955]

Decluttering is definitely a muscle, but how easily kids take to it also depends on personality. Mine have always shocked me by being pretty willing to toss things. We didn't have to work hard on that skill. I totally resent the huge influx of paper at the end of the year, and I take a more "slash and burn" approach. My house has a ton that needs to be decluttered, so carefully sorting the school papers is not the best use of my time and energy. It *all* goes to the trash/recycling. I do a quick fan through as I toss, and I will probably see that beautiful sea turtle and save that. It gets pinned to the bulletin board in the family room. The rest is trash. Five minutes. No need to exhaust myself and my kids (not saying this youtuber did, just saying it would be exhausting in my family).

[@jacoblawrence6580]

This is such a great video. I commented several months back on your video about Memory boxes. I was wondering if you could possibly do a video on photo declutter and organization in the future. I am really struggling with this. I have been slowly going through my grandparents things. I haven't gone through photos lately. I just finished transcribing my grandparents letters from WW2 and now have been going through the negatives with a little slide scan machine that I bought because I noticed that there were a lot of negatives that I have never seen printed before. I have several boxes full of photos. My grandmother had a large box from Creative memories that holds over 2,000 photos (I think that there are actually more than that in there at the moment), and I have several other boxes the size of shoeboxes. I have already given away a lot of photos to my Uncles, Aunts and my cousins but I still probably could give some away. We have found photos dating from the late 1800's of my 2nd great grandparents and family too. The majority are identified, although there are a couple that have no names. I appreciate any help you can give me. I am not sure if to keep them in boxes or have some photo albums too. I have thought about doing a couple of scrapbooks but I don't want to have too many albums. Thank you again and I enjoy watching your channel.

[@Ritminimal]

I went to my parents' house to deal with my school notebooks and notebooks. As a result, I cried for several hours over all the memories.🤣

[@thewestsidegirl]

Thank you for discussing this topic. My biggest Challenge of all is the paper clutter. I read a Lot and I Love books, Student work book, etc and I feel very sentimental about letting them Go! But last week I decluttered about 20 positions from my Collection. I donated these books, I for the first time I feel free and Happy to give away some books rather then get new ones! I have started earlier this Month my first ever no spend Challenge and it works. Before I was an occasional shopper, I told myself WHY I should buy this or that I can afford it, I work so why Not. Thanks for your advice. To conclude, I have decluttered some of my old calenders and you know what? Some of them were used only twice, so I repurpose them as a Notebook! In other words, I decluttered 3 old calenders und got 3 new Notebooks instead! P.S. my desk looks like yours before decluttering!

[@brisaflamein2722]

I am also in the process of decluttering my home. I always watch your videos to get some tips and courage to continue it. Thank you very much Mrs. Zen. 😊❤

[@nanchesca3950]

A saved all my daughter's artwork in a box and when she grew up I gave her the box to go thru and she wanted to throw away pretty much everything! So after she left I put it all back in the box and I still have it😂

[@nanchesca3950]

Btw she's 29 lol

[@AtoZenLife]

Sounds like it’s “your” sentimental clutter now! I would suggest watching this video if you’re having trouble knowing what to keep vs. let go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3zag2ycrJqkhJI

[@nanchesca3950]

@@AtoZenLife it is for sure lol

[@wendyrudolph1465]

Do you keep folders and binders for next school year? I have been frustrated by how much stuff we were expected to buy every school year. And how school supply donation drives only want new items.

[@AtoZenLife]

We have if they are in good enough condition 👍

[@asianangel5400]

I home schooled my kids for a total of 16 years. We used a Christian curriculum called A Beka. Depending on the state we lived in at the time we had to keep portfolios of the children's work throughout the year. I used to keep stuff organized throughout the year so at the end of the year I just had to collect what I needed and put them together. As far as the text books we kept the books they did not write in such as history, science, literature, spelling, and Bible curriculum.. I kept things in file boxes and on book shelves. I tried to be as minimal as possible, but it was tough especially in their younger years. lol. I also kept all their yearly medical, dental, and eye care records in their portfolios as well..When my youngest graduated from the 8th grade he did online schooling for high school so there was not as much paperwork. But I still kept school portfolios each year. Each year my youngest finished his books we would resell the books because I on purpose kept them in really nice condition. Although we did not get near as much as what we originally paid for, we st ill got some money from reselling. I am glad I am done home schooling but its nice t o look back on the years of their school work. The subjects that the kids wrote in the books were arithmetic, language, and lab books for science and history. We also had workbooks for all their test, wizes, and art. I also took pictures of their field trips as well and other outside activities that they were involved in. I am really glad that you hot your sons involved with sorting out their things, thatch super important.

[@OdinsSage]

I've collected a lot of paper clutter in my life in the form of art and artistic written work (poems, short stories, etc). I was that kid who always went everywhere with a notebook (or 6) and a sketchbook on them so I could just stop and draw/write when the moment struck. As I've downsized I've noticed these to be the things I still have a very hard time getting rid of and have decided to digitize as much of them as I can. I don't believe digitizing is the fix-all answer to paper clutter, but I do think it can have its place in the process.

[@claremiller9979]

I really need to do this with my girls as we're preparing to move house. I've had to move everything into the garage to make the house ready for listing, and oh my lands they have so many papers, a ridiculous amount of craft supplies thanks to over-generous grandparents who don't understand the meaning of No More, and then all their toys and dress ups. They cannot possibly use all the stuff they have, even for years, and they will outgrow a ton of it soon anyway. I noticed since we moved a bunch of stuff into temp storage, they are playing with what's left!

[@amychen2504]

When does school restart in Germany? How do you feel the curricula compares to the US?

[@poodlegirl55]

Coming from a senior citizen, when your kids move out they don't want any of that stuff. I gave them each a box to throw out because I didn't want to be the one to do it and I didn't want to keep it.

[@christinecoleman2964]

So true! My mom gave me boxes of my old school papers that she had kept. Now those boxes are cluttering my garage. A small box of select items would have been so much more wonderful. I feel guilty throwing the papers out because she had kept them so long.

[@shaynaangers5691]

Your kids are so cute❤

[@Mylightfilledjourney]

Thank you!!!! So helpful!

[@sarahwalsh8632]

My boys bring home stuff throughout the year. The stuff we really like goes on the fridge (either for as long as it lasts, or until something else comes along and then I switch it out with something older). Otherwise their papers go directly into the trash or recycle.

[@PolinaK97]

Really helpful!! Thank you!

[@shaynaangers5691]

Its funny all of my sons life ive always made sure his room was the simple clean and clear room while sacraficing my house

[@rebeccablashock3829]

Loved it and your family! Well done! Thank you! :D

[@suenewark9397]

I had a time limit for Art Work coming home, if it came home mid Term it was allowed to stay on the fridge for two weeks and then it was gone. Might seem harsh, but it worked for us, the children often took it down themselves. If a piece came home before the two weeks they were allowed to swap it out, if they liked the other one. At the end of Term we more or less did the same, "Do you want to keep anything, but both my children were so used to things only staying the two weeks, they usual said, "No" and headed outside to play. I think I have always been a minimalist at the back of everything, we actually never have had paper clutter. If it has to be kept it's filed, if it needs actioning, but I haven't got time it sits on a recipe stand in the study and if it does shredding, I do it as soon as it has been actioned or if it's junk it goes into the recycling bin. I found my school stuff harder to part with being an ex teacher.

[@emma-louise]

Thank you for this video!!! Im no where near to having children but this is amazing and something i will use when i have childre. At what age would you say you start getting them to make these choices and be aware of decluttering?😊

[@AtoZenLife]

Start as early as possible, and then at 3+ they can start being more independent - they might still need help and guidance for certain categories or choices 👍

[@emma-louise]

@@AtoZenLife could you do a video on this and how to incorporate that into their lives and how to do it without them getting mad or upset about throwing something away? I wouldn't want my children resenting me in the future because I limited their toys etc😊

[@silmuffin86]

My daughter's school sent home all of her workbooks, I needed this video they are there waiting for me to decide what to do with them 🙈 The issue is that my daughter wants to keep them all 😬

[@jpal4600]

Where in Germany are you? We're in Baden-Württemberg and our kids are just now coming into their last week of school. I noticed that you have a lot of the same books like the Sally English and the Delphin writing book. Enjoy your holidays 😊

[@mandykohlert6987]

Ich glaube, sie wohnen in Berlin 😊

[@dawnsullivan6794]

Great content Marissa.

[@glacyneyla-tradingcardgames]

German here watching your Videos without realising that you live in Germany 😂 Do you understand German as well? 😮

[@shelleyherron6683]

I wish I had seen something like this when my kids were this age. Now I have loads of stuff that has never been gone through, so it is overwhelming on two fronts. First, the sheer amount of stuff and second, which age and do they or I want to keep it?

[@johannathorisdottir2456]

Hey there happy lady mmm yeah i´m totally guilty of keeping drawings and sentimental drawings my boys made in kindergarten and school! Ugh i can get rid of everything else but this nooo HELLP!!! LOL

[@RockDove5212]

UK schools haven't even all broken up yet!

[@nickyharriott1978]

I t have always taken pictures of my kids artwork it lasts forever I damaged ❤

[@lindalou1928]

I have such guilty throwing away my kids stuff. 😞 This is why I have so much clutter.

[@cassysistersofthesun1801]

Do you keep school reports?🙏

[@AmyRuby]

I have a weird unrelated question. How much English language study do your children receive in Germany? I’ve put my children in francophone studies in elementary school and they only get 30 mins a week of English language instruction. Do they get adequate English language instruction or are supplementing with the extra learning at home? I plan to do that, especially since I know that language skills are transferrable and French is a particularly hard language to learn, and super useful where I live. Anyway, it would be great to know how other people are doing things.

[@OdinsSage]

Their family came over from the US, so I'm sure they speak primarily, if not all, English when at home.

[@yolandimartinson8722]

I know you took a long time to get to this point yourself with the trauma of loss. My daughter is 5, and due to trauma from basically losing everything she loved and knew (her dad and I got divorced), she wants to keep EVERYTHING. Like, even the packaging food comes in. Any tips on guiding and helping her through this. The clutter overwhelms her but she gets so upset if I throw anything out. She is in play therapy abd I will speak to her therapist about this too

[@Squintillions]

My older son was very sentimental as a child. We kept a lot of artwork and schoolwork. As he grew up, we revisited things and he was able to let more stuff go as he got older, especially as a teen. If you have the space, maybe store stuff in a box and revisit in a few years. That way, you are respecting her decisions and giving her a chance to grow and see what really stuck with her from the past. Also she’ll be more mature and have better decision-making skills, because she’s only 5 now and this isn’t easy, even for some adults. If you don’t have the space or are moving soon and really have to limit your stuff, then that is when you are just going to have to create that limit. Then give her a keepsake box or folder and all that fits in the box/folder is all that she can keep. You could get her started by in advance pulling the things you think she should keep, then you could ask her if you got it right or would she swap things in/out. If she tends toward keeping most things, remind her she only has the limited amount of space to save things.

[@yolandimartinson8722]

@@Squintillions thank you!! Yes at the moment I keep all artwork. Luckily she only started school last year April so ita only 1 years worth of stuff so far and she is in Prep year now and after half a year (we live in southern hemisphere so our schoolyears are Jan-Dec) she only had a small pile. This might not have been the best post to comment on but I am more concerned about her keeping EVERYTHING. As in I told her today we need to replace her school shoes and she wants to keep the old ones that look really bad. She sometimes peep in the trashbags and then removes packaging of things. Its just insane actually. 🙈 I know when she is older she will def be able to let go easier but for now, any tips on getting her to realise trash is not sentimental items at least as a start 💜

[@liebingf]

On her little sons drawing: first comes dad, then himself, his little brother and last comes mom. And on the drawing, she is as tiny as her kids too ! WOW. Such a male driven world !!! I am kinda shocked here ...

[@allheartandsong]

Oh man.....the paper clutter is real in my home. Homeschooling 4 kids under 12 and it's a daily cleanup. Sentimental artwork was a challenge but easier now. I have to actually say out loud pep talks about how their identity isn't in their paper crafts. I take a picture of them with it if it's big or awkward to keep forever. I'll keep it out for a week or so until they ruin it or put it in their room. I recently went through all the paper crafts I've kept for 12 years. Letting go was hard but after it was done, our home was way mkre manageable.

[@remmalina]

I was wondering how people do this when it comes to kids, because I have seen minimalists give up on minimalism once their kids were born 😢

[@lindal7824]

DON´T forget to put name and date on the objects you keep. When I declutter my kids paper work now (many years after they made them) there is no use if we don´t know when the object was made, and by what kid (got 3)! The kids, now older, really like to know how old they were when making the objects they made and we kept.

[@jmsl_910]

🩵🩵🩵

[@extrememinimalism]

I would keep 1 drawing a week, stick it in a folder, then review it once a month or 6 or a year.

[@IamSnowbird]

Are your children bilingual?

[@parisensore]

Another decluttered/minimalistic home environment with grating echo, because not enough soft fabrics are owned to cut down on the acoustic echo. People, do not get rid of all your floor rugs and soft surface wall art just to look empty and clear. They provide a lot of value in cutting out echo and reducing listening fatigue to the occupants (and viewers).