Educating our kids about the importance of keeping an organized and clutter-free closet is always a good idea. This won’t just teach them practical organization skills. Learning about closet decluttering will also make them realize the value of the things they own.

However, they will surely need some parental guidance to keep them reminded along the way. In this article, we’re providing 7 signs to know it’s time to remind your kids for a closet decluttering session. Read on!

How do you declutter?

As parents, it’s normal for us to be sentimental about the things our kids use while growing up. While this isn’t really a bad thing, being too sentimental can hinder our goal of keeping our spaces clutter-free.

Decluttering is the act of removing items in your space that no longer serve their purpose. Therefore, a balance between being sentimental and practical is the best way to go! As parents, we should also consider our kids’ preferences. That’s why it’s best to declutter your home and closet spaces together. This will help you guide your kids in the reflection process.

The KonMari Method

In teaching your kids how to declutter, you may want to introduce the KonMari Method. This is a mindful way to do so. This method is focused more on deciding what to keep rather than what to throw away. This method is composed of 5 simple steps. Surely, your kids won’t have a hard time understanding! The method simply goes as follows:

1. Empty your closet and put all your clothes into a large pile.
2. Pick up each of your clothing pieces one at a time.
3. Ask yourself: “Does it spark joy?”
4. If the answer is yes, keep it.
5. If the answer is no, gently bid farewell (and don’t forget to express some gratitude!)

Doing the third step and reflecting on the question together does not only make the process easier. It is also a great way to discover more about your kids’ thoughts!

How to know it’s time to remind your kids

As parents, we also get caught up in a lot of responsibilities. We can’t be with our kids 24/7. And so, a constant reminder is always helpful along the way! Here are 7 signs to know it’s time to remind your kids for a closet declutter.

Their closet tends to get messy

Does your kids’ closet always end up being messy just a few days after you organized it? If the answer is yes, then maybe it’s time for a decluttering session!

Having this problem may indicate that your kids just have A LOT of clothes. The more clothes they have, the more time and effort it requires to keep them organized consistently. This may negatively affect their motivation to do so. And maybe that’s why their clothes always end up in a messy situation.

In reminding your kids, you might want to also include some helpful instructions. Tell them to start by sorting out their clothes into categories—shirts, tank tops, skirts, jeans, etc. Then, they can begin decluttering by category. Lessening their clothes will make it easier for them to designate a closet space for each.

Their clothes are all over the place

Aside from their closet being messy, you might also want to look out if it is already overflowing. This is another sign that they have A LOT of clothes! When all their clothes cannot fit inside their closet anymore, they’ll be tempted to throw them away in random places. The next thing you’ll know, they have completely forgotten about them.

You may tell your kids to start by gathering all their clothes in one place. You can also help them measure how much clothes will likely fit inside their closet. Then, you can consider this in making your decluttering decisions together.

They always complain they have “nothing to wear”

Do your kids constantly complain about having nothing to wear? Or maybe you find them unconsciously picking the same pieces of clothing all over again? Well, this happens to most kids and teens. You may want to tell them about the 80/20 Rule. This suggests that most people wear just 20% of their clothes 80% of the time. This means our kids’ closets may be filled with 80% of clothes they don’t actually wear! Why keep them?

Tell them to imagine a closet filled with only the clothes they love. Then, they won’t have a hard time choosing what to wear. You may want to explain to them that decluttering won’t just save them closet space. It will also save them time. Knowing that they love each piece inside their closet might also help in boosting their confidence!

They undergo some body changes

Do your kids complain about their favorite jeans not fitting anymore? Maybe that’s a sign to remind them to tackle their closet! You may share some tips like trying on pieces according to their sizes. They don’t have to try out the ones of the same size. This will make the decluttering process less time-consuming. Just note that sizing may differ for each kind of clothing.

You can also help them start a system to track their body changes. This will help them know when it’s time to remove clothing pieces that don’t fit anymore!

Their lifestyle has changed

It is surely a great feeling to see our kids grow and work towards a better lifestyle. But also, this is a sign to remind them for a closet decluttering session!

Maybe they started advocating for sustainable fashion? Or they decided to start a minimalist lifestyle? Perhaps they finally found their personal style? Tell them that it’s definitely a good idea to have a closet that reflects their values and personality. This will make their closet spaces more special. And this will make them more inspired to keep it organized too!

They tell you they want to earn

Be it for an academic project or a new hobby, your kids sometimes tell you about them wanting to earn. This is a great time to maximize what’s inside their closet! They may find some pieces that don’t spark joy anymore but are still in good condition. You can help them in putting up a small thrift store in your garage. Or maybe help them sell online!

But aside from selling out their pre-loved clothes, you might also want to teach them about donating. Tell them that they might not earn some cash, but the feeling is definitely worth it.

They are feeling anxious

Study shows that having a cluttered space may have negative effects on our mental well-being. Keeping our closets clutter-free will leave us in a clear headspace. Some people even find decluttering therapeutic. You may want to remind your kids that decluttering is meant to make them feel a little better. So tell them to enjoy every step of it!

If you want your kids to be more engaged in decluttering, you can introduce some decluttering apps like Clutterfree. This won’t just make decluttering more efficient. Using decluttering apps can also boost their motivation as they serve as trackers and accountability partners. They are also helpful when you declutter your home together.

Do you notice one of these signs on your kids? If so, you might want to remind them to have a closet declutter now. They’ll be needing reminders like this along the way. To help you guide them in the process, we have also prepared a closet declutter task list! Be sure to get a copy here.