Minimalism with Kids; 5 Practical Steps to Make it Easy
So, your child’s bedroom is full of toys, clothes and clutter. You’re ready to simplify your home and start living with less, but is that even possible with kids? Today I am sharing how you can achieve minimalism with kids.
How to be a Minimalist with Kids
We have been experimenting with simple living and minimalism for the past three years.
I didn’t know when I began, but having my house completely over-run by toys, clothes and other random items was a large part of my stress and anxiety.
Once I started simplifying, decluttering and organizing I became a much more calm and relaxed person.
I could finally spend time with my family and relax without being distracted and feeling like I needed to get up and clean.
If that sounds like something you need in your life then what you need are the five steps below to discover that minimalism with kids is possible.
And actually pretty darn easy!
Practical Steps to Achieve Minimalism with Kids
Here’s the deal: Kids need stuff.
Plain and simple, and anyone who tells you differently is not being completely honest.
Plus, there are a lot of items that make life easier….and I want those items. I am not about struggling through motherhood just for the sake of “living with less”.
That being said, the majority of us have been convinced that we need ALL.THE.THINGS. and this isn’t true either.
The reality is that it’s possible to raise kids in a minimalist environment if you follow these simple steps.
1) Focus On Experiences Over Things
This is like the minimalist manifesto…..and it works!
Our culture (and marketing corporations) do such a good job of convincing us that the only thing kids want is stuff.
Do you know what kids really want? Attention from their parents!
Sure, they get excited when they open their gifts at Christmas or on their birthdays, but soon those toys are broken, forgotten or lost.
However, the memories that are created from a family vacation, a trip to the movies or an overnight camp out in the backyard last forever.
So, if you’re thinking of giving the minimalist lifestyle a try, start by replacing most gifts with family activities or adventures.
2) Start with Toy Rotation
So, your next question is probably going to be, “Do minimalists have toys?”
Yes! They just have fewer of them, and they are chosen with intention and open-ended play in mind.
If you are a regular family, your children probably already have WAY more toys than they need, but as tempting as it is to give them all away….don’t! (unless they are babies and won’t notice) Instead, you will want to do a thorough toy decluttering session and then set up a toy-rotation system.
This is the best way to gently transition your kids to a minimalist lifestyle while you greatly reduce the amount of toy clutter around the house.
RELATED POST: 10 Important Reasons Why you Need to Start a Toy Rotation
3) Create Kids Capsule Wardrobes
Do your kids always have clothes all over their rooms? Are you tired of always picking up their clothes and watching them melt down when trying to decide what to wear?
Then you need to create a kids capsule wardrobe.
A capsule wardrobe is just a fancy way of saying a small set of clothes that are easy to mix and match. They make getting dressed easy for kids because everything goes together and it allows you to have less laundry to do and fewer clothes to fold and put away.
4) Shop with Intent and Purpose
How many times have you gone on a quick trip to Target with your kids and ended up with a cart full of items you didn’t plan on purchasing?
We have ALL been there!
Any shopping trip with children is a challenge. They will always see, want and “need” something from the store. In an effort to make them happy or shop in peace and quiet, we give in and the next thing you know, your house is full of stuff you don’t really need.
From now on, when you go shopping, make a list. It’s easy to erase all of your efforts at minimalism by making mindless purchases.
I have found that shopping online has helped me to avoid impulse purchases. I can go online and buy precisely what I need without the kids seeing anything they want.
5) Teach Them About Wants Vs. Needs
Letting go of our stuff is really hard, even for adults, but when your kids are able to realize that they don’t really NEED most of the things they have, you are setting them up to be wise consumers for a lifetime.
Start by reading a book like this.
Follow up by asking them to choose a few toys or other items that they are willing to give to children who don’t have as much.
Over time, they will become selective and be able to prioritize their wants and needs – a skill that will serve them for their entire life.
There you have it mama! The REAL 5 Steps to Minimalism with Kids.
If you are looking for even more info you can check out this book by Joshua Becker. It has almost perfect reviews on Amazon!
- The Top 10 Reason Why Your Child Needs Minimalism
- Minimalist Playrooms that will Convince You to Get Rid of the Toys
- Clutter Free Home: Minimalist Tips that will make a Huge Difference
- The Best Tips to Declutter with Kids
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Great post! I usually just sneak stuff out when my daughter isn’t home haha.
That is always a good strategy…unfortunately for me there are few times that happens. We are always home at the same time so my attempts at “minimalism with kids” requires a bit more planning 😉 Either way the end result is less stuff!
Excellent tips! Step 4 is so crucial, I feel