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Learning from lockdown – my 5 decluttering rules for families, by Conchi The Home Coach

One important thing that we can learn from being in lockdown is the value of decluttering – that is, keeping our living spaces tidy and free from mess. There’s nothing like living in the same space for a long time to make you realise that you need to keep it clutterfree, and that keeping it tidy helps you feel more comfortable, relaxed and happier to spend time there.

But keeping your living space tidy is easier said than done, so when I work with young families, I recommend five rules to help them stay clutter-free:

1. Take steps to reduce clutter.

Young children often receive a lot of presents and end up with toys they don’t need. They can easily forget about everything they have and just carry on playing with a few favourite toys! Try to avoid buying or receiving extra presents for the sake of it and concentrate on giving children fewer toys that they will really value.

2. Let your children play with one toy for longer.

When children have an endless choice of toys to play with, they’ll end up playing with them for a short time only. Set rules about how many toys they can play with during a given period - your children will start to find more creative ways of playing, and their toys will take on more value.

3. Make sure everything you keep has a “home”

A logical space where things can be easily put away, still within reach for children to play with them.

4. Space savers.

Use fabric sacks to replace bulky toy boxes. These use up less space and are easier to store.

5. Make children responsible.

When you give them responsibility for keeping their space tidy, children feel empowered. It gives them the feeling they are in charge and that you trust them. Start by making tidying up a competition game.

Following these five rules will mean that you have less tidying to do around the house and you’ll start to appreciate your living space more and feel less stressed. Giving children rules about keeping spaces tidy can also help to prevent those family “meltdowns” we are all too familiar with.

Conchi’s aim is to make you fall in love with your home, to make it a happy place where you can have clarity of mind, be in control and feeling blissful. Conchi offers free consultations and an online service.

Do any areas in your living or work space need decluttering, organising and styling? Conchi The Home Coach is here to help! She offers a confidential, professional decluttering and interior styling service, either on site or on line. Free consultations available.

Tel: +44 79224 54487. Enquiries@conchithehomecoach.co.uk. Visit www.conchithehomecoach.co.uk