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Decluttering With Your Family

When I recently did a talk in Langley regarding decluttering, I was amazed at the response from parents who could not get their kids to help around the house. They said that I was lucky to have kids that are so helpful. First, I would like to say my kids are great... but it did take some time and repetition to get them to be the way they are today.

Here are some suggestions that will take your home from chaos to calm. (Note: This even works for husbands!)

1. Create systems in your home that are user-friendly to everyone living there.
2. Take the necessary time to teach them the systems.
3. Be consistent in enforcing the systems. Repetition is the key to success!

One of the systems I use is where we hang our jackets. I have four hooks in our laundry room where each hook belongs to one person. There should be no more than two jackets on that hook at one time.

How did I get my kids to use only their hook? Simple... every time I found a jacket that was not mine on my hook I called them over and had them put it on their hook. It did not take long for them to get tired of replacing their jacket and start following this simple system.

The same applies for keys: find a key holder that has enough hooks for each person in your home so when you walk in the door you have a space for your jacket and keys. You will never misplace your jacket or keys again. Think of all the time you will save!

Remember to always reward for a job well done... not just for your kids but for yourself as well!

If you have any questions regarding this article please contact me.

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