Family-Friendly Minimalism: How to Simplify with Kids

Inside: Family-Friendly Minimalism & How to Simplify with Kids

I never needed to think about minimalism before I had children because I didn’t particularly have much stuff and spent most of my days working outside the home so didn’t make a mess anyway. Three children and a whole heap of toys later, I understand why people crave the simple life and a minimalist environment. 

Having children doesn’t have to mean you are forever surrounded by mess. By working through the decluttering process as a family, removing unnecessary items and creating spaces that work for you, you can have a home that allows you all to focus on the most important things.

Over the last few years I have decluttered the number of toys in the house, simplified the kids’ closets, removed all non-essential items, and changed the way we view material possessions as a family.

Do we live in a show house? No. But our home allows us the space and time to do what we love, whether that is eating at a clear dining table or playing games in a tidy living room. 

Here are some realistic and achievable tips for working towards a minimalist family home for your family. 

What is minimalism?

Minimalism is a lifestyle and design philosophy characterised by simplicity and intentionality. It emphasises the idea that less is more, encouraging individuals to prioritise what is truly important to them and eliminate the excess. And when you have a family and find yourself surrounded by excess all of the time, you suddenly realise how much this detracts from what is important – spending time together. 

It is quite easy to understand that minimalism involves having less stuff and focusing on experiences and moments. But sometimes the messaging around what “less” looks like can become a little confusing. People start to think that they have to live in practically empty houses that feel more like a show house than an inviting home for a family to enjoy. 

So, here is a quote that helped me to understand it more and allowed me to find a balance that worked for our family and our home. 

Minimalism isn’t about removing things you love. It’s about removing the things that distract you from the things you love. 

Joshua Becker

So if your mug collection brings you joy, keep it. If you have 100 pairs of shoes that bring you adore – great. But those scatter cushions that you hate picking up off the floor every single day – they just take time away from you enjoying something else. Get rid of them. 

Can you be a minimalist when you have kids?

It isn’t easy but it is entirely doable. 

The reason it isn’t easy isn’t actually because of the kids either. I mean sure, they can be messy but it isn’t them who buy all of the toys, is it? The issue is the fact that the toys and clothes come into the house in the first place. And that is because society tells us we need it all so we go out and buy it or have it given to us by well-meaning friends and family. 

And of course once it is in the house it is really hard to get it out again, isn’t it?

The excuses keep on coming and result in a home filled with stuff that we actually didn’t really want or need in the first place. 

But, with a shift in mindset, hard work, and determination you can change the story and create a home that embraces minimalism and allows everyone in the family to enjoy what is most important to them. 

Is minimalism good for kids?

Yes! 100% yes! The benefits of minimalism aren’t reserved for adults – everyone benefits from a minimalist lifestyle and way of thinking. Having so much stuff that your house is bursting at the seams, only to have new things enter the home every Christmas and birthdays with new toys and more clothes, is just suffocating for all family members. 

Young children get overwhelmed very easily and so if they have too many toys to choose from they can end up choosing to play with none of them – after having tipped every single toy onto the floor first of course. Having fewer things to choose from allows them to actually see what they have and allows them to be more intentional in their play. Plus, having less toys makes tidying up so much easier. 

Whether you have younger or older children, beginning the process of working towards a simpler life will help them build new habits that will serve them for the rest of their lives. Plus, living in a minimalist home will mean less clutter, which results in less stress. Fewer items means less time to tidy up. All of which leads to a happier environment and more time available to spend doing the things you love as a family. 

How to be a minimalist with kids

Things won’t change overnight. You have to start with your own mindset and your own habits first, setting the example and leading the way. Once you’ve decluttered your own things you may well discover that your kids have been paying attention and like how it feels. That has certainly been my experience. 

However, you may need to guide other family members towards this new way of thinking. And the word guide is key here, because they have to make the decisions themselves. Nobody appreciates having their possessions meddled with and children are no different – allow them to decide and over time it will happen naturally. 

Here are a few ways to get started on your journey:

Start Small, Start Together

Minimalism is not an all-or-nothing lifestyle. Begin the decluttering journey by involving the whole family in small projects. Focus on a specific area, like the playroom or a shared space like the living room, and discuss the importance of letting go of items that no longer serve a purpose.

The Toy Rotation System

It isn’t always easy to declutter toys and it should always be the child’s choice as to what is donated. A solution that works will is the toy rotation system – storing some toys away and periodically swapping them with the ones currently in use. This not only reduces clutter but also keeps the toys fresh and exciting for the kids. 

Implement the ‘One In, One Out’ Rule

Encourage a mindful approach to acquiring new possessions. For every new item that enters the home, make it a habit to donate, sell, or discard an existing item. This works really well before Christmas and birthdays, reminding them that they don’t have space for all of the new things they might get so perhaps they could donate some of their older thing to others who would love them. 

Simplify Wardrobes

Children’s clothing can quickly take up a lot of space. Keep their wardrobes simple by creating a capsule wardrobe of versatile pieces. Donate or pass along clothes they’ve outgrown, and avoid buying excessively. This not only streamlines the morning routine but cuts down on washing loads for the household too.

Establish Daily Decluttering Rituals

Incorporate short, daily decluttering sessions into your routine. Whether it’s a quick cleanup at the end of the day or a ten-minute decluttering challenge after school, these small, consistent efforts are the best way to prevent clutter from piling up.

Teach Kids the Joy of Giving

Involve your children in the process of donating items to those in need. Help them understand the value of generosity and the joy of sharing with others. This not only declutters your home but also instills important values in your kids.

Prioritise Experiences Over Things

Shift the family focus from accumulating material things to creating memories. Instead of buying more stuff, consider investing in experiences – a day at the zoo, a family hike, or a weekend getaway. This shift in mindset aligns with the core principles of family-friendly minimalism.

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Embracing family-friendly minimalism is an ongoing process and reading this post is the first step. The goal is not perfection but progress. By implementing these realistic and achievable tips, you can create a home that is not only clutter-free but also a haven of calm for your entire family. 

Remember, it’s about finding a balance that works for your unique family dynamic and lifestyle.