Ep 26: Getting Kids to Declutter with Julianna Poplin

If you are a mom and have wanted to simplify or declutter your home, chances are there is someone in your household that has not been as excited about the process as you are.

I hear all the time from readers and listeners who want to know…”How do I get my husband or kids to declutter their stuff?”

This is a very common question and so I thought it best to bring in backup.

Today’s guest has been there and she has some very interesting techniques that will work wonders for getting your kids to declutter. She also has some tips for when your spouse is less than thrilled with your decluttering ways.

Julianna is a wife, mama, and professional declutterer. She is passionate about living a life full of purpose and intention and helping other moms do the same on her blog, The Simplicity Habit.

And if you, or your loved ones, are very sentimental about your things, Julianna shares a wonderful secret she uses to help her daughter part with items she no longer needs or uses, but still loves dearly.

This episode of the Wannabe Minimalist Show will help you discover:

Where to start when getting your kids to declutter
The 3 options you have for decluttering kids stuff, but why it’s best to choose the 3rd option
How to live with a spouse who does not embrace minimalism
The secret Julianna uses to help her daughter part with sentimental items
The best simple living advice Julianna ever received

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:00] – This episode is brought to you The QUICK Way to Declutter and Organize Your Home. This 5 part mini-course will help you declutter, tidy, and organize any room in your home. Get started today!

[00:51] – Deanna welcomes listeners back to the show and explains that today’s guest is professional declutterer, Julianna Poplin.

[02:17] – Julianna starts things off by talking about her journey to simplicity and how she went from furniture flipper to professional organizer.

[05:24] – We hear about Julianna’s daughters and how she helps them declutter with their opposite personalities.

[06:30] – Julianna discusses how to start early with your children and what you can control when decluttering their things. (hint: it’s not throwing it all out when they’re not home)

[07:30] – We briefly discuss clutter-free gifts (if you want more help with this, check out this blog post)

[08:05] – Julianna talks about how decluttering is a great way to teach your children responsibility for their belongings and how to set realistic expectations.

[09:22] – What do you do when your child chooses to get rid of something you think they’re going to regret?

[10:30] – Julianna describes her husband as a maximalist and shares her top tips for how to live with someone with opposite stuff-loving tendencies.

[14:35] – There’s been so much discussion of open-ended toys so we break down what these are and why they are important for kids.

[16:58] – Julianna shares a secret she uses to help her daughter part with sentimental items. And it doesn’t just work for kids! It would be great for you too if you struggle with this.

[18:38] – We learn what Julianna would do differently on her journey to owning less if she were starting over today. Don’t miss her fail story that I am sure you will relate too (I know I did!).

[21:17] – We jump into the difference between minimalism and simplicity and why Julianna shies away from using the term minimalist to describe herself.

[23:50] – Where can we find Julianna online?

[24:14] – What has been Julianna’s favorite simple pleasure this week?

[24:30] – What is the best advice about simplicity that Julianna has ever received?

[24:58] – And finally, what is making Julianna happy right now?

[26:02] – Deanna circles back to this idea about MINIMALISM being a word filled with negative meaning and association. She talks about what it means to her and her hope for what you take away from this podcast.

[27:40] – Don’t forget to get The QUICK Way to Declutter & Organize Your Home for FREE. It’s the perfect resource to help you on your journey to living your best life with less stuff. And remember that she loves hearing from listeners, so please get in touch by email at hello@littlegreenbow.com or by sending a message on Instagram (@WannaberClutterFree) or on Facebook (@WannabeClutterFree)!