Purging the Kid’s Rooms

It’s Why Not Organize Something Wednesday and I’ve been purging the kid’s bedrooms the last few days. Actually it’s been going surprisingly well. There hasn’t been too many tears or fits from me or the kids. I did take them for big milk shakes yesterday though to help ease the pain.

The first part was pretty easy. We went through clothes. The boys don’t really care what clothes I get rid of so that part went fast. Emilee does care, so that took a little longer. Why is it so hard to convince someone (okay, she’s only 11) that if it doesn’t fit you need to pass it on?  We got through it with a promise of getting some new dresses for church and a new pair of shoes. I can deal with that.

Now remember, Emilee’s 11 and this is what she still had in her playroom. We’re now changing the name of her playroom to “entertainment room” for a more tween feel. Hopefully that will help her emotionally to be able to get rid of her young toys. I’ll show you pictures of it once the transformation is complete. But here are some of the big things we’re donating. I know it’s scary she still had these in her playroom and hopefully we won’t have to go into therapy now because they’re gone. She gets very emotionally attached to things and she’s a pack rat. We are total opposites.

The boys were a lot easier to deal with. They both want to be on to bigger and better things. Plus if I sneak a few things into the donation bag, they never notice. Here’s their big things to be donated.

You’re probably wondering why I let them in on this process and don’t just toss things while they’re at school. Well, sometimes I do, but I want them to learn how to purge things, give to others and help in the work. And I have to admit they did really well. Here are the bags we’re taking to the D.I. (thrift store) today.

There are 8 tall kitchen garbage bags full of clothes and toys. We also had 2 bags full of garbage (fast food toys, broken toys, lots of paper, shoe boxes, etc.). I also kept a tote full of toys I’m saving for grand kids when they get older and come to visit.

The first part of organizing is purging. It’s almost impossible to get and stay organized if you have to much stuff and not enough space. Kids don’t seem to care too much about that though, so I talked to them about sharing their good toys with others, having more room to play, having room for new toys and being able to find what they want. The boys are now playing with toys they haven’t played with since October and they have more space to build a fort so they’re good. Emilee is still trying to deal with giving up things she hasn’t played with in years. She says her room feels empty. It is so far from empty. We’re working on some ways to make it feel special and more grown up, so I’ll keep you updated on that.

After purging comes organizing, so I’ll have some later posts on how to organize those remaining toys. Until then, start purging and give to someone who really needs, wants and uses what you don’t.