What it's really like to declutter with kids at home

Motherhood Simplified - A podcast by Krista Lockwood

Listen in on what it was like when I decluttered my home with 3 kids, by myself while working outside the home 10 hours a day. Episode links:How to make your home your home peaceful, creative and easy to clean upFor show notes and resources mentioned in today's episode, head to https://motherhoodsimplified.com/3-reasons-decluttering-cant-waitLet me tell you about the worst day I had when I decluttered our home in 2013 down to what fit into our suitcases.The general circumstances are this:I had 3 kids, 7, 4 & 2 years old.I owned a small preschool where I cared for children for 5 families during the hours of 7am-5pm. Which meant for 10 hours a day I was on site 30 minutes from home.My husband was living 4,500 miles away in our new home state of Florida (I was in Alaska).We had one month to have everything we own fit into a suitcase, and with such short notice I had very little help available for childcare or decluttering (a big physical task).So, those circumstances alone are like WTF impossible, right?I got it done, so definitely possible, but totally bananas.One night after I put the kids to bed I was supposed to be sorting through piles (again) to coordinate selling, and pack away for either donation or the dump.I had started my period, that day every single kid at the school (and my own) must have been taken over by some full moon or something, I don't know and I just could. not. move.Literally laid in the middle of my floor and just stared at all the work I had to do and got not a single thing done that night.Not only did I get nothing done, but I cried.For so many reasons I cried. Fear of letting all of our stuff was the biggest reason. I thought I was making an irresponsible and terrible mistake (it wasn't).As well as a whole lot of other emotions like resentment, grief over leaving the only place I had ever called home, and worry about the impact it would have on my kids.The good news is that I was able to do it. And I came out ahead - so far ahead that almost a decade later I am STILL reaping the benefits of that experience.A big part of you is probably wondering if you can declutter your home and finally be able to walk into it without seeing all the unfinished work you have to do.And my answer is, YES, you can. You absolutely can.Even if you have kids at home, work a lot, don't have a supportive day to day partner, worry about not having enough or whatever it might be for you.I have been able to simplify my decluttering process into one that works for moms no matter their circumstances.I did it under super extreme conditions and while yours might be different, they're still workable IF you have the right system and plan in place.And IF you are willing to take that first step.And more on that in just a bitBut first I have another story to tell you tomorrow - so check back tomorrow to check that out, you're going to love it.Mentioned in this episode:How To Create Your Mom Proof Decluttering PlanGo to MotherhoodSimplified.com/DIYHow To Create Your Mom Proof Decluttering Plan