5 Minute Clutter Cure

We had a tiny bit of snow and a little bit of ice yesterday so schools were closed. With all three kids going at it, the toys got a little unruly. I got out my trusty timer and put the kids up to a challenge. I gave them 5 minutes. They had to pick up toys and put them back in their designated “home.” Whoever worked diligently the whole time and picked up as much as they could, would get a treat at the end.

The treat can be candy or a sticker or whatever your child is “into” at the moment. If you have enough time allotted maybe even a movie or show as a reward. Without that treat at the end my 3 year old will take no part. His eyes glaze over until you mention the word candy. Without the treat it will take him the whole 5 minutes to put one toy away. My 7 year old just loves a challenge and a timer. He is all about the race.

This works for us big kids too. Using a timer will help you stay on task for a specified amount of time. Take 5, 10 or 15 minutes and do a sweep through the house putting away out of place items. Pick a time each day to do this and you will be one step closer to taming the clutter monster.

If you are in need of a timer check out the kitchen timer round up over at Design Sponge.