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August 3, 2008

Before and After


I thought about just posting the pictures because I know that every mom would get it. In fact most kids would "get it" too. You have to understand that the before picture is actually on a good day. It is often worse than this.


I gave my girls a choice last week. Clean up your room before Saturday or mom will clean it for you. This room is shared by three so I give them a lot of grace. I don't expect perfection by any means. However, I would like to be able to walk into the room without stepping on things at least once this summer! So now everything except one container of toys (feeling generous) and one favorite stuffed animal to sleep with, are relegated to the garage until further notice. I want you to notice that there is not even a dust bunny under the bed!!


They will slowly earn back things. Only as long as they put things away as they go. Can you say intensive training time??

Now I get to spend another day of my time organizing and cleaning everything that was put in the garage. I hope to do it without little helpers in order to get rid of a few extras.


I recommend this to anyone feeling out of control with toys and "stuff". My girls actually sighed in relief when I moved everything out. They are in their room right now playing with the felt set (one of two things they got to keep), should be interesting to see how the week goes. I think the 6 yr old is going to get bored and frustrated. I predict that my 8 yr old will enjoy the week. I know that I am going to be happy with the lack of toys! :)

I will let you know how it goes!

I might even repaint their room while it is so empty.

9 comments:

BETHANY said...

Good job, Mom!!

Leslie said...

Wow, it looks awesome!!! Great job, mom!

Wanna come to my house on Thursday & do that to MY kids' room?! :)

Carletta said...

That's cool, Linda! I am planning the same thing at our house this week. About once a year, I get to a point where I can't take it anymore.

Lona said...

Wow--I have done this and probably need to do it again. And I only have one 13 year old boy in the offensive room! Looks great!

Momof4 said...

I'm so glad that I'm not the only mom who takes all the toy mess and puts in in the garage from time to time! Great job! Good luck sorting it all out.

~Sarah
(MrsPianoMan on SL)

Anonymous said...

I have done something similar. I usually help the little ones, but if I'm the only one working I keep the toys I pick up. A friend of mine dubbed it "toy jail."

In life if you don't care of your things they get broken, etc., so I think it is important to learn. Also, I rotate toys. (especially the Polly Pockets and other things with small pieces) My kids have too much stuff, too.

Paula B. said...

you have inspired me to get my Little's room under control.

especially before we begin schooling.


Well done, Linda!

Anonymous said...

Don't we all need this in some area of our house or another! Way to go!

SpiceofLifeDesigns said...

Thanks so much for sharing this! Now I can show my husband, look, we aren't the only family with too much stuff! We've just finished two kids rooms, one more to go! Plus the toy room, the office, my craft space.... it never ends! :)