How Do You Encourage Someone Who Needs To Get Organized But Doesn't Want To?

Although I'm answering the questions from our eBay Classified Twitter Chats about organizing with kids, I wanted to make this one more general because so many people live with or work with a clutter bug and it can be a tough dynamic. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

They don't see the clutter like you do. Do you wonder how your kids can walk right over their dirty clothes, or throw their backpack in the middle of the entryway and leave it there? They just don't see it the same and it doesn't matter to them the way it matters to you. Speak with them about the clutter in a positive way and acknowledge how you see it differently.

Give them plenty of alternatives. They will probably not want to organize it the same way you do. If they have several options (like hooks vs. hangers or open baskets vs. bins with lids) and different ideas, something may click.

Be flexible. The other person may not want to organize things to the same degree that you want it done. Remember to praise even the smallest signs of orderliness. Be encouraging because being a nag will get you nowhere (Can you tell I have teenagers LOL)!

Cut Down On Your Chores

This blog post is for all the moms out there who work tirelessly to keep up with household chores. As a mother of 3, I find the daily chore grind never ending. My children are now, 13, 11 and 6. A few years ago it finally dawned on me, "Why am I doing all of these things when my children are fully capable!" I believe what happens is we bring these helpless infants home from the hospital and care for their every need. There comes a point when they are old enough to care for themselves and that transition can as hard for the parent as the child. This transition comes at a different time for everyone, but as parents it's our job to teach our children to become independent.

With fall approaching and the school year starting, now is the perfect time to teach your kids some of the chores they can do around the house to help out. Now this may take some time, especially if kids are used to having someone else do everything for them. The transition may be slow, but it's a great way to create a sense of responsibility in the children as well as cut down on the long list of household tasks. Here are a few chores that I delegate in my own house:

garbage duty
fill/empty the dishwasher
set/clear the table
make beds
wash/dry/fold/put away laundry
pet duties

This is a start, and from my experience it's never done quite like I would do myself, but I'm happy to delegate these tasks, reduce my expectations, teach my children responsibility, and receive a bit more freedom of my own!