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January 19, 2023 33 mins

#016 - Letting go of kids' things can be hard. The good news is that we don't have to part with things that genuinely bring us joy, but when it comes to the rest, we could end up projecting our own patterns of clinging to the past onto our kids. Keeping too much stuff often comes from a place of love, but if we get stuck wishing our kids would stay little, we might be missing out on the awesome people they’re still becoming right now.

To that end, here's what I have for you in today's episode:

  • A few things to consider when it comes to whether and to what extent to involve kids in the decluttering process
  • A couple clarity questions to help break down our own resistance and unpack what's really going on internally when we try to part with kids' stuff
  • The potential consequences of clutter on relationships
  • Several positive parenting opportunities we get from including kids in decluttering
  • Practical tips for getting kids started with decluttering, including some sample conversation starters and clarity questions we can ask to help them make their own decluttering decisions
  • And last but not least, a couple ways to hold onto our happiest memories in a meaningful way without holding onto all the stuff


This episode is designed to give you practical strategies and quick wins when it comes to decluttering kids' stuff, and I truly hope you find them as helpful as I have!

If you're enjoying the Incremental Upgrade so far, I'd be so happy to have you join us each week for a new episode! All you have to do is subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and you'll be updated as soon as it's available.

✨ Decluttering is #78 on the list of 100 Easy Incremental Upgrades in episode 9. To get a free PDF copy of the choose-your-own-adventure cheat sheet of these 💯 easy upgrades -- including a resource guide to help you implement several of the ideas -- email me at hello@jenngray.com, and I'll send it to you!

✨ The Incremental Upgrade is an intentionally social media free podcast. Thank you so much for being a part of the only social network we choose to use, which is real people passing it along! 💌

✨ Did you like this episode? If so, I'd be so grateful if you'd be willing to say so in a quick review! Written reviews make my day, but five stars feel great too. 🥰️

Last but not least, here are the earlier episodes mentioned in today's show:

Episode 7: A Practical Decluttering Plan
Episode 14: A Decluttering Quick Win for Goal Momentum
Episode 15: Decluttering for Cash on OfferUp

Thanks so much for tuning in!

~ Jenn

P.S. If you'd like to learn more about Acorns, the easy investing app I mentioned at the end of the episode, you can find that and redeem a $5 bonus investment here!

(Disclaimer: This contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. That said, I only recommend things I know and love!)

P.P.S. What's one goal you'd love to accomplish some time soon? Email me at hello@jenngray.com — I'd love to hear from you!

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