Your Kids Don’t Create the Mess—Your Trips to Target and Amazon Deliveries Do.
- Galina Mao
- Jan 22
- 3 min read
"Your Kids Don’t Create the Mess—Your Trips to Target and Amazon Deliveries Do"
Let’s be honest: when you walk into your cluttered home, it’s easy to point the finger at your kids. Toys scattered across the floor, art supplies on the table, and random socks in odd places might seem like the culprits behind your chaotic space. But here’s the truth: your kids aren’t creating the mess.
The real culprit? Your trips to Target, late-night Amazon sprees, and the never-ending influx of stuff.
The Cycle of Accumulation
It starts innocently enough—a few new toys “just because,” that great deal on storage bins (ironically), or a cute throw pillow from Target that you didn’t plan on buying but couldn’t resist. Add in a few Amazon packages arriving every week with items you’ve completely forgotten ordering, and suddenly, your home is overflowing.
Now multiply that by the weeks, months, or even years you’ve been doing it. The result? A home filled with items that don’t have a permanent place, which turns into clutter.
Why It Feels Like the Kids Are the Problem
It’s easy to blame your kids for the mess because their belongings are the most visible. But think about it:
Are the toys overwhelming because there are too many, or because there’s no system in place to manage them?
Is their homework station messy because they don’t clean up, or because it’s sharing space with unopened packages and piles of paperwork?
The truth is, when we as adults continue to bring in new things without decluttering or organizing, we set the stage for chaos. Our kids simply live in the environment we create.
The Real Mess-Makers: Our Habits
Here’s how our habits contribute to the mess:
Over-Buying:
Impulse purchases add up quickly. Those small, seemingly harmless buys from Target or Amazon bring a steady flow of new items into your home.
Lack of Decluttering:
We often hold onto items we don’t need, creating clutter that takes up valuable space.
No Storage Systems:
Without a proper system for organizing what we bring into the home, even the most essential items become part of the mess.
Ignoring the Inflow-Outflow Rule:
For every new item brought in, something else should go out. Without this balance, clutter builds up.
Shifting the Blame—and the Mindset
Instead of blaming your kids, let’s shift the focus to where it matters most: our own habits. Here’s how to start creating a home where clutter doesn’t take over:
1. Declutter Regularly
Make it a habit to go through your home and remove items that no longer serve a purpose. For every Amazon package that arrives, donate or discard something you don’t need anymore.
2. Create Storage Systems
Organize toys, school supplies, and household items into labeled bins, shelves, or drawers. When everything has a designated spot, it’s easier for kids (and adults) to tidy up.
3. Be Intentional with Purchases
Before buying something new, ask yourself:
Do I truly need this?
Where will it go in my home?
What will I let go of to make space for it?
4. Teach Kids by Example
If you want your kids to be mindful of their belongings, lead by example. Show them how to declutter, organize, and take care of their space.
5. Limit the Influx
Try setting boundaries for your shopping habits, like a monthly budget for non-essential items or a no-buy period to focus on using what you already have.
Your Kids Aren’t the Problem
Kids will always be kids, and yes, they’ll make messes. But when their space—and yours—is manageable, it’s easier for everyone to clean up and maintain order. By addressing the habits that bring excess into the home, you’ll notice a shift: less clutter, more peace, and a home that truly works for your family.
The next time you feel overwhelmed by the mess, pause before you blame the kids. Instead, take a look at the unopened boxes, the shopping bags, and the endless “just-in-case” purchases. The real solution isn’t less play—it’s less stuff.
Ready to Tackle the Clutter?If you’re feeling overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, I can help. Let’s work together to declutter, organize, and create a home that supports your family—not your shopping habits.
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