«Tidying up for 10 minutes a day, that's the trick»

Mrs Domeniconi, for many children, tidying up has a negative connotation. What are your experiences?

My children love tidying up. Sure, I'm also a tidying coach - that rubs off. But it's basically down to the parents' attitude: If they like tidying up, the children like doing it too. When my son was two, the playgroup leader called me and said he was so good at tidying up.

When I'm travelling as a coach, I often have good experiences with children, especially when the parents aren't there. It's easier when someone else tells you how to tidy up the children's room. And the children's room is often the tidiest room in the home.

And what if children simply don't want to tidy up despite their parents' positive attitude?

If the child refuses to tidy up, a house rule helps: brushing teeth is also non-negotiable. Another good tool is music. Tidy up together with the children as long as a song is playing.

When parents like to tidy up, the children like to do it too.

Tidying up should also become a daily routine, just like brushing your teeth or clearing the dishes after a meal. You can also introduce a challenge à la «Who can do more in a certain time?». The important thing is to set a good example.

What tasks do children generally like to do?

Sort. Toys by colour or product. So put all the cars together or all the cuddly toys in one box. Children are reluctant to give away emotional gifts from deceased relatives such as their grandmother or grandfather. Even seven-year-olds have an appreciation for objects with sentimental value.

At what age can children be expected to tidy up their room?

Children can help from the age of two. I usually do my coaching sessions with school-age children from Year 1. But you should motivate them from an early age.

Does tidying up always have to go hand in hand with a reward?

No, tidying up should be a matter of course. I don't reward my children for brushing their teeth either. But of course, if the child completes an additional major task, this can also be rewarded if parents want to.

Everyday tips for «simple tidying»

What do I do with a surplus of toys?

As a general rule, you should muck out two to four times a year. I always clear out before my children's birthdays. This has already made room for new things. As parents, you can also partly control what the children receive from grandparents or godparents for Christmas or birthdays. Gifts that make sense are adventure gifts such as trips, or you can collect money for a larger Lego set instead of ten small ones. Older children can be given money for music lessons or a subscription to a magazine.

Does it make sense to draw up a weekly tidying schedule?

You don't need a weekly plan, regularity and routine are the name of the game. Tidying up for ten minutes every evening should be a matter of course. Rules like this are also useful: If a toy is taken out, it should be put away again immediately after playing.

Mucking out is the be-all and end-all and I recommend this to everyone.

Many families lack space: are there any good tricks for tidying up toys to save space?

Clearing out is the be-all and end-all and I recommend this to everyone. Anything you haven't used for a year can be given away according to the motto: «Use it or lose it.» According to the well-known Japanese tidying expert Marie Kondo, «like goes with like»: you don't need three hole punches in three different places.

Spatial boundaries also help with tidying up. Every toy has its place, and when the box with the books, soft toys or cars is full, it is full. It is best to label the boxes or use different colours. The floor for playing should be as free as possible, so wall shelves are a good choice.

What do you think: If one comes in, one has to go out?

This is one of my top tricks. I am convinced of this method. I keep a kind of «out box» at home. Every toy or item of clothing that you no longer want or need goes in there. When the box is full, I give the items away or dispose of them.

Which organisations do you recommend for donating old toys?

A good question that I often hear. You used to be able to take everything to second-hand shops, but they have become more selective. I therefore recommend neighbourhood help. Everyone knows someone who takes old toys abroad in a lorry, for example. Facebook groups also work well. Or you can organise a toy swap afternoon with a few other parents. Items of clothing in good condition can be taken to children's second-hand shops for a fee.

You also always see children at flea markets who have their own stall. Is it a good experience for children to sell their old toys and then use the money to buy a new toy?

I think that's a cool thing. My children always had fun earning some money by selling their toys. They learnt the value of money and were able to buy something new with the money they earned, which they really appreciated. But it takes a lot of effort to organise a flea market, you have to want to do it.

More information at: www.organize-my-space.ch