Decluttering When You Have Kids: Keeping Your Sanity

Let’s be honest—decluttering when you have kids can sometimes feel like trying to climb a mountain barefoot. With toys multiplying overnight, school papers piling up, and random bits and bobs appearing from seemingly nowhere, it’s enough to make any parent’s head spin. I know that maintaining a clutter-free home with little ones feels almost mythical, but trust me, it’s absolutely doable.

In this post, I’ll share some of my favourite strategies for decluttering while keeping your sanity intact, based on years of helping families just like yours. Let’s dive into how we can create a sense of order without constantly tidying up or feeling overwhelmed.

Embrace a Realistic Mindset

First, let’s start with our mindset. The days of a magazine-perfect living room might be on pause, but that doesn’t mean we have to surrender to chaos. A tidy, organised home is achievable, even with the toys and the general busyness that children bring. However, it’s all about balance. I find it helps to accept that while our home can be clean and organised, it doesn’t need to be spotless every hour of the day.

Letting go of unrealistic expectations is the first, and perhaps the most important, step. We’re aiming for a home that works for our family’s needs, not against them. This includes defining what “clean” and “tidy” means for you in this season of life. For me, it’s a space that’s free of excess, where I can find what we need quickly and easily. Once we stop chasing perfection, the process of decluttering with kids becomes far more manageable.

Start Small and Involve the Kids

If you’re new to decluttering with children, starting small is key. Choose one room or even a single area within a room—perhaps a toy bin or the family’s shoe area. Focus on tackling that one space before moving on to the next. Small wins can create a feeling of progress without overwhelming us.

One thing I’ve found helpful is involving the children in the process. Depending on their ages, they may actually enjoy it! By asking them to sort through their toys, pick their favourites, or even help put items back in their places, they become part of the process. This can also teach them valuable skills around tidiness and taking care of their belongings. Plus, when they feel part of the process, they’re often more willing to keep it tidy.

Designate Zones for Play, Homework, and Family Time

Creating clear zones for different activities can work wonders. With dedicated areas for toys, art supplies, and schoolwork, it becomes easier to clean up, as everything has a home. Think of these zones as mini departments within your home—there’s a place for everything, and everyone knows where things should go.

In our home, we have a play area in the living room, a quiet corner for reading, and a homework station near the kitchen. Having these distinct spaces helps keep clutter confined to one area, and it makes tidying up quicker. It also encourages kids to respect the boundaries you set, so toys don’t wander all over the house. I’m not saying it’s foolproof, but it does help to have these zones in place!

Implement the “One In, Two Out” Rule

Children grow fast, which means they’re always moving through stages with toys, clothes, and books. To keep the clutter in check, I use the “one in, two out” rule. For every new item that comes into the house, something else has to leave. Whether it’s a toy, book, or even a new set of pyjamas, we let go of something that’s no longer needed.

This rule helps us to constantly evaluate what we have and to avoid accumulating things that no longer serve a purpose. Plus, it teaches children that their belongings have value and that it’s good to keep what they truly enjoy or need.

Use Kid-Friendly Storage Solutions

When organising for a family, having kid-friendly storage solutions is crucial. Shelving that’s too high or bins with complicated lids just aren’t practical. Instead, I use open bins, low shelves, and labelled containers that are easy for small hands to access. There’s a certain beauty in simple, functional storage—kids can reach their items, but they can also put them away just as easily.

I’m also a fan of clear, labelled bins for toys, crafts, and clothes. Having everything visible makes it easier to remember what we already have, and it avoids unnecessary duplicates. Labelling bins with pictures for younger children can also make it more fun for them to put things back.

Set Up a Regular Decluttering Routine

Life with kids can be chaotic, but setting up a regular decluttering routine makes it easier to keep things in check. I find it helpful to go through the toys, clothes, and general clutter at least once every three months. This doesn’t have to be an entire day dedicated to decluttering, either. I schedule short, 15-minute sessions to go through specific areas. It’s amazing what can be accomplished in a short amount of time with a little focus!

Another idea is to tie decluttering into seasonal changes. For example, when the summer clothes come out, we can also clear out any winter clothes that no longer fit. The same goes for toys or hobbies. Regular maintenance, rather than waiting until everything is out of hand, keeps the process manageable.

Create a Kid-Friendly “Donation Box”

Having a designated “donation box” that’s visible to everyone makes letting go easier. I explain to the kids that by donating their toys or clothes, we’re helping other children. This can make parting with items feel more positive for them, and it can foster a sense of generosity.

To keep things simple, we keep a box or bin in the cupboard. As soon as we come across something we no longer need, it goes straight into the donation box. Once it’s full, it’s time to donate. This quick process means we’re always slightly ahead in our decluttering, rather than constantly playing catch-up.

Simplify Routines to Reduce Mess

Our routines can be one of the biggest contributors to clutter. Think about how the day begins and ends—where do things tend to pile up? If school bags, shoes, and coats are always in a heap by the front door, it may be worth setting up a simple drop-off station there. Similarly, having a specific place for homework and another for toys can streamline routines and reduce the mess.

To make things even easier, we’ve simplified the morning and evening routines to help reduce clutter. We do a quick 10-minute tidy-up before bedtime, which allows us to start the next day fresh. And in the mornings, I make sure everything has a place to go as soon as we’re done with it. By simplifying routines, the mess naturally reduces.

Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection

Finally, I want to leave you with this: celebrate the progress you’re making, even if it’s slow. Decluttering with kids is a journey, not a one-time event. There will be days when it feels like you’re back to square one, and that’s okay. Celebrate the small wins, like clearing out one drawer or setting up a new routine, and be kind to yourself when things don’t go to plan.

Keeping your sanity while decluttering with children is absolutely possible. With a realistic approach, a few clever strategies, and some help from the kids themselves, your home can become a tidier, more peaceful space for the whole family. Remember, the goal is to create a home that works for you and brings you joy, not stress. Happy decluttering!

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Thanks Shelina