25 Simple Ways to Declutter Your Home With Kids for 2025
Decluttering can feel like a big task, especially when you have kids running around, but it doesn’t have to be stressful! With the right approach, you can create a calm, inviting, and organized space for your family. In this article, we’ll share 25 easy ways to declutter your home with kids. These tips will help you get rid of unnecessary clutter, make cleaning up a breeze, and maintain a peaceful environment for everyone.
1. Start Small
If your home feels overwhelming, don’t try to tackle everything at once. Begin with one room or area, like the living room or a kid’s playroom. This will give you a sense of accomplishment and encourage you to keep going.
2. Set a Decluttering Schedule
Set aside time each week to declutter. It doesn’t have to be long—just 15-30 minutes is enough. Pick a day that works for your family and stick to it.
3. Involve Your Kids
Make decluttering a family activity! Have your kids go through their toys and clothes to see what they want to keep. This helps them learn how to manage their belongings.
4. Use Baskets for Toys
Baskets are a great way to store toys neatly. Label each basket so your kids know where to put everything. It also makes cleanup quick and easy.
5. Apply the 12-12-12 Rule
The 12-12-12 rule is simple: find 12 items to throw away, 12 items to donate, and 12 items to put back where they belong. It’s a fun way to declutter without feeling overwhelmed.
6. Create Toy Zones
Set up specific areas in your home where toys belong. Whether it’s a corner of the living room or a shelf in the playroom, having a “toy zone” helps keep toys from spreading everywhere.
7. Declutter the Kitchen Counters
Kitchen counters can get crowded with gadgets and paperwork. Keep only the essentials on the counter (like a toaster or coffee maker) and store the rest in cabinets.
8. Organize Your Kid’s Art
Kids love to create art, but piles of drawings can build up fast. Set up a display area to hang their art, and store older pieces in a folder or box. This keeps the memories without the mess.
9. Clear the Entryway
The entryway often becomes a dumping ground for shoes, bags, and coats. Install hooks for coats, shelves for shoes, and a basket for bags to keep everything organized.
10. Create a Family Command Center
Designate a space, like a bulletin board or a drawer, for family schedules, important papers, and reminders. This helps everyone stay organized and keeps the clutter off countertops.
11. Go Digital for Kids’ Papers
Instead of holding onto every drawing or paper your kids bring home, take pictures and store them digitally. This way, you keep the memories without the clutter.
12. Declutter Clothes Regularly
Kids grow fast! Regularly check your kids’ closets for clothes that no longer fit. Donate anything that’s outgrown to keep the wardrobe manageable.
13. Use Closet Organizers
Make the most of closet space by using bins, baskets, or hanging organizers. This helps keep clothes and toys neat and easy to access.
14. Apply the “One In, One Out” Rule
For every new toy or item your kids receive, ask them to donate one. This helps control the flow of clutter and teaches them the importance of giving.
15. Declutter the Bathroom
Bathrooms can quickly become cluttered with toiletries, bath toys, and cleaning supplies. Use storage solutions like baskets or drawer dividers to keep everything organized.
16. Use Multi-Functional Furniture
Furniture that serves multiple purposes is a great space-saver. For example, an ottoman that doubles as storage or a coffee table with drawers helps keep things neat and tidy.
17. Create a Family Laundry Station
Keep laundry organized by having separate baskets for each family member. This makes it easy to sort and fold clothes quickly, reducing laundry clutter.
Alternatively, have just 1 dirty laundry basket in the laundry which keeps the management of laundry under control.
18. Get Rid of Broken or Unused Items
Regularly go through your kids’ toys, games, and electronics to get rid of anything that’s broken or no longer used. Don’t hold on to items that no one needs.
19. Use Labels
Labels help everyone in the family know where things belong. Label toy baskets, drawers, and even shelves so everything has a specific spot.
20. Simplify Your Kids’ Toys
Having fewer toys makes cleanup easier and reduces clutter. Keep the toys your kids play with the most, and donate the ones they don’t use anymore.
21. Clear Your Own Clutter
As parents, we can accumulate clutter too! Go through your own clothes, books, and paperwork and get rid of anything you don’t need. Keeping your own space organized sets a good example for your kids.
22. Set a Daily Cleanup Time
Make cleaning up part of your family’s daily routine. Set aside 10-15 minutes each day to clean up together. Turn it into a game to make it fun for the kids!
23. Use a “Keep or Toss” Box
If you’re unsure whether to keep something, put it in a “keep or toss” box. If you don’t use it in the next month, donate it or throw it away.
24. Declutter During Breaks
Take advantage of small breaks during the day, like while waiting for dinner to cook, to declutter. This can be a quick way to stay on top of things without taking up too much time.
25. Celebrate Your Progress
When you’ve decluttered a room, celebrate your success! A fun activity, like watching a movie together or enjoying a family snack, will reward your hard work.
How to Declutter When You Have Children?
Decluttering with children is all about creating a routine and sticking to it. Instead of trying to declutter everything at once, break it down into small tasks, like focusing on one room or area at a time. Involve your kids by letting them help sort their toys and clothes, making it a family effort. This teaches them the importance of decluttering and helps you stay on track.
How Do You Deal With a Messy House With Kids?
Dealing with a messy house with kids is about consistency. Make cleaning up a part of your daily routine by setting aside time to tidy up each day. Create an organized space for toys, and make sure everything has a designated spot. Encourage your kids to clean up after themselves and make it fun by turning it into a game or setting a timer.
How Do You Keep a Minimalist Home With Kids?
Keeping a minimalist home with kids requires intentionality and planning. Start by only keeping items that are truly needed and loved. Regularly declutter toys, clothes, and other items that are no longer in use. Stick to the one-in-one-out rule, where every new item is balanced by donating or getting rid of something old. Choose simple, functional furniture, and create easy-to-maintain spaces that everyone in the family can enjoy.
Conclusion
Decluttering with kids doesn’t have to be stressful. By taking small, manageable steps and involving your kids in the process, you can create a clean, organized home that feels calm and inviting. With the right mindset and a bit of routine, you can keep your home tidy and stress-free, making it a happy place for your whole family.
This article is such a helpful guide for families with kids! The tips are practical and easy to implement, making decluttering feel less overwhelming. I especially love the ideas of involving kids in the process and using creative strategies like the 12-12-12 rule. These approaches not only make cleaning up manageable but also teach kids valuable lessons about organization and generosity. Thanks for sharing such a detailed and encouraging resource!
I’m so glad that you found the article valuable, Loshane, thank you. Decluttering is a constant thing to keep in mind in a household with kids and I had to put some of the principles into action too today, especially after Christmas time! 🙂