Let’s be honest: decluttering your home while kids are around can feel like trying to fold laundry during a tornado. But what if those little tornadoes could actually become your organizing allies? Getting kids involved in decluttering isn’t just possible—it’s actually pretty brilliant for everyone involved (but especially the parents!).
Why Bother Getting Kids Involved?
Sure, it would be faster to tackle that playroom solo after bedtime. But involving kids in organizing teaches them life skills, gives them ownership over their space, and shows them that keeping house is a team sport. Plus, children who learn organizing young tend to be tidier adults. Think of it as an investment in their future—and your sanity!
Set Realistic Expectations
Kids will be slower than you, get distracted by forgotten toys, and might want to keep everything “just in case.” That’s normal! The goal isn’t to create a perfectly organized space in record time—it’s to make organizing feel positive and doable.
Age-Appropriate Strategies
Ages 3-6: Keep It Fun
Turn everything into a game. Have “toy races” to see who can put blocks away fastest, or go on “treasure hunts” for missing puzzle pieces. Use colorful bins with picture labels so they know where things belong—hey, let them put those labels on the bins!
Keep sessions short, 15-20 minutes max. Any longer and you might have a meltdown on your hands. Give them an incentive like, “After we put your things away, then we’ll go to the park!”
Ages 7-12: Give Them Choices
This age group can handle real decisions. Teach them simple questions like, “Have I used this lately?” and “Do I really love this?” Set up “keep,” “donate,” and “trash” boxes and let them be the decision-makers.
Give them ownership of specific areas—their bedroom closet or desk drawer. Let them organize things their way, even if it’s not how you’d do it. You could even take them to the store to help choose the organizing containers they’ll be using!
Ages 13+: Treat Them Like Partners
Teenagers can handle the real deal. Involve them in planning projects and choosing storage solutions. Help them understand why organization matters—less stress, more time for fun stuff, and skills they’ll need in college.
Give them major control over their personal spaces while maintaining reasonable standards for shared areas.
Strategies That Actually Work
Start Small with the “One Thing” Rule
Ask each child to find just one thing they don’t need anymore. Once they nail that, bump it up to three things, then five. Small wins build confidence and momentum.
Make Sorting Easy
Set up labeled boxes: “keep,” “donate,” “trash,” and the magic “not sure” box. That last one is crucial for indecisive kids—you can revisit those items later.
Try the “One In, One Out” Rule
New toy comes in? Something else goes out. This prevents endless accumulation and helps kids think before saying “I need that!”
Keep It Light and Fun
Put on their favorite music, celebrate small victories, and take breaks when energy flags. If someone’s getting overwhelmed, switch gears—maybe tackle a different area or call it a day. You want to create positive associations with organizing, not turn it into a battle.
Let kids share stories about items they’re considering donating. It helps them process attachments and often leads to natural “letting go” moments.
When Kids Push Back
Respect the Sentimental Stuff
If they’re deeply attached to something, honor that—even if it’s a broken Happy Meal toy from three years ago. Forcing kids to give up treasured items creates anxiety around organizing.
Handle Overwhelm Gracefully
Some kids get stressed making decisions about their stuff. Reassure them there are no wrong choices and they can always change their minds later. If someone has a meltdown, take a break and try again another day.
Building Habits That Stick
Once you’ve decluttered, create simple systems everyone can follow. Maybe it’s a 10-minute pickup before dinner or a weekly “bedroom reset.” The key is making it routine rather than a big dramatic event.
Model the behavior you want to see. If you want organized kids, let them see you making decisions about your own stuff and maintaining your systems.
Schedule periodic decluttering sessions as part of your normal family routine—seasonally when switching clothes, before birthdays or big holidays when new stuff arrives, or simply monthly as maintenance. It could be the last Sunday of each month—and after an afternoon of family decluttering, it’s make-your-own-pizza night! Never underestimate the element of Fun as an incentive.
The Bottom Line
Teaching kids to organize isn’t really about having a pristine house (though that’s a nice bonus). It’s about raising humans who can make decisions, take responsibility, and create spaces that foster productivity and well-being. These skills will serve them well beyond childhood—whether they’re managing a college dorm room or their first apartment.
Will there be frustrating moments? Absolutely. Will progress sometimes feel glacially slow? You bet. But stick with it. The kids learning these skills now will become adults who can create and maintain organized, peaceful spaces.
Plus, there’s something pretty special about working together as a family to create a home that feels good for everyone. Even if it takes twice as long and involves significantly more negotiation than you anticipated.