Decluttering Tips For Families: 7 Simple Tips

Clutter has a sneaky way of taking over family homes. Especially for families with young kids who don’t yet clean up after themselves.

Take my house, for example. 5 kids. Toys, clothes, school papers, craft projects—it all piles up quickly, and suddenly I’m overwhelmed. And I wonder why the stress kicks in and it’s hard to focus on anything else!

The good news? Decluttering as a family can bring everyone closer while creating a calmer, more organized home. It doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore. By breaking it down into simple steps, involving everyone, and using these family-friendly tips, you’ll soon have a space that feels lighter and more functional.

In this article, I share decluttering tips for families and 7 simple steps you can implement starting today.

What Are Decluttering Tips For Families?

Step 1. Set Family Decluttering Goals

Before you dive in, start by setting clear goals and communicating them to keep everyone on the same page.

• Discuss the benefits: Talk about how decluttering will make the home easier to clean, less stressful, and more enjoyable for everyone. My 5, 6, and 8 year old totally understand this concept, and I recommend starting the discussion even earlier to help kids understand.
• Define priorities: Decide which areas of the house need the most attention, like the playroom or kitchen.
• Involve the kids: Ask them to share their thoughts and let them help set goals for their spaces.

Setting a family vision for the project can make it feel like an exciting team effort rather than a chore.

Step 2. Create a Decluttering Checklist by Room

A checklist keeps the process organized and prevents overwhelm.

• Living Room:
  • Sort through toys and books.
  • Fold blankets and organize pillows.
  • Remove anything that doesn’t belong.
• Kitchen:
  • Clear out expired food from the pantry and fridge.
  • Declutter “junk drawers.”
  • Organize utensils and dishes.
• Bedrooms:
  • Sort clothes into Keep, Donate, and Trash piles.
  • Tidy up nightstands and remove clutter.
  • Store seasonal clothes in labeled bins.
• Bathrooms:
  • Throw away expired toiletries and medications.
  • Organize cabinets and drawers.
  • Keep only the essentials within easy reach.

Break larger tasks into bite-sized steps so everyone can pitch in, no matter their age.

3. Start Small and Build Momentum

Jumping into the biggest mess can be overwhelming, so start small. This can create a small win (which is definitely still a win!) and can help you build positive momentum.

• Focus on one room or area at a time: Begin with a single drawer, shelf, or corner of a room.
• Celebrate small wins: Each cleared space is a victory and will motivate everyone to keep going.
• Avoid perfectionism: The goal is progress, not perfection.

Even 15 minutes a day can make a big difference over time.

4. Involve Kids in Decluttering

Kids can be great helpers if you make it fun and empowering.

• Turn it into a game: Try a scavenger hunt to find specific items (e.g., toys to donate or trash to throw away), or a game to see who can find two pairs of shoes that no longer fit them first.
• Teach the “donation mindset:” Help them understand that their unused items can bring joy to other kids.
• Let them decide: Encourage children to make decisions about their toys, books, and clothes.
• Start good habits early: The earlier you start talking to your kids about the importance of a peaceful, tidy, decluttered home and involve them in the process, the better. Even my almost two year old helps put away his toys.

For older kids, discuss why decluttering is important and how it creates more space for things they truly love.

And when all else fails in my house, I’m not above offering a bribe to get the kids motivated to help!

5. Practical Tips for Family Decluttering

Here are some actionable strategies to make the process smooth and efficient:

• Use the “Four Pile Method”: To start decluttering, set up 4 separate piles: Keep, Donate, Toss, and Relocate. This makes getting each item to their proper place much easier. I swear by this approach!
• Use labeled bins: Use storage bins with labels to group like items in closets or on shelves. For more on smart storage solutions and tools for decluttering, check out my other article on The Best Decluttering Tools To Help You Stay Organized.
• Set timers: Decluttering sprints of 10–15 minutes keep the task manageable, especially for younger children.
• Adopt the “one in, one out” rule: For every new item brought into the home, one old item must go.
• Designate a donation day: Schedule a regular day to drop off donations to avoid clutter piles lingering.

These small adjustments can make a big impact on your home’s organization.

6. Decluttering Challenges Families Face

Decluttering isn’t always smooth sailing, but you can overcome common obstacles with these tips:

• Sentimental items: Limit keepsakes to a designated box or drawer for each family member.
• Shared spaces: Assign responsibility for specific areas (e.g., kids clean their toys, adults handle kitchen clutter).
• Reluctance to let go: Focus on the benefits of decluttering and emphasize progress over perfection.

7. Maintain a Clutter-Free Family Home

Decluttering isn’t a one-and-done task—it’s a lifestyle. And this can be the hard part if you don’t adopt the right mindset. These habits will help maintain your progress:

• Daily tidy-ups: Spend 5–10 minutes each day straightening up.
• Seasonal declutters: Revisit closets, toys, and shared spaces every few months.
• Assign zones: Make each family member responsible for maintaining a specific area. As an example, my 5, 6, and 8 year old daughters are solely responsible for their own rooms. I help them go through their close at the end of each season in preparation for the next. Aside from that, they’re on their own in their room, and they do a great job (usually!) maintaining it.
• Limit purchases: Avoid bringing in unnecessary items to prevent clutter from building up again.

By sticking to these habits, your home can stay organized year-round, and you can avoid the overwhelm from a major pile-up.

Decluttering Tips For Families

Decluttering as a family is about more than just a clean home. It’s an opportunity to work together, build lifelong habits, and create a space that feels peaceful and welcoming. Whether you’re tackling a messy playroom or overstuffed closet, these tips will help you take control and enjoy the process.

Ready to transform your home? Start small, get the whole family involved, and remember to celebrate your progress. A clutter-free home—and a happier family—is just a few steps away!

If you want more help with decluttering, be sure to check out this other article I wrote on How To Declutter Your Home Like A Minimalist Expert.