If you’ve ever tried to declutter your home while stepping over toy trains and snack cups, you know: decluttering with kids is a whole different story.
But it can be done—and it doesn’t have to be a battle.
In fact, involving your kids in the process can help them build lifelong habits around responsibility, gratitude, and simplicity.
Here’s how to declutter with kids—without tears, power struggles, or stepping on LEGO bricks (well… not as often, anyway 😉).
🧺 1. Start with Your Own Stuff First
Before diving into your child’s room or toy bins (hopefully you're using our toy bin labels!), lead by example. Let them see you donate clothes, tidy a space, or let go of things that no longer serve you.
💬 “I’m giving this sweater to someone else who might need it. It doesn’t fit anymore, but it’s still in great shape!”
This models generosity and shows that decluttering isn’t about punishment—it’s about purpose.
🧸 2. Create a ‘Keep, Donate, Toss’ Game
Make it visual and fun! Use bins or boxes labeled:
- ✅ Keep
- ♻️ Donate
- 🚫 Toss
Set a timer for 10–15 minutes and challenge your child to sort through a small area (one bin, one drawer, one shelf).
🌟 Bonus Tip: Let them decorate the donation box or write a card to “the next kid who gets this toy.”
🧠 3. Ask Simple, Empowering Questions
Skip “Do you want to keep this?” (the answer is almost always yes 😅). Instead, try:
- “Do you still play with this?”
- “Is this a toy you would choose today?”
- “Would you rather have more space or keep this?”
- “Can we give this to another child who doesn’t have toys?”
These questions help kids reflect and feel in control—not forced.
📦 4. Set Limits, Not Punishments
Kids thrive with clear boundaries. Try:
- One toy bin per category (one for dolls, one for blocks, etc.)
- A bookshelf with a “one in, one out” rule
- Seasonal toy rotations to keep things fresh without excess
💡 If a bin is overflowing, it’s a sign it’s time to edit—not add more storage.
🌿 5. Declutter When They’re In a Good Mood
Tired, cranky, overstimulated kids aren’t great decision-makers (to be fair… neither are adults!).
Choose calm windows of time: after a snack, on a quiet afternoon, or as part of a “room reset” after playtime.
💖 6. Celebrate the Progress, Not Perfection
Decluttering with kids won’t look like Pinterest—and that’s okay. Even just removing five unused toys is a win.
Celebrate:
- Before & after photos
- A clean floor to play on
- A special treat after donating items
🏆 Make it feel like an accomplishment—because it is. Make sure you also read DIY Reward Systems For Kids That Actually Work – Simplicity Home Living!
👨👩👧 Final Thoughts: Raise Simplicity-Minded Kids
Decluttering with children takes patience, creativity, and compassion. But when you slow down and include them in the process, you’re planting the seeds of mindful living.
Less mess means more space to play, connect, and rest.
And isn’t that what we all really want—for them and for us?
✨ Want more tips like this? Download my free Room-by-Room Decluttering Checklist to help the whole family simplify with purpose.
