🌸 Spring Cleaning: Decluttering With Kids at Home

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Last Saturday, as I was rummaging through our garage for my annual spring decor, I decided we were finally going to “get organized.” I'm sure you know the kind of motivation I’m talking about — fueled by coffee, mild frustration, and the sudden belief that if I just put everything in the right bin, life would feel calmer.

Two hours later, my firs grader suddenly decided she was emotionally attached to a broken party favor from 2021, and I was standing in the hallway holding a single sock wondering how it all got so out of hand.

Decluttering with kids at home is not for the faint of heart. But it is possible. And no, you don’t have to wait until they’re older or magically cooperative.

If you’re trying to declutter your whole house with toddlers and elementary-aged kids underfoot, here’s a realistic plan that actually works.

Step 1: Start With Visible Wins (Not Sentimental Items)

When decluttering with kids at home, start where it’s easiest. Think:

• Broken toys
• Duplicate toys
• Outgrown clothes
• Expired art supplies
• Random Happy Meal leftovers

Do NOT start with:

• Baby keepsakes
• Special stuffed animals
• Memory boxes

You need momentum before you tackle emotional landmines. Quick wins build confidence... for both you and for your kids!

Step 2: Use Clear Containers (So Everyone Can See What Exists)

One of the biggest game-changers in our house was switching to clear storage. When kids can’t see what’s inside a bin, they assume it doesn’t exist… and then they dump everything looking for it.

Using clear containers makes it easier for kids to:

• Find what they need
• Put things back independently
• Realize they already own 47 tiny plastic dinosaurs

I like these simple clear storage bins from Amazon: they're stackable and are drawers so my kid can take out / clean up as needed. Nothing fancy. Just functional.

When everything is visible, you eliminate a lot of “I can’t find it!” chaos.

Step 3: Limit What’s Out (You Don’t Have to Get Rid of Everything)

Decluttering with kids doesn’t mean you throw away 80% of their belongings overnight. Sometimes it just means rotating. Keep fewer toys accessible at one time and store the rest in a closet or garage. Rotate every few weeks.

Fewer visible options:

• Reduces overwhelm
• Encourages deeper play
• Makes cleanup faster

And honestly? Kids play better when there’s less. I like to keep my "rotation" in my garage, and again - keep the bins CLEAR and keep them stackable. It makes a difference when you're able to see what's inside while simultaneously keeping it organized.

Step 4: Give Everything a Label

If you want your kids to maintain the system, it has to be obvious.

Every bin should answer the question:
“Where does this go?”

Using a simple label maker makes a huge difference. Even elementary-aged kids can follow clear labels.

For toddlers, add icon labels if they're still learning to read (e.g., "square icon for legos, dog icon for stuffies")

The easier you make cleanup, the less you’ll feel like you’re nagging all day.

Step 5: Declutter in Small Pockets of Time

You do not need an entire Saturday.

In fact, with kids at home, that’s usually a recipe for frustration.

Instead try:

• 15 minutes during quiet time
• One drawer while dinner cooks
• One shelf before school pickup

Decluttering with kids at home works best in micro-sessions.

Small, steady progress beats one dramatic burnout weekend (trust me on this).

Step 6: Involve Your Elementary Kids (But Keep It Simple)

Elementary-aged kids can absolutely help declutter — if you guide them.

Instead of asking:
“What do you want to get rid of?”

Try:
“Pick your five favorites.”

This feels empowering instead of threatening.

Toddlers? Let's be honest. Keep them busy in another room if possible. Sometimes survival mode is the most efficient strategy.

Step 7: Don’t Forget the Grown-Up Clutter

Yes, kids bring the majority of chaos. But sometimes the hallway pile, the overflowing junk drawer, and the random Amazon returns are ours.

The same rules apply to us adults. Clear, stackable organizing is KEY. For example, this is my clear jewelry organizer I like to keep on my dresser, and a clear desk organizer for my post its and pens.

What Decluttering With Kids at Home Really Looks Like

In conclusion... we're not looking for

• A Pinterest-perfect playroom
• Matching bins everywhere
• A house with zero mess

What we're striving for:

• Being able to find what you need
• Cleaning up in under 10 minutes
• Not feeling constantly overstimulated

If today all you do is clear one shelf — that counts. And if your toddler dumps the bin you just organized? That’s normal too.

Happy Spring Cleaning!