How to declutter kids’ rooms without the stress
Thinking about how to declutter kids’ rooms can feel overwhelming, from toys on the floor, overflowing clothes, and craft supplies that seem to multiply, you may feel exhausted before you even begin.
If the idea of decluttering your kid’s rooms fills you with dread, you’re not alone. But here’s the good news, decluttering kids’ rooms doesn’t have to be time consuming. With the right approach, it can feel simple and manageable.
In this post I’ll walk you through how to declutter your kids’ bedrooms. You’ll learn how to get started, what to let go of, how to organise what stays, and how to keep clutter from creeping back in.
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Why decluttering your kids’ rooms matters
It can feel impossible trying to keep kids’ bedroom clutter to a minimum.
Toys, clothes, books, and craft supplies can accumulate faster than you can sort through them.
However, here are some benefits of decluttering this space that may give you the encouragement you need to get started:
- Helps improve sleep
- Reduces stress
- Makes tidying up simpler for you and your kids
How to declutter kids’ rooms
Here are some tips on how to get started decluttering, so getting your kids’ rooms clutter free feels less daunting.
Pick and choose the tips that you’d like to try, until you find the best combination that works for you.
Schedule it in
Scheduling time to declutter your kids’ rooms into your calendar, and treating it like an appointment you can’t cancel, is a great way to make sure you get it done.
Set a timer
One of my favourite decluttering motivation tips is to set a timer for 10–15 minutes, and see how much I can get done in that time.
Start small
To ease yourself into decluttering your kids’ rooms, start with a small area such as a cluttered drawer, a section of wardrobe, or toys.
Starting small may even give you the motivation you need to tackle larger areas.
RELATED: How to create a calm space with a bedroom declutter
Choose the right time
A great way to get the most out of any decluttering job is to do it in a time that works for you.
In the case of decluttering kids’ rooms, the best time to do it is during school hours, or when your kids are at an extra-curricular activity.
Set some declutter rules
Before you begin decluttering, set some declutter rules, such as:
- Only keep what your kids use or love
- Set size or quantity limits, e.g. one storage container per toy category
- Make sure every item has a place to live
Setting declutter rules helps guide your decluttering efforts, and minimise overwhelm.
Create zones
A great way to keep kids’ bedrooms clutter free is to create zones, and make sure any items that you keep are put away in their zone.
Some zone ideas include:
- Play zone
- Reading / learning zone
- Storage zone
- Sleep zone
Creating zones helps you and your kids know where things go, helping you to declutter fast.
An example of how you can use zones, using a play zone, is to make sure any items your kids play with are kept there, for example soft toys, action figures, doll houses etc.
Use smart storage
The right storage makes all the difference when it comes to removing clutter from kids’ rooms.
Some examples of storage you can use to contain clutter includes:
- Toy storage organisers for books and toys
- Labelled storage containers for craft supplies or Lego
- Under bed drawers to store out of season clothes, or hand me downs
- Wall shelves to keep smaller items off the floor
Use labels
If you have younger children, placing labels or using colour coded containers, can help them put things away independently.
Keep clothing under control
Clothes can be a big source of clutter in your kids’ rooms.
To keep clothing clutter under control apply the following decluttering rules to kid’s clothing:
- Clothes that don’t fit – donate or store away for younger siblings
- Out of season clothing – store away
- Organise remaining clothing by type, or by colour
- Fold clothes where possible to make them easier to find
RELATED: How to organise clothes effortlessly
Rotate toys
One of the best ways that I minimise bedroom clutter in my home is by rotating my kid’s toys.
This means:
- Keeping a small set of toys accessible
- Storing the rest out of sight
- Swapping toys monthly or seasonally
Rotating toys gives kids a sense of novelty, reduces clutter, and doesn’t make your kids feel like you’ve taken things away.
READ MORE: How to use a toy rotation system to tackle toy clutter
Things to declutter from your kids’ rooms
Here’s a decluttering checklist with some items you may consider decluttering from your kids’ rooms:
- Outgrown clothes and shoes
- Outgrown toys and books
- Toys with missing pieces, broken parts, or that no longer work
- Duplicate items
- Old school artwork
- Craft supplies
- Party favours
- Fancy dress or sports gear
How to keep kids’ rooms clutter free
Once you’ve decluttered your kids’ rooms, here are some ways to keep them clutter free.
Evaluate kids’ rooms seasonally
Kids outgrow their clothes and toys all the time, so a great way to declutter kids’ rooms is to go through clothes and toys seasonally, such as before birthdays or Christmas, and donate items no longer used.
Keep everyday items within reach
Keep items your kids’ use every day at eye level, so they can be easily accessed and put away.
Practice the “One In, One Out” rule
Whenever something new comes into your kids’ rooms, take something old out.
This is a great way to avoid clutter creeping back into their bedrooms.
Have a 5 minute evening reset
To maintain clutter free kids’ rooms, consider doing a nightly reset before bed where you:
- Remove rubbish
- Put items back in zones
- Tidy toys
RELATED: The busy mum’s guide to a weekly reset
What to do with decluttered kids’ items
Here are the options for what to do with kids’ items that you’ve decided to declutter:
- Keep
- Donate / Sell
- Recycle / Throw out
Only donate or sell items that are in wearable or working condition.
If you decide to sell an item, make sure you list it when you declutter it, otherwise it may end up staying in your home, defeating the purpose of decluttering it in the first place.
When I sell decluttered items I list them straight away, and if they don’t sell within a week, I remove the listings and donate them, so they don’t clutter up my home.
How to declutter kids’ rooms – a recap
Decluttering kids’ rooms doesn’t have to be a long process.
With a clear plan, simple decluttering rules, and the right systems, you can create kids’ bedrooms that feel calm, are easy to manage, and that are places your kids want to spend time in.
Starting small, making decisions on what stays, and using storage solutions will help you declutter your kids’ rooms fast.
After you declutter, seasonal reviews, using the “one in, one out” rule, and a quick evening reset will stop clutter from creeping back in, keeping your kids’ rooms clutter free for the long term.
In case you missed it, here’s your free printable declutter checklist that has all the items listed in this post.
What are two things you can declutter from your kids’ rooms today?
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