As a mom of two young boys, I know how easy it is for our homes to feel like a never-ending toy store mixed with laundry piles and snack wrappers. The clutter can quickly pile up, making it feel like there’s no way to get a handle on things.
But the truth is, even with kids, it’s possible to create a space that feels a little more peaceful and organized, and you can do it today!
Here are 10 quick hacks that I use to declutter my home, and I promise they won’t take up your whole day.
Let’s dive in!
1. Start with the easy wins. Pick up the toys.
We all know that toys seem to multiply overnight, and before you know it, there’s a sea of stuffed animals, Legos, and blocks covering your living room floor.
Here’s a quick win: Grab a large basket or bin (or even a laundry hamper) and spend 5-10 minutes gathering up all the toys in sight.
It’s not about sorting or organizing them just yet. It’s just about clearing the floor so that you can breathe again. Trust me, just putting the toys in a designated spot will make your space feel so much more organized.
Bonus tip: Teach your kids to put toys away after playing. I know, I know… it’s a work in progress, but a little effort goes a long way.
2. Use the “five-minute rule”.
If you have five minutes between tasks or while your little one is napping, use that time to tackle one small area of clutter.
Whether it’s the kitchen counter, your entryway, or your bathroom sink, spending just five minutes organizing one area can give you a huge sense of accomplishment.
Set a timer, and when it rings, move on to something else. You’d be amazed at how much you can get done in those short bursts of time!
3. Implement the one-in, one-out rule for clothes.
Clothes can constantly pile up, especially when you have kids. The “one-in, one-out” rule have helped me keep things manageable.
If I buy or receive a new item, I make sure to donate, sell, or recycle an old one. This keeps our wardrobes from getting out of control, and I feel good about passing things along to someone else who might need them.
4. Create toy rotation bins.
Kids can be overwhelmed by too many toys, and let’s be honest – so can we!
If you have a mountain of toys, consider rotating them.
Set up a few bins and store some toys away for a week or two, while the rest are out for play. When your kids get bored with what’s out, swap the bins and watch their excitement as they rediscover toys they haven’t seen in a while.
It’s a great way to keep clutter down while keeping your kids entertained.
Pro tip: Make sure the toys you store are easily accessible. You don’t want to waste time digging through bins!
5. Tidy up the entryway every day.
The entryway is the first thing you see when you walk into your home, and it’s the place where clutter tends to collect. Shoes, coats, backpacks, keys – you name it.
To make sure it doesn’t get out of hand, I try to tidy up the entryway every day. I’ll put shoes in a basket, hang coats on hooks, and keep a small dish for keys and loose change.
It takes just a few minutes and makes such a difference in how the rest of the house feels when you walk in.
6. Get rid of unused items (fast!).
I know it’s hard to part with things, especially when they hold sentimental value. But when things start piling up, it’s important to take a step back and assess what we actually use.
For example, my boys outgrow clothes, shoes, and toys quickly, so I make it a habit to go through their stuff every few months. I’ll grab a bag and fill it with anything they haven’t worn or played with in a while.
The best part? If I’m not sure about something, I give myself permission to toss it without guilt. It’s liberating!
Bonus tip: If you have baby items you’re not sure you’ll need again, donate them. Someone else will be so grateful for them.
7. Sort through the paper piles.
The paper clutter in my house (and I’m sure yours too!) is unreal. Between bills, school papers, and random flyers, it feels like the paper piles just never stop growing.
To get a handle on it, I make a point of sorting through papers daily. I’ll throw away anything that’s not important and file away what I need to keep.
I also keep a “To-Do” folder for any action items, so I don’t forget about them. It only takes a few minutes, but it keeps the paper chaos under control.
8. Use clear storage bins.
Clear storage bins are a game-changer. I use them for everything – from organizing the kids’ toys to storing extra blankets and clothes.
When everything has a home, it’s much easier to stay organized. And because the bins are clear, you don’t have to dig around to find what you need. A quick glance and you know exactly where everything is.
Pro tip: Label the bins if needed. It’s especially helpful for your husband, older kids and other family members to know where things go.
9. Declutter your digital life.
Yes, even our digital space can get cluttered! Between photos, emails, and apps, my phone used to feel like a junk drawer.
So, every few weeks, I take a few minutes to clear out my phone – deleting old photos, unsubscribing from unnecessary emails, and organizing apps into folders.
It might sound trivial, but it makes a big difference in how I feel when I pick up my phone. Plus, it frees up space for more photos of my kids, which let’s face it, are the most important ones!
10. Involve the kids in simple decluttering tasks.
This might be the most important tip – get your kids involved!
I know that’s easier said than done, but when I include my 3-year-old in the process, it helps teach him responsibility and makes the task feel less overwhelming for me.
I’ll give him a specific job, like putting books back on the shelf, putting dirty clothes in the hamper, or throwing away old snack wrappers, and we do it together.
It’s not just about getting things organized. It’s about making it a fun family activity.
Bonus Tip: My Secret Weapon – A Decluttering Binder!
I’ve got a little secret that has helped me stay organized and on top of the clutter: my Decluttering Binder! It’s a game-changer for me.
I keep everything organized in one place, from checklists and schedules to specific decluttering tasks for each room. The binder has different sections for the bedroom, kitchen, living room, bathroom and laundry room.
It’s my go-to guide when I need a little extra structure and motivation. Plus, I can track my progress, and that really helps me stay on top of things!
And here’s the best part: You can get your own Decluttering Binder too! If you’re ready to tackle your clutter, streamline your home, and make decluttering a habit, this binder will help you stay on track. It’s like having a personal decluttering coach at your fingertips.
Ready to take control of your home? Grab your Decluttering Binder today, and let’s get organized together! Your future clutter-free self will thank you.
Decluttering doesn’t have to be a huge, daunting task.
By breaking it down into smaller, manageable steps, you can tackle your clutter one quick win at a time.
And remember, you’re not aiming for perfection. You’re creating a space where you and your family can feel more relaxed and comfortable.
So, grab a bin, set your timer, and start decluttering your way to a calmer, more organized home.
You’ve got this!
Let me know how your decluttering goes, and if you have any favorite hacks of your own, feel free to share.
Happy organizing!
Need more tips on decluttering? Check these out!
- How to Declutter: 11 Easy Decluttering Tips
- Declutter FIRST Before You Organize and Clean
- Where to Start Decluttering When You Feel Overwhelmed
- or simply visit our Declutter Page for all things decluttering!
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