The Secret to Getting Kids to Declutter—And Actually Have Fun Doing It!

Ever feel like you’re the only one trying to keep things organized while everyone else just adds to the mess? You clear a space, and within days (or hours), the toys, clothes, and random kid treasures start creeping back in.

You’re not alone. So many parents tell me the same thing:

"I want a clutter-free home, but my kids won’t help."
"I try to get rid of things, but they cling to everything."
"I don’t want to fight about this—I just want them to help!"

I get it. The last thing you want is another battle over stuff. But here’s the thing—kids can learn to declutter. They just need the right approach.

3 Simple Ways to Get Kids to Help with Decluttering

If you’re tired of nagging and ready for real progress, try these three simple strategies:

1️⃣ Give Them a Choice – Instead of forcing decisions, give them control. “Do you want to declutter books or stuffed animals today?” Even small choices help them feel in charge.

2️⃣ Start Small – If you say, “Let’s declutter the playroom!” that’s overwhelming. Instead, say, “Can you find five toys you don’t play with anymore?” Tiny steps build momentum.

3️⃣ Use a Reward System – The reward doesn’t have to be a toy! Try letting them pick the family movie, an extra bedtime story, or a fun outing. It’s about making decluttering feel like progress, not punishment.

If you’ve ever tried getting your kids to declutter and ended up frustrated, you’re not alone. That’s exactly why I created my free decluttering game—to turn decluttering into something kids actually want to do.

How It Works:

✅ Fun, easy-to-follow challenges
✅ A simple way to break down the process so it’s not overwhelming
✅ Built-in rewards to keep kids motivated

Instead of:
"Go clean up your toys!" (Cue the meltdown.)

Try this:
"Time for a challenge! When you finish, you get a reward!"

Kids want to win. They want to play. And suddenly, you’re not forcing them to help—you’re inviting them into a fun challenge.

Decluttering doesn’t have to be a battle. It can be fun, it can be easy, and best of all—it can actually work.

Click here to download the free printable!

Decluttering is Only Half the Battle—Storage Matters Too

Once you’ve cleared the clutter, the next step is keeping things organized. Good storage makes it easier for kids to clean up (and keep things that way). When kids have a simple system, they’re more likely to use it.

Here are a few storage ideas that help *affiliate links: 

Picture Labels – Kids can see what goes where, making clean-up faster.

Stuffie Hammocks – Keeps their favourite toys accessible without a mess.

Clear Storage Bags– Easy to toss things in at the end of the day.                                                       

Floating Shelves - Great for small spaces.                                               

2-in-1 Toy Organizer + Play Mat - Simplifies cleanup and offers versatile storage for any space.  

Small Wins Lead to Big Changes 

Getting kids to help with decluttering doesn’t have to feel like an uphill battle. With the right approach—and a little fun—it can actually become a habit they enjoy. Start small, make it easy, and if you want a simple way to get them involved, grab my free decluttering printable and turn cleanup time into playtime!