• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • New Here?
    • Meet Corey
    • Tour My Home
    • Contact
  • Decorate Your Home
    • Popular Posts
    • Color In Your Home
    • How to Decorate
    • Declutter & Organize
    • DIY Projects
    • Seasonal Decor
  • My Courses
    • Style Your Way Home
    • The Declutter Method
    • Color Made Clear
    • Student Login
  • Shop My Home
  • Hey There, Home
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
Hey There, Home

Hey There, Home

Learn to Decorate. Love Your Home.

Kid’s Room Organization: How to Teach Your Kids to Declutter

Pin724
Share75
Email
799 Shares
kids room organization - how to teach kids to declutter

Inside: Kid’s room organization is so much easier in a clutter free space, but we’ve got to teach them to declutter first. These tips will help you teach your kids how to declutter.

For the past year I’ve been on a mission to decrapify our house. We’ve been here for almost 8 years and have had two kids in that time so you can imagine that there’ve been a lot of different things that we’ve needed in all of those different stages of the kid’s lives.

My daughter is nearing eight and the time it would take that child to “clean” up her room was crazy. And when she was done you literally still could not see the top of her dresser because well, like many 7 year olds, she’s a collector – of everything.

Cleaning her room had turned into stuffing things where ever she could and so yes, the floor was clear, but it had been way too long since we’d gone through everything.

I knew how my own decluttering habit made me feel so much better in our home and wanted to start teaching her how to keep her own room clutter free so she could enjoy it!

What happened were two very big things.

She admitted that she’s a “stuffer“ (her word, not mine), and now every time she has to clean up her room she tells me how it takes so much less time cause there’s less stuff and she knows where everything goes.

I’ve also noticed that she plays in her room more and has kept it pretty tidy on her own because she’s proud of herself. That’s the exact thing I was going for.

So how did I get her and her 5 year old brother to declutter and get both kid’s rooms organized and under control?

Well, we spent one entire day in each of their rooms and went through everything one tiny bin, old shoe box, and drawer at a time and decided what to keep, what to donate, what was trash.

I was blown away at how successful we were and definitely want to share what worked for us so you can start teaching your kids to declutter too!

kids room organization - how to teach kids to declutter

1  |  Talk to your kids about the power of their donations.

Kid’s are naturally very empathetic. They understand how getting a new toy or a new outfit makes them feel happy and excited. What they don’t always realize is that there are some kids who don’t often get the opportunity to experience these feelings because of their circumstances.

Talking to my kids openly and often about how different life is for different people, not only makes them more appreciative of what they have, but also provides them the opportunity to show they care by donating the toys that they’ve outgrown. –And bonus, I think it makes them take better care of their toys knowing that another kid will be playing with it when they’re done.

When we’re going through their toys and they come across a toy that they haven’t played with in a long time but are having trouble letting go of, we talk about how happy they were when they first got the toy and how much fun they’ve had playing with it and how amazing it would be for another kid to get to be that happy. Often that’s the push they need to let it go. Of course there are times that they truly aren’t ready to let it go, so we visit it again next time.

2 | Teach them the two questions they need to ask themselves about each item.

For us adults letting go of our things can be really difficult because we attach meaning to lots of things but for kids to know if they’re ready to let go of something, is much more simple. It really comes down to these two questions.

  1. Do you use it or play with it?
  2. Do you love it?

Now I know you’re probably thinking, they’re going to say they love everything! We’ve been there. That’s where the next tip comes into play…

3 | Provide a place for everything.

We’ve made a habit of having boxes, bins, and containers for the kids toys. This keeps the toys organized and all the pieces and like items together so that when they’re getting something out to play with, all of the parts and pieces are there. It makes playing so much more fun.

It also helps with the decluttering because the rule is, if it doesn’t fit, you need to purge more!

For example, my son loves stuffed animals (I know, they’re the worst.) And when we’re going through them he’ll literally tell me that he loves every. single. one of them. —Which actually may be true because each one has a name and everything. 

But we keep his stuffed animals in a big basket in his closet and if the ones he’s keeping don’t fit in the basket, he needs to decide which ones to let go of.

This idea is at the core of the mental shift I’ve had to teach myself as an adult and that is: if everything is special, than nothing really is.

So paring it down to the most special, meaningful, or the stuffed animals he loves the most forces him to really think about what he values about each one and make some tough decisions — which I’m hoping sets him up for a clutter free life as he grows up.

Another quick example before we move on…

My daughter loves to collect sea shells. But we live near the beach and camp at the beach all the time so you can imagine how many shells we might have if she kept every single shell she liked –right?

One jar that she keeps in her closet solves the problem because she can’t have more than that. It’s forced her to only bring home one or two favorites when we go to the beach and get rid of the “not as special as she originally thought” ones in her jar to make room for those really awesome, once in while finds.

4 | Provide a bin in the closet for clothes they’ve outgrown.

At least once a month, especially at the beginning of a season, my kids will get dressed and they look like they’re preparing for a flood cause their pants are way too small. They used to just shove them back into the drawer, which makes absolutely no sense for a few reasons…

One, when I see a drawer full of pants I assume I don’t need to buy new pants for them.

And two, there’s no reason to keep clothes that don’t fit! -obviously

The solution has been to provide a spot where the clothes that no longer fit go. In my daughter’s room this is a small plastic bin in her closet and in my son’s room his go on a specific shelf in his closet. When the shelf or the bin get full, I box them up and give them to our hand-me-down people or donate them.

5 | Get the kids involved when deciding where to donate.

I totally get that often the easiest place to donate is the thrift store that will come pick up your stuff or who are open often and you can just drop everything off but to drive home the idea that their donations are powerful and meaningful we’ve found other places to donate our previously loved clothes and toys. Here are some examples:

Most of these you can find by just googling places in your area. I usually search “best places to donate used toys + city.” Many of them often have wish lists posted on their websites!

  • local women and kids shelter
  • churches
  • family run daycare facilities
  • preschools (especially in underprivileged areas)
  • children’s homes – where kids go when their waiting to be reunited with family memebers or awaiting foster care placement.
  • social services
  • hospitals and doctor’s offices
  • communities who have recently experienced a disaster
  • recently single moms or a family who have fallen on hard times

When I take the donations to these places the kids usually come with me and we talk about how the things we’re donating are going to benefit the people we’re giving them to.

I have to say that I used to dread going through the toys and sorting everything out, but now that I’m involving the kids it is a lot of fun because instead of it being a dreaded chore, it’s turned into a family project that will serve others.

I’d love to hear any other ideas you might have about where to donate previously loved kid’s toys and clothing in the comments below!

Related:

The mental shift that has me decluttering like crazy

75 Things to Get Rid of Right Now

3 Critical Decluttering Mistakes I Know You’re Making

Our Garage Before & After

How To Reduce Paper Clutter

Pin724
Share75
Email
799 Shares

Filed Under: Declutter and Organize

email signature no image

Primary Sidebar

I break decorating down into simple and repeatable steps that anyone can follow, --even if you don't have an eye for design, so you can create a beautiful home that feels like YOU. >> Learn more.

Let’s connect!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

best tips for decluttering without getting overwhelmed

Take a free decorating class

Footer

More Freebies:

Free Video Class: Choose & Use Color In Your Home Like A Pro

Free Video Class: 3 Steps To Decorate Any Area In Your Home

Important Links:

My You Tube Channel

Contact

© Hey There Publishing, LLC

All images, text, and free downloads are the property of Hey There Publishing, LLC and can not be used in any way without written consent.

Disclosure & Cookie Policy

Let’s Connect!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Search this site

15 minutes is all it takes to… Clean out a draw 15 minutes is all it takes to…  Clean out a drawer, a cabinet, or quickly flip through your closet and grab a small bag of items you don’t need or want…  …and the impact of 15 min. rapid fire decluttering sessions adds up quickly, even after just a couple days!  Last night I cleaned out two drawers while the oven was preheating for dinner (did you see me in action on stories?) They were two drawers near our drop zone where things started to get stuffed and one of the drawers I use daily since I keep my notebook with the weeks meal plan, to-do lists, etc so it was driving me nuts that it was getting to be a chaotic mess.  So I set my timer for 15 min. to tackle it and not only did I get that one drawer done, I got the drawer next to it done and everything that didn’t belong in the drawers put away in its proper place!  The moral of the story is, you don’t have to set aside entire afternoons to clear the clutter and get organized. It can be done ones 10-15 min. session at a time.  So that’s what I’m doing. I’ve committed to a short decluttering session every day for the next week or so.  Join me! Give me a thumbs up if you’re in!  #declutter #declutteringtips #decluttering #takebackmyspace #organizedspaces #organization #organizingtips #homeorganization #clearouttheclutter #cluttercontrol
Just when I thought I couldn’t take any more of Just when I thought I couldn’t take any more of what 2020 has had to offer it’s continued to come in full force. The Rona 😷 has officially infiltrated our home (my husband has it) which put me into panic mode 🥺 trying to get everything for Christmas totally ready and all my biz stuff wrapped up for the year knowing I’ll probably get sick too.⁠
⁠
Then to top it off something broke with our sprinklers in the front yard and they wouldn’t shut off. Thankfully I noticed right away and my amazing gardeners came over to help fix it but with the sun going down and not having all the parts they needed, and a bigger problem than we thought we have been without water. —They came back first thing this morning though (did I mention they’re awesome) and fixed everything up so I get to turn the water back on in about an hour and oh man is it going to feel good to take a shower (and a deep breath).⁠
⁠
So far me and the kids don’t have any symptoms so I’m staying focused and getting all my to-do’s done so I can go into next week ready to enjoy Christmas in total quarantine and have time to get sick if that’s what’s coming my way.⁠
⁠
It’s the weirdest thing to be planning to get sick, but it’s where I’m at! Hahaha!⁠
⁠
Hope you are all staying healthy (and sane)!⁠
⁠
⁠
#carona #christmas2020 #whatayear #christmasdecor #easychristmasdecor #peepmypad #colorfulchristmas #boldhues #interiorstyling #makeyousmilestyle #stellarspaces #makehomeyours #heytherehome #interiors4all #homedecorideas #houseandhome #howihaven
The view of our tree from every room downstairs is The view of our tree from every room downstairs is my favorite!
#verymerrychristmashometour #christmastree #christmasdecorating #christmas2020 #holidaydecorating
Today I want to tell you why I started sticking to Today I want to tell you why I started sticking to a color palette in my own home.⁠
⁠
It wasn’t just because it allowed me to make quick decorating decisions, work with decor I already owned, and stay within my budget.⁠
⁠
✔️It's because color is the fastest way to create a look that flows from one room to the next and make my home feel really good.⁠
⁠
My home definitely didn’t get to where it is today overnight, but if I had to narrow it down to THE ONE THING that catapulted me in the right direction with my decor it’s when I finally figured out COLOR. ⁠
⁠
A thoughtful color scheme can create a nice flow from one room to the next, which is great, but color is also scientifically proven to affect your mood. ⁠
⁠
WHEN YOUR HOME FEELS GOOD, YOU FEEL GOOD!⁠
⁠
Let me ask you...👇🏼⁠
⁠
💭How do you currently feel in your home and how do you want to feel?⁠
⁠
Think about it for a second.⁠
⁠
💭Is the way your home feels now holding you back from the way you want to feel, things you want to do, or people you want to spend time with?⁠
⁠
I know there’s a bigger reason behind creating a beautiful home you love.⁠
⁠
And I bet it has nothing to do with impressing guests.⁠
⁠
Maybe for you it’s creating a space to really recharge, spend more time with family and friends, or to inspire more creativity.⁠
⁠
So what is it for you? Tell me in the comments.⁠
⁠
⁠
P.S. I'm hosting a free color class on Thursday! You can RSVP by clicking the link in my bio or go to colormadeclear.com/color⁠
⁠
⁠
#hygge #mytrendyroom #myokstyle #howihaven #dshome #homedecorideas #houseandhome #darlinghome #interiorstyling #ggathome ⁠
#inmydomaine #howwedwell #interior4u #interiormilk #interiors4all #lovewhereyoudwell #makehomeyours #showyourhomestyle #stellarspaces #mycollecteddecor #stylemyhomelikeaboss #styleitpretty #sharemysquare #makeyousmilestyle ⁠
#paint #paintcolor #paintcolors #colorfulhome #sherwinwilliams #behr
I read this morning that you are the culmination o I read this morning that you are the culmination of the 5 people you spend the most time with...⁠
⁠
...hmmm...does that mean I act like a 7 and 10 year old cause lord knows we've been together A LOT lately? 🤣🤣🤣⁠
⁠
But really, joking aside, are you intentional about who you surround yourself with?⁠
⁠
Do they light you up, inspire you, and teach you things?⁠
⁠
As uncomfortable as it is sometimes, I'm a huge fan of surrounding myself with those who know how to do things I want to learn. (And of course I'm a huge fan of spending time with people who I can share my know how with too.) ⁠
⁠
So now the question is, who are you becoming?⁠
⁠
Just something to marinate on today...⁠
⁠
⁠
#wednesdaywisdom #wednesdaymotivation #coastaldecor #blueandwhitedecor #finditstyleit #homestyle #homewithrue #makehomeyours #purposeinstyle #homesohard #collectedhome #cozyhome #myinteriorsquares #ourspaceourplace #colorismyjam #colormyhome #myboldhues #brightspaceswelove #interiorswithpersonality #crashbangcolor #crashbangcolor #brightboldhome #coloryourlife #printspatternstexturesohmy #mypopofcolor
Today I woke up and felt filled to the brim with g Today I woke up and felt filled to the brim with gratitude. 💖 I wanted to say thanks to you guys, my followers, my community, my loyal students and customers. Balancing everything (kids at home, life, business) this year has been challenging, but there's been so much growth and without you this little 'ol business of mine wouldn't be here. So cheers to you!⁠
⁠
⁠
#mondayfeels #mondayvibes #coursecreator #onlinebiz #homedecorblogger⁠
#inmydomaine #howwedwell #interior4u #interiormilk #interiors4all #lovewhereyoudwell #makehomeyours #showyourhomestyle #stellarspaces #mycollecteddecor #stylemyhomelikeaboss #styleitpretty #sharemysquare #makeyousmilestyle
My whys right there👆🏽 . We're evolving into My whys right there👆🏽 . We're evolving into a new phase where these two are helping out more and more around here and I'm loving that they take a certain pride in our space. ✨⁠
⁠
Of course we've got a set up that allows lots of play, messes, and "chill time" as my 7 year old calls it...⁠
⁠
...and although they may not be able to pin point it, I can tell that they too feel really good in our home and keeping it organized and feeling good, makes them feel good. ⁠
⁠
Creating a home you want to be in takes time, but with smart choices and a little patience it can happen.⁠
⁠
💖How do you want your home to feel?⁠
⁠
⁠
#decortips #decoratingtips #hometips #tips #tips4decor⁠
#finditstyleit #homestyle #homewithrue #makehomeyours #purposeinstyle #homesohard #collectedhome #cozyhome #myinteriorsquares #ourspaceourplace ⁠
#coastaldecor #coastal #coastalliving #coastalstyle #coastalinteriors #coastalhome #coastaldesign #coastalvibes #coastalhomedecor #californiastyle #californiavibes #liveboldly
Hey There, Home

Copyright Hey There Publishing, LLC © 2021 ·