Children have an uncanny ability to accumulate items — rocks, toys, slime, and more. Our garage even has a box labeled “A Frog’s Dream” filled with mud! While these little treasures may seem adorable, they can quickly clutter your home, especially with multiple kids around.
Charming collections can become overwhelming, making it essential to have effective organizing strategies in place. Here are some house rules we follow to promote tidiness while letting kids be kids.
Tips for a Tidier Home with Kids
Before you gather the family for a rules meeting, consider what’s most important for your household. Too many rules can create confusion, so focus on a few key ones. For this discussion, I’ll refer to them as 'rules,' though some are more like flexible guidelines.
As a KonMari consultant and founder of a home organization service, I help families declutter and find efficient spots for their belongings, making it easier for everyone to locate and store items.
1. No Dirty Clothes on the Floor
The first rule is simple: dirty clothes belong in the hamper, not on the floor. This rule teaches kids of all ages to keep their clothing organized. My children have a laundry basket in their shared bathroom, and if clothes end up on the floor, there are consequences.
When I spot clothes lying around, I remind them they need to pause and put them away. I could easily handle it myself, but I want them to learn responsibility. Sometimes, I announce my arrival upstairs and use a fun twist: for every piece of clothing I find, they owe me $1. It’s a playful way to engage them, right?
It’s tempting to do tasks for your kids since it’s quicker, but it’s crucial to let them take on responsibilities. Start with small tasks and refrain from stepping in too much.
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2. Empty School Bags Immediately
This is where drop zones become invaluable. When my kids return from school, they empty their lunchboxes and important papers, then hang their bags in the designated area.
My seventh grader manages this easily, while my first grader needs more reminders but is getting the hang of it. Adapting to daily routines makes enforcing rules straightforward.
3. Refill Pantry Canisters
This tip may surprise you! I love using canisters to keep my pantry organized. They seal tightly and are easy for kids to pour from. When they empty a canister and there’s more available, they refill it themselves. It’s a small but impactful task that fosters ownership.
Consider what simple chores your children can take on around the house, as this encourages responsibility.
4. Everyone Contributes to the Grocery List
I used to hear, 'Mom, we’re out of __' all day. I’d have to stop and write it down, which consumed mental energy. I realized I didn’t have to be the sole keeper of the grocery list.
Now, I simply tell them to add items directly to the list. If they mention something I didn’t buy, I ask if it was on the list. This shift has significantly reduced my stress.
What burdens can you delegate to your family?
5. Regularly Clear Out Toys
Kids love to collect items, and collections can quickly spiral out of control. I've tried various methods, but strict rules aren’t effective for us. Instead, a couple of times a year, I announce it's time to donate toys. We gather bags and fill them with items they no longer want, often accompanied by music to keep the mood light.
I let them choose what to donate, discussing the joy of giving and the benefits of having less clutter. With time, they’ve realized they enjoy their space more when fewer toys are around.
If you’re just beginning to declutter with your kids, take it slow. Don’t push them to give away too much at once; instead, model decluttering behavior.
These five rules help foster tidiness in our home while teaching valuable life skills. Awareness is key; my kids may not follow every rule perfectly, but understanding what’s expected is crucial. And on days when we all struggle, it’s okay — we’re in this together.
Try implementing some of these ideas in your home!
