Keeping your home organized can feel like an uphill battle, especially when you’re managing a household with kids. Toys, school supplies, and endless knick-knacks seem to multiply overnight. But involving the entire family in the organizing process can not only help tame the clutter but also teach kids valuable life skills like responsibility, decision-making, and teamwork. Here’s how to turn organizing into a family affair—and even make it fun!
Step 1: Make Organizing a Team Effort
Start by engaging organizing as a shared responsibility, not just something “Mom or Dad does.” Explain to the whole family why an organized home is best everyone. Talk about how having a tidy space makes it easier to find things, play, and relax.
Assign each family member an age-appropriate role in the process. Younger children can help sort items into categories, while older kids can handle tasks like folding clothes or labeling bins. Emphasizing teamwork turns organizing into a shared goal instead of a dreaded chore.
Step 2: Set a Positive Tone
Kids learn from you, so approach organizing with a positive attitude. Instead of saying, “You need to clean up this mess,” try framing it as an opportunity: “Let’s work together to create a room you’ll love to play in!”
Turn on some upbeat music or set a timer for a quick 15-minute cleanup session. Celebrate the small wins—like a cleared floor or a tidy drawer—this will help keep everyone motivated.
Step 3: Start Small and Keep It Simple
Big organizing projects can feel overwhelming for kids (and adults!), so start with one small area at a time. For example, tackle a toy bin, a bookshelf, or a single drawer.
Use clear and simple organizing systems, like color-coded bins or labeled containers. These make it easier for kids to understand where things go and to maintain the system over time.
Pro Tip: When organizing toys, involve your kids in deciding what to keep, donate, or discard. Ask questions like, “Do you still play with this?” or “Would another child enjoy this more?”
Step 4: Make It Fun and Rewarding
Turn organizing into a game to keep kids engaged. Ideas include:
The “Sorting Race”: See who can sort toys or clothes the fastest.
Treasure Hunt: Turn decluttering into a search for forgotten treasures.
Before-and-After Photos: Show your kids the transformation to help them feel proud of their work.
Incorporate small rewards for a job well done, like extra playtime, a family movie night, or stickers for younger kids.
Step 5: Teach Habits for the Long Term
Once the clutter is under control, the next step is maintenance. Teach your kids simple habits to keep spaces tidy, like:
Putting one toy away before taking out another.
Hanging up coats and backpacks after school.
Sorting laundry into bins by color or type.
Make these habits part of your daily routine so tidying up becomes second nature.
Step 6: Lead by Example
Kids are more likely to embrace organization if they see you practicing it too. Show them how you keep your own belongings neat and organized, and involve them in family projects like decluttering the kitchen or tidying the garage.
Getting the whole family involved in organizing not only reduces clutter but also fosters a sense of teamwork and responsibility. By making the process fun, manageable, and consistent, you’ll create a home that’s not only tidy but also a happier place to live and play.
Need help getting started? At Tidy Matters Professional Organizing, we offer family-friendly organizing solutions to help you create a clutter-free home that works for everyone. Click here to schedule a consultation!
Until next time,
Angie & Pam
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