Decluttering As A Family: How to Get Kids Involved Without Tears

Summer is here, and with school out, you might find yourself spending more time at home with your kids—and possibly more time surrounded by their stuff. From toys and clothes to craft supplies and sports gear, kid clutter can quickly take over your space. But instead of waiting until they’re back in school to tackle the mess, why not use this extra time together as an opportunity to teach valuable life skills?

Decluttering with kids doesn’t have to end in frustration or tears. With the right approach, it can actually be fun and rewarding for the whole family. Here are our top strategies to make family decluttering successful and age-appropriate.

1. Set the Stage with a Positive Mindset

Kids often follow our emotional cues. If you’re dreading the task, they probably will too. Instead, talk about organizing in a positive way—emphasize how it creates space for new things, makes it easier to find favorite toys, and helps others in need when you donate.

Tip: Use simple language and frame the task as a team effort. Try saying, “Let’s work together to make your room more fun and easier to play in!”

2. Make It a Game

Turn organizing into a fun challenge by incorporating games, timers, or music. Younger kids especially respond well to playful activities.

• “Beat the Clock” – Set a timer and see how many items can be sorted or put away in 5 minutes.

• “Keep, Toss, Donate” Sorting Game – Use bins or baskets with fun labels.

• Scavenger Hunt – Give them a list: “Find 5 things you don’t play with anymore.”
  

3. Give Age-Appropriate Choices

Children feel empowered when they have a say. Give them small, manageable choices—especially for sentimental or favorite items.

• Toddlers & Preschoolers: “Do you want to keep the red truck or the blue one?”

• Elementary Kids: “Pick 3 stuffed animals to keep and we’ll donate the rest to kids who need toys.”

• Tweens & Teens: Let them take ownership of their room or closet and decide what stays or goes.
  

4. Use Visuals & Labels

Clear bins, photo labels, or color-coded systems make it easier for kids to understand where things belong. You can even let them decorate their own labels or storage boxes to give them a sense of pride in their space.

5. Create “Zones” Together

Teach your kids how to group similar items by function: books, games, art supplies, etc. Creating “zones” helps them understand how organizing works and makes clean-up easier in the future.

Bonus: This is a great way to prep for back-to-school season while their schedule is more relaxed.

6. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection

Kids thrive on positive reinforcement. Praise their efforts and celebrate small wins—like clearing one shelf or donating a bag of toys. Make a big deal out of their hard work and talk about how much easier it is to enjoy their space now!

7. Make Decluttering Routine

The more regularly you include your kids in family decluttering, the less daunting it becomes. Try a weekly 10-minute tidy-up or a seasonal clean-out at the start of summer, fall, or after birthdays and holidays.

Decluttering Now Sets the Stage for Lifelong Habits

Decluttering with kids during the summer months is more than just a way to tidy up—it's a chance to teach responsibility, decision-making, and gratitude. These moments, though sometimes messy, are full of opportunity.

So next time you’re tempted to organize while your kids are napping or out of the house, consider inviting them in instead. You might be surprised by how capable (and helpful!) they can be when you make it fun and empowering.

Need help getting started with a family-friendly organizing system? Reach out to Sunny Spaces Organizing—we’re here to help make your home more peaceful and functional for every member of the family.