Kids’ Clutter Solutions for Busy Parents
EPISODE 76
by Dianne Jimenez
This article takes 2.5 minutes to read
Don’t have time to read this? Listen to the podcast episode instead:
Subscribe to the
THE ORGANIZED-ISH: PARENT PODCAST
and never miss a bonus episode!
Kids’ Clutter Solutions for Busy Parents
Running a household is hard enough without feeling like you’re buried under your kids’ stuff—rocks, papers, random toys that somehow multiply overnight. Summer only makes it worse.
But here’s the thing: the real fix isn’t more bins or doing it all yourself—it’s teaching your kids how to manage their own things so you can get your time (and sanity) back. In this episode of the Organized-ish Parent Podcast, I’m sharing simple ways to deal with kids who don’t want to throw anything away—without constant battles, guilt, or garbage bags in the night.
The episode at a glance
[00:00] Introduction and Episode Overview
[01:03] Understanding the Clutter Problem
[03:20] Personal Stories and Examples
[06:49] The Emotional Impact of Decluttering
[08:46] Strategies for Managing Clutter
[12:09] Parental Self-Reflection
[17:27] Effective Communication with Kids
[21:36] Conclusion and Recap
Are Toys Taking Over Your Home? Reclaim Your Space - NOW
The Impact of Kids’ Clutter at Home
If you’ve ever stepped on a Lego, tripped over a backpack, or opened a drawer only to find a stash of “treasures” your kids have been hoarding for years, you know how overwhelming kids’ clutter can be. Summer makes it worse—more time at home means more stuff underfoot. And if you’re not careful, you can spend your whole day picking up after your kids instead of actually enjoying them.
find out how families with 3+ kids tackle the beast: laundry!
Here’s the good news: you don’t need to spend your summer with a garbage bag in one hand and a guilt complex in the other. The real solution isn’t about better storage or doing it all yourself—it’s about teaching your kids how to manage their own things.
Start by Getting Curious
When your child refuses to let go of a rock, a scrap of paper, or that broken toy from three Christmases ago, resist the urge to dismiss it as junk.
My Secret Sauce for setting the kids up for success
Ask them why it matters to them. You might discover that “random rock” is from their first camping trip, or that crumpled paper holds a drawing they’re proud of. That doesn’t mean you have to keep everything forever, but it does mean you’re opening a conversation instead of starting a battle.
Help Them See the Bigger Picture
Clutter isn’t just something parents find annoying—it affects kids too. When their desk is buried, it’s harder to find things. When their room is crowded, it’s harder to play.
3 things to establish now before losing your s#!t later on (during the school year)
Gently connect those dots so they understand why letting go of some things actually makes their life easier.
Model the Behavior You Want to See
And here’s the part that can feel uncomfortable for us as parents: we have to model what we’re asking for. If your counters are covered or your closet is overflowing, it’s harder to convince a child that “less is more.” When you show them how you decide what stays and what goes—and why—you’re teaching the skill instead of just preaching it.
Free training: "How to find time in a busy schedule"
Give Them the Space to Learn Independence
It’s tempting to just swoop in and clean everything while they’re distracted, but that’s short-term relief at the cost of long-term growth. If they never get to practice making decisions, they’ll never learn how. You’re not just creating a tidier home; you’re raising capable kids who can take responsibility for their own space.
Reclaim Your Home Without the Stress
Clutter doesn’t have to be a constant fight. With the right conversations, a little patience, and a willingness to let your kids take the lead, you can reclaim your home—and your time—without the stress.
Stay on track with laundry & tips to getting the kids involved
Can you think of someone who would also benefit from reading this?
Send it to them:
