5 Tips That Motivate Kids to Declutter and Organize Their Play Spaces

Children don’t typically look forward to picking up because it means playtime is over. Unless you’re about to burst into song a la Mary Poppins and pop toys into cabinets with a snap, it’s a good bet your kids feel the same way. I know my son much prefers playing with toys over putting them away, so how do you get kids excited about organizing in an organization with kids? Involving your kids in this organization with kids can make a big difference.

Involve Your Kids in Organizing Their Play Space

Establishing organization with kids can help create a more harmonious play environment.

Creating an organization with kids not only teaches them responsibility but also fosters a sense of pride in their space.

I don’t know about you, but I get overwhelmed when too many toys, books, and plush start taking over a space. I’m ready to pare them down with abandon while teaching my son valuable lessons about organization with kids. Establishing an organization with kids reinforces good habits.

Perhaps you’ve heard how having fewer toys makes room for more creativity, or maybe you just want to walk through a room without tripping. No matter your motivation, it’s a good bet that your children struggle to part with their prized possessions, and everything ends up in heaps. It’s frustrating, especially when you’re so focused on getting organized.

My friend shoves a bunch of stuff into garbage bags and sneaks them out of the house. I gently suggested there was a better way. Finding ways to involve your children in the decluttering and organizing process makes it easier.

Five Kid-Friendly Organizing Ideas

I get it, kids and organizing don’t seem like they go in the same sentence, but trust me, it’s possible. When your kids are part of the organizing process, they’re more invested in the outcome and in keeping their space clutter-free.

1. Play Decluttering Games

The first step to successful organization is to declutter. There’s no point trying to find places for a bunch of items you don’t want or need. Involve your kids in the process by playing decluttering games.

When organizing with kids, it's essential to make the decluttering process fun to keep them engaged.

My son loves to race a timer to fill a donation box. If he succeeds, he gets a special prize, like a favorite piece of candy. You could also hold a clutter relay. Another example is decluttering bingo, where squares say things like “donate two toys” or “give away one book.”

This approach to organizing with kids can really simplify the process.

2. Stick With Broad Categories When Organizing

After decluttering with your kids, organize the remaining toys and other items into broad categories. Kids are more apt to put things away and understand the process when it’s simple. For example, use one large bin for balls instead of five separate bins for bounce balls, basketballs, squishy balls, etc.

3. Choose Kid-Approved Storage Solutions

When you implement an organization with kids, they will learn the importance of maintaining a tidy space.

Opt for storage solutions appealing to kids. Let your children select shelving, baskets, bins, and other organizers that they like. They might want to store books on a colorful shelf or keep their stuffed animals in a dinosaur laundry hamper.

Adopting an organization with kids mindset encourages thoughtful consumption.

4. Keep Things Fresh and Rotate Toys

Lastly, remember that an organization with kids transforms the cleanup from a chore into a collaborative activity.

Change things up with a toy rotation system. Keep a few items in each category out at once, stowing others away. Every few weeks replace some things with toys from your storage spot, rotating them every so often.

5. Practice the One-In-One-Out Rule

Every time your kids get something new, have them donate a similar item. This organizing tip not only helps keep things manageable, but it’s also an ongoing lesson in giving and gratitude. I do this with my son (and my belongings).

Before my son buys himself something, he thinks about what he will get rid of. It makes him think twice before he buys something new.

It’s time to stop sneaking toys out in garbage bags after your kids go to sleep. Let children share in the organizing action and get excited about their play area. When things are tidy, they’ll have more space to let loose, and as a bonus, clean-up won’t take forever.

Looking for more decluttering and organizing inspiration? Check out MaKayla on Instagram @makay.la27 to discover even more ways to change your life one organized space at a time.