Between work, school runs, after-school activities, and the general whirlwind of family life, clutter can build up faster than you realise. Shoes pile up by the door, toys seem to multiply overnight, and kitchen benches somehow collect everything from mail to school projects.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the chaos, you’re not alone, and the good news is that decluttering doesn’t have to mean spending your entire weekend buried in laundry or toys. With a few smart strategies, you can stay on top of the mess and create a home that works for your busy family.
Here are our top decluttering tips, designed with time-poor households in mind. These tips are designed for real life, no unrealistic “minimalist perfection,” just practical, quick wins that busy households can actually maintain.
Step 1: Start Small and Build Momentum
When life is hectic, the idea of tackling a whole house can feel daunting. That’s why starting small is the secret to success. By beginning with manageable tasks, you’ll build confidence and motivation without feeling drained.
Ideas to Start Small:
- Tackle a single drawer in the kitchen (yes, even the junk drawer!).
- Sort through the pile of shoes by the front door.
- Clear one shelf in the pantry.
- Spend 15 minutes gathering rubbish or recycling.
How to Stay Motivated:
- Use a timer, set 10 or 15 minutes and see how much you can achieve.
- Focus on “good enough” rather than perfect.
- Celebrate small wins, like finally seeing the top of your bedside table again.
Pro Tip: Keep a basket or bag handy while decluttering to collect items that don’t belong in the room. When you’re finished, return them to their proper place in one go.
Step 2: Declutter High-Traffic Areas First
Busy families benefit most from decluttering the spaces used constantly. Clearing these “hot spots” will give you instant relief and make daily routines run smoother.
High-Traffic Zones to Tackle:
- Entryway: Shoes, bags, and jackets often create a bottleneck. Add a shoe rack, hooks, and baskets for everyday grab-and-go items.
- Kitchen: Clear counters by removing rarely used appliances, recycling old mail, and discarding expired pantry goods.
- Living Room: Focus on toys, remote controls, and magazines that clutter up tables and floors.
- Kids’ Bedrooms: Start with surfaces like desks or bedside tables so the space feels lighter straight away.
Pro Tip: Create a “drop zone” near the front door with hooks for school bags, a tray for keys, and a basket for shoes. This prevents clutter from spreading throughout the house.
Step 3: Get the Kids Involved
One of the best ways to keep clutter under control is by teaching kids to take part in the process. When children understand that everything has a place, and that tidying up is a shared responsibility, they’re more likely to help keep the home organised.
How to Make It Fun for Kids:
- Turn it into a game: Set a timer and race to see who can put away the most toys.
- Use music: Create a “tidy-up playlist” so kids know when it’s time to clean up.
- Picture labels: For younger kids, label baskets with photos of toys (like cars, dolls, or blocks) so they know exactly where things go.
- Choice and ownership: Let kids choose which toys to donate. This teaches generosity and helps them feel more in control.
Pro Tip: Introduce a toy rotation system. Store some toys away and swap them every few weeks to keep things fresh without overflowing shelves.
Step 4: Use the One-In, One-Out Rule
In family homes, clutter often sneaks in through new purchases, birthday gifts, and school projects. Without a system, belongings multiply quickly. The one-in, one-out rule keeps things balanced.
How It Works:
- For every new toy, piece of clothing, or household item that comes in, choose one to donate or discard.
- Teach kids that if they get a new stuffed animal, they need to pick one they no longer play with.
- Apply the rule to your wardrobe as well, when you buy a new pair of shoes, let go of an old or unworn pair.
Pro Tip: Keep a labelled donation box in a cupboard or laundry room. When it’s full, drop it at a charity shop. This creates a constant flow of unused items leaving the home.
Step 5: Create Simple Storage Solutions
Busy families don’t have time for complicated systems. The key is to make storage easy, accessible, and intuitive for everyone in the household.
Family-Friendly Storage Ideas:
- Baskets and Bins: Great for toys, sports gear, or school supplies. Use open baskets for kids so they can quickly toss things in.
- Labels: Add clear labels (or pictures for little ones) so everyone knows what belongs where.
- Cubbies or Cube Shelves: Ideal for storing books, toys, and games neatly.
- Under-Bed Storage: Perfect for seasonal clothing, spare bedding, or extra shoes.
- Over-the-Door Organisers: Use them for shoes, craft supplies, or accessories to save space.
Pro Tip: Stick to a neutral colour scheme for baskets and bins. This makes the space look tidier and more coordinated, even if it’s filled with everyday items.
Step 6: Schedule Regular Decluttering Sessions
Clutter builds up constantly in busy households. Without regular check-ins, the home can quickly slide back into chaos. Setting aside small, consistent chunks of time is more effective (and less overwhelming) than waiting for things to get out of control.
Easy Decluttering Schedules:
- Daily: Do a 10-minute family tidy-up before dinner or bedtime. Everyone returns items to their labelled spot.
- Weekly: Choose one small area each week to tackle, like a pantry shelf, toy basket, or wardrobe drawer.
- Seasonally: Review clothes, toys, and sports gear every 3-4 months. Donate or pack away items that are outgrown or not being used.
Pro Tip: Involve the whole family in weekly declutters. Give each child a specific “zone” to manage (like their room or a toy shelf) to share the responsibility.
Step 7: Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
The truth is, no family home is spotless, and that’s okay. The goal of decluttering is not perfection, but a home that feels calm, organised, and functional.
Mindset Shifts to Embrace:
- Stop comparing your home to Instagram-perfect houses, it’s not realistic for busy families.
- Remember that a little mess is part of daily life with kids.
- Celebrate progress, like a clear kitchen bench or a floor you can actually see in the playroom.
- Focus on the systems you’ve created, not on keeping everything picture-perfect.
Pro Tip: Snap before-and-after photos of your decluttering projects. Seeing how far you’ve come is motivating and keeps you going.
Decluttering with a busy family doesn’t have to feel impossible. By starting small, tackling high-traffic areas, involving the kids, and setting up simple systems, you can create a calmer, more functional home that supports your lifestyle.
If you’d love an extra hand getting started, or want tailored systems that actually stick, Book your free consultation with Ducks in a Row Home Organisation. We’ll help you create practical, stress-free solutions designed for your family’s needs.