4 Common Mistakes Parents Make When Decluttering with Kids (And How to Fix Them)

Drowning in Kid Clutter?

Decluttering with kids around? YIKES! It’s kind of like trying to clean up a glitter explosion while the fan’s still on—chaotic, never-ending, and somehow messier than when you started. If you’ve ever found yourself surrounded by broken crayons, half-used sticker books, and stuffed animals with mysterious stains… you’re definitely not alone.

As a pro organizer, I’ve worked with countless busy families, helping create calm, functional spaces that truly work for EVERYONE. And let me tell you: decluttering with kids isn’t just about tidying up their stuff. It’s about navigating emotions, habits, daily routines—and yep, sometimes handling meltdowns over a random party favor they forgot they even had.

Guess What....There are ways to make it easier—and even meaningful. When done right, decluttering with your kids isn’t just a task on your to-do list. It’s an opportunity to teach responsibility, boost confidence, and give them more ownership of their space.

Let’s talk about a few common mistakes I often see parents make when decluttering with their kids—and the small shifts that can make a big difference.

1. Skipping the “Why”: Not Talking About the Purpose

One of the biggest mistakes I see? Jumping right into decluttering without explaining WHY. For kids, it can feel like a total ambush on their stuff—which almost always leads to tears, pushback, or sneaky stashing of their “favorite” toys under the bed just in case.

✨Try This: Start with a real convo, not a trash bag. Break it down in kid-friendly terms—whether it’s making more space to play, donating to other kids who’ll love these toys, or just making clean-up less of a headache.

My suggestion is just to be honest. Say something like, “Hey, it’s been tough keeping this room tidy, but I think we can make it better—together.” Then help them picture the win: “Imagine actually finding your favorite markers without digging forever!”

And here’s the key—talk about how the room should feel after, not just what it should look like. That way, kids get that sense of ownership, and they’re more on board from the jump.

2. Trying to Declutter Everything With the Kids Present

Okay, here’s something I remind families of all the time: not everything has to be a group project. I totally get the guilt that can creep in when you start decluttering without your kids involved in every single decision—but trust me, doing a quiet first pass on your own can be an absolute game-changer.

✨Try This: Before you even bring your kiddos into the mix, do a little solo sweep of the space. Look for the easy stuff—broken toys, dried-out markers, duplicates, or those random party favors that haven’t been touched in years (you know the ones… like the glittery slime kit from three birthdays ago).

Getting that top layer out of the way first helps cut down on overwhelm later. Kids are way more focused and willing to engage when they’re not staring at a mountain of everything all at once.

And here’s a pro tip I love: if you’re unsure about something, toss it into a “hold” bin and tuck it away for a few weeks. If your kid doesn’t ask for it? That’s a pretty good sign it’s safe to let it go—no tears, no drama, no problem. 🙌

3. Underestimating Your Child’s Ability to Let Go

Here’s something I see all the time: parents assume their kids won’t want to let go of anything—so they skip asking altogether. But here’s the surprise… kids can totally rise to the occasion when they’re given the chance. They just need to feel included and understood.

✨ Try this: Give your kiddo a little leadership and see what happens. You might be shocked when they say, “We don’t need this anymore.”

Here are a few simple ways to get the conversation going:

• “Do you still play with this?”

• “Would another kid like this more?”

• “Does this toy still make you happy?”

  
  

Or a big hit? Make it a game: “Let’s find 5 things we can donate to kids who don’t have many toys!”

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s participation. And when kids build those muscles early? That’s where real decluttering confidence starts.

4.  Setting Up a System… But NOT Talking About It

Decluttering is just the beginning—but if you don’t follow it up with a system your child understands and can actually use, the clutter will sneak right back in. (Sound familiar?)

Here’s where things often go sideways: parents do the hard work of organizing for their kids—but skip the part where they explain how it all works. Without that conversation or some clear visual cues, kids can’t (and won’t) maintain it… because they honestly just don’t know how.

✨ Try this: Once you’ve decluttered and set up a system, walk your child (or the whole fam!) through it. Show them where things go, how the bins work, and what the labels mean.

🗣 Use simple language: “This bin is for art supplies. When you’re done, everything goes back in here.”

🖼 Add picture labels if they’re not reading yet—it makes such a difference!

📦 Use boundaries like containers or shelves to define how much is “enough.” Try saying: “When this bin is full, it’s time to let something go.”

And don’t forget to check in after a week or two: “How’s this working for you? What’s not working?” A little follow-up keeps things running smoothly—and gives your child ownership of the space.

A Few Extra Tips for Decluttering With Kids

Decluttering with kids might feel like a huge task (because we all know.... it often is). But I’ve found that a few simple tips can smooth the process for everyone—and even make it kind of fun instead of stressful.

• Set a timer for 15–30 minutes. Keep it short and sweet—kids’ attention spans don’t last long!

• Keep it simple with just two choices: “Keep” or “Let Go.” Too many options just get overwhelming.

• Celebrate every little win! Snap a before and after pic, and let your kid pick a small reward or a new book for donating toys. 🎉

And don’t forget to model it—show your kiddo you’re decluttering your own stuff too. It helps them see this is just part of life, not some punishment. These small tips make the whole thing way less stressful and help your kids build good habits without all the drama.

Let’s Make It Meaningful

Decluttering with kids doesn’t have to be a battle. It can be one of the most meaningful things you do with them, not just for them.

When you lead with clear communication, realistic expectations, and let your kids be part of the process, you’re not just tidying up—you’re building life skills, confidence, and a deeper connection to their space.

It’s not about having a perfect playroom—it’s about creating a home that supports your child’s creativity, your family’s rhythm, and brings a little more calm into your everyday.

And if you’re looking for a little extra support—I got you. 💛

My digital course, Simplifying and Organizing with Kids, is packed with tools, talking points, and step-by-step guidance to help you make real progress (without the stress). It’s made for real life—and it’s here to help you get started with clarity and confidence.

Check it out below—and if you have any questions, just hit reply to this email. I’d truly love to help.

Thanks for following along on our journey as we declutter and organize!

XOXO-

Janelle

& The A Meaningful Space Team