You know that feeling when you look at your kid’s room and wish you could just close the door and forget about it for another month or two? Oh yes, I’ve definitely been there.
Sorting through the chaos of toys, books, clothes, and crafts can be overwhelming, especially when it feels like your little one isn’t too keen on keeping things tidy. 

As a mom of two girls, I completely understand how daunting this task can be. I used to feel the same way until I finally decided to take action, and set up a system that’ve been working perfectly for the whole family.

In this guide, we’re going to tackle the challenge of decluttering your child’s room together. We’ll break it down into nine simple, stress-free steps that will help you reclaim order and tranquility in your child’s space without feeling overwhelmed.

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Getting your child on board with the decluttering process is essential for success. Start by explaining to them why it’s important to keep their room clean and organized. From experience, as they grow older, letting go of belongings can become more challenging, so it’s crucial to approach the task with patience and encouragement..

You might discuss the benefits of having a tidy space, such as being able to find things more easily and having more room to play.

Encourage your child to take ownership of their environment by involving them in decision-making and giving them a say in how their room is organized.

Consider making decluttering a fun and collaborative activity by turning on some music, setting a timer, and working together to sort through belongings.

You might even turn it into a game by challenging your child to see how quickly they can fill up a donation bin or how many items they can find to recycle.

Before diving into the decluttering process, take some time to assess your child’s room and develop a plan of action. Consider the layout of the room and how it can be optimized for storage and organization.

Are there unused corners or underutilized spaces that could be repurposed for storage? Think creatively about how to make the most of the available space, whether it’s by installing shelves, investing in bins and baskets, or adding hooks and racks to the walls.

When selecting storage solutions, prioritize functionality and durability. Opt for bins and baskets that are easy for your child to access and use, and choose materials that can withstand the wear and tear of everyday life.

Consider investing in multi-functional furniture pieces, such as beds with built-in storage or desks with drawers, to maximize space and minimize clutter. My daughter’s bed and desk are both from Ikea, and we are very satisfied with their quality and functionality. 

When it comes to budget-friendly choices, my top pick is AliExpress. I’m excited to introduce you to some adorable, affordable, and highly practical items that I’m confident you’ll adore.

If you are into budget friendly home decor, make sure to check this post as well.

Toy Organizer – AliExpress

 Drawer Organizer Set – AliExpress

To streamline the decluttering process, use three bins or containers to sort items into three categories: keep, donate, and discard.

As you go through each item in the room, make a quick decision about which bin it belongs in based on its condition and usefulness.

Items that are in good condition and still have life left in them can be set aside for donation, while broken or damaged items should be discarded.

Encourage your child to participate in the sorting process, helping them develop decision-making skills and teaching them the value of letting go of items they no longer need or use.

Make it clear that decluttering isn’t about getting rid of everything, but rather about creating a space that is comfortable, functional, and free from unnecessary clutter.

Tackling the big items first can help you make significant progress quickly. Begin by removing any large furniture or bulky toys that are taking up valuable space.

This might include old cribs, changing tables, or rocking chairs that your child has outgrown, as well as oversized toys or play structures that are no longer being used.

As you remove large items from the room, take the opportunity to assess their condition and decide whether they can be repurposed, donated, or discarded.

Broken or damaged items should be safely disposed of, while gently used items in good condition can be donated to local charities or passed on to friends or family members who may have a use for them.

With the big items out of the way, it’s time to shift your focus to the smaller items that clutter the floor and surfaces of your child’s room.

Start by clearing the floor space, picking up any stray toys, books, or clothing and returning them to their proper places.

Enlist your child’s help in tidying up, teaching them the importance of putting things away when they’re finished with them.

As you work your way through the room, pay special attention to areas that tend to collect clutter, such as under the bed, in closets, or on shelves.

Use this opportunity to reorganize these spaces and implement systems to help keep them tidy in the future. 

As you declutter, be honest with yourself about which items are truly worth keeping and which are just taking up space. Keep an eye out for items that are broken, damaged, or no longer serve a purpose, such as toys with missing pieces, books that are falling apart, or clothing that is too small or worn out.

Encourage your child to evaluate their belongings critically, asking themselves whether each item brings them joy or serves a useful purpose. Remind them that letting go of unused or unwanted items can make room for new experiences and opportunities, whether it’s discovering a new favorite toy or finding space to pursue a new hobby.

Here’s a list of items that you might consider getting rid of during the decluttering process in a child’s room:

• Incomplete games, puzzles, or toy sets missing pieces;
• Broken or damaged toys, including toys with missing parts or pieces
• Outgrown or worn-out clothing, shoes, and accessories
• Single socks or items of clothing with holes or stains
• Expired or unused art and craft supplies, such as dried-out markers or dried-up glue
• Old or unused school supplies, like notebooks with only a few pages left or dried-out pens
• Toys or stuffed animals that your child has outgrown or no longer plays with
• Broken or damaged books, including torn pages or books with missing covers
• Old or unused electronics, such as broken gadgets or outdated devices
• Decor items or knick-knacks that no longer serve a purpose or match your child’s interests
• Old or expired toiletries, such as half-empty bottles of shampoo or lotion
• Paper clutter, including old drawings, school papers, or artwork that can be digitized or recycled
• Unused or expired medications, vitamins, or supplements
• Outdated or worn-out bedding, pillows, or blankets
• Empty or nearly empty containers, such as empty tissue boxes or near-empty bottles of cleaning products

To maximize the use of space in your child’s room and promote organization, consider creating designated zones for different activities.

Designate a reading nook with a cozy bean bag chair and bookshelf, a play area with bins for toys and games, and a study space with a desk and chair.

By assigning specific areas for different activities, you can help your child stay focused and engaged while also keeping their belongings organized and easily accessible.

When creating activity zones, involve your child in the process and take their preferences and interests into account. Ask them how they like to spend their time in their room and what activities they enjoy the most, then work together to design a space that reflects their interests and personality.

By involving your child in the decision-making process, you can create a room that truly feels like their own and encourages them to take ownership of their space.

Once you’ve decluttered and organized your child’s room, the key to keeping it tidy is regular maintenance. Set aside time each week or month to assess the room and address any clutter that has accumulated.

Encourage your child to participate in these maintenance sessions, teaching them the importance of taking care of their belongings and keeping their space organized.

During maintenance sessions, focus on simple tasks like tidying up surfaces, putting away toys and books, and reorganizing storage bins and baskets as needed. Use this time to reinforce good habits and routines, such as putting things away when they’re finished with them and keeping surfaces clear of clutter.

By making decluttering a regular part of your routine, you can help prevent clutter from building up and maintain a clean, organized environment for your child to enjoy.

Congratulations on completing the decluttering and organizing process in your child’s room! Now that you’ve put in all the hard work, it’s time to celebrate your achievements. 

I hope that you found inspiration in this post and that these tips have helped you create a cleaner and more organized space for your child. Let me know in the comments how your decluttering journey went and if you have any other tips to share!