Let’s be honest- keeping a tidy home while raising kids can feel like brushing your teeth while eating Oreos. As a mom, your days are filled with feeding tiny humans, managing schedules, and maybe sneaking a minute to breathe. So, where does "clutter-free" even fit in?
This is a safe space, so let’s just say it: kids are adorable little tornadoes with sticky hands and a deep hatred for organized spaces.
But fear not, fellow chaos wrangler! Here are 7 realistic, sanity-saving tips for keeping your home (mostly) clutter-free—even if your toddler is currently dumping Legos into your purse.
1. Adopt the “one in, one out” rule
If something new comes in - a toy, a shirt, a water bottle, or even those random plastic party favors - something else has to go. Teach your kids this habit early on. It's simple, it works, and it keeps the pile-up at bay. If your kids absolutely refuse, you can always do it while they’re away, and I promise they probably won’t notice!
2. Create drop zones
Designate spots near your entryway for backpacks, shoes, keys, and mail. Give each kid their own hook or basket. Not only does it reduce clutter, but it also saves your sanity during school mornings. We have an entire cupboard in the entryway dedicated to our kids’ school bags, jackets, and shoes. They LOVE having their very own spot for things and will proudly show it off to their friends, too!
3. Declutter in microbursts
Forget all-day organizing marathons—who has time for those? Do tiny cleanouts while the chicken nuggets are baking or while your toddler is “washing” the sink with a yogurt pouch. Schedule it into your calendar or set a reminder before dinner time so you remember to do it. Less is more, and you won’t get overwhelmed by the idea.
4. Rotate toys & books
Too many toys lead to overwhelmed kids and mess – and let’s face it, an overwhelmed mom, too. Keep a small selection of toys out and store the rest in bins. Every few weeks, swap them out. It keeps things fresh without adding more stuff. I have to set reminders in my calendar so I don’t forget to rotate. (I started doing this after I found a forgotten bin of toys that my daughter was two years too old for, in the basement. It’s so easy to forget the rotation!)
5. Set up “tidy time”
Pick a consistent time each day for a quick cleanup. I do it right before the kids’ bedtime, every night. Get your kids to help (you might have to use mini-bribes) and set a 5-minute timer. Turn on a song, dance it out, and see what you can get done in 5 minutes until the timer goes off. You’ll be surprised!
6. Let go of perfection
The goal isn’t a Pinterest-perfect home—it’s a peaceful one. Some days will be messier than others, and that’s okay. Give yourself grace. You’re doing a great job. Personally, I didn’t make removing clutter a priority until I was out of the postpartum trenches and started feeling like myself again. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself.
7. Ask for help!
I am SO thankful for 1-800-GOT-JUNK?–with just a few clicks or a quick call, they show up whenever you need them–even if it’s the same day! They make allllll your junk disappear–all you have to do is point. No overwhelm. No need to sort donations separately – they handle it at a local sorting facility! And they are so quick – they were in and out within an hour and left behind a (nearly) spotless house. I felt SO much relief afterwards. I will be doing this again and again!
Final Thoughts:
Clutter is sneaky, especially in a house full of little ones. But with a few habits and a lot of grace, you can stay ahead of it. Take it one drawer, one corner, one toy at a time—and remember: your home is meant to be lived in, not looked at. And if the thought of sorting through your junk overwhelms you, let 1-800-GOT-JUNK? take care of it. You’ll feel so much better!
