Keeping a home organized with kids can feel like an endless battle—one minute it’s tidy, and the next, toys, clothes, and school supplies are scattered everywhere. But organization doesn’t have to be a daily struggle. With the right systems, habits, and kid-friendly storage solutions, you can create a home that’s both functional and manageable.
The key is simplicity, accessibility, and consistency. When kids can easily understand and follow an organization system, they’re more likely to participate in keeping things neat. Whether you’re dealing with overflowing toy bins, chaotic mornings, or a never-ending pile of laundry, these 11 practical tips will help you maintain order—even with little ones running around!
1. Declutter First—Less Stuff, Less Mess
One of the biggest obstacles to keeping an organized home is too much stuff. Kids quickly outgrow toys, clothes, and gear, and before you know it, clutter takes over. The best way to create an organized home is to start by decluttering.
What You’ll Need:
✔️ Donation bags for outgrown clothes and toys
✔️ Clear storage bins for items to rotate or store
✔️ A “maybe” box for things you’re unsure about
How to Do It:
- Sort through toys and clothes every few months. If your child hasn’t played with it or worn it in six months, consider donating or storing it.
- Use the one-in, one-out rule – Every time a new toy or piece of clothing comes in, donate or remove something old.
- Create a toy rotation system – Keep only a small selection of toys out and rotate them to keep things fresh.
- Involve your kids – Let them decide what to keep and donate (with your guidance).
- Declutter before birthdays and holidays – Make space before new gifts arrive!
Picture This:
Imagine opening your child’s closet and seeing only clothes that fit, neatly arranged, with no overflowing bins or forgotten items hiding in the back.
2. Create a Drop Zone for Daily Essentials
A drop zone helps prevent backpacks, shoes, and jackets from ending up all over the house. This designated area ensures everything has a place, making mornings and after-school routines smoother.
What You’ll Need:
✔️ Hooks or cubbies for backpacks and jackets
✔️ A bench for putting on shoes
✔️ A basket for hats, gloves, and small accessories
How to Do It:
- Install hooks at kid-friendly height so they can hang up their own backpacks and jackets.
- Use bins or baskets to contain shoes and seasonal accessories.
- Label everything so kids know exactly where to put things.
- Place a calendar or whiteboard nearby to track activities and schedules.
- Make it a routine – When they come home, they hang up their things right away.
Picture This:
Visualize a tidy entryway with hooks lined up for each child’s backpack and coat, a small bench for shoes, and baskets neatly storing hats and gloves.
3. Use Bins & Labels for Easy Toy Storage
Toys can quickly take over a home if they don’t have a proper place. Simple, labeled storage makes it easy for kids to put things away on their own.
What You’ll Need:
✔️ Clear or labeled bins for different toy categories
✔️ Open baskets for quick cleanup
✔️ A toy shelf or cube organizer
How to Do It:
- Sort toys into categories (Legos, dolls, trucks, puzzles, etc.).
- Use clear or labeled bins – Picture labels help younger kids!
- Choose open bins for daily toys – No lids make cleanup easier.
- Store lesser-used toys higher up – Keep daily playthings within reach.
- Rotate toys regularly to keep things fresh and reduce clutter.
Picture This:
A colorful cube shelf neatly holding labeled bins, where each type of toy has its own spot, making cleanup quick and frustration-free.
4. Implement a Kid-Friendly Closet System
Closet chaos is real when kids constantly pull out clothes but never put them back. A simple, organized closet system makes mornings easier and keeps things tidy.
What You’ll Need:
✔️ Low-hanging rods or shelves for kids to access
✔️ Drawer dividers for socks and underwear
✔️ Labels for different clothing categories
How to Do It:
- Hang clothes at kid-height so they can pick out outfits independently.
- Use bins or dividers for folded items like pajamas and T-shirts.
- Label everything so kids know where things go.
- Limit clothing options – Keep only seasonally appropriate clothes in their closet.
- Teach kids to put laundry away using a simple system.
Picture This:
A kid’s closet with neatly hung clothes, labeled bins for folded items, and a shoe organizer—making outfit selection stress-free!
5. Create a Homework & Art Station
A designated homework and craft area prevents school supplies from ending up all over the house.
What You’ll Need:
✔️ A small desk or table
✔️ Bins for school supplies
✔️ A bulletin board for schedules and artwork
How to Do It:
- Set up a quiet space for homework with a desk or table.
- Use organizers for pencils, crayons, and paper to keep supplies tidy.
- Create a system for completed work – A file folder or bulletin board helps.
- Teach kids to clean up after homework before playing.
- Keep it clutter-free – Only store essentials in this space.
Picture This:
A small, organized desk with labeled bins for supplies, a comfy chair, and a corkboard displaying favorite schoolwork.
6. Establish Daily Cleanup Routines
Even young kids can help keep the home tidy with simple, age-appropriate routines.
What You’ll Need:
✔️ A simple daily checklist
✔️ A small basket for quick pick-ups
✔️ A timer for fun, timed cleanups
How to Do It:
- Create a 5-minute evening pickup routine – Make it a game!
- Assign simple tasks – Even toddlers can put toys in a bin.
- Use a reward system – Stickers or extra playtime can motivate kids.
- Make it fun – Play music or set a timer for speed cleanups.
- Be consistent – A little bit of daily cleaning prevents big messes later.
Picture This:
A family clean-up dance party, where kids happily put their toys away before bedtime!
7. Store Kids’ Dishes & Snacks Within Reach
A kid-friendly kitchen setup can encourage independence while keeping meal prep and snack time organized. When kids can easily grab what they need, it reduces the mess and prevents constant requests for help.
What You’ll Need:
✔️ A low drawer or shelf for kids’ plates & cups
✔️ Clear bins for healthy snacks
✔️ A step stool for easy access
How to Do It:
- Keep kids’ dishes in a lower cabinet so they can grab their own plates and cups.
- Use divided snack bins in the pantry and fridge for quick grab-and-go options.
- Store lunch-making essentials together for smoother mornings.
- Teach kids to put dishes away in their designated spots.
- Use labeled baskets to keep everything organized.
Picture This:
A kid-accessible snack station with healthy options, labeled bins, and a low drawer for plates and cups—giving kids the freedom to help themselves without making a mess.
8. Keep a “Quick Cleanup” Basket in Every Room
Sometimes, messes happen fast, and you don’t always have time for a full cleanup. A quick cleanup basket in each room helps contain clutter and makes tidying up fast and stress-free.
What You’ll Need:
✔️ Small storage baskets for each room
✔️ A designated bin for misplaced items
✔️ A regular time to empty the baskets
How to Do It:
- Place a small basket in high-traffic areas (living room, bedrooms, playroom).
- Use it to collect stray toys, books, or items that don’t belong in that room.
- Set a daily or weekly routine for putting items back where they belong.
- Involve the kids – let them take turns emptying the baskets.
- Keep baskets small to avoid them becoming another clutter zone.
Picture This:
A pretty woven basket in the living room, collecting scattered toys and misplaced items—ready to be sorted at the end of the day.
9. Use a Family Calendar to Stay Organized
Between school, sports, playdates, and family events, it’s easy to lose track of everything. A family calendar helps keep everyone on the same page and prevents last-minute chaos.
What You’ll Need:
✔️ A large dry-erase board or wall calendar
✔️ Color-coded markers for each family member
✔️ A weekly planning session
How to Do It:
- Use a large, visible calendar in the kitchen or entryway.
- Assign each family member a color to easily track activities.
- Update the calendar weekly to plan ahead.
- Add reminders for chores, meal plans, and important deadlines.
- Sync with a digital calendar (Google Calendar) for extra convenience.
Picture This:
A beautiful chalkboard calendar in the kitchen, keeping track of school events, doctor’s appointments, and family outings—making life more organized and stress-free.
10. Assign Simple Chores for Kids
Getting kids involved in household tasks teaches responsibility while helping you keep things organized. Even toddlers can contribute with small, age-appropriate chores!
What You’ll Need:
✔️ A printable chore chart
✔️ Stickers or small rewards for motivation
✔️ A routine that makes chores fun
How to Do It:
- Give kids simple, age-appropriate tasks like putting toys away or wiping the table.
- Use a chore chart so they can track their progress.
- Make it a game – Set a timer or play music while cleaning up.
- Reward effort, not perfection – Praise their help, even if it’s not perfect.
- Rotate chores weekly so everyone shares responsibilities.
Picture This:
A cute chore chart on the fridge, with stickers marking completed tasks, as kids excitedly check off their responsibilities for the day.
11. Keep Kid Clutter Out of Adult Spaces
Your home should have spaces where you can relax without stepping on toys. Establish boundaries so kid clutter stays in designated areas.
What You’ll Need:
✔️ A toy-free zone (like the master bedroom)
✔️ Storage baskets in shared spaces
✔️ A rule for returning items to their places
How to Do It:
- Declare some areas “kid-free” – Keep toys and kid clutter out of the bedroom and formal living room.
- Provide designated storage in shared spaces – Use baskets to quickly tidy up toys left in the living room.
- Teach kids to return items to their play area before bedtime.
- Lead by example – Keep adult spaces tidy so kids follow suit.
- Create a separate play zone so toys don’t migrate all over the house.
Picture This:
A clutter-free master bedroom, where you can unwind without a pile of stuffed animals and toy cars underfoot—a peaceful retreat just for you.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your home organized with kids doesn’t mean striving for perfection—it’s about creating practical systems that work for your family. By decluttering, setting up simple storage solutions, and involving your kids, you’ll transform your home into a space that’s both functional and stress-free.
Start with one or two changes and build from there. You’ve got this!
👉 Which organizing tip will you try first? Let’s chat in the comments!