Kids will be kids, and we know that clutter can be a natural part of them. But we also know that a well-organized space brings a lot of benefits, including contributing to a more focused mind for our children. And of course, we’d also love for them to recognize the value of having a mess-free place!
After all, teaching our kids to keep a tidy space is also an opportunity to teach them responsibility, give them a sense of ownership, and create a calm environment that reduces stress for the entire family.
So, if you’re looking for practical and simple kids’ room organization ideas, you’ve come to the right place. I’m happy to share how I organize my kids’ room to help you clear the clutter, empower your kids, and bring more peace into your home.
5 Steps for Organizing a Kid’s Room
I know that the thought of going through a room with piles of toys and other knick-knacks can be daunting, but I promise, breaking it down step-by-step can make it so much more manageable. Think of this as your battle plan for conquering the clutter once and for all. It’s a process, but it’s so worth it in the end!
Step 1: Plan Ahead
Before you start tossing things aimlessly into bags, take a moment to put together a plan. Think about how your child uses their room. Are there clear zones for sleeping, playing, and maybe a quiet corner for reading? Figuring out what works and what doesn’t is the first step to making things right.
Step 2: Sort and Purge
Sorting and purging are just some of the best and cheapest ways to organize your kids’ room because you’re literally creating space without buying a thing. It can also be a good way to find things that are good enough for reselling or to share to give back to the community.
To do this, grab a few boxes or bags and label them. I suggest sorting everything into boxes labeled with Keep, Donate, or Toss.
Step 3: Add or Reorganize Your Storage Solutions
Now that you know what you’re keeping, it’s time to give it a home. You don’t need a fancy, expensive system. Think simple and accessible:
- Open Bins and Baskets: Perfect for toys like blocks, cars, and dolls. Kids can see what’s inside, and, more importantly, can toss things back in easily.
- Low Shelves: Keep their favorite books and toys at their eye level so they can reach them without your help.
- Wall Hooks: These are amazing for backpacks, jackets, dress-up clothes, and tomorrow’s outfit.
The goal is to make it as easy as possible for your child to put their own stuff away.
Step 4: Categorize and Group
Before you start putting things back, group “like with like”. Put together all the LEGOs in one spot, all the other art supplies in another, and so on. When everything has a category, your child knows exactly where to find what they’re looking for and where it goes when they’re done.
Step 5: Do Regular Declutter Sessions
A deep clean every once in a while, when you’re inspired, or you just remembered to do so, isn’t going to cut it. Strive to make decluttering a part of your habits so you can maintain your kid’s room in its pristine state without making it so much of a chore.
Try a 10-minute “Tidy-Up Time” before bed or a quick 20-minute room reset every Sunday. Consistent small efforts make a world of difference.
Other Tips for Maintaining Your Kid’s Room’s Organization
Once you’ve done the big purge and set up your systems, you can now pause for a moment and take a deep breath. Making sure that the organization sticks can also be another challenge you’ll need to take on, but we've got you covered. Here are the little habits and tricks I found to be effective in keeping my kids’ room squeaky clean:
1. Get Your Kids Involved
It can really get tempting to just do everything by yourself (of course, it’s always faster this way!), but for long-term success, your kids should feel that they’re in it as well. May it be creating a fun game while cleaning with your toddler, or allowing your older kids to gain a better sense of control, your kids are more likely to actually use a system that they helped create.
It’s also a great way for them to fully appreciate their room as their own space and feel a sense of pride in always keeping it tidy and organized.
2. Label Everything!
Labels are visual cues that can make organizing easier and more enjoyable. It’s a colorful way to take all the guesswork out of cleanup time for you and your kids. It also works great to prevent mixups among siblings!
And I’d just like to mention that my absolute favorites are from InchBug! Their stick-on labels are amazing for bins, drawers, and shelves. You can choose from tons of cute designs of their name labels or other personalized items.
InchBug’s child name labels are super durable, waterproof, and even dishwasher safe. So, with InchBug personalized name stickers as your labels, you’re sure that they’ll stay put wherever you stick them and can handle whatever your kid throws at them.
3. Color Code
Color coding is another visual trick that works great for organizing a kid’s room, especially for younger kids who are still learning to read. It’s an easy way to organize without needing complex categories.
For example, you can have a cube storage unit where the blue bin is for building blocks, the red bin is for cars, and the yellow one is for art supplies. It can become an intuitive system that they can follow on their own.
4. Break Down Tasks into Smaller tasks
Getting asked to clean their room can be as vague as it gets for a child who might find it difficult to think of where to start. It can be especially overwhelming for them, and they can feel like it’s an impossible task. Instead of just telling them to tidy up their messy room, try breaking down the task into smaller, more manageable “task bites”.
Make them focus on one small task at a time, like making their bed first and then putting away their stuffed animals next. This makes the process more methodical and achievable, and helps build their confidence.
5. Follow the “One In, One Out” Rule
The “One In, One Out” Rule is a form of minimalistic living that’s a great way to prevent clutter from creeping back in. The rule is simple: for every new toy or piece of clothing that comes into the room, one old one has to be donated or passed on.
Aside from teaching kids to stay organized, it’s also a fantastic way to impart with them some good values like gratitude, conscious consumption, and the joy of giving to others.
Make Cleaning More Fun With InchBug
Creating an organized space is a significant accomplishment that you can also teach your kids to take ownership of. The goal isn’t a perfect room, but a peaceful one where your family can function well. The key is to build a simple system that your kids can follow, made more achievable with stick-on labels, especially those from InchBug.
If you want to help your kids become more engaged in organizing, I highly recommend InchBug labels. You may check out all the name stickers for kids and other personalized items on their website. InchBug has made our lives easier, and I can’t wait for you to benefit from using them, too!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Should Every Kid’s Room Have?
Every kid’s room needs 3 basic things: a comfortable space for sleep, a designated area for play, and smart storage that’s easy for them to use.
What is the “20 Toy Rule” for Kids?
The idea behind the “20 Toy Rule” is to keep about 20 toys out and accessible at a time and store the rest away. You can then rotate the toys every few weeks to keep things feeling fresh and new without the clutter.
How Long Would It Take to Declutter My Kid’s Room?
The length of time it would take to declutter your kid’s room can depend on various factors, including the size of the room, amount of clutter, and even the starting point!
How Can I Help My Kid With ADHD Clean Their Rooms?
For a child with ADHD, cleaning their rooms could be overwhelming, so it’s best to start with breaking their tasks down. Use visual aids like a checklist with pictures, set a timer for short cleaning bursts (making it a game could add in the fun!), and offer plenty of praise. Keeping the organization system simple with clear, visible labels is also a huge help.
How Do I Give My Kids Their Own Space When They Share a Room?
You can give your kids a space of their own that can show their individuality by creating visual and physical zones. Some ideas to achieve this include using a bookshelf as a room divider, getting different colored bedding and decor for each child, or using rugs to define their personal areas.
It’s also a good practice to ensure each child has their own designated storage bins and a special spot, even if it’s just a shelf, that’s 100% theirs.
