Day 4: Take Control Of Kids’ Spaces
Welcome to the 7-Day Declutter Challenge! This step-by-step plan will guide you to clear the clutter and create a home that feels calm, organized, and uniquely yours.
Kids’ rooms and play areas can easily become clutter hotspots. For Day 4 of the declutter challenge, we’ll tackle those spaces!
Use these practical strategies to create a more organized environment for your little ones.
“The best way to enjoy your favorite things is to only own your favorite things.”
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Day 4: Decluttering Hacks For Kids Areas
1. Create An Ongoing Donation Box
Keep an extra storage bin in your child’s closet. When you notice an item of clothing that no longer fits, place it directly into the bin. Once it’s full, donate or pass it along to a younger sibling. This habit makes decluttering manageable and consistent.
Set aside time each season to sort through kids’ items and remove anything that’s no longer used or needed.
Pro Tip: Toss out damaged clothing immediately (e.g., socks with holes or stained clothes that can’t be salvaged).
2. Teach the One in, One Out Rule
Encourage the one-in, one-out rule. For every new toy or clothing item your child receives, they select one to donate. This rule is especially effective before birthdays or holidays.
3. Declutter Toys And Books Regularly
Toys and books tend to pile up quickly, especially with younger children. Dedicate time to sort through toy bins and bookshelves to remove unused items.
Here are some tips to declutter without upsetting your kids:
- Let Them Sell Items: Motivate your kids by allowing them to sell their unused items. They’ll be more willing to part with toys if they can earn money.
- Declutter While They’re Away: If your child is particularly attached to their belongings, try removing outgrown items discreetly. Place them in a bag and set them aside. If your child doesn’t notice the absence after two weeks, donate them.
Pro Tip: If this task feels overwhelming, consider splitting it across two days. Or just do what you can get done in your schedule!
4. Organize Kids’ Papers
Kids often bring home a mountain of papers from school.
- Designate a place for important papers to go after school.
- Acknowledge papers and artwork and show your kids you appreciate their work.
- Discreetly recycle non-essentials.
Pro Tip: Keep 2-4 papers or art projects per month as keepsakes. Utilize a spacious art organizer or additional organizers to store them.
5. Plan For Outgrown And Sentimental Items
Kids outgrow clothes, toys, and gear quickly. Have a plan for dealing with these items:
- Store sentimental items temporarily if you’re not ready to part with them. Aim to declutter them during your next sweep.
- Give to cousins or a neighborhood family that will also love them.
- Donate to families in need, foster care programs, or local charities.
- Take photos of sentimental items to preserve the memories without keeping the physical object.
- Limit sentimental keepsakes to a single bin per child.
Pro Tip: Knowing where to donate makes the process guilt-free and rewarding.
Kids’ Rooms Decluttering Checklist
Here’s a quick checklist to help you tackle kids’ spaces efficiently:
- Sort out clothes that don’t fit
- Toss worn undergarments
- Remove broken/outgrown toys
- Sort out shoes that don’t fit
- Sort out old or damaged bedding
- Organize age-appropriate books
- Declutter toy collections
Go to Day 1 of the challenge to grab this free printable decluttering checklist!
What’s Next?
Ready for the next step in the declutter challenge? Here’s what’s coming up:
- Day 5: Streamline the Bathroom
- Day 6: Simplify the Laundry Room
- Day 7: Tackle the Final Clutter Zones
Missed a day? Jump back to Day 1-3 to get started!
Keep going! You are creating a home you love one day at a time.