As a busy mom, keeping your home organised can feel like an uphill battle. Between juggling work, school drop-offs, meal prep, and the endless to-do list, decluttering often takes a back seat. If you’re juggling work, kids, and household tasks, these simple strategies for decluttering for busy moms will help you stay on top of the mess without stress.
First thing first, you don’t have to do it all alone! By involving the whole family, decluttering becomes a manageable and even enjoyable task, while also teaching children valuable lessons in responsibility and organisation. Here are expert decluttering tips for busy moms on how to make decluttering a family effort.
And we are here to help you with our experience and best practices! Let’s get started,
Step 1: Shift the Mindset—Decluttering is a Team Effort
One of the biggest obstacles to home organisation is the belief that it’s solely mom’s responsibility. To get your family on board, change the narrative and make decluttering a shared responsibility. When decluttering is framed as a collective effort, family members are more likely to participate willingly.
How to Encourage a Team Mentality?
- Explain the benefits: A tidy home means less stress, more space, and easier access to everyday essentials.
- Focus on value, not just removal: Teach kids that decluttering isn’t about throwing things away, it’s about keeping what truly matters.
- Set a family goal: “If we finish decluttering the playroom today, we’ll have a family movie night!”
Step 2: Start Small for Quick Wins
Decluttering for busy moms doesn’t have to be overwhelming—small, consistent steps can make a big difference in creating an organised home.
Instead of overwhelming the family with a major cleanup session, begin with small, achievable tasks. Quick wins help build momentum and a sense of accomplishment. Starting with easy tasks builds confidence and encourages everyone to take on bigger projects over time.
10-Minute Decluttering Wins:
✅ Gather and organise stray toys
✅ Toss expired food from the fridge
✅ Declutter the bathroom counter
✅ Match socks and discard unmatched ones
Step 3: Make Decluttering Fun
If decluttering feels like a chore, getting your family to participate will be an uphill battle. The key? Turn it into an enjoyable experience. When decluttering is engaging, it’s easier to get enthusiastic participation from everyone.
Fun Ways to Get the Family Involved:
🎶 Play music – A fun playlist can turn cleaning into a dance party.
⌛ Set a timer – “Let’s see how much we can declutter in 10 minutes!”
🎯 Make it a challenge – “Who can find five things they no longer use?”
🎮 Gamify the process – Give each child a donation bag and see who can fill theirs first.
Step 4: Assign Age-Appropriate Tasks
Every family member can contribute based on their age and ability. This not only eases the burden but also instills a sense of ownership and responsibility. When each person has a defined role, the process becomes efficient and equitable. Check out our expert breakdown:
Task Ideas for Different Age Groups:
Toddlers (2–4 years old)
- Put toys in bins
- Sort socks
- Throw away trash
Kids (5–10 years old)
- Organise bookshelves
- Fold and put away laundry
- Choose which old toys to donate
Tweens & Teens (11+ years old)
- Sort and donate unworn clothes
- Organise their study space
- Declutter digital devices
Partners
- Declutter garage or storage spaces
- Sort through paperwork and bills
- Move heavy furniture or large items
Step 5: Create Systems to Keep Clutter Away
Decluttering is just the first step, keeping your home organised requires simple, sustainable systems. Establishing these habits ensures that clutter doesn’t creep back in over time.
Strategies for Maintaining a Clutter-Free Home:
- Label everything – Clearly marked bins and shelves help everyone know where things belong.
- Declutter regularly – Schedule a 15-minute tidy-up every week to maintain order.
- One In, One Out Rule – For every new item brought into the home, donate or discard an old one.
- Use a “Maybe” Box – Unsure about letting go of something? Store it in a box for a month—if it’s not missed, it’s time to donate.
Step 6: Celebrate Progress & Reward the Effort
Acknowledging the family’s hard work reinforces positive behavior and makes the process feel worthwhile. Positive reinforcement makes decluttering something the family looks forward to rather than dreads.
Simple Rewards for a Job Well Done:
- Family movie or game night
- A special treat (ice cream, anyone?)
- A fun outing or extra playtime
- Bonus screen time (for kids and teens!)
Decluttering as a Busy Mom: It’s Achievable!
The burden of decluttering doesn’t have to fall entirely on you. By shifting the mindset, starting with small wins, making it enjoyable, assigning tasks, and establishing simple systems, you can create a home that stays organised, without the stress.
At DUCKS IN A ROW, we help busy moms take control of their spaces and simplify home organisation. Need expert guidance? Contact us today and transform your home into a clutter-free haven!
Now, rally your troops and get decluttering!