Ultimate Kids' Organization System: Declutter & Conquer the Chaos!

Updated at: 27/05/2025

Is your child's room a disaster zone? Toys overflowing, clothes strewn everywhere, and a general air of chaos reigning supreme? You're not alone! Many parents struggle to maintain order in their children's spaces, leading to frustration for both kids and adults. The constant clutter not only impacts the home's aesthetic but can also negatively affect a child's focus, independence, and overall well-being. A well-organized space fosters a sense of calm and control, allowing children to thrive.

This isn't about creating a sterile environment; it's about implementing a practical and kid-friendly system that works for your family. This article provides a step-by-step guide to decluttering your child's room and establishing an ultimate organization system – one that empowers your child to maintain their space and develop valuable life skills. Let's dive into the process and conquer the chaos together!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Tubs (Target)
  • Acrylic tags and labels (Little Label Co)
  • Hot glue gun
  • Drawstring bags (Bell and Co-living)
  • Dividers (Little Label Co)
  • Bamboo dividers
  • Dymo label maker
  • Command hooks
  • Chatbooks app
  • Suspension file tubs (Officeworks)
  • IKEA tubs and organization system
Safety Guidelines
  • Always supervise young children during decluttering and organizing activities to prevent accidents and ensure their safety.
  • Keep cleaning supplies and sharp objects out of reach of children at all times. Use child-safe containers for storage whenever possible.
  • Involve children in the process to foster responsibility and ownership of their belongings. Adjust expectations to their age and abilities.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Declutter Keepsakes

    • Categorize and store keepsakes in labeled tubs. Use drawstring bags inside larger tubs to further organize items by category (birth, baby shower, birthdays, etc.).

  2. Organize Clothing

    • Organize hanging clothes using dividers. Create categories like dresses, tops, sweaters, and party clothes for easy access.
    • Fold clothes using the Konmari method and use adjustable bamboo dividers in drawers to separate clothing types (tops, bottoms, pajamas, etc.). Label drawer fronts for clarity.
    • Use a "wear again" hook for clothes worn once but not needing washing to reduce laundry and morning outfit struggles. Prepare outfits the night before using this hook.
    Use a "wear again" hook for clothes worn once but not needing washing to reduce laundry and morning outfit struggles. Prepare outfits the night before using this hook.Use a "wear again" hook for clothes worn once but not needing washing to reduce laundry and morning outfit struggles. Prepare outfits the night before using this hook.
    Organize Clothing

  3. Store Accessories

    • Store hair accessories in a small, easily accessible container with labeled sections.
    Store hair accessories in a small, easily accessible container with labeled sections.
    Store Accessories

  4. Preserve Memories

    • Create photo books regularly (e.g., every three months) using an app like Chatbooks to preserve memories.
    Create photo books regularly (e.g., every three months) using an app like Chatbooks to preserve memories.
    Preserve Memories

  5. Organize Artwork & Documents

    • Store artwork and important documents in labeled suspension file tubs. Regularly cull artwork, scanning or creating digital copies as needed.
    Store artwork and important documents in labeled suspension file tubs. Regularly cull artwork, scanning or creating digital copies as needed.
    Organize Artwork & Documents

  6. Organize Toys

    • Utilize IKEA tubs and shelving for toy storage in the playroom. Implement a toy rotation system to prevent boredom and overwhelm.
    Utilize IKEA tubs and shelving for toy storage in the playroom. Implement a toy rotation system to prevent boredom and overwhelm.
    Organize Toys

Read more: Build a Giant Toy Box: DIY Playroom Organization

Tips

  • Label everything! Clear labels make it easy for everyone in the family to find things and maintain organization.
  • Use adjustable dividers to customize storage to your specific needs and adjust as your child grows.
  • Regularly declutter and donate unused items to prevent overwhelming clutter and make room for new things.
  • Rotate toys every 3-6 months to keep children engaged and prevent toy overload.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Trying to do too much at once

Reason: Kids can get overwhelmed by large-scale decluttering projects. This leads to frustration and a likely abandonment of the effort.
Solution: Break down the process into smaller, manageable tasks, focusing on one area or category at a time.

2. Not involving kids in the process

Reason: Without their buy-in, kids are less likely to maintain the new system. They may feel their belongings are being disregarded.
Solution: Make it a fun, collaborative effort by letting children choose which items to keep, donate, or toss.

FAQs

My child is very attached to their toys. How do I get them to part with some?
Explain that giving away toys they no longer play with helps other children enjoy them. Try making it a fun activity – maybe donate to a charity together or have a toy swap with friends. Let them choose which toys to keep, and help them pack away those they're ready to donate or sell. Take photos of treasured items to help with the transition. Remember, it's a gradual process and patience is key.