Organizing is a skill we often think we have to figure out on our own, but that’s simply not true. As a professional home organizer, one of the most common questions I hear from parents is how to create organizing strategies with kids that actually work. Children may be small, but they can generate a surprising amount of clutter, and without guidance, that clutter can quickly take over a home.
The good news? Teaching kids how to organize doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, it can be a powerful way to create calm, build lifelong habits and bring more peace of mind to your entire household.
Including kids in the organizing process is key. It’s never too early to start teaching simple habits like picking up after themselves and putting items away when they’re finished. When children see you finish an activity and return items to their proper place, they learn that organizing is just part of everyday life. Showing them that one toy gets put away before another comes out helps reinforce the idea that there’s a natural rhythm to staying tidy.
Of course, kids can only put things away if there’s a place for everything. Toys, games, books, clothes, each category should have a clear, designated home. When children know exactly where items belong, organizing feels manageable instead of overwhelming. As a home organizer, I always say that systems should be simple, visible and easy for kids to use independently.
Children are incredible observers. They learn far more from what we do than what we say. When parents practice decluttering, organizing regularly and maintaining tidy spaces, kids naturally follow suit. Leading by example is one of the most effective organizing strategies you can use.
Making organizing fun is another game changer. Kids don’t view chores the way adults do, so turning cleanup into a game helps it feel engaging instead of frustrating. A simple timed cleanup where everyone joins in and puts items back where they belong can quickly become a routine that benefits the whole family. Kids learn that when they stay organized as they go, tidying up takes less time and parents enjoy the peace of mind that comes from ending the day with a calm, tidy home.
Positive reinforcement also plays a role. Rewards don’t need to be “things.” Experiences, extra reading time, choosing dinner or one-on-one time with a parent can be incredibly motivating. And never underestimate the power of appreciation. A hug and a heartfelt thank you go a long way.
Organizing with kids isn’t about perfection. It’s about building habits, reducing daily stress and creating a home that supports everyone who lives there. With the right systems in place, decluttering becomes easier, tidy spaces stay manageable and your home becomes a place of calm rather than chaos.
If you’d like to see how organizing can completely transform a child’s space, take a look at these before-and-after playroom organization projects.
Feeling stuck or unsure where to start? You don’t have to tackle it alone. As a professional home organizer, I help clients declutter, create systems that make sense, and restore peace of mind at home. Visit Contact Denver Professional Organizer | SOS Smart Organizing Solutions to get started. I enjoy working with families throughout Denver, Central Park, Park Hill, Cherry Creek, Aurora and surrounding communities to declutter their homes, create customized organizing systems and build habits that make staying tidy feel manageable long term.