How To Help Kids Get Organised (And Why it Matters More Than You Think)

Every parent has experienced that moment,  standing in a doorway, staring at their child’s room, wondering how on earth it got this chaotic.

Toys everywhere. Clothes stuffed into drawers (or left on the floor). Books stacked sideways, half-read, and forgotten. And somewhere beneath it all… a child who’s overwhelmed, distracted, and totally uninterested in cleaning up.

If that sounds like your daily reality, you're not alone.

But the thing most parenting blogs won’t tell you is this: organisation isn’t just about a tidy room, it’s a core life skill that shapes your child’s future.

And as a parent, helping your kids develop that skill doesn’t have to be a constant battle.

Let’s unpack why kids struggle to stay organised, what’s really going on under the surface, and how you can support them without nagging, micromanaging, or giving up.

Why Organisation Matters (More Than Just a Clean Room)

A disorganised space impacts more than your home’s aesthetics, it can affect your child’s emotional well-being, family dynamics, and even brain development.

Studies show that children who live in cluttered environments:

• Experience more stress and anxiety
• Have shorter attention spans
• Are less likely to engage in creative, focused play

“When kids are empowered to take care of their own space, it benefits the entire family.”

When kids learn to organise their space, they also build essential life skills like:

✔️ Responsibility – Knowing how to care for their belongings

✔️ Decision-making – Choosing what to keep and what to let go

✔️Gratitude – Appreciating what they already have

✔️Independence – Managing their own routines and space

Why Kids Struggle with Clutter

Most parents assume disorganisation is just a lack of effort or attention. But kids often resist tidying up for very real reasons:

1. Emotional Attachments
   “That broken toy? Grandma gave it to me.”
2. Overwhelm
   Too much stuff leads to decision fatigue. Kids don’t know where to start.
3. Ownership & Identity
   “This is MINE!” They’re still learning boundaries and what it means to take care of something.
4. Fear of Missing Out
   “What if I want to play with it later?” They’re not being difficult, they’re being human.

“When kids are surrounded by too much, they actually play LESS because they feel overwhelmed by choices.”

Why Parents Struggle, Too

Sometimes WE are the reason the clutter keeps piling up.

• “I spent good money on that.”
• “It was a gift, I’d feel guilty donating it.”
• “They might need it someday.”
• “They SHOULD love this toy!”

If you’ve ever bought more baskets instead of reducing what’s in them… you’re not alone.

Stop the Tug-of-War: Shift from Control to Collaboration

There’s a better way than doing it all for them or letting them sink.

Start collaborating:

• Let them express how they want their room to feel
• Offer structured choices: “Would you like to keep 5 or 10 soft toys?”
• Involve them in storage decisions: “Do you want your books on a shelf or in a basket?”

“Parents who do too much for their children prevent them from learning how to do things for themselves.”
— Dr. Thomas Gordon

 

 

Use “I” statements instead of commands:Instead of “Your room is a mess. Clean it up!”

Try “I feel overwhelmed when I see toys on the floor, what could we do together?”It builds trust, not tension.

The Real Goal: Teaching, Not Tidying

Your job isn’t to tidy their room forever. It’s to teach them how to manage it.

Start small:

• One drawer
• One shelf
• One 5-minute tidy-up timer

Make it consistent and calm. Visual labels, colour codes, and routines help it stick.

“This isn’t about parents doing all the work. It’s about involving kids in creating a space they love and can maintain.”

-Lisa Hodgson

 

 

But What If the Clutter Keeps Coming In?

Decluttering is only part of the puzzle. You’ve got to control the inflow, too.

Here’s how:

• 🎁 Set gift boundaries: Suggest books, experiences, or art supplies instead of toys
• 🛒 Curb impulse shopping: “Is this solving a problem… or adding to it?”
• 🔁 Rotate toys: Store extras out of sight and swap them in monthly
• 💛 Encourage generosity: Let kids donate gently used toys to other families

Your Role Isn’t to Be the Cleaner. It’s to Be the Coach

You’re not the maid. You’re the guide. The coach. The person teaching your child how to take care of their space, their time, and ultimately… themselves.

And yes, it takes time. But you’ll start to see the shift:

• Less “Where’s my…?”
• More independence
• Fewer meltdowns at cleanup time
• And a calmer, more peaceful home

So… Where Do You Start?

You’re probably thinking:

“This all makes sense. But where do I begin without getting overwhelmed?”

That’s exactly why I created something to help.

The Ultimate Kids Room Organisation Guide

This isn’t just another decluttering checklist.

It’s a powerful, step-by-step system to help you:

• 🧠 Understand your child’s relationship with “stuff”
• 💡 Declutter together without power struggles
• 🗂️ Set up storage systems that actually work for your family
• 🛑 Manage the inflow of toys, clothes, and chaos
• ♻️ Repurpose and recycle with intention
• 💬 Maintain it all with less effort (and way fewer arguments)

This guide is your shortcut to less stress, more calm, and kids who feel empowered in their space.

👉 Grab your copy here and get started today 

Because your home should work for you,  not feel like another full-time job.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age should kids start organising their own room?
Start small at ages 3–4. By age 6+, many kids can manage simple routines with support.

How do I get my child to clean without nagging?
Use collaboration, not commands. Offer structured choices and involve them in the decision-making.

How can I reduce the clutter coming into the house?
Rotate toys, set limits with gift-givers, and model intentional shopping habits.

Why does my child get overwhelmed when asked to tidy?
They may not know how to begin. Start small. Use timers or sorting games to reduce overwhelm.

What if they refuse to let go of anything?
Help them explore the “why.” Offer empathy, not pressure. Frame it as creating space for what they love.

About the Author

Lisa Hodgson is a home organisation expert and the former founder of Sydney’s premier family decluttering business. She’s worked with hundreds of overwhelmed parents to create calmer, more intentional spaces that support family life, not stress it out. Now through her guides and digital programs, she’s on a mission to help mums feel in control again.