Let’s be honest—keeping things organized when you have kids can feel like an impossible task. You clean up one mess, and there’s another one before you can even grab your coffee.
Between toys, clothes, homework, and snack wrappers, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But trust me, it doesn’t have to be this chaotic.
There are some super simple, kid-friendly organization hacks that actually work, and they might even make your life a little bit easier (and way more fun for the kiddos). Let’s dive in!
Kid-Friendly Organization Hacks That Actually Work
1. Toy Bins with Labels (It’s Not Just for the Label Obsessed!)
First things first, get your hands on some colorful bins or baskets. Trust me, it’s like magic for getting kids to help! You can label them with words or use pictures for younger kids—think of a picture of a car for car toys, or a picture of a teddy bear for stuffed animals.
This turns cleaning up into a fun game for the kids, and they actually enjoy putting things away! (Bonus: It works for you too when you need to find things later.)
2. DIY Activity Station (All the Things, All the Time)
If your kids are into arts and crafts (or even if they’re not), creating a DIY activity station will be a game changer. Pick a spot in the house where you can store everything they need—crayons, markers, scissors, construction paper, and glue—on a little cart or a dedicated shelf.
You’ll always know where the supplies are, and the kids can grab and go whenever the creative mood strikes. No more searching for the missing marker or glue stick!
3. The “Backpack Drop Zone” (The Ultimate Time-Saver)
How many times have you tripped over backpacks or school bags on the way in or out of the house? Let’s end that right now! Set up a designated backpack drop zone.
It could be a set of hooks, a bin near the door, or a bench where they can easily hang or stash their bags. When kids come home, they automatically know to drop it off there.
It’s a small change, but it’ll save you tons of time (and frustration) in the morning rush – trust me.
4. Toy Rotation System (Out with the Old, In with the New)
If the toys in your house are constantly multiplying, it’s time to try the toy rotation system. Instead of trying to organize every single toy, rotate a set of toys in and out of storage each week.
When the kids see toys they haven’t played with in a while, it feels like they’re brand new again. It keeps the clutter down, and your kids will be more interested in the toys they haven’t seen in a bit.
I can’t take credit for this one – my Mom told me this when the kids were tiny and allllll the toys were strewn about.
5. Create a Routine Together (Make Cleaning Up a Family Thing)
Here’s the secret: Get the kids involved! <— read that again. So many parents think it’s just easier if they do it themselves. Let’s be honest – that IS true – but, you become fussy about it and they never learn to do a job well to completion.
Having them help or do it themselves teaches them SO much. It teaches responsibility, it gives them confidence in knowing they can do a job and do it well, it helps them take pride in ownership – which helps them respect other people’s things – who knew something so small could do so much in the course of your kids lives?
So, yeah you may have to help, yeah they may not do it the way you would, yeah it may take longer – but, try and keep the bigger picture in mind.. you’re raising responsible, confident, and respectful kids you can be proud of.
Set aside 10-15 minutes each evening to clean up together as a family. Make it a fun challenge to see how much you can all get done in that short time.
Play music or make it a game to “beat the clock.” This helps teach kids responsibility while making the process a lot more fun. Trust me, they’ll love the team effort, and your house will be tidier in no time.
6. Use Clear Storage Bins for Easy Visibility
Clear storage bins are like little windows into your child’s world. When you use transparent bins, the kids can see exactly what’s inside, making it easier for them to grab what they need and put it back when they’re done.
Plus, it’s much easier for you to find stuff without digging through every single one.
7. Set Up a Homework Station (No More Lost Papers!)
Do you ever feel like papers and school projects are just magically scattered everywhere? A designated homework station can solve that.
Set up a small desk or corner in your home where they can do their work. Include supplies like pens, markers, and paper—all in easy-to-access bins.
Bonus: You can add a basket for finished assignments so they’re ready to be checked by you before they’re turned in!
8. Color Code for Easy Sorting (The Fun Way to Stay Organized)
Color coding isn’t just for school folders. You can use color-coded baskets, bins, or labels to help kids keep track of their things.
Assign colors to different toys, books, or even chores. This helps little ones understand where things go and gives them a sense of ownership over their belongings. Plus, it’s fun!
9. Create a Calendar for Family Activities (Stay on Track with Fun Plans)
One of the best ways to stay organized is by getting everyone on the same page with a family calendar. Use a big wall calendar or a digital one to track everything from school events to soccer practice.
Get the kids involved by letting them add their activities or color-code the calendar by family member. This way, everyone knows what’s coming up—and you won’t miss a beat!
10. Declutter Together (Make It a Regular Habit)
Teaching kids the importance of decluttering is a skill that will last a lifetime. Have regular decluttering days where the whole family goes through items they no longer need.
Not only will this help reduce clutter, but it’s also an opportunity to donate toys, clothes, and books to those in need. Plus, kids love getting involved with sorting through things to decide what they want to keep!
Bonus Tip: Make It Fun!
The key to keeping your kids organized is to make it fun. Use a reward system like a sticker chart, where they can earn a reward after completing certain tasks.
Or have mini contests to see who can clean up the fastest. The more enjoyable it is, the more likely they’ll want to help out and keep things tidy.
Wrapping It Up
Organizing your home with kids doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming. With these simple (and fun!) hacks, your kids will start taking ownership of their space, and you’ll be able to breathe a little easier knowing everything has its place.
Try out one or two of these tips today and watch your home go from chaotic to calm!
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