Getting the Kids Involved with Decluttering
- Shiffy ClearSpace
- Jan 4
- 3 min read

Getting the Kids Involved with Decluttering
January 4, 2025
Decluttering toys with kids doesn’t have to be a battle—it can be a chance to teach valuable life skills while creating a more organized space. The key is to keep the process low-pressure and manageable, allowing kids to make decisions confidently and at their own pace. Here’s a simple, stress-free approach to toy organization that works wonders.

1. Start with Easy Wins
Begin with toys that hold the least emotional value before moving on to those with more sentimental attachments. Starting small helps build confidence and makes the process feel less overwhelming.
By guiding your kids through these steps, you’re not only helping them create an organized space but also teaching valuable decision-making skills they can carry into other aspects of life.

2. Create a "Maybe Box"
Toys are often the toughest items for kids to let go of, which is why a “Maybe” box can be a game-changer. In addition to the usual Keep, Donate, and Toss categories, introduce a box for toys they aren’t quite ready to part with. This eases the tension of having to make tough decisions right then and there, and gives them room to contemplate.

3. Create Space for Reflection
The “Maybe” box allows toys to temporarily leave their play area without making an immediate decision. Once those toys are out of sight, kids often find it easier to let go when they realize they haven’t missed them.
Pro Tip: Make it a Fun Experience!
Want to encourage your kids to join in on organizing? Turn it into a game! By making cleanup enjoyable, you can keep them engaged while teaching valuable lessons about responsibility. Try these creative decluttering games to add excitement to any organizing session:
Beat the Clock: Set a timer for ten minutes and challenge your kids to declutter as many items as they can before the timer runs out.
Play Music: Play music while they sort. When the music stops, they must decide whether to keep, toss, or donate the item in their hands.
Sort-and-Relay Challenge: Create a race where kids compete to categorize items into keep, donate, or toss piles. It’s a fast-paced way to teach decision-making and generosity!
I hope these suggestions have inspired you to get your kids involved in organizing your home! Ready to take the next step? Our expert team in South Florida are here to help! Schedule a consultation today to discover how we can create lasting, stress-free organizing systems tailored to your needs!
And if you're looking for a truly unique gift, why not give the gift of stress-free organizing? It’s a thoughtful and timeless gesture anyone would appreciate!
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Shiffy is the founder of ClearSpace by Shiffy LLC, a Professional Home Organizing Business in South Florida, servicing Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties. She loves creating systems out of chaos and is known for her attention to detail, and ensuring that each project is customized and streamlined to fit the customer's lifestyle. Her projects are easy to maintain long term, bringing function to any space. She shares her tips and tricks on Instagram @clearspacebyshiffy
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