10 Easy Tips to Keep Clutter from Taking Over Your Busy Family Home

Let’s face it—family life is busy, messy, and full of stuff. From school bags to sports gear, toys to Tupperware, it’s easy for clutter to quietly pile up in the corners of your home (and your sanity). But staying on top of it doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Here are 10 tried-and-true tips to keep clutter at bay—even in the busiest of households.

1. Start Small

Don’t try to tackle the whole house at once. Start with a single drawer or shelf. Progress is progress!

2. Create a Drop Zone

Designate one spot near the front door for bags, keys, shoes, and mail. It keeps the clutter contained and easy to manage.

3. Declutter Regularly

Get into the habit of a quick weekly purge—old papers, outgrown clothes, broken toys—out they go!

4. One In, One Out Rule

For every new item that comes in, send one out. This simple rule keeps things from piling up.

5. Rotate Toys

Keep a small selection of toys out and store the rest. Rotate them monthly to keep things fresh and less chaotic.

6. Assign a Home for Everything

When every item has a home, it’s easier (even for the kids!) to put things back where they belong.

7. Use Clear Storage

Transparent bins make it easier to see what you have—no more digging through mystery boxes.

8. Tackle Paper Clutter

Use wall-mounted organizers or a filing system for school notes, bills, and receipts. Don’t let papers pile up on the counter.

9. Declutter as a Family

Make it fun! Set a timer for 10 minutes and see who can tidy their space the fastest. Everyone can contribute—even the little ones.

10. Call in Help When You Need It

Sometimes you just need a fresh set of eyes. That’s where we come in! At Neetz Declutter & Organise, we help families create calm from chaos with practical systems tailored to your lifestyle.

For even more tips and inspiration, check out this great guide from The Spruce: How to Declutter Your Home, Room by Room.

Need help turning overwhelm into order?
Follow us on Instagram for more quick tips and family-friendly decluttering ideas: @neetz_declutter