Motherhood is a beautiful journey, but let’s be honest—it often comes with an overwhelming amount of stuff. From baby gear to school projects, toys scattered in every room, and an endless pile of laundry, it can feel like the clutter is taking over your home and your sanity. If you’ve ever looked around your house and felt stressed by the mess, you’re not alone.
The good news? Decluttering doesn’t have to be a massive, all-consuming project. In fact, small, intentional steps can lead to big, lasting wins. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s creating a home that feels more peaceful and functional for you and your family.
Here’s how to tackle decluttering in a way that fits into your busy mom life without feeling overwhelming.
Why Decluttering Matters for Moms
Before we dive into the how, let’s talk about the why. Decluttering is about more than just having a tidy house—it directly impacts your mental and emotional well-being. Here’s why it’s worth the effort:
- Less Stress – A clutter-free space reduces feelings of overwhelm and gives you a sense of control.
- More Time – Less stuff means less cleaning, organizing, and searching for lost items.
- Better Focus – A decluttered environment helps clear mental clutter, making it easier to be present with your kids.
- Encourages Independence – When everything has a place, kids can learn to clean up after themselves more easily.
The best part? You don’t have to do it all in one weekend. Small, simple steps can lead to big wins over time.
Step 1: Start Small—Pick One Area
One of the biggest mistakes moms make when trying to declutter is tackling too much at once. Instead of attempting to organize your entire house in a day (which leads to frustration), start small. Choose one manageable area, such as:
- A single kitchen drawer
- The diaper bag or car
- One shelf in the playroom
- The bathroom counter
Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and focus only on that space. Quick, small victories will motivate you to keep going!
Step 2: The 5-Minute Tidy-Up Rule
If the idea of decluttering feels overwhelming, start with just five minutes a day. Set a timer and challenge yourself (or your kids) to tidy up as much as possible before it goes off. Even small pockets of time add up!
Some quick decluttering wins:
- Toss out expired food or old receipts
- Put away shoes or coats left out
- Throw broken or missing-piece toys in the trash
- Sort one stack of mail or school papers
Five minutes may not seem like much, but over a week, that’s 35 minutes of decluttering progress without much effort!
Step 3: The “One In, One Out” Rule
One reason clutter accumulates so quickly is that we keep bringing new things into the house without getting rid of anything. To keep clutter in check, implement the “one in, one out” rule—for every new item you bring into the home, remove one.
Examples:
- If your child gets a new stuffed animal, donate an old one.
- Bought a new kitchen gadget? Get rid of one you don’t use.
- Received a new pair of shoes? Pass on an old pair.
This simple habit helps prevent clutter from building up over time.
Step 4: Declutter by Category, Not by Room
Instead of decluttering by room (which can be overwhelming), try decluttering by category instead. This method, popularized by Marie Kondo, helps you see how much of one type of item you actually own.
Start with categories that are easy to sort, such as:
- Kid’s clothes – Do they still fit? Are they worn out?
- Toys – Do they still play with them, or have they outgrown them?
- Books – Which ones do they still read?
- Mom’s clothes – When was the last time you wore that dress?
- Kitchen gadgets – Do you really need three spatulas?
By tackling one category at a time, you prevent decision fatigue and make decluttering more manageable.
Step 5: Create Drop Zones for Everyday Chaos
Moms know the struggle of constantly picking up shoes, backpacks, and random toys. A simple way to keep the mess under control is by creating designated drop zones.
- Entryway baskets – One for each child’s shoes, backpacks, and jackets.
- Toy bin in the living room – A quick way to scoop up scattered toys at the end of the day.
- Mail station – A small tray for mail and important papers so they don’t pile up.
Having a place for frequently used items helps cut down on clutter and makes cleanup easier.
Step 6: Involve Your Kids
Decluttering isn’t just your responsibility. Teaching kids to take ownership of their space is a valuable life skill.
Some simple ways to involve them:
- Give choices – “Would you like to keep three or five stuffed animals?”
- Make it a game – Set a timer and see who can put the most toys away.
- Teach them donation habits – Explain that giving away unused toys helps other kids who don’t have as much.
The earlier they learn, the more they’ll take responsibility for their space.
Step 7: Let Go of Mom Guilt
Moms often hold onto things out of guilt. Maybe it’s that expensive toy your child never plays with, or the dress you haven’t worn in years but “might” one day. The truth? Keeping things out of guilt only adds stress.
Ask yourself:
- Does this item bring joy or serve a purpose?
- Is it taking up space without adding value to our lives?
- Would someone else benefit from it more?
It’s okay to let go. Your peace is worth more than the clutter.
Step 8: Celebrate Small Wins!
Decluttering is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. Celebrate the small wins—whether it’s an organized drawer, a toy bin that finally closes, or simply feeling less overwhelmed by the mess.
Some ways to keep momentum:
- Take before-and-after photos to see your progress.
- Reward yourself with a little self-care (a quiet cup of coffee, a favorite show, etc.).
- Remind yourself that even small steps make a big difference over time.
Final Thoughts: Progress Over Perfection
Decluttering as a mom isn’t about having a Pinterest-perfect home—it’s about creating a space that feels manageable, peaceful, and functional for your family.
By taking small, intentional steps, you can reclaim your home and your sanity. Remember, progress is better than perfection, and every little bit you do adds up. So start small, celebrate the wins, and enjoy a home that supports your family’s happiness rather than adding to your stress.
You’ve got this, mama! 💕