There’s something about the lighter mornings and fresh air of spring that makes me want to fling open the windows—and start clearing out every cupboard in the house. I have recently done this in the kids bedrooms, and I am going to start mine tomorrow. I love decluttering at this time of year! After months of indoor chaos, it felt like the perfect time for a proper family home reset. Does anyone feel like this?
Starting small makes a big difference
The idea of decluttering the entire house felt overwhelming at first. So I started small. One drawer. One cupboard. One corner of the kids bedroom. Tackling it this way made it manageable and gave me those little wins that motivate you to keep going.
I found the “15-minute rule” really helped—set a timer, choose a zone, and get stuck in. You’d be amazed at what you can get through in that time when you’re focused.
Getting the kids involved (sort of)
Decluttering with children around can be tricky—but I tried to turn it into a bit of a game. Isla and Noah helped me go through their toys, picking out things they no longer played with or had outgrown. We made three piles: keep, donate, and recycle. I was surprised at how willing they were to let go of things when they knew they were going to a new home.
We even made a little “memory box” for the sentimental bits I couldn’t part with—baby shoes, handmade cards, tiny t-shirts I’ll never let go of!
Zones we focused on
- The playroom – The number of plastic toys that somehow multiply overnight… we sorted out broken bits, rehomed the ones they’d outgrown and grouped similar toys together for easier storage.
- Kitchen cupboards – Tins past their best-before dates, plastic containers without lids, that random drawer full of chargers and wires from 2011… gone!
- Wardrobes – I finally admitted that the kids had outgrown half their clothes and that I was never going to wear that skirt I’ve been “saving” for three years.
- Bathroom – Half-empty shampoo bottles and out-of-date medicines—this was the most satisfying clear-out of all.
What helped us stay on track
- Donation boxes in the boot – We kept donation boxes in the car, ready to drop off at charity shops. Once it’s out of the house, you’re less likely to change your mind.
- Storage baskets – Everything now has a “home”, which is making tidying up (especially after the kids) a bit less of a battle.
- One-in, one-out rule – We’re trying to stick to this with toys and clothes. If something new comes in, something else has to go out.
The difference it’s made
The house feels calmer. There’s less to tidy, less to clean, and more space to just enjoy being at home. The kids have been playing more creatively now that everything is easier to find, and I’ve found myself a bit more relaxed too.
If you’re looking for more family-friendly home tips, you might enjoy reading how I styled our home office for calm and creativity. Have you done a declutter lately? I’d love to hear what worked for you in the comments below.
