Between school drop-offs, work deadlines, dinner prep, and bedtime stories, working parents often feel like they’re juggling a dozen balls at once. A cluttered home can add unnecessary stress to an already full plate. The good news? You don’t need a weekend-long overhaul to see a difference. Small, strategic steps can help create a more peaceful, organized home—even in the busiest households. Today, I’ll give you 8 decluttering tips for working parents.
If you are new to the blog, welcome! I blog and make videos about cleaning, decluttering, and organizing. You can find my free printables to help you get organized in the drop down menu under the Printables category at the top of this page. Also, check out this post on 10 things people with clean homes do every day.
You can get your printable Daily Housekeeping Routine and Cleaning Checklists here. This 15 page printable kit is delivered digitally to your email for you to print and personalize.
It includes a daily schedule, calendar pages, and deep cleaning checklists for every room and area of your home. Also, check out this post on 7 Cleaning Tasks That Are a Waste of Your Time. Check out my post on how to clean your entire house in 1 hour. You can also check out this post on 8 Easy Tips to Keep Your Kitchen Cleaner.
Here are some practical decluttering tips tailored specifically for working parents:
8 Decluttering Tips for Working Parents
1. Start Small, Stay Consistent
Decluttering doesn’t have to be a major project. Instead of waiting for a free weekend (spoiler: it may never come), tackle one small area at a time—like a junk drawer, a bathroom shelf, or the entryway. Set a timer for 15 minutes and see how much you can get done. Over time, these small wins add up.
2. Involve the Kids
Even young children can help! Turn tidying into a game—like who can pick up the most toys in five minutes. Give older kids responsibility for their own rooms. Not only does this lighten your load, but it also teaches them valuable life skills.
3. Establish Drop Zones
Designate spots for high-traffic items like backpacks, shoes, keys, and mail. Hooks, baskets, and labeled bins by the entryway can make all the difference. When everything has a “home,” it’s easier to keep things from piling up.
4. Edit Toys Regularly
Toys can quickly take over a space. Every few months, do a quick sweep with your kids. Donate or store toys they’ve outgrown or lost interest in. Bonus: with fewer toys, they often play more creatively and independently.
5. Use Bins, Baskets, and Labels
Storage solutions don’t have to be fancy—just functional. Clear bins for toys, labeled baskets for pantry items, and drawer dividers for clothes can make everyday routines smoother. Group like items together so you always know where things go.
6. Declutter Digitally Too
A cluttered phone or inbox can be just as overwhelming as a messy house. Take a few minutes each day to delete old emails, organize your digital files, and clear your camera roll. Less digital noise = more mental clarity.
7. Adopt the “One In, One Out” Rule
Before bringing a new item into your home, ask yourself what you can let go of. This simple habit helps prevent future clutter from building up—especially helpful with kids’ clothing, toys, and school supplies.
8. Make Decluttering a Habit, Not a Chore
Add a 5-minute tidy-up to your morning or bedtime routine. Doing a little each day helps maintain progress without feeling overwhelming. Think of it as a form of self-care—a gift to your future self.
Decluttering isn’t about having a Pinterest-perfect home—it’s about creating a space that works for your family’s lifestyle. As a working parent, your time and energy are precious. Streamlining your space can reduce stress, save time, and bring more calm to your daily life.
You’ve got enough on your plate. Let your home be a place of rest, not one more thing on your to-do list.
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