Life with a large family can be wonderfully chaotic — full of laughter, love, and… stuff. A lot of stuff. From clothes and toys to school supplies and kitchen gadgets, it doesn’t take long for clutter to take over. But with a little strategy and consistency, you can reclaim your space and create a more peaceful, functional home. Here are some tried-and-true decluttering tips tailored specifically for big families.
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.
8 Decluttering Tips for Large Families
1. Declutter One Zone at a Time
Trying to tackle the whole house in one go can be overwhelming. Instead, break the process into zones: one room, one closet, or even one drawer at a time. Focus on what’s manageable and celebrate small wins. For larger families, involve everyone and assign age-appropriate zones.
2. Create a Donation Station
Designate a visible bin or basket as your “donation station.” Make it easy for family members to drop off clothes, toys, or items they no longer use. Once a week or month, take a family trip to drop off donations — it’s a great opportunity to teach kids about giving and reducing waste.
3. Rotate Toys and Seasonal Items
Instead of having every toy or seasonal item accessible at all times, try a rotation system. Store half the toys in bins and switch them out every few weeks. It keeps things fresh and cuts down on clutter. The same applies for seasonal clothing, decor, or gear.
4. Adopt a “One In, One Out” Rule
Whenever something new comes into the house — a new pair of shoes, a toy, a kitchen gadget — something else should go. This simple rule helps control accumulation and teaches mindful consumption.
5. Use Labels and Clear Bins
For large families, organization is everything. Use clear bins and label them for easy identification. Group similar items together: art supplies, school papers, pantry snacks, winter hats and gloves. Kids are more likely to put things back where they belong when they know exactly where that is.
6. Schedule Regular Decluttering Days
Make decluttering part of your routine — maybe a 15-minute tidy session each evening or a family-wide cleanout day once a month. Turn on music, make it fun, and offer a small reward when everyone pitches in.
7. Focus on Function Over Perfection
Decluttering doesn’t mean creating a minimalist, picture-perfect home. The goal is to make your home work better for your family. Ask: “Does this serve a purpose?” and “Is this adding value to our home life?” Let go of items that no longer serve your family’s needs.
8. Get Everyone Involved
Decluttering shouldn’t fall on one person’s shoulders. Get the kids involved by turning it into a game or challenge. Give each person a laundry basket and see who can fill theirs with items to donate or throw away the fastest.
Decluttering with a large family takes patience and teamwork, but the rewards are so worth it. A more organized home can lead to less stress, fewer lost items, easier mornings, and more quality time together. Start small, stay consistent, and remember — progress, not perfection.
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