Let’s be completely honest: if stepping on a Lego piece at 2am in the morning hasn’t managed to break your spirit or test your patience, then the overwhelming avalanche of clutter buried deep inside your junk drawer just might do the trick.
Here are decluttering tips every mom needs, without the shame spiral, Pinterest guilt, or four-hour organizing montages.
Sometimes, it is the simplest and most unassuming moments in life that hold the deepest and most profound wisdom. There is no time to waste on whining or complaining; instead, focus on grinding hard and pushing forward until you finally see the bright and shining results of your efforts.
1. Start with the Car
Yes, the car. It’s the portable junk drawer of motherhood. Grab a trash bag, toss the snack wrappers, mystery socks, and fossilized chicken nugget. Boom — progress.
Mom Hack: Keep a small basket in the backseat for “kid crap in transit.” Empty it once a week. Or once a month. I’m not judging.
Below are some great ways to help keep your car neat and tidy. Or at least keep the mess in one place.
Traveling Caddy w/ Tray Headrest Hooks Backseat cupholder, tissue box, & hanger
2. One Drawer at a Time (Not the Whole House)
Don’t Marie Kondo your entire house on a Sunday. Just open a single drawer and ask, “Would I pack this if I moved tomorrow?” If not, out it goes. Sometimes we look at our clutter as a one and done, if you have kids, you know it’s ongoing and a daily process. If you find that your clutter is out of control and you don’t know where to start, start with a drawer and take it one drawer at a time. One basket of laundry at a time, one room at a time, one closet at a time. Do you see the pattern, take it one thing at a time. Your stuff isn’t going anywhere, unless of course you are living with family that’s interesting.
Good Housekeeping has an article with several ways to declutter, some of which I touch base on throughout many of my posts. Click here to see what the author says
3. Create a “Donate Bin” That Lives in Your House
Designate a basket or box in your closet, laundry room, or garage. Every time you find something you’re done with — toss it in. Once it’s full, drop it off. Easy. Ongoing. No event planning required. I got these cute laundry basket/bag that I can line with a trash bag and lift out the bag when it’s full and drop it off at my favorite thrift store. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.
4. Your Kids Will Survive With Fewer Toys
Seriously. Decluttering toys is emotional blackmail — for you, not them. Keep the ones they actually play with, rotate them if needed, and donate the rest. You’re not robbing them of childhood. You’re giving them floor space.
Bonus: Fewer toys = fewer battles = fewer 3am Lego-related injuries.
Organize and Minimize
5. Ask Yourself the “Would I Buy It Again?” Question
If you wouldn’t spend money on it right now, why are you giving it closet space? Let it go. Thank it for its service (or don’t), and move on. I think this is one of my favorite, “would I buy it again?” This works every time. Would I buy the salad spinner, the cake pop maker, or food processor? NO. Would I buy the waffle maker, blender, or griddle? YES. Some of you would probably disagree with me and that’s totally fine, “To each, their own”. If we all used the same products, then we would all have pressure cookers and air fryers because I use mine at least 3 times a week.
6. Make Peace With Throwing Things Away
Yes, it could be donated. Yes, it could be recycled. But if the decision is keeping you stuck, throw it away. Your sanity is worth more than that old lunchbox you’re guilt-hoarding.
Repeat after me, “It’s okay to throw it away.” Again, “It’s okay to throw it away.”
7. Schedule “Declutter Minutes” — Not “Declutter Days”
Instead of blocking off a whole weekend, give yourself 10 minutes a day. Set a timer, clean one shelf or surface. Consistency beats intensity. Always. Speaking of beats… Press play and declutter to the beats. Adding music can give you motivation to move and work, it out.
Simply Sanely
Decluttering as a mom isn’t just about having pretty baskets or perfectly matching hangers. It’s truly about creating space for peace of mind, discovering your sanity amidst the daily chaos and clutter, and avoiding the overwhelming feeling that comes from never-ending laundry piles. It’s about reclaiming calm in your home and life.
You don’t have to be perfect — just trying to make your life a little more simply sanely than yesterday.