The #1 Secret to Finally Getting Organized with Kids at Home (Without Losing Your Mind)
Let’s be real: trying to keep your home organized with kids at home feels a little like brushing your teeth while eating Oreos.
You’re not lazy. You’re not messy. You’re just a busy mom with a lot on your plate and the clutter? It’s not helping. It’s adding to the overwhelm, the decision fatigue, and that lingering sense that you’re falling behind.
Trust me I know EXACTLY how you feel because I was you! I was the mom who felt like I was drowning in my own home. The clutter was adding to my stress and anxiety until I finally decided I had enough!
I changed the way I looked at home by taking small steps towards my end goal, a clean, clear and easy to maintain home.
So how do you finally break the cycle and get organized for good?
Here’s the secret most moms don’t know:
You don’t need more time, you need a system that works with your real life.
And today, I’m sharing exactly how to make that happen (no all-day clean outs or color coded bins required).
1. Shift from Perfection to Progress
Let go of the Pinterest-perfect vision (for now, trust me we will have time to come back to that later). The goal isn’t a home that never gets messy, it’s a home that’s easy to reset.
Instead of aiming for “perfect,” aim for functional.
Ask yourself:
Can my kids find what they need without dumping everything out?
Do I know where to put this when I’m cleaning up? Aka “Does this item have a home”
Can I tidy this space in 10 minutes or less?
If not, it’s time to simplify.
2. Declutter First, Then Organize
Organizing clutter is just rearranging chaos. Start by letting go of what’s no longer serving your family.
Quick win: Choose one drawer or one bin today and do a fast 10 minute declutter. Toss anything broken, donate what’s outgrown, and only keep what’s truly useful or loved.
Want more structure? My 21-Day Decluttering Framework is the perfect step-by-step reset to help you make real progress in just a few minutes a day.
3. Set Up “Kid Zones” That Encourage Independence
You know what’s more exhausting than clutter? Constantly doing things for everyone.
Create systems that empower your kids:
A self-serve snack bin in the pantry
A labeled toy basket they can clean up themselves
A homework/art station to foster creativity and independence
Pro tip: Less stuff = fewer battles. Keep it simple.
4. Build Micro-Routines (Not Big Cleaning Days)
You don’t need a 4 hour Sunday reset. You need quick 5 minute routines that keep the chaos in check.
Some of my favorites:
The Evening Reset: A quick 10 minute tidy before bed.
The Daily Task Method: Assign one focus area to each day to reduce overwhelm (e.g., Monday = meal plan + prep, Tuesday = bathrooms, Wednesday = kids' rooms, etc.).
The “Tidy Tray”: Keep a tray or basket in each room for random stuff that needs to go back to its place at the end of the day.
These systems keep your home running even when life feels like total chaos.
5. Know When to Get Help
Here’s the truth: no one does this alone.
If you’re feeling completely buried under toys, laundry, and cluttered counters, it’s okay to call in backup. I offer both in-person organizing in the SF Bay Area, Peninsula + Santa Cruz and virtual coaching sessions for moms anywhere who need a hands on, judgment free plan to reset their space and regain their peace.
It’s okay to ask for help! Together we can turn your home into a space that feels calm, functional, and finally manageable.
Ready to Create a Calm, Clutter Free Home?
Staying organized with kids at home isn’t about being perfect - it’s about having realistic routines, simple decluttering habits, and systems that actually fit your life. Whether you're dealing with toys in every corner, piles of laundry, or a kitchen that never stays clean, know this: small steps make a big difference.
With the right approach, you can transform your home into a space that feels peaceful, functional, and easy to manage even in the busiest seasons of motherhood. You got this mama!