Simple Hacks to Declutter Your Space as a Stay-at-Home Mom

5 November 2025

Being a stay-at-home mom is a full-time job in itself. Between managing the kids, cooking meals, and keeping up with daily errands, your home can quickly become a cluttered mess. It’s easy to let things pile up when life is constantly moving, but a clutter-free home can bring a sense of peace and productivity.

So, how do you declutter when you’re always busy? The good news is that you don’t need to dedicate entire days to tidying up. With a few practical hacks, you can reclaim your space without feeling overwhelmed. Let’s jump into some simple yet effective ways to declutter your home as a stay-at-home mom.

1. Start Small, One Space at a Time

Decluttering your entire house at once can feel like climbing Mount Everest. Instead of tackling everything in one go, break it down. Start with a single room, a small corner, or even just one drawer.

- Choose a high-impact area (like the kitchen counters or the kids' playroom).
- Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and focus on that space.
- Once you see progress, you’ll feel motivated to keep going!

Small wins add up, and before you know it, your home will look and feel more organized.

2. Embrace the "One In, One Out" Rule

If your home is overflowing with toys, clothes, or kitchen gadgets, it might be time to create a new habit: For every new item that comes in, one must go out.

- Bought a new toy? Donate or toss an old one.
- Picked up a new dress? Let go of one that no longer fits or that you never wear.

This simple rule keeps clutter from creeping back into your home and helps you stay in control of your space.

3. Declutter in Short Bursts

You don’t need a whole weekend to declutter—just 10-20 minutes a day can make a significant difference. Try incorporating short decluttering sessions into your daily routine:

- Morning Reset: Spend five minutes tidying a high-traffic area.
- After-Lunch Cleanup: Toss out unnecessary papers or clean off a countertop.
- Evening Wind-Down: Sort through one drawer or a small pile before bed.

When you break it into bite-sized tasks, decluttering feels way more manageable.

4. Use Bins and Baskets for Quick Organization

Ever feel like your kids' toys, shoes, or random household items are taking over? Bins and baskets can be your best friend.

- Keep a basket in every high-traffic room for quick clean-ups.
- Designate a bin for toys, diapers, or everyday essentials.
- At the end of the day, do a quick basket sweep instead of running all over the house.

This makes tidying effortless and keeps everything looking neat even if you don’t have time to do a deep clean.

5. Declutter as You Go

Instead of setting aside a whole day to organize, make decluttering part of your daily routine.

- While Cooking: Toss out expired pantry items.
- Doing Laundry: Get rid of clothes that are stained, ripped, or don’t fit.
- During Commercial Breaks: Sort through a junk drawer or a cluttered shelf.

When you declutter little by little, it becomes second nature instead of an overwhelming chore.

6. Create a Donation Box

Keep a designated donation box somewhere accessible (like a laundry room or closet). Anytime you come across something you no longer need, drop it in the box.

Once it’s full, take it to a local charity or thrift store. This prevents clutter from piling up again and puts unused items into hands that need them more.

7. Get the Kids Involved

Decluttering isn’t just your responsibility—get your little ones in on the action! Kids love feeling like they’re helping, so turn cleaning into a fun game.

- Race Against the Clock: Set a timer and challenge your kids to put away as many toys as possible.
- Toy Swap: Encourage them to donate toys they no longer play with.
- Reward System: Offer stickers or small treats for their efforts.

When kids contribute, they’re more likely to keep things tidy in the future.

8. Say Goodbye to "Just in Case" Items

How many times have you held onto something just in case you might need it? Be honest—if you haven’t used it in a year, you probably won’t.

Ask yourself:
- When was the last time I used this?
- Would I buy this again today?
- Is it worth taking up space in my home?

If the answer is no, it’s time to let it go.

9. Digitize Paper Clutter

Paper clutter is one of the sneakiest culprits in most homes—bills, school papers, receipts, and random notes pile up fast.

- Switch to paperless billing for utilities and bank statements.
- Use a scanner app to digitize important documents.
- Sort mail immediately, rather than letting it stack up.

By going digital, you’ll free up space and make it easier to keep track of important information.

10. Adopt the "5-Second Rule"

If you pick something up and it takes less than five seconds to decide if you need it—get rid of it. Overthinking leads to clutter sticking around way longer than necessary.

Keep it simple: If you hesitate for too long, chances are you don’t need it.

11. Rotate Toys and Clothes

If your kids have a mountain of toys but only play with a handful, try rotating them.

- Store half of their toys in a bin out of sight.
- Every few weeks, swap out the toys.
- The same goes for seasonal clothing—keep only what’s needed accessible.

This keeps things fresh for your kids and prevents unnecessary clutter from taking over.

12. Maximize Vertical Space

When floor space is limited, look up! Use wall-mounted shelves, hanging organizers, and stackable storage to make the most of every inch.

- Wall hooks for backpacks and coats.
- Over-the-door organizers for shoes, accessories, or cleaning supplies.
- Floating shelves to store books, decorations, or office supplies.

By thinking vertically, you’ll free up space without sacrificing function.

13. Set a Declutter Day Every Month

Make decluttering a regular event in your household. Pick one day each month to purge, organize, and tidy up. This prevents clutter from creeping back in and keeps your home manageable.

Use this time to:
- Sort through closets and donate unused items.
- Tidy up storage areas like the pantry or garage.
- Do a quick purge of unnecessary household items.

When decluttering is scheduled, it’s easier to stay on top of things.

14. Give Everything a "Home"

One of the biggest reasons clutter builds up is because things don’t have a designated spot. When everything has a "home," it’s easier to put things away and keep your space neat.

Make sure:
- Frequently used items are easy to access.
- Less-used items are stored out of the way.
- Categories are clear (e.g., a spot for mail, a spot for toys, a spot for car keys).

If something doesn’t have a home, ask yourself if you really need it.

15. Be Kind to Yourself

At the end of the day, your house doesn’t need to look like a Pinterest board. Decluttering should make your life easier, not stressful. Do what you can, when you can, and celebrate small victories.

Motherhood is chaotic, but a little organization can go a long way in making your space feel more peaceful.

Final Thoughts

Decluttering as a stay-at-home mom doesn’t have to feel impossible. By implementing small, practical changes, you can create a home that feels organized and calm—without spending hours cleaning every day.

Start with one hack, take it slow, and watch as your home transforms into a clutter-free sanctuary. You’ve got this, mama!