The Family Home Declutter Plan: How to Make Space for What Really Matters

*This is a collaborative post on a family home declutter plan

If you’ve ever found yourself stepping over toys, tripping over piles of laundry, or struggling to find space for even the basics, you’re not alone. Family life can be chaotic, and clutter tends to build up faster than we can get rid of it. But here’s the thing: clutter isn’t just a physical problem. It can cause mental overload too.

Over 90% of UK households live with clutter in some form, and only 7% claim to be clutter-free. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s completely normal. The good news is that it’s possible to make space for the things you truly need and love. Start with small actionable steps and make decluttering a part of your routine. With a little planning and effort, your home can feel more spacious, organised, and calm.

Shift Your Mindset Before You Start

Before you dive into decluttering, take a moment to think about why you want to do it. Is it so you can have more room for family meals? So that your kids can have more space to play without stepping on toys? Or maybe you just want a little more peace and quiet at home? Understanding your “why” will help guide your decisions and keep you motivated.

Let go of the guilt that often comes with getting rid of things. That jumper you never wear might have been expensive, but it’s also costing you space. The baby clothes you’ve kept for sentimental reasons can be passed to another family who will use and love them. 

Tip: Pretend you’re moving tomorrow. If you wouldn’t pack it up and take it to a new home, it probably doesn’t need to stay.

Start small. Choose one drawer, one shelf, or one basket. Making quick decisions is key. If you can’t think of a good reason to keep something in five seconds, it needs to head for a bin.

Quick Wins for Busy Parents

When you’re juggling work, school runs, and the rest of life, you need a decluttering approach that works in short bursts.

• The 15-minute timer trick: Choose one spot and see how much you can clear before the timer goes off.
• One-touch rule: When you pick something up, decide right away whether to keep it, bin it, or donate it. No putting it back “for now.”
• Mini treasure hunts for kids: Every fortnight ask the kids to find three toys, books, or games they no longer use.
• Batch tasks: Gather all similar items before sorting. It’s easier to make decisions when you can see the full picture. Bills and paperwork in one pile, laundry in another, will make it easier to make decisions.

These quick wins build momentum and help you see progress without turning the house upside down. 

Tip: Keep a “donation bag” in the hallway cupboard. Encourage your partner and kids to add to it whenever you come across something you no longer need, then drop it off at the charity shop when it’s full. Delegate a person for the drop-off and that way it won’t take over your cupboard. 

The Room-by-Room Family Declutter Plan

If your entire home needs a complete refresh, a room-by-room cleaning will be the way to go. A full home clearout doesn’t just clear the space but also the mind.  In fact, 78% of households say annual spring cleaning makes them feel lighter and more in control.

Living Room

This is often the heart of the home, but it can quickly become the home of everything. Clear surfaces like coffee tables, shelves, and window sills so the space feels open. Keep toys in one or two baskets, and rotate them monthly so play stays fresh without taking over the whole room.

Kitchen

Countertops are prime space. Keep only the appliances you use at least weekly on countertops for easy access. Gadgets that are used rarely should be placed in cupboards. Group items by purpose – mugs and tea near the kettle, baking supplies together – make everyday tasks easier.

Bedrooms

Adopt a “one in, one out” rule for clothing and bedding. If your child outgrows something, pass it on rather than storing it in “just in case” baskets. Keep bedside tables clear so your room feels restful and ready for sleep. A clear and tidy room makes for a calm home and boosts productivity.

Bathroom

Check expiry dates on medicines, skincare and makeup. Group daily essentials into baskets or caddies. If you have multiples of the same thing, use them up before buying more or pass it on to family and friends or an NGO that accepts these items.

Hallway/ Entryway

Give each family member one hook and one shoe basket. Rotate coats, hats and scarves by season, so only what’s needed is within easy reach. A clear hallway makes the whole home feel calmer.

Making Room for What Matters Most

At the end of the day, decluttering is not about perfectly folded shelves or colour-coded cupboards. It is about making space for family dinners around the table, Lego towers on the living room floor, or a quiet corner to read in peace.

• Set limits: Decide how much space a category gets — one shelf for towels, one drawer for food storage containers. Once it is full, something has to go before anything new comes in.
• Fresh eyes: Ask your partner or a friend to help you decide what is worth keeping. A second perspective often makes tough calls easier.
• One in, one out: For every new item (clothes, toys, kitchen gadgets), remove one old one. This keeps clutter from creeping back. Use Facebook Marketplace or Freecycle to pass items on quickly and easily.
• Seasonal reset: At the start of each season, box up what you didn’t use. If it stays untouched for six months, donate or discard it.
• Donate: Drop donations at local charity shops, or schedule monthly donation runs so items actually leave the house. 
• Declutter and discard: For bulky items or a big family clear-out, hire a skip with Proskips so the job gets done in one go.

Every small decision to keep only what you use and love adds up to a calmer, lighter, easier-to-live-in home. The more space you make, the more room there is for the people you love and the memories you want to create.