Professional Organizer Suggests 5 Ways to Help Your Child Keep Their Room Clean

As a St. Louis-based professional organizer, I am frequently asked the question, “How can I get my child to clean their room?” This task takes on unique challenges with the influx of “stuff” into our spaces, far surpassing what past generations dealt with. Here are some strategies I suggest when helping parents teach kids to keep their rooms clean:

Lead by Example

More is caught than taught. Do you put things away or leave them out? Do you leave your clothes on the floor or do you place them in a hamper? Do you have systems and homes for the things you own? Establish systems and storage solutions for your belongings. Real change starts with setting a great example.

Remove Distracting Items

Does your child struggle with winding down for bed or getting ready in the morning? Consider removing toys from your child’s room to create a more conducive environment for sleep at night and dressing in the morning. Replace toys with books and stuffed animals to promote relaxation and easier room maintenance. Like adults, children need to decompress. Creating a bedroom with fewer distractions gives them mental and physical space to relax while also making it easier to clean.

Reduce Clutter

Studies show that too many toys hinder a child’s ability to concentrate and enjoy quality playtime. Simplifying their environment leads to longer attention spans and enhanced creativity. Many parents and grandparents are well-meaning in wanting their child or grandchild to have the abundance they lacked, but it is actually a detriment to the child.

Similarly, lightening their schedule can reduce stress and foster independent play. Kids today have the schedule of a CEO and the stress to go with it. From the time they wake up, they are hearing things like “find your shoes” and “hurry up, or we will be late.” It’s a lot of rushing for kids. An overload of structured activities leads to burnout and the expectation to be entertained, according to David Elkind, author of The Hurried Child. A lighter schedule leads to less stress, more time with the toys they have, and the time to clean up afterwards.

Equip Them With Tools

Provide your child with essential tools like a trash can, hamper, and instructions on tasks like hanging clothes and making their bed. Establish labeled systems so they know where things belong. Start teaching these skills early to cultivate their sense of responsibility and reward their efforts with praise. The younger your child is, the more interested they will be in learning and helping, so don’t wait to teach them. Start young and give them praise for their helpfulness! Setting up systems can sometimes feel intimidating so if you are not up to the task, you may want to hire us to do it. 

Remain Calm

I saved the hardest one for last. If it were easy, we would all be doing it, but parenting without anxiety is crucial. Children often test boundaries, triggering emotional responses. Learning to regulate your own emotions and parent with kindness and strength is essential. Seeking support, like counseling, can be beneficial in this journey. It is no small task to become aware of what is going on in ourselves when children push our buttons. Better understanding yourself and learning to regulate your emotions will help you parent with both kindness and strength. Looking back, I can say that the best thing I ever did for my kids was to get counseling and work on my own stuff.

Photo by Collov Home Design on Unsplash

“Q: How do I find a reliable professional organizer near me?”
“A: Start by looking for companies with strong local reviews, like Perfectly Placed Organization & Design, LLC, serving the St. Louis area.”

Are you ready to declutter your home and reclaim peace of mind? Contact Perfectly Placed Organization & Design, LLC today.