Decluttering for Families: How to Get Everyone on Board This Fall

Fall is here! The leaves are changing, the air is crisp, and let’s face it — your living room is starting to resemble a cluttered corn maze. As cozy as fall can be, it’s also the perfect time to declutter. But if the thought of getting your entire family on board feels like trying to herd cats, don’t worry. You’re not alone!

Decluttering, especially when you’re renting, can feel daunting when you have a full house with different personalities and priorities. But here’s the thing: Decluttering doesn’t have to be a solo mission or a dreaded task. In fact, with the right mindset and approach, it can become a fun, family-wide activity that brings everyone closer. And rental decluttering for families? Let’s just say there’s no better time than now to make your space feel lighter and more organized, all while getting the whole gang to chip in.

Ready to turn decluttering into a family affair? Here are six ways to get everyone involved in clearing out the clutter — without the groans and grumbles.

1. Turn it into a treasure hunt

Who doesn’t love a good treasure hunt? The best way to get your family excited about decluttering is to gamify it. If you’ve got kids, they’ll be instantly hooked by the idea of finding “treasures” in the clutter. Even adults secretly love a bit of adventure.

How to pull it off? Create a list of items everyone needs to find in the house. It could be anything from mismatched socks to that old DVD collection nobody watches anymore. Set a timer and let the hunt begin! Whoever finds the most items — or the most valuable “treasure” — gets a prize. This approach is especially helpful when dealing with rental decluttering for families, as you might uncover forgotten items that no one realized were taking up space. You might even stumble across that long-lost TV remote!

2. Host a family declutter “swap shop”

Sometimes it’s hard to let go of stuff when you feel like it still has value, even if it’s just sentimental. A fun way to tackle this challenge as a family is to host a mini “swap shop” at home. This works especially well if you’ve got kids who have grown attached to their toys or clothes — or adults who hoard random knick-knacks. (You know who you are!)

Let each family member bring items they no longer use but aren’t ready to throw away. Lay everything out on the living room floor and allow everyone to “shop” from each other’s contributions. Your daughter might love the sweater you never wear, and your son might be more than happy to claim that toy truck gathering dust. By swapping instead of immediately donating or tossing, you’ll make decluttering feel less like losing and more like trading up.

3. Set up a decluttering playlist

Who says decluttering has to be done in silence? Turn it into a party! Create a decluttering playlist packed with everyone’s favorite songs to keep the energy high and the mood light. You can rotate DJs so that each family member gets a chance to pick the tunes, making everyone feel involved in the process.

This is an especially helpful hack for rental decluttering for families because, let’s face it—rental spaces can feel tighter, and music can bring some extra joy into those smaller spaces. You’ll be amazed at how much quicker the task goes when everyone’s dancing along and having fun. Who knew decluttering could double as a mini family dance party?

4. Give everyone a decluttering “role”

Roles aren’t just for school plays and work meetings! You can assign each family member a specific decluttering “role” based on their strengths. Got a detail-oriented kid who loves sorting? Make them the “Organizer-in-Chief.” Have a family member with an eye for design? Let them handle arranging the newly clutter-free space in a way that feels fresh and functional.

For example, when approaching decluttering for the family’s rental, it might help to have a designated “Storage Strategist” who figures out where things should go in your more limited space. Don’t forget a “Donation Coordinator” who handles all the items you plan to give away or recycle. Just like that, everyone has a job, and the task becomes more manageable.

5. Incorporate a “one in, one out” rule

This one is a game-changer, especially for households with a constant influx of new things. The concept is simple: For every new item that enters your home, one old item has to go. It keeps clutter from piling up in the first place — and the best part is, it works for everything, from toys to shoes to kitchen gadgets.

Make this a family rule and stick to it as a team. When the kids get a new toy or game, they have to pick one item they’re willing to let go of. The same goes for adults who might have a habit of accumulating kitchen gadgets or random trinkets. This rule not only keeps things tidy but also teaches everyone the value of mindful consumption — especially important in the world of renting, where every square inch counts.

6. Celebrate the wins (even the small ones)

Decluttering can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re staring down a pile of stuff that’s been growing for years. But the key to keeping the family motivated is celebrating each win, no matter how small. Did you clear out just one drawer today? Great! Give high-fives all around. Managed to declutter the hall closet? Time for a treat! It doesn’t matter if you’re tackling your decluttering in tiny chunks or grand sweeps.

Acknowledging progress is vital to keeping everyone engaged and excited. Maybe plan a family movie night or bake cookies together as a reward after a successful decluttering session. The more positive the experience, the more likely everyone will be on board the next time.

Decluttering as a family doesn’t have to be stressful, boring, or lonely. With these creative and fun strategies, you can get everyone involved in the process and even make it something to look forward to. And remember, rental decluttering is all about working with your space, not against it. By tidying up together, you’ll create a more harmonious home environment — and have some fun along the way.