Getting your family on board
You can do anything, but you can’t do everything.
Decluttering and organizing your home is one of the most rewarding tasks you can undertake, but it can also be one of the most challenging— especially when it feels like you’re doing it alone. Getting your family members involved not only helps lighten the load, but it also creates a sense of teamwork and shared responsibility for the spaces you all live in. So, how can you encourage your loved ones to pitch in and stay on board with the task? The key is to make it clear why it matters, break down tasks into manageable steps, and create a routine that keeps everyone engaged
Explain why before what
The first step in getting your family members involved in decluttering is helping them understand why it’s important. Often, family members may not fully grasp the benefits of decluttering or organizing—especially if it’s not something they find particularly rewarding or pressing. Simply telling them to “help me clean” doesn’t always provide enough context.
Take the time to explain how a tidy, organized home can improve everyone’s well-being (ie Happy Spouse, Happy House). From reducing stress and anxiety to making it easier to find things when you need them, an organized space has numerous benefits. When you help your family understand why they should help, they’re more likely to engage.
For example, you might say, “When we declutter and organize our home, we can all find what we need faster, and we won’t feel stressed looking for misplaced items.” When family members see the direct benefits to themselves, they’ll be more motivated to pitch in.
Delegate: It’s Not Just About Cleaning, It’s About Teamwork
A big hurdle when it comes to decluttering is the assumption that you need to do everything. But trying to handle all the tasks alone can feel overwhelming, and it can quickly turn into a chore that’s easy to procrastinate. The truth is, delegating tasks not only helps you get things done faster, but it also makes everyone in the household feel like they’re contributing to the process.
Make a list of what needs to be done and assign age-appropriate tasks to each person in your family. If you have young children, ask them to help with small tasks like sorting toys or putting away shoes. Older kids and teens can take on bigger jobs like organizing bookshelves or decluttering their own rooms. Adults can take on the heavier tasks like sorting through paperwork or cleaning out closets.
By breaking down the tasks into smaller, manageable parts and assigning them to different people, it prevents anyone from feeling like they’re shouldering too much of the burden.
It’s Not a Lack of Desire, It’s a Lack of Understanding
A common misconception is that family members don’t care or don’t want to help. But oftentimes, the issue is that they simply don’t know how they can help. When a room feels cluttered or the task seems overwhelming, they may not even know where to start. Giving clear instructions and guidance will make it easier for everyone to get involved.
For instance, instead of saying, “Clean the living room,” you might say, “Please pick up the toys, then dust the shelves, and finally, vacuum the floor.” Giving clear, actionable steps helps everyone know exactly what to do, and it makes the process feel less daunting. It’s about making the task feel manageable for everyone, regardless of their experience or skill level.
Create a weekly or monthly routine
Consistency is key when it comes to maintaining an organized home. Set up a weekly or monthly routine that keeps everyone on track. For example, you can dedicate 15-30 minutes each Sunday to decluttering and organizing a specific part of the house together. Make it a family activity that everyone looks forward to (yes, even the kids!). Put on some music, set a timer, and make it a game.
Alternatively, consider breaking it down into smaller chunks. If a weekly routine is too much, try dedicating the first Saturday of every month to a big declutter session, or set up a system where each family member is responsible for keeping their personal spaces tidy throughout the week.
By having a regular routine, you not only keep things organized but also make it a habit that everyone is involved in. The key is to keep it simple and consistent.
Hire a Pro (like me!)
If the task of decluttering and organizing your entire home feels overwhelming, don’t hesitate to ask for professional help. As a Pro Home Organizer based in Simcoe County, I can assist with everything from decluttering individual spaces to setting up organization systems that work for your family’s unique needs. Sometimes, just having a little expert guidance can make a huge difference in how you approach the process (and it can help get everyone on the same page faster!).
Whether you need a one-time shift or ongoing reset support, I’m here to help. With professional guidance, you can get your family on board with the process, create an effective system, and maintain an organized space for the long-term.
Submit an inquiry here or schedule a discovery call - let’s get your shift together!