Spring cleaning season is in full swing — and while the fresh start feels great, let’s be honest: tackling clutter is no small task. Add kids into the mix, and things can go from chaotic to complete meltdown in minutes.
But here’s the good news: involving children in spring cleaning can actually turn the chore into a chance to teach responsibility and teamwork — and yes, even have a little fun. Kids bring energy (and plenty of giggles) to the process, making it a more engaging experience for the whole family.
Before diving in with dusters and mops, though, it’s worth tackling one major hurdle: the overflow of stuff. That’s where self storage can be a game-changer. Instead of sorting around stacks of toys, out-of-season clothes, and forgotten treasures, clear some breathing room by temporarily moving nonessentials into a storage unit. Think of it as an off-site closet for everything you don’t need right now but aren’t ready to part with — like that LEGO set abandoned under the couch, which might just feel brand new when it returns in a couple of months.
Whether you’re deep-cleaning carpets or sorting through a decade of macaroni art, self storage gives you the space to do it all without the overwhelm.
Ready to get started? We’ve put together a kid-friendly spring cleaning guide filled with smart tips and tricks to help your family declutter with ease — and maybe even enjoy it.
First thing’s first – analyze your space
We know – the temptation to just grab everything off the floor and shove it away without a second thought is strong, especially when a deep clean like spring cleaning is underway. But before you dive in, take a deep breath and gather the little ones for a round of personal reminiscing and sorting. It’s time to assess your belongings and start planning your battle strategy, so rally the troops.
First, take a good look at what can and should be stored away, what duplicates you might have, and what items are broken or no longer serve a purpose. There’s no need to hold onto things that just take up space. Grab some boxes and label them with colorful markers using categories like: “Keep,” “Store Away,” and “Throw.” Making the labels bright and fun will help keep the kids engaged.
It’s important to include everyone in this part of the process, especially the children. Involving them in decision-making gives their choices real weight and helps them understand why certain things stay and others go. They feel heard and know you’re not just rearranging their space without considering their feelings.
Stash and swap toys
With kids, toys come with the territory. Whether it’s cars, castles, plush animals, or plastic figures, they seem to multiply overnight, spreading from room to room until they take over the house. Tiny cars zoom under couches, plush critters stage midnight tea parties, and plastic castles rise like skyscrapers in the living room.
As tempting as it is to clear them all out in one go, your little ones might not be thrilled with that idea. That’s where self storage comes in as the perfect middle ground: it lets you reclaim your living space without forcing your children to say goodbye to their favorite companions.
Rotating toys in and out of storage keeps things exciting. You can do this monthly or at whatever interval suits your family. Kids can rediscover old favorites, making playtime feel fresh again, and you avoid the heartache of parting with beloved toys for good. Stash the dinosaurs for a bit, and months later, it’s a Jurassic Park reunion. Forgotten dolls? Now they’re “new” again.
Plus, self storage is a smart way to save toys for future siblings or even the next generation, sparing you the trouble and expense of repurchasing the same items down the line.
A key part of this process is involving your children in the decision. Gather the toys you’re considering for storage and talk to your kids about it. Let them have a say in what stays and what goes, and explain why it’s important to keep only what’s necessary. You might be surprised by the memories attached to certain toys or their willingness to rotate them out.
They understand the toys are just going away for a while, not forever, and might even look forward to the excitement of seeing an old friend return after a break. It’s a simple strategy that keeps your home organized and playtime interesting without making any permanent sacrifices.
Keep old furniture in storage
Each stage of childhood comes a wave of new items – furniture included. From highchairs for family meals to playpens, cribs, and everything in between, these pieces tend to pile up. But here’s the trick: you don’t have to let baby gear take over your life. Spring cleaning is the ideal time to make space for change, so into the storage unit with the old and in with the new (or something like that).
Stow away furniture your child has outgrown or that’s no longer in use. Keep it in a storage unit until it might serve a purpose again – whether for a younger sibling or a cousin perhaps. Why crowd your home with more furniture when the old pieces still take up space? Swap out the small arts-and-crafts desk for a larger, proper school desk, and let the room evolve with your child’s needs.
You can use this as a chance to reimagine the space once the old furniture is gone.
Clean out your closets
Much like toys, children’s clothes pile up faster than you can say “spring cleaning.” But with the season’s momentum on your side, you can tackle this task in a way that leaves your home feeling lighter and more organized.
Start by sorting through closets and setting aside items that you’re no longer using, such as:
- Outgrown clothes: If sleeves barely reach wrists or pants resemble capris, it’s time to box them up. Store these for younger siblings or future hand-me-downs rather than letting them crowd your space.
- Shoes: Keep seasonal items like hiking boots or winter snow gear tucked away until their time comes again. As for pairs that pinch tiny toes? Say hello to the storage unit.
- Accessories: Bows, ties, socks, and belts often reflect fleeting phases. That Barbie-themed headband might be forgotten today, but store it just in case nostalgia or a younger sibling brings it back into fashion.
For clothes that still fit but aren’t in regular rotation, turn decluttering into an event. If age-appropriate, involve your child. Host a “fashion show” with snacks and laughter, letting them decide what stays and what goes into storage. Parting with items will feel less like a chore and more like a shared adventure, keeping closets clean and memories lighthearted.
Pro tip: Rotate seasonal clothing to stay ahead of the clutter cycle while keeping sentimental favorites within reach. After all, today’s forgotten tutu might be tomorrow’s treasure.
Seasonal gear: what’s in and what’s out
Even though your kids’ adventures happen outdoors, the gear they need, such as sleds, skis and kiddie pools, inevitably ends up crammed into your garage or attic, stacked like a tower of sardines. To make some room, cycle seasonal gear through self storage, holding only onto what’s in active rotation.
- Sleds, snowboards, and ski gear: If there’s no snow in sight, why let them hog precious garage space? Bulky winter equipment belongs in storage until the next frosty adventure.
- Kiddie pools: Swap them in when summer hits, then pack them away once the splash parties end. There is no need to trip over deflated plastic in January.
- Roller skates vs. rollerblades: Store ice skates when spring arrives and roll out the blades instead. Switch them like a seasonal wardrobe for wheels.
- Camping gear: Tents, sleeping bags, and lanterns can hibernate in storage between trips, freeing up room for everyday essentials.
Rearrange the space without the clutter
Now that you’re knee-deep in spring cleaning, why not turn this chore into a room revival? As you roll up rugs and shift furniture, you might even uncover long-lost “treasures” (read: pet toys, rogue crayons, or that missing puzzle piece). With clutter cleared, it’s the perfect time to reimagine the space.
Swap layouts with ease by:
- Ditching the crib: Hello, mini-library or LEGO-building zone.
- Switch the bulky toy box for sleeker options: Remove bulky toy boxes and use that space for a sleek display shelf. Use it to highlight the children’s latest obsessions, be it dinosaurs or space rockets. Let the kids lead.
- Shifting the bed to a corner: Suddenly, there’s floor space for pillow forts or dance parties.
- Adding a fresh coat of paint: That turquoise wall they’ve been begging for? Now’s the time. Transform the room into a cozy haven that grows with them. Bonus points for peel-and-stick decals for easy updates later.
Cleaning made easy for the whole family
Cleaning, and especially spring cleaning, can feel like a monumental task. As such, the more hands you have to help, the better. And that definitely includes your kids. While it might not seem like cleaning and kids naturally go together without a little extra nagging, here are a few easy ideas for starting the process without too much hassle.
Start room by room
A deep clean can be daunting, but don’t panic. Break it into bite-sized quests and go room by room. Start by categorizing items to keep, donate, or store, then tackle one section at a time.
Kitchen:
- Pantry: Toss anything that expired before TikTok existed and organize shelves by category.
- Storage: Pack seasonal dishware such as holiday plates and serving trays into labeled boxes and off into self storage they go.
- Organize: Remove unused tools and group essentials in easy-to-reach drawers.
- Optimize: Install magnetic strips for knives or spices and voilà instant counter space.
- Deep clean: Scrub cabinets, clean the appliances, and mop floors thoroughly.
Bedroom:
- Clothing: Sort into keep, donate, or storage piles. Store off-season attire in vacuum-sealed bags.
- Shoes: Donate unworn pairs and store specialty footwear if not in use.
- Refresh: Wash bedding, vacuum the mattress with baking soda, and steam-clean carpets.
Living room:
- Declutter: Collect loose items that will inevitably morph into unnecessary clutter and throw away all the old receipts you don’t need.
- Surfaces: Dust shelves, wipe down electronics, and polish furniture.
- Upholstery: Vacuum sofas and spot-clean with a fabric-safe solution.
Children’s room:
- Toys: Sort into labeled bins and donate, store or throw outgrown items.
- Furniture: Replace outdated pieces like a crib with age-appropriate options.
- Walls: Clean with mild soap, focusing on any abstract art your children might have left behind in the form of colorful handprints.
- Organization: Create designated zones (play, study) for easier tidying.
Assign age-appropriate tasks
Not every chore suits every child. Tailor tasks to their age and ability. A 4-year-old won’t quite do the dishes like an 11-year-old, so assign jobs they can handle with ease. Overwhelming them risks turning enthusiasm into avoidance – cue the vacuum-evasion sprint.
Age-specific ideas:
- Ages 3-5: Wipe low tables, match socks, or put toys in bins.
- Ages 6-8: Sort books, dust shelves, or fold washcloths.
- Ages 9+: Load the dishwasher, sweep floors, or organize drawers.
Chore charts & stickers: Turning tasks into treasure
To make cleaning more engaging for children, turn chores into a positive incentive system. Start by writing down or drawing specific tasks crafted to your child’s age.
For younger kids who can’t read yet, use simple drawings they can understand at a glance – like a toy bin for tidying. Reward each completed chore with a shiny sticker or gold star, and set a goal for them to collect enough stickers to earn a bigger reward of your choice, such as a family outing or extra playtime.
You can approach this as a lesson in responsibility while also framing cleaning as a collaborative family activity. As such, you can transform cleaning into something kids can look forward to rather than avoid.
Make cleaning a fun game
While kids might scoff and scrunch up their noses in disinterest when they hear the words “spring cleaning,” there’s one thing that will snap their attention right back: turning it into a game. Sure, children might not be the biggest fans of cleaning at any age, as you can probably relate, but making the activity fun and engaging from their perspective could be the best way to rebrand the whole process. Watch how quickly those little hands start sweeping when you add a playful twist.
If you’re scratching your head trying to figure out how to combine cleaning with a game, don’t worry – we’ve prepared some ideas you can easily weave into your home refresh with the kids.
- Bingo for cleaning
Turn tidying into a game by creating a bingo card with tasks like “organize toys,” “wipe surfaces,” or “collect dust bunnies.” Kids mark completed squares with a stamp or sticker, aiming for a full row or card. Offer a small reward at the end, like their favorite treat. Use playful prompts like “Who can gather the most stray socks in 10 minutes?“.
- Scavenger hunt
Transform chores into a quest by hiding clues near tasks. Start with a note: “Find the spot where crayons hide—clean it first.” At the desk, leave a new clue: “Next, rescue the stuffed animals under the bed!“. End with a reward, like a small toy or family movie night.
- Clean while the song plays
As you probably already know, attention spans tend to come in much smaller sizes at younger ages. Dragging an activity on for too long might take the fun out of doing something and plunder all proactivity in doing said action. Instead, try using a song to turn tasks into quick, fun challenges. It’s perfect for kids who dread long tasks, keeping them focused and motivated without pressure.
Tip: Adjust themes and rewards to suit your child’s hobbies (e.g., space-themed scavenger hunts or dance breaks between tasks).
As you work your way through spring cleaning, tackling each room like the yearly tradition it is, why not take this opportunity to create some extra space for you and your family? Let self storage handle the overflow so you can focus on transforming your home to suit your needs better. Store away toys that aren’t being played with, pack up winter gear that’s been collecting snow, and tuck away old baby furniture that’s just gathering dust.
Here’s a quick rundown of what should be crossed off your to-do list once you get into the nitty gritty of spring cleaning with kids:
Picking the right storage unit
Now that you’re done with the cleaning and sorting, one big question remains: what unit size will fit your mountain of toys and goodies just right? The size you pick really depends on how many items you’re tucking away and how bulky they are.
A 5’x5′ unit is the smallest option, perfect if you just want to stash a few boxes of LEGO sets, some extra clothes, or a handful of decorations.
If you’re dreaming bigger and want to include a couple of furniture pieces or some outdoor gear, then a 5’x10′ unit might be your sweet spot.
Still wondering if that extra desk or rug will squeeze in? You can use our handy unit-size calculator that will do all the heavy lifting for you. Simply choose the items you want or add the proper size if it’s a custom item, and watch the magic happen. You can plan everything easily and avoid ending up with a unit that’s too cramped or too big. You’ll find the perfect fit – kind of like those three bears finding their just-right bed but for all your stuff in storage.
When it comes to prices, a unit can significantly vary based on where you live. The national average for a standard 10’x10′ non-climate-controlled unit is $121, while a climate-controlled one typically costs $121. Check out the table below for self storage costs and availability in the country’s major cities.
Self Storage Costs and Availability in the Country's Largest 150 Cities
StorageCafe analysis of data from Yardi Matrix. (Data as of Apr 2025 | Pub: May 2025).Using self storage this year means you don’t have to get rid of things you still want to keep, but don’t need around all the time. It’s a great solution for seasonal items and belongings you want to protect but don’t need daily access to. With less clutter in your home, cleaning becomes simpler — especially when you’re getting your kids involved. More open space means less mess to manage and a more enjoyable cleaning experience for everyone.
So, bring the little ones in on the cleaning spree and turn it into a learning experience for the entire family. Happy spring cleaning!
