How to Declutter Fast: My Real-Life Story of Downsizing with Three Kids
If you’re a mom thinking, “I can’t declutter, I have kids,” this story is for you. I’ve been there—juggling work, motherhood, and the overwhelming task of decluttering. And I want to share exactly what it was like to declutter our entire home with three young children. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t easy, but learning how to declutter fast made all the difference.
Our Decluttering Journey: Moving from Alaska to Florida
In 2013, my husband and I made a huge decision: we were moving from Alaska—the only home we’d ever known—to Florida. This wasn’t a slow transition. We made the decision and, within six weeks, we were living in a different state. That meant I had just over a month to figure out how to declutter fast and efficiently.
Let me set the scene. I owned a small preschool in Alaska, working 10-hour days from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., commuting 30 minutes each way with my three kids. My husband went ahead to Florida to set up our new life, leaving me behind to pack up and get rid of everything. I had to manage it all—decluttering, working, and parenting—without much help.
The Logistics of How to Declutter Fast
When we looked at the costs of moving our stuff from Alaska to Florida, we realized it didn’t make sense. Moving trucks, shipping pallets, and even driving everything down with a U-Haul would cost us anywhere from $8,000 to $15,000—money we didn’t have. Renting a furnished home was a much more affordable option, and for us, the right decision.
Instead, we decided to rent a furnished house in Florida and only bring what could fit in our suitcases. That meant everything else had to go. Learning how to declutter fast became my top priority. We brought two suitcases of clothes and one suitcase filled with toys—that’s it.
The Emotional Rollercoaster of Decluttering Quickly
You might think, “Well, that sounds easy. You had no choice.” But it wasn’t. I still had to make every single decision about what to sell, donate, or trash. And doing that with three kids around, after working 10-hour days, was exhausting.
I dealt with every emotion you can imagine:
- Guilt over how much money we’d wasted on things we didn’t need.
- Fear that we wouldn’t be able to replace items once we moved.
- Anxiety about “what if we need this later?”
- Frustration from my kids pulling toys out of the donation piles.
I remember clearing out a room and thinking, “This is the stuff we’re taking.” That room was FULL. But none of it would fit in three suitcases. It was overwhelming to realize just how much stuff we had—stuff we didn’t need.
The Hardest Moments of Learning How to Declutter Fast
One of the hardest days was about three weeks in. I had just worked a full day, packed my car with donations, dropped them off, and picked up fast food for my kids because I was too exhausted to cook. After getting them to bed, I looked around at the piles of things still left to sort, and I just broke down. I lay on the floor and cried. I didn’t know where to start, and the thought of making more decisions felt impossible.
Lessons I Learned About How to Declutter Fast with Kids
- Decluttering is hard—even when it’s necessary. Just because I had to declutter quickly didn’t mean it was emotionally easier. Every decision felt heavy.
- Kids make it more challenging—but not impossible. Yes, my kids undid my piles and made messes. But I still got it done. It’s possible to declutter fast with kids around, even if it feels chaotic.
- Support makes a difference. While my husband wasn’t physically there, he supported me emotionally. He reminded me why we were doing this and helped calm my fears when I felt like we were making a huge mistake.
- Decluttering frees you—but it doesn’t happen overnight. Even after we moved, I continued to declutter and simplify. It’s an ongoing process, not a one-time event.
Why Learning How to Declutter Fast Is Worth It
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your clutter, know that you’re not alone. Decluttering is hard—physically, mentally, and emotionally. But it’s worth it. Once you’re on the other side, you’ll have more time, more energy, and more space for what really matters.
I created Decluttering Simplified and the Motherhood Simplified community because I know how tough this process can be. I wanted to provide a space where moms could get practical tips, emotional support, and real-life strategies to declutter their homes fast without becoming full-blown minimalists.
What’s Next?
If you’re in the thick of decluttering, I see you. Whether you’re just starting out or feeling stuck halfway through, know that there’s support available.
- Join the Motherhood Simplified Facebook Group for encouragement from moms who are in the same boat.
- Check out Decluttering Simplified for step-by-step guidance on how to declutter fast.
- Tag me on Instagram (@motherhood.simplified) if you want to share your progress or need advice.
And if you’re curious to hear my husband’s side of the story—what it was like for him to move to Florida and leave me behind to declutter—let me know! I’d love to bring him on for an episode.
Final Thoughts
Decluttering with kids is not easy, but it’s doable. You don’t need perfect circumstances to start—just the willingness to take one step at a time. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember that you’re not alone. We’re in this together.
Want More Tips?
If you enjoyed this story and want more advice on how to declutter fast, don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a five-star review. It helps me reach more moms like you who are ready to declutter without the pressure of minimalism.
