This post is all about how to get kids to clean their room.
How To Get Kids To Clean Their Room – Completely!
Getting kids to clean their room without a fight can feel like an impossible task. No matter how many times you ask (or beg), the mess just seems to stick around. And equally as frustrating is when they finally clean their room, but they don’t do a good job, and its still messy! But what if I told you that it doesn’t have to be such a big struggle? With the right approach and a little motivation, you can get kids to clean their room—and actually enjoy it!
As a means for providing for my family, I may earn commissions if you shop through the links on this page at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
One of the best ways to make cleaning fun and manageable is by using a simple, kid-friendly system like my Room Cleaning Checklist + Declutter Challenge for Kids. This printable bundle is designed to break down tasks into easy steps to make sure they do a complete job. It even includes a 30-day declutter challenge! (10 day declutter challenge for toddlers and younger kids also included.) Let’s dive into some tips that will help you turn room cleaning from a battle into a breeze!
The Room Cleaning Checklist pairs perfectly with the Bear Bucks Reward System printable. The Bear Bucks system motivates them to clean their room (and do other tasks), then the Room Cleaning Checklist ensure they do it correctly!
Getting Kids To Really Clean Their Room – The Struggle Is Real
Let’s be real —getting kids to clean their room correctly and completely can feel like a helpless battle. You ask nicely and give clear instructions, but somehow, the mess never quite goes away. Instead, toys get shoved under the bed, clothes are piled up in a corner, and their “cleaning” looks more like hiding the mess. It’s frustrating, but you’re definitely not alone!
The truth is, kids often get overwhelmed when faced with a big, messy room and don’t always know where to start. That’s why it’s so important to give them a clear plan to follow, that they can reference back to as they clean. That’s where the Room Cleaning Checklist + Declutter Challenge for Kids comes in. This printable breaks down the cleaning process into simple, manageable tasks that guide your child through each step. This makes it easy to clean their room the right way from start to finish.
With the right approach and a little guidance, you can get kids to clean their room correctly and completely. (Without constant reminders or battles!) Let’s dive into some practical tips to make it happen!
Make Cleaning Fun and Engaging
One hurdle when it comes to getting kids to clean their room is that it feels like a huge chore. What’s the secret to avoiding a battle? Try to turn cleaning into something fun and engaging! When kids see tidying up as a game or a challenge they’re more likely to get on board.
You could start by introducing a little friendly competition. Set a timer and challenge your child to see how many toys they can put away before the buzzer goes off. Or play upbeat music and turn it into a dance-cleaning party! This worked great when my daughter was a toddler especially.
To motivate your child to tackle their room consistently and thoroughly, consider using the Bear Bucks Reward System. Earning Bear Bucks gives them an incentive to clean up without resistance, while the Room Cleaning Checklist + Declutter Challenge for Kids makes sure they’re completing each task the right way. The checklist breaks down cleaning into manageable steps, like putting away toys, making the bed, and organizing books. This way, your child not only stays motivated but also learns how to clean correctly—without cutting corners.
By combining motivation with a clear plan, you’ll transform room cleaning from a dreaded chore into a positive, productive habit for your child. Plus, your child will feel proud of their clean space and the Bear Bucks they’ve earned!
Break It Into Manageable Micro-Tasks
Breaking the task down into manageable micro-tasks makes it much less intimidating for kids. The Room Cleaning Checklist For Kids does exactly that by guiding your child through each step of the cleaning process. Instead of just saying, “Go clean your room,” you can hand them a checklist that clearly outlines what needs to be done. This step-by-step approach helps them stay on track and makes the task feel less daunting. PRO TIP: Frame it, and hang in on their wall or door. Your child can check off the tasks with a dry erase marker, and use it over again each time.
Plus, when they know exactly what’s expected of them, there’s less room for cutting corners. They can visually see what still needs to be done. This helps them build independence and take pride in doing the job right.
Getting Kids To Clean Their Room Using Incentives
Let’s face it—kids are much more likely to clean their room when there’s something in it for them. That’s where the Bear Bucks Reward System comes in! Instead of nagging or constantly reminding them to finish the job, you can motivate them by rewarding their efforts. (With non-monetary or monetary rewards)
You might decide to give extra Bear Bucks for doing it without being asked or for tackling a decluttering challenge. This way, your child feels a sense of accomplishment and has a tangible reward to work toward. Whether it’s saving up for a special treat, choosing a family activity, or earning extra screen time.
With the right balance of motivation and guidance, you’ll be amazed at how willing your kids are to clean their room—and how proud they feel when they’ve done it well! The Bear Bucks Reward System is also great for teaching the benefits of hard work and saving money for bigger and better things.
Be Consistent and Lead by Example
As with most things, consistency is key. If cleaning only happens once in a while or feels like a sudden, overwhelming task, kids are more likely to resist. Instead, make room cleaning a regular part of their routine. Whether it’s a quick tidy-up before bed or a more thorough clean on the weekends, having a consistent schedule helps set expectations and builds good habits.
Leading by example is equally important. Kids naturally model what they see, so if they watch you keeping your own space tidy, they’re more likely to do the same. (See Post: How To Stay Motivated As A Stay At Home Mom – Even On The Hard Days) Involve them in simple cleaning tasks around the house and talk about why keeping spaces clean is important. This not only sets a positive example but also helps them feel like they’re contributing to the family’s overall cleanliness. (Bear Bucks Reward System is great for encouraging these habits!)
By sticking to a cleaning routine and showing your own commitment to keeping your home tidy, you’ll teach your child that cleaning isn’t just an occasional chore—it’s a positive habit that keeps their environment comfortable and relaxing.
Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
At the end of the day, the goal isn’t a perfectly spotless room—it’s helping your child develop the skills and habits they need to take responsibility for their space. There will be days when the room still looks a little messy or when motivation is hard to find, and that’s okay! Celebrate the progress your child makes, no matter how small, and encourage them to keep building on their efforts.
The combination of the Room Cleaning Checklist + Declutter Challenge for Kids and the Bear Bucks Reward System gives your child the tools and motivation they need to clean their room correctly and completely—without turning it into a battle. By providing motivation and incentives, breaking tasks into simple steps, and fostering a sense of ownership, you’re setting your child up for long-term success in maintaining a clean space. You’ve got this—and so do they!
Best Selling Kids Cleaning Toys
- Great Gift For Birthday, Christmas And Holidays For Students And Boys & Girls – Original By Play22USA
- Kids Cleaning Set For Toddlers 4 Piece Is a Real Cleaning Set and Can Actually Clean Your Kids Room For Hours Of Pretend Play Housekeeping
- Great Gift For Birthday And Holidays For Kids, Toddlers Boys & Girls – Toddler Pretend Play Toy – Original By Play22
- Kids Cleaning Set For Toddlers 12 Piece Is A High Quality Set And Can Actually Clean Yours Kids Room For Hours Of Pretend Play Housekeeping
- 6-piece cleaning set for hours of pretend play housekeeping
- Includes broom, mop, duster, dustpan, brush, and storage stand
- Pretend Play Set: Clean the days away—this cleaning set for kids has tons of realistic details for hours of imaginative pretend play.
- 5 Cleaning Toys: With a toy broom, mop, brush, duster, and dustpan, your kiddo can lend a helping hand.
- 【Durable Wooden Cleaning Toys】This cleaning kit is made of real natural solid beech wood, sturdy enough to outlast the common kids broom mop sets that made of plastic, particle board or inferior pine.
- 【Realistic Toddler Cleaning Set】These kids cleaning tools really work for housekeeping. Designed with longer broom & mop handles and tilted broom handle, the upgraded kids broom set is better tailored for kids age 3-8..
- 【Fun Toddler Cleaning Set】The kids cleaning set is a well-designed set of educational toys that help children learn life skills by simulating real-life household activities. The toy cleaning set has various tools, such as the broom, vacuum cleaner, and mop, which are all used by children when performing kids cleaning, and practical tools for teaching children about cleaning and organizing. For example, they can learn how they should hold the broom when sweeping and how to use the toy vacuum cleaner to clean the floor.
- 【Toddler Vacuum Toy That Works】The kids vacuum is made of ABS material, safe and odorless, suitable for babies to hold the design, and take care of baby’s tender hands. The toy toddler vacuum simulates real design and works realistically with realistic sound effects. In addition, the toy vacuum is equipped with different suction heads to meet the various cleaning needs of toddlers and children in all corners of the home. Requires 3 AA batteries (not included).
- Kids Cleaning Set for Toddlers: This kids cleaning set includes a toy vacuum, broom, brush and dustpan. With realistic and fully functional design, each cleaning tool gives your little helper an imagined role and pretend task to try, making cleaning fun. kids cleaning set with electric vacuum cleaners, pretend play housekeeping set, toddler cleaning toys for girls boys age 3 4 5 6 years old.
- Countless Ways to Play: Toy cleaning set for toddlers to motivate your child to model independence and use their imagination to have fun! Various toy cleaning tools gives them an imagined role and pretend task to try. toddler sized housekeeping toy let your little helper clean with you.
- KIDS CLEANING SET: Our toddler cleaning pretend play kit includes 1 detachable wooden hanging toy rack, 1 mop, 1 broom, 3 rags, 1 hand brush, 1 dustpan, 1 brush, 1 foldable bucket and 1 warning sign. Clothes hangers help keep things organized, so bring your kids with you!
- MADE OF SOLID WOOD: Our products are carefully made of solid wood, strong and durable, and use water-based paint, children can play with confidence. All edges are smoothed without burrs to avoid damaging the child’s delicate skin. In addition, our products fit in the palm of a child’s hand and are easy to disassemble and assemble, and with a little help from parents, putting the accessories together, the child can indulge in the game of cleaning the house for hours of fun
- LEARN THROUGH PLAY: Explore endless imaginative play while developing coordination, sparking creativity, and enhancing core motor skills in every delightful sweep.
- MULTIPLE WAYS TO PLAY: Either use the short nozzle for handheld vacuuming or the long handle for ‘twist & turn’ cleaning.
- [Midoneat Cartoon Rabbit –Designed Kids Cleaning Toy Set] Cute rabbit-designed ,kid-sized set resembling the real thing ,The pretend play set includes 6 pieces : a mini broom and dustpan set , mop, kids’ computer/table/keyboard dustpan with brush set, and a coral fleece cleaning cloth
- [Skill-Building and Confidence-Boosting ] Encourage your baby to become your little helper , The kid’s housekeeping set is designed for toddlers with the ideal size for easy grasping and handling .As kids often mimic their parents to sweep around the house ,this cleaning tool kit help develop hands-on ability ,hand-eye coordination ,and boosts confidence and fine motor skills
Recent Posts:
Calm Down Corner Ideas – Create Their Calm
This post is all about calm down corner ideas. Calm Down Corner Ideas Creating a…
How To Get Kids To Clean Their Room – Without A Fight
This post is all about how to get kids to clean their room. How To…
How to Stay Motivated as a Stay at Home Mom (Even on the Hard Days)
This post is all about how to stay motivated as a stay at home mom….
20 Adorable Valentines Printable Coloring Bookmarks
This post is all about Valentines printable bookmarks. Valentines Printable Bookmarks (Color-Your-Own) Looking for a…
How To Raise A Kind Child In A Mean World
This post is all about how to raise a kind child. Tips On How To…
Thanksgiving Activity Placemat For Kids
This post is all about a Thanksgiving activity placemat for kids. Thanksgiving Activity Placemat For…
About Mom-Thoughts
Hi, I’m Heather! I’m the proud mom of one beautiful, wonderfully weird, and hilariously sassy little girl (seriously, the sass is unmatched!). After losing both of my parents before my daughter was born, I often found myself navigating motherhood without the advice and support I so desperately needed.
Add to that the constant presence of mom-shamers lurking around every corner, and it can feel nearly impossible to be appreciated for the rock star of a woman you truly are.
That’s why at Mom-Thoughts, we’re all about embracing what works best for you and your family—no judgment, no shame. We believe in real, down-to-earth parenting that prioritizes you too, Mama, because taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your little ones.
So, welcome to the club. You belong here. <3
