How to Keep Your Home Organised with a Big Family

How to Keep Your Home Organised with a Big Family

Ever feel like your home is in constant chaos? Toys on the floor, laundry piling up, and someone always asking where their shoes are? A big family brings joy, but it also means clutter never stops. No matter how often you tidy up, the mess always returns. It’s Groundhog Day every day here!

Keeping a home organised with multiple people isn’t easy. More people means more belongings, and getting everyone to follow a system can feel impossible. With space only decreasing, families like ours, need smart solutions to make every inch count.

With busy schedules and unpredictable weather making outdoor storage tricky, staying organised takes effort but it’s worthwhile. With the right approach, even the busiest households can stay (mostly) clutter-free.

In this blog post, I will share practical ways to keep your home organised, even with a big family.

Creating Storage Systems That Actually Work

The problem with many storage solutions is that they look great in theory but fall apart in real life. A Pinterest-perfect basket system might work for a household of two, but in a big family, it’s just another thing that gets knocked over. Organisation needs to be simple, accessible, and, most importantly, realistic.

Firstly, for families struggling with overflow, external storage can be a lifesaver. Not everything needs to be kept at home, especially seasonal items, sentimental belongings, or large furniture you don’t use daily. Make sure to check out Pink Storage if you need an extra place to keep things safe while freeing up space at home. Visit https://www.pinkstorage.co.uk/manchester-self-storage/ for more information.

Another effective way to control clutter is by assigning a specific place for each item. This might sound obvious, but without a proper place for items, they will always end up on the floor, the dining table, or any available surface. Hooks by the door for bags and coats, labelled bins for toys, and drawer organisers for kitchen utensils make a huge difference. The key is to make storage easy enough for even the youngest family members to follow.

Decluttering regularly also helps. Many families hold onto things because they, “might need them someday,” but someday rarely comes. If an item hasn’t been used in over a year, chances are it’s just taking up space. A donation box in a common area can encourage the whole family to let go of unnecessary clutter bit by bit.

Getting Everyone Involved (Without the Arguments)

One of the biggest challenges in a big household is getting everyone to help. It’s easy to fall into the trap of one person doing all the cleaning while everyone else creates messes. The reality is, organisation is a team effort. If the whole family isn’t on board, no system will last long.
Instead of simply telling kids to, “clean up” make it specific and manageable. A task like, “put all the shoes in the basket” or, “fold and stack the towels” is easier for children to understand. For older kids, setting clear expectations—like keeping their school things in one area—can prevent chaos before it starts.

Another effective approach is turning tidying into a quick routine. Setting a 10-minute timer each evening where everyone puts things back in their place can make a massive difference. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it stops mess from building up. For parents, leading by example is key. If kids see adults making an effort to stay organised, they are more likely to do the same. It also helps to make organisation part of daily life rather than a dreaded chore. Playing music while cleaning or rewarding completed tasks with a fun family activity can keep the mood positive.

Maximising Space in a Full House

When multiple people share a home, every inch counts. Finding smart ways to use space can make daily life feel less crowded. Vertical storage is a game changer. Shelving units, wall hooks, and over-the-door organisers make use of areas that would otherwise be wasted. Under-bed storage is another space-saver, especially for seasonal clothes or extra bedding. Stackable bins and furniture with built-in storage can also keep clutter from taking over.

Shared spaces like kitchens and living rooms need extra attention. The more streamlined they are, the easier they are to maintain. Keeping only essential items on countertops, using drawer dividers, and having a set spot for frequently used objects can reduce daily frustration. For families with multiple children, personal space is important too. Giving each child their own designated area—even if it’s just a labelled drawer or a small cubby—can help them feel responsible for their belongings. When kids know where their things belong, there’s less chance of lost items and last-minute morning scrambles.

Managing the Never-Ending Laundry Pile

Laundry is one of the biggest struggles in a large household. It never stops. Just when you think you’re caught up, another load appears.
A good system can make it less overwhelming. Colour-coded laundry baskets for each family member help keep things organised. A set schedule—like doing one load every evening instead of letting it pile up—can prevent laundry from taking over the house. Getting older kids involved can also lighten the load. Even young children can help sort clothes, match socks, or put folded items away. The more laundry is treated as a shared responsibility, the easier it becomes to manage.

Simplifying Daily Routine

Organisation isn’t just about keeping things tidy—it’s about making daily life run more smoothly. Simple routines can help prevent morning chaos and last-minute stress.

A designated drop zone near the door for keys, bags, and shoes prevents last-minute searches. A weekly meal plan can reduce the stress of figuring out dinner every night. Keeping a shared family calendar (digital or physical) helps everyone stay on the same page with schedules. Small changes like these might not seem like much, but they add up. A little planning can save a lot of time and frustration.
All in all, keeping a big family home organised is no small task, but it doesn’t have to be impossible. The key is finding systems that are simple, practical, and easy for everyone to follow. Whether it’s decluttering regularly, maximising space, or getting the whole family involved, small changes can make a big difference.

No home will ever be perfectly tidy all the time, and that’s okay. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s creating a space that works for your family’s daily life.