The holidays are magical, but they’re also messy.
Between new toys, art projects, gifts from grandparents, and disrupted routines, kids’ spaces tend to feel especially chaotic by the time Christmas break ends. And when school starts back up, that clutter can quietly add stress to already-busy mornings.
January is a natural reset point. Not for perfection or minimalism, but for putting simple systems in place that help your home run more smoothly.
For this reset, we partnered with home organization and decor expert Janan Assaf Kissler of @athomewithjanan to share simple, real life systems from her own home that help organize children’s spaces. These practical, kid friendly ideas focus on containment, visibility, and independence to make the transition back into the everyday school routine feel easier.
1. Contain the “Random” Toys (So They Stop Taking Over)
If your children received small toys, game pieces, figurines, or “random little things” over the holidays, you’re not alone. These are often the hardest items to manage because they don’t belong to a single category.
The solution isn’t getting rid of them, it’s containing them.
Using clear, snap-close containers with labels helps keep small toys grouped together, prevents them from spreading across floors and surfaces, and makes cleanup easier for kids (everything has a home)!
Why it works:
When kids can see what’s inside and understand where it goes, they’re more likely to help maintain the system themselves, especially after school when energy is low.
2. Simplify Morning Routines With Bathroom Counter Organization
School mornings go more smoothly when kids can access what they need without digging through drawers.
Using small, labeled containers for daily-use items like flossers, hair ties, cotton swabs, or clips can help reduce counter and drawer clutter, creates visual boundaries, and encourages independence during morning routines
Why it works:
When items are visible and limited to what’s actually used, mornings feel calmer and more predictable, especially on school days.
3. Use Vertical Space to Make Kids’ Closets Work Harder
Closets often feel chaotic not because there’s too much stuff (well maybe sometimes there is), but because smaller items don’t have an obvious place to live.
An over-the-door shoe rack is a simple solution for swimsuits, seasonal accessories, pajamas or sports gear, etc.
Why it works:
Vertical storage keeps frequently used items visible and accessible, while freeing up drawers and shelves for larger essentials. It’s especially helpful for kids who benefit from seeing everything at once.
4. Create a Homework Station That Reduces Friction
Homework stress often has less to do with the work itself and more to do with finding supplies.
A rolling homework cart with clearly defined bins for pencils and markers, paper and notebooks, ipads, chargers or calculators creates a dedicated “school zone” that can move where your family needs it!
Why it works:
Having everything in one place eliminates distractions and makes the transition from school to home smoother, especially during those first few weeks back.
5. Give Kids’ Artwork a Plan (Not a Pile)
Artwork tends to multiply during the holidays, and while it’s meaningful, it can quickly become overwhelming.
A simple system:
-
Designate a temporary holding space for artwork (like a Plum Print box)
-
Save only what feels special
-
Turn it into a custom book when you’re ready
Why it works:
This approach allows you to honor your child’s creativity without letting artwork take over your home. The finished book becomes a lasting keepsake, one that’s easy to revisit, store, and share.
Resetting kids’ spaces after the holidays isn’t about decluttering everything or starting from scratch. It’s about creating systems that support daily routines and reducing visual and mental clutter. Doing this can help kids feel capable and prepared as they return to school!
You can find more of Janan’s practical home organization ideas over on Instagram at @athomewithjanan!
