“Mom, I can’t find my red robot!”

My son stood in the middle of his room, arms flailing, eyes wide with frustration.

We had just spent the entire Sunday organising. Every toy was in a labelled bin. Every bin had a place.

But somehow, chaos still ruled.

He kicked a box, and I sighed.

Was it the toy he couldn’t find… or his ability to breathe in that space that was lost?

That day, I realised something:

We weren’t organising clutter — we were burying it.

The Truth We Avoid as Parents

When you’re parenting a neurodiverse child — especially one with ADHD or sensory sensitivities — you learn that clutter isn’t just about mess.

It’s about mental load, emotional noise, and hidden triggers.

And here’s the hard truth no one tells you:

Some clutter isn’t meant to be organised. It’s meant to be thrown out.

Why Organized Clutter Is Still Clutter

I used to hold onto things like:

• The broken pencil sharpener he used on his first day of school
• An art project that turned into tears midway
• Gifts we didn’t love but felt guilty letting go of
• Four of the same puzzle — because “maybe one day he’ll like it again.”

All of it… beautifully boxed up.

But every box carried a feeling, a memory, or an unfinished story.

For children with executive functioning challenges or emotional sensitivity, these things don’t fade into the background. They pile up in their minds, just like they do in ours.

Types of Clutter You Should Throw Out, Not Organise

Let’s break this down. These are the sneaky types of clutter that add stress instead of peace:

1.     Guilt Clutter

You’re not obligated to keep every hand-me-down, party favour, or toy from a relative.

If it’s not being used, it’s using up you.

2.     Emotional Clutter

Was that drawing made on the day of a meltdown? It holds energy.

Some things are better remembered in the heart than stored in drawers.

3.     “Just in Case” Clutter

We keep broken toys or supplies for the mythical “someday.”

But that day rarely comes — and the space is already needed now.

4.     Outgrown Clutter

Your child has developmentally or emotionally moved past books, clothes, and games. 

Keeping them can feel comforting… but also confusing.

What Clutter Does to Our Kids (and Us)

Research aside, here’s what I’ve noticed — personally and professionally:

• More clutter = more meltdowns
• “Clean” doesn’t always mean “calm.”
• Kids avoid playing in rooms where everything screams for attention
• Moms avoid sitting in spaces that silently judge them for not “doing it all.”

Sound familiar?

A Simple Activity to Start Letting Go

Let’s make it playful — not painful.

Try this with your child (or even just for yourself):

✨ The “Alien Cleaner” Game

🛸 Pretend you’re aliens visiting a messy planet (your room!)

👽 Your mission: Find 5 things that are “too strange” for this planet and must be returned to space (i.e., donated, trashed, or recycled)

🧺 Use a basket or bag to collect them together

💃 Celebrate with a silly space dance when done

This activity builds ownership, decision-making, and emotional resilience, all while decluttering lightheartedly.

Final Thoughts: Clarity Over Clutter

You don’t need a new shelf.

You need permission — to release what no longer serves you or your child.

Letting go creates room not just on your floor but in your mind, schedule, and relationship.

Start small.

One sock. One toy. One memory.

And watch what grows in that new space.

👋 Need help creating calmer, more organised routines at home with your neurodiverse child?

I offer 1:1 consultations for parents — gentle, practical, and personalised.

👉 Click here to book a session with me

Let’s clear the clutter together — inside and out. 💛

🛍️ Recommended Products to Support Decluttering and Organisation

1. Ash & Roh Plastic Multi-Color Storage Bins with Locking Lids, Handles & Wheels (Pack of 2) These stackable and collapsible storage boxes are perfect for organising toys, books, and art supplies. Equipped with locking lids and wheels, they are easy to move and secure, making clean-up time more manageable for parents and children.
2. The AutoStory 60-Minute Visual Timer Clock (Red) This silent visual timer is an effective tool for teaching time management. Its clear visual display helps children understand the passage of time, aiding in transitions between activities and reducing anxiety associated with time constraints.
3. Colour Visual Timer for Kids, Preschoolers & Toddlers Designed with colourful segments makes it easier for young children to grasp concepts of time. It’s silent and ideal for classroom and home settings, supporting routines and reducing transition resistance.

Incorporating these tools can make decluttering and organising more engaging and less overwhelming for your child. They serve practical purposes and support the development of essential life skills.

If you need personalised guidance on creating a structured and supportive environment for your child, feel free to book a 1:1 consultation with me: https://topmate.io/namita_das11

Let’s create a space that nurtures your child’s growth and well-being. 💛