We've all been there. You spend hours cleaning your child's room or playroom, only to walk in the next day and find it even messier than it was before. You encourage your child to clean up independently, but it often ends in a power struggle and frustration. 

The Montessori Method emphasizes fostering independence through a prepared environment. Can this same principle be applied to a task like cleaning their room? Absolutely! While the process will vary based on the interests and developmental stage of your child, Montessori practical life skills can be practiced within your child's bedroom or playroom if the space is prepared intentionally.

Here are seven Montessori-aligned tips to help set your child (and yourself!) up for success:

Tip One: Limit what is available 

If the number of items in the room feels overwhelming to you, chances are it’s overwhelming your child, too. Reducing the quantity of toys, books, and clothing can make cleanup feel more manageable and less exhausting.

Set a regular rhythm (such as monthly or seasonally) to remove items that are not being used. Toys your child has lost interest in can be stored away for later rotation, while outgrown items can be donated. Depending on your child’s age, involve them in the process. Giving them a say in what stays and goes builds a sense of ownership and respect for their belongings.

Tip Two: Use clear categories

Organize storage by obvious, easy-to-understand categories (i.e. blocks, cars, animals, or puzzles). Avoid catch-all bins. When children know exactly where something belongs, cleanup becomes a matter of sorting, not decision-making.

Tip Three: Ensure storage is easily accessible

Ensure that any bins, drawers, or shelves are within reach and can be opened and closed easily by your child. An older child with more developed fine motor skills and the ability to reach higher shelves may benefit from a space that is prepared differently than a younger child. Preparing their space with configurable shelves like the Luce Shelves can be a good way to ensure that the space is able to grow as your child grows.

Tip Four: Ensure every item has a home

Whether it's mismatched socks or lone action figures, ensuring all items in the space have a dedicated and clear home ensures that your child can put things away where they belong. As new items enter the space, take time to assign them a spot. Likewise, remove anything that no longer fits in the current setup. This ongoing maintenance helps your child stay in the habit of putting things away independently.

Tip Five: Recognize the tasks that you will need to do or help them with

Some tasks may simply be beyond your child’s current developmental abilities. 

It can help to ask yourself, 'What parts of this task are truly within my child’s skill set right now?' In the beginning, you might start by encouraging them to observe, then share simple, achievable tasks, like putting toys in a basket or wiping down a low shelf, while you work next to them on other parts of the cleaning.

When children experience success, they’re more likely to stay motivated and enjoy helping. Over time, their independence will naturally grow, but it starts with meeting them where they are today.

Tip Six: Set a simple but consistent routine

Children thrive on routines because they know what they can expect. Choose a consistent time for tidying, like before dinner or after playtime, and stick with it. Giving your child a heads-up before it's time to clean can also help avoid resistance. This consistency supports healthy habit-building!

Tip Seven: Make Adjustments

What works today may not work in three months, and that’s okay. As your child grows and their interests change, the space should evolve too.

Observe what’s working and what’s not. Maybe they need fewer options, clearer labels, or a new system for their artwork. When the environment reflects their current needs, maintaining it becomes a natural part of their rhythm.

Once the space is set up with intention, spend some time cleaning alongside your child. Demonstrate the routine, offer gentle reminders, and allow room for mistakes. It may not be perfect right away, but with consistency and small adjustments, you’ll both experience fewer struggles when it comes to keeping their room tidy.