I have two books to recommend:
First, Simplicity Parenting. Great book for parents - talks about how clutter (in toys/things, schedules, food, etc) affects kids.
And, The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up - this one is for those who are having a hard time decluttering. Her method makes so much sense and is so easy.
We are minimalist, even with 9 kids. How else could we live in a 3 bedroom, just less than 1900 sq ft town home?
Some things we've done that have helped:
Limit the space allowed for certain things. Our kids get a "treasure drawer" for their personal stuff (an 18 gal Rubbermaid bin from age 5-12, then a footlocker after age 12) and a bookshelf or part of a bookshelf. They can keep anything they want (except food, dangerous things, things that will rot - obviously) but it has to fit. Group toys: all little kid toys fit in a cedar chest, only a few are out at a time. Since Legos are the chosen toy of everyone, we do have a dresser filled with them but that's about it for toys. We do the same with clothes - limits on amounts - helps with amounts of laundry too.
I do talk with my kids about this a lot. Some of their favorite books are the Little House on the Prairie books. Perfect example - they could clean their entire house, including emptying it, restuffing mattresses, etc in a day. Think about how much time they had for other stuff.
Even though it's more work, I do involve my kids in the decluttering (well after age 6 or so before that it's too much torture for all involved : ). I help them with it. But by the time they are 10-12, they can do it by themselves and do it quite well. They learn what things they want to keep because they really bring them joy.
OP, you can do it! It is SO worth it.
