Tackling the mess when you’ve got kids can feel like trying to brush your teeth while eating Oreos. Pointless and frustrating! But fear not because, with a dash of strategy and a sprinkle of fun, you can keep your home looking pretty neat most days.
I’m writing this article not only because I am a mom. But also because I’m an bestselling author and award winning designer of personal development books. I love great design – and love to make sure my family and I are living at our best. So all of this makes me very aware of trying to keep our home tidy, organized, calm and clean – even when you have kids.
8 Tips for Keepin’ It Tidy at Home with Kids
Here’s how to kick the chaos and reclaim your space in your home – even if you have kids running around.
1. Establishing a ‘Clean Routine’
Kids and routines go together like peanut butter and jelly. It’s all about tidying up as regularly as breakfast. Try turning cleanup time into a mini-game where everyone races against the clock to put things back where they belong every morning. It’s fun, it gets the job done, and it teaches the kiddos that cleaning up is part of everyday life.
2. A Place for Everything
When every toy and book has a home, cleaning becomes a breeze. Invest in some kid-friendly storage solutions. Think bins and baskets at their level. Label them with pictures or simple words to make it clear where everything goes. It’s a straightforward system: if they can take it out, they can put it back!
3. Decluttering: Out with the Old
Kids grow like weeds, and so does their pile of stuff. Make it a monthly ritual to sift through their things and decide what to keep and what to say goodbye to. This not only keeps your home from turning into a toy store after a Black Friday sale but also teaches them about letting go and generosity.
4. Lead by Example
Little eyes are always watching, and they’re great at mimicking. If they see you keeping things tidy, they’re likely to copy. Set the stage by involving them in everyday cleaning tasks. It’s a combo of showing them the ropes and having some extra hands on deck.
5. Call in the Pros
Let’s be real—sometimes, you just need to hit the reset button. That’s when calling in a professional cleaning service, which can be a total lifesaver. They swoop in and get your place looking spick-and-span, and it gives you a moment to breathe (and maybe even relax!). Schedule a pro to come in every now and then to help keep the home base under control.
6. Make It a Blast
Who said cleaning can’t be a party? Crank up their favorite tunes and make a game out of cleaning. Whether it’s cleaning bingo or a scavenger hunt for hidden ‘dirt’ treasures, it turns chores into a blast. They’ll be having so much fun they won’t even realize they’re cleaning.
7. Keep It Real
Having kids means embracing a bit of mess. Set realistic cleaning goals that fit with your family’s lifestyle. It’s not about having a showroom-ready home—it’s about creating a space that feels right for your family. Some days will be messier, and that’s perfectly fine.
8. Cheers to Chores!
Nothing builds a kid up like some good old-fashioned praise. Make sure to celebrate their cleaning victories, no matter how small. A little encouragement can go a long way in making them feel proud and motivated to help out again. Plus, who doesn’t love earning a little reward for hard work?
Recap: How To Keep It Tidy at Home with Kids
So there you have it—a few tips to help you keep your home tidy, even when it feels like your kids are plotting against you. Remember, it’s all about finding what works for your family and sometimes just rolling with the punches. Happy cleaning!
Stay Calm While Improving Your Home
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