Hello mummas! I’m a mom of two energetic young kids, and I know how challenging it can be to keep our home tidy and clean with kids while juggling their endless enthusiasm. I am also a full-time work-from-home parent. Cluttered home is what I witness the minute after my kids return from their school. Bag goes here and shoes goes there! However, I am constantly asking them to pick up their things and put them in the right place.
Well, honestly, kids don’t really like decluttering. Clutter is their comfort zone…isn’t it? Though, with constant reinforcement and borderline nagging, they do as I say and keep their things back. I’ve also learned a thing or two about family-friendly decluttering and organizing with children. I’m excited to share my top 10 kid-friendly home organization tips that have made a world of difference in our lives.
10 Happy Ways to Keep Your Home Tidy and Clean with Kids
Here are 10 super simple and happy ways to involve your kids and keep your home tidy and clean with kids’ help:
1. Streamline Family Spaces Together:
Start by involving your kids in the process of tidying up. Make it a family activity! We all gather in our living room, and each person picks up five items that don’t belong there. It’s amazing how quickly the clutter disappears when we work together.
2. Have Fun While Decluttering:
Turn decluttering into a game! Challenge your kids to find things that need a proper home. We often play “Treasure Hunt” where they search for items to put away. It’s a win-win – they have fun and the house gets tidier.
3. Create Clutter-Free Kid Zones:
Designate specific areas where your kids can play and create, but make sure they know that toys and crafts should stay within those zones. This simple rule keeps toys from wandering all over the house.
4. Organizing Toys and Belongings:
We have colorful bins and baskets for toys. Each bin has a label with a picture, so even our youngest can help put things back where they belong. It’s like a little puzzle they enjoy solving.
5. Teach Kids About Tidying:
Kids are like sponges, absorbing everything around them. Explain why it’s important to keep our home tidy. We talk about how a clean space makes us feel happier and calmer. It’s like taking care of our home so it can take care of us.
6. Use a Family Calendar:
Organize family events and activities on a visible calendar. This way, everyone knows what’s happening and where things need to be. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to practice responsibility and time management with kids.
7. Rotate Toys and Books:
To keep things fresh and exciting, we rotate toys and books. Every few weeks, we swap out some items. This not only reduces clutter but also gives the kids something to look forward to.
8. Let Go of Unwanted Stuff:
Teach your kids the value of giving to others. Help them choose toys they no longer play with to donate. It’s a wonderful lesson in kindness and sharing.
9. Make Cleaning Up Part of the Routine:
Incorporate tidying into your daily routine. Before bedtime, we do a quick “clean sweep” where we tidy up toys and put things back where they belong. It’s become a habit that makes our mornings smoother.
10. Celebrate Small Wins:
Acknowledge and celebrate your kids’ efforts in keeping the home tidy. A simple “Great job!” or a high-five goes a long way. Positive reinforcement makes them feel proud and encourages them to keep up the good work.
In Conclusion: Why Family-Centric Home Decluttering Matters
As parents, we know that life with kids can sometimes feel like a whirlwind of messes and chaos. But teaching our little ones about organizing and tidying is about more than just a neat home. It’s about instilling valuable life skills that will serve them well as they grow.
By involving our children in the process of decluttering and streamlining, we’re teaching them responsibility, teamwork, and the importance of taking care of the spaces we inhabit. A clutter-free environment promotes a sense of calm and harmony, allowing our family to enjoy more meaningful moments together.
So, let’s embrace the journey of simplifying with kids at home. Remember, it’s not about perfection – it’s about progress. Every small step towards a tidier home is a victory worth celebrating. Happy organizing, dear parents!
