How to Keep Your Home Tidy With Kids – Realistic Organising Tips That Work

Keeping a tidy home when you have kids can feel like an impossible task. One minute everything is sparkling clean, the next, it looks like a toy bomb exploded. But fear not, parents! It is possible to maintain a semblance of order amidst the beautiful chaos of family life. It just requires a shift in perspective and some realistic strategies.

Why a Tidy Home Matters (Even With Kids)

While perfection is unattainable (and undesirable!), a reasonably tidy home offers several benefits:

• Reduces Stress: Clutter can contribute to feelings of overwhelm and stress. A more organised space can lead to a calmer environment for everyone.

• Boosts Productivity: When things have a home, you spend less time searching for lost items, freeing up time for more important things.

• Teaches Responsibility: Involving children in tidying helps them develop a sense of responsibility and ownership over their belongings and shared spaces.

• Creates a Calming Environment: A visually clear space can promote relaxation and focus, which is beneficial for both adults and children.

Realistic Organising Tips That Work

Here are some actionable tips to help you keep your home tidy, even with the busiest little ones:

1. Declutter Ruthlessly (But Realistically)

Before you can organise, you need to declutter. This doesn't mean becoming a minimalist overnight, but rather regularly assessing what you truly need and use.

• The "One Year" Rule: If you haven't used it in a year (excluding seasonal items or sentimental keepsakes), consider letting it go.

• The "Broken/Missing" Rule: If it's broken or has missing pieces and isn't easily repairable, it's time for it to leave.

• Involve Your Kids (When Appropriate): For older children, let them help decide what toys to keep, donate, or discard. This teaches them decision-making and the value of giving.

2. Everything Needs a Home

This is the golden rule of organising. If an item doesn't have a designated spot, it will inevitably end up as clutter.

• Label, Label, Label: For toy bins, pantry items, and even drawers, labels are your best friend. This helps everyone know where things belong.

• Kid-Friendly Storage: Low shelves, open bins, and baskets make it easier for kids to put away their own toys.

• Vertical Space: Utilise walls with shelves and hooks to maximise storage in smaller areas.

3. Implement Daily "Power Tidies"

Instead of waiting for a huge mess, implement short, daily tidy-up sessions.

• 5-Minute Dash: Before dinner or bedtime, spend 5-10 minutes as a family putting things away. Make it a game!

• One-In, One-Out: When a new toy or item enters the house, commit to removing something similar.

• "Reset" Areas: Focus on high-traffic areas like the living room, kitchen counter, and entryway daily.

4. Zone Your Home

Think about how each room is used and organise accordingly.

• Play Zones: Designate specific areas for play in common rooms to contain the mess.

• Homework Stations: Create a dedicated spot for schoolwork, complete with supplies.

• Entryway Command Centre: Have a designated spot for shoes, bags, and coats to avoid clutter near the door.

5. Involve the Whole Family

Tidying isn't just Mum or Dad's job. When everyone contributes, the burden is lighter.

• Age-Appropriate Chores: Even toddlers can help put toys in a basket. Older kids can make their beds or set the table.

• Make it a Routine: Integrate tidying into your daily schedule, just like brushing teeth or eating meals.

• Praise Effort, Not Perfection: Acknowledge and praise your children's efforts, even if the tidying isn't perfect.

6. Embrace Imperfection

Let's be real: your home won't look like a magazine spread every day. And that's okay!

• Focus on Progress, Not Perfection: Celebrate small victories and acknowledge that some days will be messier than others.

• Prioritise What Matters: If spending time with your kids means the living room is a bit messy, that's a worthwhile trade-off.

• It's a Marathon, Not a Sprint: Maintaining a tidy home is an ongoing process, not a one-time event.

Additional Resources

For more tips and tricks on keeping your home tidy, consider these resources:

• Home Organising Checklist: File

• Decluttering Challenge Guide: File

Keeping a home tidy with kids is a journey, not a destination. By implementing these realistic organising tips and embracing a flexible mindset, you can create a more peaceful and functional living space for your entire family. Remember, a tidy home is one that works for your family, not against it.