How to maintain an organized home (even with kids!)
We all know that keeping a tidy home with kids around can feel like trying to catch a runaway train. But guess what? It's totally doable! Let's chat about some practical and fun ways to keep your home organized, even amidst the beautiful chaos of family life.
1. Embrace the declutter dance
First things first—let's talk about decluttering. Think of it as a family dance party where everyone joins in to clear out the unnecessary stuff. Less clutter means less mess!
Family sorting day: pick a day when everyone goes through their belongings to decide what to keep, donate, or toss
Toy rotation: instead of having all toys out at once, rotate them weekly to keep things fresh and manageable.
Seasonal purge: at the start of each season, declutter clothes and items that are no longer needed.
2. Create kid-friendly zones
Designate specific areas where kids can play, study, and relax. This helps contain the mess and teaches them about boundaries.
Play corners: set up a cozy corner with their favorite toys and books
Homework nook: a small desk or table dedicated to schoolwork keeps supplies organized
Chill-out spot: a bean bag or comfy chair where they can unwind with a book or game
Get in touch to learn more about our service, Happy Kids, which we designed specifically to create the optimal space for your kids to thrive.
3. Storage solutions that wow
Invest in storage options that are both functional and fun. This makes tidying up less of a chore and more of an adventure.
Bins and baskets: use bins and baskets to keep like together with like
Pouches: we love using our pouches to organize game pieces, puzzles or small toys - check them out - they now come in both black and white!
Label everything: use pictures or words to label storage spaces, making it easy for kids to know where things go
Under-bed storage: utilize the space under beds for storing off-season clothes or less-used items
4. Establish routines and habits
Consistency is key. Establishing daily routines helps kids understand the importance of organization.
Morning and evening tidying: spend 10 minutes each morning and evening tidying up common areas
Clean-up songs: play a favorite tune during clean-up time to make it enjoyable
Reward systems: use stickers or points to reward kids for keeping their spaces tidy
5. Lead by example
Kids learn a lot by watching us. Show them how you keep things organized, and they'll be more likely to follow suit.
Personal organization: keep your belongings tidy to set a positive example
Involve them in your tasks: let them help you organize a drawer or shelf, teaching them skills along the way
Celebrate successes: acknowledge when they've done a good job keeping things in order
6. Make cleaning fun
Turn cleaning into a game to motivate your little ones.
Timed challenges: set a timer and see who can pick up the most toys before it goes off
Treasure hunts: hide small rewards in messy areas to encourage cleaning
Role play: pretend to be superheroes on a mission to clean up the city (your home)
7. Simplify and minimize
Sometimes, less is more. Reducing the number of items in your home can make organization easier. We can help you establish these kinds of systems in your home with our “Done-for-you" home organization service - click here for more information!
Quality over quantity: choose toys and items that serve multiple purposes
One in, one out rule: for every new item brought into the home, consider donating or discarding an old one
Digital storage: scan and save artwork or school papers digitally to reduce physical clutter
8. Designate drop zones
Create specific spots for items that tend to create clutter, like shoes, backpacks, and mail.
Entryway hooks and cubbies: assign each family member a spot for their daily essentials
Mail station: a designated place for sorting mail prevents paper piles
Shoe baskets: keep baskets near the door for easy shoe storage
9. Flexible scheduling
Understand that life with kids is unpredictable. Be flexible with your organization systems and adjust as needed.
Weekly family meetings: discuss what's working and what needs tweaking in your organization routine
Adapt to growth: as kids grow, their needs change. Update storage and routines accordingly
Stay patient: It's okay if things aren't perfect. Progress is what matters
10. Seek professional help when needed
Sometimes, bringing in a professional organizer can provide fresh perspectives and solutions tailored to your family's needs.
Customized systems: professionals can design organization systems that work specifically for your home
Objective insights: an outsider can often spot issues and solutions you might overlook
Time-saving: they can help implement changes more efficiently, saving you time and stress
Remember, maintaining an organized home with kids is a journey, not a destination. It's about creating a space where everyone feels comfortable and happy. By involving the whole family and making organization a part of your daily life, you'll find that a tidy home is not only possible but also enjoyable.
Happy organizing, and enjoy the precious moments with your little ones!
Ready to transform your home?
We invite you to experience the joy of a tidy and organized home. Let's create a living space that sparks your creativity and brings you peace. Contact us today for a free consultation!