6 Ways to Keep Your Home Tidy (And Your Sanity Intact!)
Are you one of the many parents who struggle with cleaning duties? Check out these tips from a professional cleaning service to discover how you can keep your home tidy while maintaining your sanity!
People with children often have one single complaint from parenthood - they have too much cleaning to do around the house! We often come across entertaining memes on the internet poking fun at mums with endless piles of laundry, or dads who find novel ways to keep their kids from making a mess. But what we fail to understand is that the struggle is real.
Many parents, new and old, find themselves exhausted to the core from having to constantly clean after their children. Despite hiring a professional cleaning service, parents still have to be on their feet throughout the day to clean up after their children. One study notes that parents spend as much as four hours cleaning up around the house every week! It's surprising how quick a little person can make such a huge mess. Many parents face anxiety and stress because they're simply not used to living in a constant state of mess.
For those parents, we say it's okay. Messy homes come with children, but by implementing a few simple tips and tricks, you too can keep your sanity intact and maintain a tidy home (well, at least for part of the day).
1. Keep Your Home Tidy with Designated Play Areas
Though toys will almost inevitably find their way to other parts of the house, it is important to have a designated play area for your children. Confining toys and other accessories to one room or space in your house will allow you to keep things contained and in control. You and your children will know where the toys are supposed to end up at the end of the day, and it makes cleaning time a lot easier and more efficient.
Pro Tip: Use rugs or mats to define play zones visually. This helps children understand boundaries and makes cleanup more intuitive.
2. Never Walk Empty Handed
When you're on foot around the house, doing routine things such as grabbing your phone from your bedroom upstairs, don't walk empty handed. If you have toys lying around in your living room, grab them while on the move and leave them in your children's toy room upstairs. It's a simple tip, but it saves you a lot of time and effort.
The Rule: Every trip between rooms should involve moving something to its proper place. This micro-cleaning approach prevents mess from accumulating.
3. Invest in Bins and Cubbies
One of the best investments you'll make as a parent is purchasing bins and baskets in various sizes. Parents buy a lot of things for their children, and these things end up everywhere. Keeping a bin or basket in every room provides a convenient place to dump toys, meaning messy rooms can be cleaned in minutes. This tip comes in especially handy when you have unexpected guests coming over and you don't have the time to put everything away in its place.
Storage Strategy:
- Large bins for stuffed animals and soft toys
- Small baskets for art supplies and small toys
- Clear containers for easy identification
- Labels with pictures for younger children
4. Make Lint Rollers Your Best Friend
Who knew that lint rollers have so many uses? After arts and crafts time, instead of using the vacuum to remove the glitter from your carpet, use a lint roller to do the job. You'll be surprised at how many little bits and pieces a lint roller can pick up.
Beyond Glitter: Lint rollers are perfect for:
- Picking up small craft materials
- Removing pet hair from furniture
- Cleaning up crumbs from high chairs
- Picking up small debris from car seats
5. Use a Dustpan to Pick Up Small Toys
To save time, use a dustpan to pick up those small Lego pieces or doll accessories that are littering your living room floor. Not only does it make your life a whole lot easier, you can even involve your kids and get them to help you clean up when they're done playing.
Make it Fun: Turn cleanup into a game by timing how quickly you can collect all the small pieces, or challenge your children to find specific colors or shapes.
6. Do Regular Decluttering
To keep things under control, it's important that parents declutter every month or two. This is especially important if you have multiple children. Start one room at a time and sort items into three piles: things to keep, things to donate, and things to throw away. If your kids don't play with a toy anymore, put it away for a while and reintroduce it to them at a later time. If your children have outgrown their clothes, give them away to friends, family, or to a local clothing bank. If you have broken toys or other items, throw them out. Do whatever it takes to declutter and keep doing so regularly to maintain a clean space.
Decluttering Schedule:
- Monthly: Quick toy rotation and clothing assessment
- Quarterly: Deep declutter of one major area
- Seasonally: Wardrobe changes and seasonal item storage
- Annually: Complete home assessment and major purging
Additional Pro Tips for Busy Parents
Create a 5-Minute Cleanup Routine
Set a timer for 5 minutes and tackle one small area. This prevents mess from becoming overwhelming and teaches children that cleaning doesn't have to be a marathon session.
Involve Your Children
Even toddlers can help with simple tasks like putting toys in bins or wiping surfaces with a damp cloth. Make it fun with songs, games, or small rewards.
Use the "One In, One Out" Rule
For every new toy or item that comes into your home, remove one old item. This prevents accumulation and teaches children about mindful consumption.
Establish Cleanup Times
Set specific times for cleanup (before meals, before bed, etc.) so children know what to expect and when to help.
When Professional Help Makes Sense
Tried implementing these tips and still find yourself drowning in cleaning duties? Sometimes, the best solution is to bring in professional help. A regular cleaning service can handle the deep cleaning while you focus on daily maintenance and spending quality time with your family.
Professional cleaning services can help with:
- Deep cleaning of high-traffic areas
- Sanitizing bathrooms and kitchens
- Window cleaning and dusting
- Carpet and upholstery cleaning
- Seasonal deep cleaning projects
Related Cleaning Guides
- Seasonal Deep Cleaning Checklist - Comprehensive home maintenance guide
- Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions - Safe cleaning methods for families
- The Ultimate Guide to Luxury Home Cleaning - Professional standards for any home
- How to Remove Candle Wax - Quick fixes for common household mishaps
Contact St. Anne's Housekeeping today and find out how we can help you maintain a clean and organised home. We offer cleaning services in central London and have tailored packages for clients with different cleaning needs.