The Secret to Maintaining an Organised Home (Even with Kids!)
Keeping a home organised can feel like a never-ending battle, especially with kids in the mix. Toys, school bags, snacks, and endless laundry—it’s enough to make anyone feel overwhelmed. But the secret to maintaining an organised home isn’t about striving for perfection. It’s about creating systems that work for your family and establishing habits that make tidying up feel manageable.
Here are my tried-and-tested tips to help you keep your home running smoothly, no matter how busy life gets.
1. A Place for Everything
The first step to maintaining an organised home is ensuring that everything has a designated place. When every item has a home, it’s much easier to tidy up and much harder for clutter to take over. Involve the whole family in deciding where things should go—kids are more likely to use systems they’ve helped create. Use labels for younger children so they can easily identify where things belong, whether it’s toys, books, or shoes.
2. Regular Decluttering Sessions
Clutter builds up quickly, so it’s essential to make decluttering a regular habit. Schedule a family decluttering session every month or tackle one area at a time—like a drawer or a shelf—in just 10 minutes a day. The more often you declutter, the less daunting it becomes. Plus, it’s a great way to teach kids the value of keeping only what they use and love.
3. The Two-Minute Rule
Small habits make a big difference. If a task takes less than two minutes—like hanging up a coat, putting away shoes, or wiping down a surface—do it immediately. This prevents small messes from snowballing into overwhelming clutter.
4. Embrace Storage Solutions
Storage is key to keeping your home organised, but it’s not one-size-fits-all. Think about what works best for your family. Clear bins for toys make it easy for kids to see and access their belongings, while baskets can corral everything from books to blankets in a way that still looks stylish. For smaller items like Lego or craft supplies, drawer dividers or small containers can keep everything in its place.
5. Involve the Family
Maintaining an organised home isn’t a solo effort. Everyone in the household should have a role, no matter how small. For younger children, make tidying up a game—for example, set a timer and see how many toys they can put away in two minutes. Older kids can take responsibility for specific areas, like their own bedrooms or a shared playroom. Creating a team mindset makes the work feel lighter and ensures everyone contributes.
6. Regular Resets
Daily resets are one of the simplest ways to keep your home looking tidy. Set aside 10-15 minutes at the end of each day to straighten up key areas, like the living room or kitchen. Involve the family, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly the house feels refreshed. This habit also prevents messes from piling up and becoming overwhelming.
7. Make Tidying Fun
Let’s face it: tidying up isn’t always fun, but a little creativity can go a long way. Play music, turn it into a race, or create a reward system for completing tasks. The more enjoyable the process, the more likely everyone will pitch in without complaints.
8. Focus on One Area at a Time
When things feel out of control, it’s tempting to try tackling everything at once. Instead, focus on one area at a time. Whether it’s a messy drawer, a cluttered counter, or a pile of laundry, completing one task gives you a sense of accomplishment and motivates you to move on to the next.
9. Rotate Toys and Seasonal Items
If you have younger children, rotating toys can be a game-changer. Keep some toys in storage and swap them out every few weeks. This keeps playtime fresh for kids and prevents every toy from being out at once. The same principle applies to seasonal items—store what you’re not using and rotate them in when the time is right.
10. Let Go of Perfection
Finally, remember that an organised home doesn’t have to look like it’s straight out of a magazine. Life with kids is naturally messy, and that’s okay. Focus on creating a home that feels functional, comfortable, and works for your family’s needs. The goal is progress, not perfection.
Maintaining an organised home is a journey, not a destination. By implementing these small habits and systems, you can create a space that feels calm and inviting, even amidst the chaos of family life. Start small, be consistent, and don’t be afraid to ask for help—whether that’s from your family or a professional organiser. An organised home is more than just tidy rooms; it’s a space where your family can thrive.