One-Minute Roundup
De-cluttering is one of the fastest ways to get your home looking its best. To do this quickly, include the kids in a fun and quick one-minute roundup game. Place a laundry basket in the middle of a room. Everyone has one minute to round-up as many items as they can to place in the basket. Set the timer for another minute and see how fast your kids can work together to put everything in its place. Make it more of a challenge by keeping tabs on your time and trying to beat it next time. You’ll be surprised by how quickly you can make your home cleaner and more comfortable.
Personalize It
Engage kids in the cleaning process by creating personalized cleaning caddies for them. Use age appropriate items and a chart with chores they can accomplish on their own. A 3-year-old can use an old sock to dust baseboards or wipe counters using a safe and natural cleaner. An 8-year-old will be able to clean mirrors, collect garbage, and sweep floors. Use bright-colored personalized labels to decorate each caddy, and use colorful charts to keep it fun and entertaining for each child.
Clean as You Go
Creating a clean-as-you-go mindset will build a family dynamic that encourages cleanliness and teaches kids how to share a space with others. Try placing a Command hook on the side of your bathroom vanity with a microfiber cloth on it. This makes it easy for anyone to wipe down the counter with each daily use. Keeping a container of disinfecting wipes in each room also gives kids the ability to clean up after themselves when a mess occurs. Don’t let chemical-filled cleaners keep them from helping. There are many DIY cleaners that work great on all surfaces. You will find that just having supplies accessible will create a mindset of cleanliness.
Go High-Tech
You really can keep your home clean with kids. Make small changes that will allow you to build good healthy practices in your home and with your family. Don’t expect an immaculate home all the time, but when the time comes to tackle the mess, a family effort is always best.