Whether it’s during spring break or summertime, having your kids home all day for many days in a row can really push the limit of your clutter tolerance.
So, why not take this “downtime” away from school to change things up and find ways to get organized together. Make this time at home both relaxing and organized by following a few simple tips.
1. Keep It Simple
Want your kids to be able to independently maintain your organizing solutions for them? Find things that work for your family that are easy to keep up with for everyone. Keep it simple by using open bins or baskets for different toy categories, a cart to store art supplies, etc. Go a step further by adding labels to identify what goes where. If your littles can’t read yet, use simple words or picture labels.
A great way to involve your kids in the process is to have them put away items by type or colour or test art supplies to check if they still work!
2. Make the Most of Transition Times
Use transition times, like before dinner or bedtime, to remind your kids to put away toys, projects, homework, and clothes and reset their space for the next day! Building this habit will go a long way to keeping up your organization! A quick 5 minute tidy goes a long way to making a home feel organized.
3. "Go-time" Checklist
Another important transition time is getting ready for school or extra curriculars. How many times have you said “do you have your lunch”, “do you have your homework?”, “did you bring a water bottle?”, right as you’re going out of the door?
Do yourself a favour and create an out-of-the-door checklist that your kids can go through to save yourself from asking the same questions every day.
I love how over time, this simple routine can evolve into less mess as your kids will naturally keep things more organized for easier retrieval at “go-time.”
Hot Tip
If you’re trying to get your household to buy into being more clutter-free, lead by example and show them by paring down your own things first! Show them how freeing it can be to own less!
We hope these tips for finding simple solutions, involving your mini-helpers (especially during those quick transition times) and nailing your out-of-the-door routine have given you a fresh wave of inspiration.
Remember, organizing with kids isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress, patience, and a whole lot of playful learning. So, enjoy your well-deserved spring break, and here’s to a home that’s as happy and harmonious as your family!
