Keeping a clean house when you have kids is like brushing your teeth while eating Oreos—seemingly impossible. But with the right strategies, a little patience, and a sprinkle of humor, you can maintain a tidy home without losing your sanity. Here’s how to do it without turning into a full-time housekeeper.
1. Make Cleaning a Family Activity
Turn cleaning into a game instead of a chore. Kids love pretending they’re superheroes, so why not make them the “Dust Destroyers” or the “Mess Monsters” who clean up their own chaos? Assign age-appropriate tasks and make it fun with music, races, or a sticker chart.
Consider getting them their own pint-sized cleaning tools like the LittleClean Kids Wooden Cleaning Set. This way, they feel like they’re contributing (even if they’re just pushing dust around).
2. Create a Daily Cleaning Routine
Establishing a predictable cleaning routine helps kids understand expectations. A quick 15-minute cleanup before bedtime, a morning room reset, or a post-dinner “kitchen rescue mission” can work wonders.
To keep toys in check, use the KidTidy 6-Compartment Toy Bin Rack—a lifesaver for keeping Legos out of your foot’s attack zone.
3. Declutter Regularly
Clutter is the archenemy of a clean house. The less stuff you have, the less mess there is to manage. Every month, go through toys, clothes, and art projects and decide what to donate, toss, or store.
Use ClearStore Large Capacity Pen & Pencil Organizer to keep markers, crayons, and tiny accessories from staging a house-wide takeover.
4. Clean During Playtime
Multitask like a pro by tidying up while the kids are entertained. Wipe down surfaces while they’re having snack time, or sweep while they’re coloring.
For larger messes, use OrganizePro Foldable Storage Cubes (6-Pack) to quickly toss toys inside when unexpected guests arrive (because let’s be real, surprise visitors always come when the house looks like a tornado hit it).
5. Rotate Toys
Less is more when it comes to toys. Instead of keeping every single toy accessible at once, try toy rotation. Store some toys away and switch them out every few weeks. It keeps kids interested and reduces clutter.
Invest in a TidySpace 5-Cubby Toy Storage Bookshelf to keep the most-played toys neatly organized and within reach.
Final Thoughts
Keeping a clean house with kids is a constant battle, but with teamwork, organization, and a bit of humor, it’s totally manageable. Your home doesn’t have to be spotless—it just has to be functional (and not look like a crime scene).
What are your favorite hacks for keeping your house clean with kids? Share your stories in the comments below or check out our other parenting tips on the blog!