Being a mom is hard enough, and keeping a tidy house on top of that can seem impossible. If you have small kids, it can seem like your family room is always a mess. But it doesn’t have to be that way! You can keep your family room tidy with a few simple tips, even with kids running around. Here are a few tips to help you keep your family room clean and tidy:
Designate Toy Storage Space
One of the best ways to keep your family room tidy is to designate a specific space for toy storage. This could be a toy box, shelves, or baskets. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s easily accessible for your kids so they can put their toys away when they’re done playing. Having designated storage will help reduce the amount of toy clutter in your family room.
Create a Play Area
If possible, create a designated play area in your family room. This will help contain the mess and make it easier to clean up after your kids have finished playing. If you don’t have a lot of space, you can use floor mats or designate a corner of the room for playing. Make sure there’s a safe place for your kids to play so you don’t have to worry about them getting into something they shouldn’t.
When the kids are done playing, put away toys in their designated storage space. This seems like a no-brainer, but it’s incredible how much of a difference it can make. If toys are left out, they will quickly take over the room.
Schedule Some “Tidy Time” into Your Day
Whether first thing in the morning or right before bed, set aside 10 – 15 minutes each day to tidy up the family room. During that time, straighten up any messes, put away any toys or clothes, and generally give the room a once-over.
Don’t forget about general cleaning tasks like vacuuming, dusting, and mopping. These tasks are essential for keeping your family room looking its best. If everyone in the family pitches in during tidy time, it will go by quickly, and you’ll be amazed at how much of a difference it makes.
Encourage Your Kids to Help Clean Up
Another way to keep your family room tidy is to encourage your kids to help clean up. This doesn’t mean that you should expect them to do a perfect job—they’re kids, after all. But if they know they’re expected to help pick up their toys, it will go a long way towards keeping the room tidy.
MakeUse of Storage Space
If you have shelves or cabinets in the family room, use them! Having a place to put things away will help keep the room tidy. Books, games, and blankets can all be stored on shelves, so they’re not taking up space on the floor.
Another option is to use baskets or bins to store items. Baskets are great for storing extra blankets, toys, or throws. And if you have a cabinet or closet in the room, you can use it to store out-of-season clothes or other items you don’t need to access daily.
Simplify Your Decor
The less stuff you have in the family room, the easier it will be to keep tidy. Get rid of any knick-knacks or decorations that you don’t love—they’re just collecting dust anyway. If you have furniture you don’t use, get rid of it or put it in storage. The less stuff you have, the easier it will be to keep the room clean, and the more time you will have to enjoy your family room.
Cut Yourself Some Slack Now and Then
Things will inevitably get messy from time to time, but that’s okay! Just try your best and do the best you can with the time and resources you have available. If you have to choose between spending time with your kids or cleaning the family room, choose your kids—they’ll be grown up before you know it.
Conclusion
Keeping your family room clean doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With some planning and effort, you can easily keep your space tidy—even with small kids in the house!
Make a cleaning schedule, establish toy rules, declutter regularly, and don’t forget general cleaning tasks. Most importantly, teach your kids good habits early so they can help out around the house.
And finally, cut yourself some slack now and then! Things will get messy sometimes, but that’s just part of life. Enjoy your time with your family, and don’t stress too much about the state of your family room. By the end of the day, your family is what matters most.
[…] living room is usually one of the busiest rooms in the house, so it’s important to create a space that feels both inviting and […]