Sprinting around the house every morning trying to get dressed and fed before getting left behind. Don’t forget last night’s homework, and that book needs to be returned today. It’s hectic, and after school, it can be just as much of a whirlwind with sports, band, clubs and scouts. And now you have to worry about a clean house too?
There is almost no time to get it all done. A messy house is the icing on the cake, countertops, and walls.
Keeping Things Clean is Elementary
Get the kids involved in cleaning. Delegate responsibilities to help with different areas of the house. Have them clean up the bathroom: wash out the sink, put away things on the countertop and wipe down the shower.
These things take less than a minute to do and can save time later on when it’s time to do a thorough cleaning.
Have the kiddos clean their plates, bowls and utensils after they are done with breakfast. A minute of cleaning will keep dirty dishes from piling up and will prevent unwanted bugs from taking up residence in the kitchen.
Putting away any food is another way to keep the kitchen clean, and keeping food chilled when it needs to will keep it fresher for longer.
Finding Some Middle Ground
Instead of having a whirlwind of clothes thrown around in the morning as your child tries to find something to wear, have them set out their clothes each night.
Indecisive child?
Have them set out a couple of outfits and then they can put them away if they don’t wear it.
Having designated areas for homework will ensure that no homework is lost. Books will be easy to find and late return fees will be a thing of the past.
It may be necessary to add some additional food to the dog bowl, as an algebra assignment page won’t be around for dessert anymore.
It may be a good idea to keep messy foods confined to the kitchen. Spilled snacks and drinks in bedrooms are a bug’s dream come true. It can be a hassle to track down and clean up any food and drink messes and an even bigger one if those messes are all over homework.
High Priority Procedures
Gym bags are often associated with a lingering smell that permeates everything. First thing when that bag crosses the threshold into the house, contents need to be emptied and put in the laundry and not tossed into the closet with the clean clothes.
Sort clean clothes and get the laundry done. It is an excellent opportunity to show your kids how to do laundry.
Advanced Cleaning Solutions
When delegation isn’t enough, and the messes become too vast to handle, it’s time to hire the pros. Check around. It may be possible to hire a company to clean the kitchen and bathrooms during the workday. You could also outsource your laundry, sweeping and vacuuming.
Coming home to a clean home will allow you to focus on more important things and spend more time with your family. At 2 Green Chicks, we’d be happy to help keep your hectic life running a little smoother.
Kids cause lots of stains. If you are trying to remove their messes from your carpet and fabrics, download our guide to help!
