It’s that time of the year again when kids are off from school. They spend most of their time at home unless a summer activity has been planned beforehand. As parents, for some reason, I’m sure you also feel the need to have a summer vacation. Which means, do nothing and just procrastinate. Unfortunately, that doesn’t just happen soon as you have kids involved.

Although summer is the best time to procrastinate, it is also the best time to train each family members about keeping the house organized especially your kids. This is the time when kids can easily be taught discipline because you have their focus. As you consistently keep the house clutter-free, you are also making it kid-friendly at the same time. Hence, inviting your kids’ friends over can be done anytime they prefer.

But first, let’s discover what does it really mean when we say “a ‘tidy’ house”.

What does ‘tidy’ mean?

Having a clean house doesn’t necessarily mean having a tidy house. The word tidy literally means arranging things neatly and in order. You can have clean kitchen wares but not neatly kept in their own cupboards. So, that’s what differentiates the word ‘tidy’ from ‘clean’.

It is hard to keep a household tidy if there is a lot of stuff to be kept. Sometimes, you ran out of places to keep them especially if you have a small house or apartment.

Listed below are four of the habits you can work on to have a kid-friendly and clutter-free house.

Exchange or Say “No”

There’s no better feeling than receiving presents from relatives or friends. And while getting gifts are truly appreciated, it won’t hurt to be wise before accepting one. Presents that are not going to be used in the next 6 to 12 months are better exchanged for something that can be used right away. Rather than have it sitting around in a storage room for the next few months. When planning for your kids’ yearly birthdays it will help to inform your visitors which presents your kid prefers.

This practice is not to be arrogant at all. You are actually doing your visitors a favor and ensure that their presents will be kept and used. Also, although hand-me-downs are catchy because they’re free. It is equally important to be cautious with the items you are getting before accepting them. And if they’re not needed again in the next 6 to 12 months, don’t be afraid to say “no” courteously.

Create a Teamwork With Your Children

Don’t be too hard on the kids. Let them play and be kids, after all, it’s their break from school. Instead, include them in the team and try to impose simple responsibilities. For example, let them realize that after playing, their toys had to be kept from where they’re supposed to be. Think of things that can be used as prices for every good deed they accomplish. That will surely encourage self-discipline in them.

Label Boxes for Their Corresponding Use

One of the best technique to start with when starting a clutter-free house is the use of boxes. Get 3 or 4 boxes, depends on how much stuff you wish to organize and label them as needed. Label one box for things that are to be kept and are still being used. Next box is for the stuff you need to throw away. The third one is for the things that can be donated such as clothes that are already barely used, or toys that are no longer being used. Lastly, if you have stuff which you are still undecided whether to keep or throw away, put them in a separate box. These are the things that need thinking before you could decide on what to do. Using boxes to organize stuff never gets old.

Maintenance is the Key

All the practices listed above can only be strengthened by one thing, that is maintenance. It is best to make each member of the family aware the do’s and dont’s in the house. Not only this imposes discipline but will make each one learn taking responsibility. Each member of the family should learn how to take care of their own room, for instance, then, later on, will be the whole household.

If you have a regular cleaner or sitter, explain to them as well how you would like things to be done. How you would like the toys to be kept and where. Or how the dishes should be organized and whatnot. Maintenance is absolutely the key on this one.

If all else fails

Good thing there are companies that offers storage solutions like this website - nationalministorage.co.nz which offers affordable storage solutions for people who are running out of room and need to make some space in their homes. These companies offer storage spaces that helps you solve the clutter in your home. From small documents, furnitures, possessions, extra stock items, to a car or boat - these businesses can help you find a space where you can store them all.

Making the household clutter-free may sound impossible if you have kids around. Every day there is always one thing that has to be kept away. However, if one thing is consistently done for at least 21 times, then it becomes a habit. So really, it’s about making that first step and ensures to do it the same thing the next day.