Kiddipedia
A tidy home isn’t just about its appearance; it’s about creating a space that feels comfortable, organized, and peaceful for everyone who lives there. But here’s the thing: keeping a home in order is a shared responsibility. If one person bears the burden of tidying up, it quickly becomes overwhelming, leading to frustration and resentment. Instead, it’s essential that everyone in the household, regardless of age, plays a role in keeping things neat.
Tidying Up Starts with a Shift in Perspective
When it comes to mess, we often underestimate how much our kids can handle. The key is to set them up with the right structures and age-appropriate expectations. Take it from someone who’s been there: suddenly demanding a teen to “make your bed” after 13 years of doing it yourself will likely lead to eye-rolls and resistance.
Here’s the deal: keeping your home tidy is a family effort.
With that in mind, here are 5 actionable tips for maintaining a tidier home from toddlers to teens. Each of these strategies helps children develop a sense of responsibility while keeping your home manageable.
1. Model the Right Behaviour
We often feel frustrated when our kids don’t put things away, like when their bedroom has become a “floordrobe” (the wardrobe is empty but the floor is full!). But how can we expect them to tidy up if we aren’t modelling the behaviour ourselves? It’s not enough for the bed to mysteriously appear made. Instead, show your children how you tidy up and explain why it matters.
For example, fold your clothes while they’re around, explaining that folding helps to keep things organized. If you’re making the bed, invite them to join you. By observing you, they can start to internalize tidying up as a normal and essential part of the day.
2. Set Age-Appropriate Expectations Early
It’s important to set achievable, age-appropriate goals from the beginning. A toddler may not be able to make their bed, but they can pull up the covers or make sure their favorite teddy is on the pillow. As they grow, these simple tasks can evolve into more complex responsibilities, eventually leading to a teen making their bed without being asked.
Starting early also helps to establish a routine. One great example is setting up drawer organizers. A toddler’s task might be putting clothes in the right drawer, while a 10-year-old could be responsible for folding and putting clothes away neatly. Over time, these small tasks add up, and children learn autonomy, responsibility, and how to take pride in their space.
3. Start with Something They Love
Engage your child with the areas they love. Whether it’s Lego, dolls, board games, or sports gear, start by tidying these spaces together. By helping them see the benefits of keeping these areas organized—like easily finding Lego pieces or having sports gear ready to go—you can foster a sense of pride in keeping things tidy.
When you begin with something they already enjoy, the task doesn’t feel like a chore. For older kids or teens, ask them what kind of home they’d like to live in when they’re older. Would they prefer a space that’s well-kept and energizing, or one that feels cluttered and chaotic? Encouraging teens to think about how they want to live can give them the motivation to take care of their space.
4. Make It Simple and Accessible
Keeping your home tidy shouldn’t be a complex task. Systems need to be straightforward and easy for everyone to use. Ensure there are accessible places for shoes, toys, and everyday items. If the systems are too complicated—like storage that requires a lot of effort to open and close—tidying will quickly become a chore no one wants to do.
Consider creating designated areas for shoes and backpacks near the door, or bins with clear labels for toys. Having simple, intuitive systems in place will make tidying up much easier for everyone in the family, young or old.
5. Talk Through Your Spending Decisions
One of the best ways to reduce clutter is to own fewer things. Teaching your children about making mindful purchases can help them understand the value of what they own and respect it more. This lesson goes hand in hand with tidying—if they understand that items should be bought thoughtfully and cared for properly, they’ll be more likely to treat them with respect.
Take time to explain why you’re buying specific items and how they will be used. Discuss how unnecessary purchases lead to clutter, and encourage your children to consider the value of each item before bringing it into the home. This will help them recognize that taking care of their belongings is part of being responsible and respectful.
Additional Tips for Success
Addressing Challenges: Let’s be real—getting kids to tidy up isn’t always easy. There will be resistance, and that’s okay. Try using gentle encouragement and positive reinforcement. If a teen feels overwhelmed, offer to help create new systems that will make tidying easier. Working together fosters teamwork and makes the task feel less daunting.
Include Visuals: Sometimes, seeing is believing. Create a visual chart that shows the expected tasks for each child, organized by age. This helps clarify what they’re responsible for and provides a visual reminder that can serve as a reference.
Respect Their Space: As kids get older, their rooms and spaces become more personal. While it’s important to set rules, make sure you’re respecting their autonomy. Allow them to have some control over how they organize their things, within reason. This fosters independence and a sense of ownership.
Tie It to Emotional Well-Being: A tidy home contributes to a calm and peaceful environment. Research shows that clutter can lead to stress, anxiety, and feelings of being overwhelmed. By encouraging your kids to keep their space tidy, you’re helping them create a space where they can feel relaxed and in control.
Final Thoughts: Implementing These Tips
The key to a tidy and functional home is consistency and patience. Start small, model the right behavior, and gradually increase the responsibility given to your kids as they grow. Remember, tidying up isn’t just about keeping things in order; it’s about teaching valuable life skills that will serve them for years to come.
So, what are you waiting for? Start implementing one or two of these tips today and watch your home—and your kids’ habits—transform!
Kiah Bouchet from ‘Declutter with Kiah’ is a professional home organiser who helps her clients to reorganise, style and label, creating a home that is functional and able to be maintained. From home offices to toy rooms and messy pantries, Kiah brings a compassionate, understanding and holistic approach to her service.
Her clients describe her as “quick, efficient and friendly” bringing clarity to the stresses behind their mess.
Kiah also incorporates the wisdom of Feng Shui into her work, with the purpose of harmonising individuals and their environment.
