If you have young children at home, you know that keeping your house clean and organized can feel like a never-ending battle. Toddlers are notoriously messy, and they have a knack for pulling everything out of closets and cabinets. It can be tough to stay on top of the mess, but it’s important to create a safe and healthy environment for your family!
Have you ever noticed that your toddler seems to create more mess when you’re trying to clean up? It’s like they have a sixth sense for when you’re trying to tidy up and they just have to get in the way! If you’re struggling to keep your house clean with a toddler underfoot, here are a few tips to help you out:
1. Create a designated play space
Most likely, your toddler’s toys are taking over your living room. To regain some control of the situation, create a designated play space for your child. You can use a corner of the room, or set up a small table and chairs in their bedroom. This will give them a designated area to play, and it will help to keep the rest of the house more organized.
2. Use storage bins and baskets
Storage bins and baskets are your friends when you have young children at home. Invest in some colorful bins and baskets, and use them to store toys, art supplies, and other items that your toddler uses on a daily basis. This will help to keep the clutter off of your floors and surfaces. You can even coordinate the bins to match the decor of your home or play space.
My favorite storage bins:
- TROFAST by Ikea – I love the simplistic and clean look of the IKEA storage bins. They’re also priced really well and easy to assemble.
- DELTA Toy Organizer – This is a great option if you’re looking for something more colorful and open. Be sure to check the price frequently as sometimes it goes on sale! It comes in a few different colors as well.
3. Put away items that are not age-appropriate
As your child starts to explore their surroundings, they will be tempted to touch everything in sight—including things that are breakable or not age-appropriate. To childproof your home and keep your toddler safe, put away anything that they should not have access to. This includes medications, cleaning supplies, candles, etc. Store these items in high cabinets or cupboards that your child cannot reach.
4. Keep some things within reach
On the flip side, there are certain items that you’ll want to keep within easy reach—especially if you have a baby as well as a toddler. Stock up on diapers, wipes, bottles, formula, snacks, etc., so that you can grab them quickly when you need them. A diaper caddy or snack tray can be helpful for keeping things organized and within reach.
5. Schedule regular cleanings into your routine
Trying to keep up with the mess can feel like a full-time job—but it’s important to make time for regular cleanings. Carve out some time each day to pick up around the house , do laundry , and tidy up. And, don’t forget to schedule occasional deep cleanings , like mopping floors and cleaning toilets . Bathrooms tend to get extra dirty when you have young children at home , so focus on those areas when you have some extra time .
6. Put away small items and breakables
When organizing your home with toddlers, it is important to put away small items and breakables. This includes items such as jewelry, coins, paperclips, and scissors. By putting these items away, you will help to prevent your toddler from accidentally getting into them.
7. Get rid of things you don’t need
One of the best ways to organize your home with toddlers is to get rid of things you don’t need. This includes old clothes, toys, and books. If you have items that you’re not using, get rid of them. This will free up space in your home and make it easier to keep things organized. You can donate these items or sell them on Facebook marketplace. Chances are, there is another parent that is looking for what you are trying to get rid of!
8. Organize your belongings by category
Another way to organize your home with toddlers is to organize your belongings by category. This means putting all of your clothes in one place, all of your books in another place, and all of your toys in another place. This will help you to keep things sorted and easy to find. It’s much easier than having everything scattered around your home.
9. Invest in some storage furniture
Storage furniture is a great way to keep your home organized with toddlers. This includes items such as bookcases, dressers, and toy chests. By investing in some storage furniture, you can keep your belongings sorted and out of the way. Storage furniture is really clever and has come a long way in the recent years!
Storage furniture ideas:
- Whitney Bros Sofa with Storage – This couch has storage underneath which is perfect for books or toys. I love the idea of tucking everything away and out of sight until it is needed.
10. Label everything
Labeling is a great way to stay organized, especially when you have young children at home. Label storage bins, shelves, and cabinets with what goes where. This will help you to keep things sorted and easy to find. And, it will also help your children to know where things go when they’re helping you to clean up. Even if your child can’t read yet, they may be able to match the pictures on the labels with the items that go in each space.
11. Put things back in their rightful place after using them
This will help to keep your home organized and tidy. Make sure that everyone in the family knows where things go so that they can put them back after using them. Have a designated spot for everything. This will make it easier to find things when you need them and to put things away when you’re finished using them.
Organizing your home with toddlers can be challenging—but it’s not impossible! By following these tips , you can create a safe , healthy , and clutter-free environment for your family. And remember, schedule regular cleanings into your routine so that you can stay on top of the mess!