Introduction
If you often find yourself shaking your head in disbelief at the state of your child’s room, you’re not alone. Dirty clothes, scattered toys, and snack wrappers can make it seem like a tornado has blown through. The sight of such chaos can be overwhelming, but instead of jumping in and cleaning it yourself, consider involving your child in the process. Learning how to keep a kids room clean can teach them valuable organizational skills and create a more manageable space for both of you.
A Special Note About Older Kids’ and Teens’ Rooms
Older kids and teenagers have different priorities, and their rooms often reflect that. A messy room might be their way of asserting independence or carving out personal space. According to Psych Central, it’s normal for adolescents to push for more privacy and control. While it can be tempting to impose your standards, it might be more beneficial to let them manage their space independently. Reinforce family standards for cleanliness but understand that their room’s state might not change overnight. Sometimes, letting them run out of clean clothes can be a more effective lesson than constant nagging.
Declutter Your Child’s Room Together
The first step to a clean and organized kid’s room is to declutter. Involve your child in this process to teach them the importance of keeping their space tidy. Start with the closets, which are often the most cluttered. Empty the contents for sorting and purging. Seasonal clothing can be stored elsewhere, and outgrown clothes can be donated.
As you declutter, explain why you’re doing it and how it will benefit them. Move on to toys and sports gear, guiding them through the process. Make decluttering a game for younger children or give older kids some autonomy to reduce resistance. This collaborative effort can make a big difference in maintaining a cleaner space.
Organizing Kids’ Rooms and Cleaning Tips
Once you’ve decluttered, it’s time to organise. Put yourself in your child’s shoes: Are storage areas accessible? Are toys crammed into drawers because there’s no other place for them? Address these issues to create an organised environment that your child can maintain. Lower closet rods for younger children, remove closet doors if needed, and replace catch-all toy boxes with bins for better organization. Use under-bed storage and add shelves where possible.
How to Clean a Kid’s Room
With decluttering and organizing done, the next step is a thorough cleaning. Here are some tips:
Furniture: Remove items from dressers, nightstands, and shelves. Dust from top to bottom, clean off grime with a microfiber cloth, and polish wood surfaces. For furniture with drawers, vacuum the insides.
Mirrors and Windows: Clean mirrors and windows with a lint-free cloth and glass cleaner. Dust frames and use a safety razor to remove sticker residue.
Ceiling Fan: Use a long-handled duster for ceiling fans and other high places. For buildup, use a pillowcase to wipe each blade and clean off grime with a damp cloth.
Walls: Dust corners and ceilings with a broom. Use a magic eraser for marks and mix baking soda and vinegar with water for larger areas.
Bedding and Mattress: Change bedding weekly with your child’s help. Vacuum under the bed and clean the mattress quarterly to remove bacteria and germs.
Floors: Sweep and mop hardwood floors, using appropriate cleaners for different finishes. Vacuum carpets and shake out smaller rugs, washing them if possible.
Desk and Study Areas: Organize study areas with bins and shelves for supplies and textbooks. Ensure adequate lighting to create a conducive study environment.
Shift Your Perspective
When it comes to children’s messy rooms, sometimes a shift in perspective is necessary. Here are some key points to consider.
- Choose Your Battles: Constantly fighting over a clean room can be exhausting. Save your energy for more important issues and recognize that a messy room is not the end of the world.
- Reflect on Your Motives: Ensure your insistence on cleanliness is for the right reasons. Sometimes, we follow inherited rules without questioning their relevance.
- Respect Their Space: Children need a space where they feel in control. If their room meets basic cleanliness standards, it might be okay to let go of perfection.
Conclusion
Keeping a kid’s room clean and organized involves a combination of decluttering, organizing, and cleaning with your child’s involvement. While this process takes time and patience, it teaches valuable skills and can improve the overall atmosphere of your home. If maintaining a clean and organized home feels overwhelming, Vacmate offers the best regular cleaning services in Geelong, ensuring that your home stays spotless. Let the experts at Vacmate help you create a cleaner, more organized living space for you and your family.