Keeping a clean house with a large family, especially with seven kids, can indeed be challenging, but it is possible with some organization, teamwork, and consistency. Here are some tips to help you maintain a clean and tidy home:
Establish a Cleaning Routine: Create a daily and weekly cleaning schedule that involves all family members. Assign age-appropriate tasks to the kids, so everyone contributes to the cleanliness of the house. This not only lightens your load but also teaches the children responsibility and teamwork.
Declutter Regularly: With a big family, clutter can accumulate quickly. Encourage everyone to declutter their belongings regularly, donating or discarding items they no longer use or need. Fewer items means less mess to deal with and a more organized home.
Clean as You Go: Encourage a "clean as you go" mentality. Teach your kids to put away toys, books, and other items after use, and to clean up their eating areas after meals. This habit will help maintain a tidy living space throughout the day.
Involve the Kids in Household Chores: Make cleaning fun and involve the kids in age-appropriate tasks. For example, turn cleaning into a game, or play music while cleaning to make it more enjoyable. Positive reinforcement and praise for a job well done can also motivate the children.
Use Storage Solutions: Invest in storage containers, shelves, and cabinets to keep belongings organized and out of the way when not in use. Teach the kids where things belong and encourage them to put items back in their designated places.
Assign Daily Pick-Up Time: Set aside a specific time each day, like before dinner or bedtime, for a family clean-up session. Everyone can pitch in to tidy up communal areas, making it a quick and effective way to keep the house clean.
Implement "No Shoes" Policy: Encourage family members and visitors to remove their shoes at the door to prevent dirt and debris from being tracked throughout the house.
Enforce the "One In, One Out" Rule: Whenever something new comes into the house (e.g., a new toy or item of clothing), consider removing an older item to avoid unnecessary clutter.
Have Cleaning Supplies Handy: Keep cleaning supplies readily accessible in various areas of the house to quickly tackle spills and messes as they happen. This makes it easier to maintain cleanliness on the spot.
Be Patient and Flexible: It's essential to be patient with the kids as they learn and grow. There will be days when the house gets messy despite your efforts, and that's okay. Be flexible and understand that maintaining a clean house with a big family is an ongoing process.
Remember that you're not alone in this effort, and involving the whole family in the cleaning process can make a significant difference. As everyone learns to be more mindful of their surroundings, the overall cleanliness of your home will improve.