I'm a dad with three kids, all under the age of 9, and I'm currently going through a divorce. The house has really been let go, as I've been the primary cleaner, but I've hit a wall and let things pile up. I was hoping my ex would help out, but that didn't happen, so now it's just me and the kids trying to figure out a huge mess. I'm in desperate need of unconventional home organization tips to handle everything from toys and clothes to electronics and kitchen items. I want to avoid just stuffing everything into boxes like I've been doing. For instance, I'm considering using a shower panel as a giant dry-erase board for lists and chores. If you've got any unique ideas, I could really use your help!
8 Answers
Bins are your best friend! I recommend aesthetic bins or drawers to hide away miscellaneous items so it looks like you’re organized at a glance. Feel free to make that shower panel into a whiteboard, but check the prices first—it might end up being pricier than just a big dry-erase board. Also, see if you can find some stuff for free through local Buy Nothing groups!
Check out 'The Minimal Mom' on YouTube! She’s fantastic about helping you get rid of stuff, which really is your key to success. Less clutter makes for a more peaceful home, and her tips are super helpful!
One thing I've noticed is that a lot of parents keep toys that are really too young for their kids for way too long. As a single parent myself, I've found that decluttering is key. I regularly fill my car trunk with things to donate—donate daily if you can! Focus first on getting rid of toys that annoy you or are broken. Most kids can actually play with fewer toys, so consider keeping versatile ones like Legos or Magnatiles, and anything that's particularly loud? Definitely say goodbye. Just take care not to toss out their absolute favorites. You might put questionable toys in a bag out of sight; if they don’t ask for them later, you’ll know they're not missed! Good luck!
Use storage cubes with baskets! Keeping things out of sight definitely helps with the feeling of organization. Start by piling everything up, then sort through and discard what you don’t need. And for the stuff you keep, consider clear bins that are labeled so everything is easy to locate. You can also have designated spots for 'seasonal' stuff.
Sorry to hear that things are stressful! Don't beat yourself up about a messy house; the chaos is totally understandable. It’s crucial to figure out why you want to tidy up—is it just about looks, functionality, or setting a good example for your kids? To make it less overwhelming, maybe start with daily chores you can assign to the kids using a rewards chart. Keep it simple but get those daily tasks going; it can make a noticeable difference!
Decluttering really is the best first step to organizing your space. The less stuff you have, the easier it is to find a place for what’s left. I know it’s tough with three kids, but it’ll make things significantly easier in the long run!
Honestly, the secret is just to have less stuff overall. I recently downsized my home and it’s been a game changer. Donate things that you haven’t used in the last six months; if that’s too much effort, just drop them off at a thrift store! Less clutter means it’ll be way easier to keep things tidy and organized.
To stay organized, you might want to post a chore chart on the fridge—you can use it for schedules and checklists. Also, decluttering can feel daunting when everything is in disarray, but if you dedicate just 30 minutes a day to tackle a single room, you'll feel more accomplished. Just start sorting into piles; once you're done, you can revisit on another day!