Simple Tricks to Tidy Up...

Staying on top of homework and kids is tough enough, but staying on top of messes only adds to the drama. So how can we make those life-long memories and make messes minor? Easy, just follow these tips...

1. Clean from top to bottom!

If you have a multistory home, starting from the top of the house and working your way down to the bottom is always best. This approach prevents you from retracing your steps and re-cleaning the same room. It also helps you pay close attention to space that is often neglected—usually the one farthest from the front door. 

2. 15 minutes, tops!

Never spend more than 15 minutes cleaning one space. Remember, the goal is to tidy up and keep it tidy, not to microscopically clean every dirt speck. You have more ways to spend your time wisely. When I say wisely, I mean with your children!

3. Think HOTEL.

What do you see when you walk into a hotel? Smooth sheets, fluffed pillows, clear table tops. Envision these things when you’re cleaning. Having a goal of what you want your space to look like makes cleaning and tidying up so much easier. If you lack a goal, you'll find yourself spending more than 15 minutes cleaning the space. Just make sure you don't forget to empty the wastebasket.

4. The tuck vs. the stuff.

Thinking “hotel” and making the bed run along the same lines. When making a bed, remember to lift the corners of the mattress to settle sheets. It’s faster and less frustrating.

5. Vacuum all the way out.

When vacuuming, start from the back of the room and vacuum out the door entry. If you use long strokes, you can cover a lot of space in very little time. 

6. Clear the clutter!

If it’s out of order, fix it! In living rooms, remotes and magazines tend to be regular clutter creators. Tabletop organizers are a great quick fix to this issue. Out of sight, out of mind and always in order!

7. Ask for Help!

If you don't live in the space alone, don't clean the space alone. Ask your children or your significant other to chip in. More hands mean more clean. If your children are younger in age, make it fun. Kids are always eager to play. If they think tidying up is a game and they have something to look forward to at the end, they will make an effort to overachieve. Early participation encourages the idea of chores at a young age and the importance of a clean space. Everyone wins!

8. Ask for direction.

If you’re dealing with young adults, asking sooner is always better than asking later. Young adults can be a bit testy when things like their journal end up in their closet rather than under their bed where they specifically put it. Avoid a shouting match all together. Asking simple questions like "Do you want to clean your room or should I?" and "Where do you want me to start?" Usually gets the message across. Even adding a timeline helps get things tidy in a timely fashion. Be firm and follow up. This way you get the tidy home you want—quickly.

Jessica Samuel is a native of St. Louis and current Kansas City resident, journalist, photographer, graduate student, ALLY.