I really have no idea of making home organized
First time parent here with a 5 month old. My husband and I both work pretty demanding jobs, and we each WFH a few days a week. We have a great daycare that we love but we don't yet have a great network of babysitters, nor family nearby. We do have a wonderful cleaning person who does a thorough clean twice a month, but things still manage to be pretty undone/a little chaotic/piles of laundry and the like. I used to do most chores on weekends but between the baby and work we often have to do on weekends, it's no longer a great option.
My question is for those out there who have figured out how to keep a clean and organized house with a baby - how? We need better day to day management and to do some de-cluttering. I would love your very specific routines or habits that we could implement. For example, I just started trying to do one small load of laundry every other day (including folding, which is always my weakness...) and that has helped, so would be great to hear other specific tips like this. Do you clean at lunch while WFH? After bedtime? Assign tasks between you and your partner? That kind of thing.
Not looking for solidarity in having a somewhat messy house - I know that it's technically okay in this life stage! It would really give me some peace of mind to improve things in this arena and I'm motivated to get some new habits going.
As a first-time parent juggling a baby and a busy work schedule, keeping your home tidy can feel overwhelming. You're not alone in this struggle! Many parents face the same issues like piles of laundry and a chaotic environment. To tackle these challenges, there are effective strategies you can implement. 1. **Create a Cleaning Schedule**: Establish a daily cleaning routine that fits around your workweek and baby’s nap time. For instance, try to designate 10-15 minutes each day for quick tidying up to prevent clutter from accumulating. 2. **Divide Chores**: If you have a partner, assign specific household tasks to each other. This can help streamline chores during evenings or weekends when both of you are available to work together. 3. **Involve the Baby**: Put your baby in a safe area and involve them during cleaning. For example, you might play music and tidy up together, making it a more enjoyable experience. 4. **Use Timers**: Set a timer for 20-30 minutes and focus on cleaning without distractions. This can help increase focus and make tasks feel less daunting. 5. **Laundry Routine**: Just like you've started with a small load every other day, maintain that rhythm. Folding directly after washing helps prevent further pile-ups. 6. **Declutter**: Regularly assess items in your home that you may no longer need. Create a system for donation or storage to maintain clean surfaces. 7. **Utilize Nap Times**: Take advantage of your baby's naps to focus on specific chores around the house, whether it’s cleaning a room or completing a quick organization project. 8. **Meal Prep**: Preparing meals in advance can minimize daily kitchen clutter and cooking time, giving you more time to devote to organization. By adopting these strategies, you can create an organized home environment that accommodates the busy life of a parent. Remember, it’s perfectly okay for homes with young children to be messy sometimes; the key is to implement small, sustainable changes that work for your routine.
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