4 ✨SIMPLE tips to help your kids get + stay organized this summer

You’ve probably heard me say this before: kids 👏 can 👏 organize! It is such a game-changer when you teach your kids this life skill. With school out for the summer, there’s no better time to teach your kids these skills to help them get and stay organized, and possibly save your sanity this summer!

Set expectations

First and foremost, set your expectations with your kids and repeat them often.  As with all things parenting, patience is key. Expect your children to pick up after themselves, whether it’s putting markers and art supplies away after coloring, picking up toys, or parking their bike where it belongs in the garage. Encourage independence: teach your kids these skills and encourage them along the way.

I should take a step back and mention you should also have realistic expectations. It may not be done perfectly every time, and that is ok. Be consistent and start small. Start with one routine and make that a habit before starting more.

Create routines

I think we can all agree that kids thrive on routine.  To keep it from getting overwhelming, I would break that new skill down into manageable parts or steps.

My kids have been helping with keeping our house neat and tidy since they could walk because we broke down their routines (tidying routine, morning routine, etc.) into steps so they knew what to do next.

Example cleaning their room routine: Click here to watch: Cleaning Routine for Kids

1. make the bed
2. put toys in their (labeled) basket
3. take out the trash
4. etc.

Example morning routine:

1. make your bed (we love beddys to keep this simple)
2. brush your teeth
3. put on your clothes and put your pajamas in the hamper
4. eat breakfast
5. pick out your snack for lunch
6. get your shoes and socks on
7. etc.

Teach them how to go through their school papers

Now that school is out, you’re probably left with a ton of papers: art projects, school papers, the list goes on. I like to start by making piles (keep, toss, action needed) and then having my kids go through and place their papers into piles. If your kids have a hard time getting rid of papers, here’s a few ideas:

• Grab these artwork frames that make it easy to change out artwork and hold up to 50 sheets of paper.
• Checkout the artkive app where you can take a picture of their work and commemorate it in a keepsake book or mosaic art
• Create a keepsake bin. Grab a clear, plastic file bin (linked here) and label hanging folders for each grade level so they can keep what fits in the hanging folder

PRO TIP: create a system like this that works throughout the school year – label bins (these are our favorites) for each person for incoming paperwork as well as an action bin so you know what needs your attention. Encourage your kids to toss/recycle papers as they come in.

 Set your space up for success

Organizing your spaces with function (how it will work for your family) and style (a space that feels like your family) not only ensures you have a space you love but the organization is key to keeping the space organized and clutter-free.

When it comes to organizing your spaces, keep these simple steps in mind:

1. Take everything out and create piles for keep vs. donate/toss
2. Once everything is out, group like-items together and clean the space (wipe down shelves, etc.)
3. Create zones in the space you’re working in: in a toy room create zones for reading, dress up, crafts, etc.
4. Find the right products for your space – here are some of our favorite playroom products:
5. Place everything back + label!
6. Bonus: involve your kids in the donation process!

Having your space organized and labeled is key for helping your kids find things on their own and put things away on their own!

If you’re local to Cincinnati and need help organizing your space, get started with us here.

Are you ready to get your kids organizing? Let me know if you have any questions in the comments!