Back-to-School Cleaning Tips for Busy Parents

Preparing Your Family for the New School Year

As summer winds down and the back-to-school season approaches, many parents find themselves overwhelmed with the added responsibilities that come with the new school year. From shopping for supplies to managing schedules, it’s easy to let chores at home fall by the wayside. However, maintaining a clean and organized home can significantly reduce stress and create a more productive environment for parents and children alike. That’s why we’ve outlined some practical tips to help busy parents tackle back-to-school cleaning and organizing.

Schedule Cleaning Sessions

One of the most effective ways to manage house cleaning is by scheduling dedicated cleaning sessions. Allocate specific times during the week to focus on different areas of your home. For instance, you might choose to clean the bathrooms every Monday, the kitchen every Wednesday, and the bedrooms every Friday. This method helps break down tasks into manageable chunks, so no areas are neglected.

The kitchen tends to be one of the busiest areas in any home, especially during the school year. To keep it clean and functional, consider doing the following:

• Start with the sink: An empty sink sets the tone for the rest of the kitchen. Make it a habit to wash dishes or load them into the dishwasher immediately after meals to avoid pile-up.
• Wipe down surfaces: Quickly wipe down countertops, stovetops, and cabinets each day. This prevents buildup and makes deep cleaning easier.
• Organize the pantry: Declutter and organize your pantry to make meal prep more efficient the night before school.
• Refrigerator refresh: Discard expired items and wipe down shelves regularly. This keeps your fridge clean and allows space for those half-eaten lunches.

Similarly, a clean and organized bedroom can provide a peaceful retreat for parents and children.

To achieve this, be sure to regularly accomplish the following tasks:

• Declutter: Remove items that don’t belong in the bedroom. This may include laundry, toys, or other miscellaneous items.
• Make the bed: A well-made bed instantly makes the room look neater. Encourage kids to make their beds every morning and set an example by making your own.
• Rotate bedding: Change sheets and pillowcases weekly to keep the bedroom fresh.
• Organize clothes: Donate clothes that no longer fit and organize the rest by color, type and/or season. Utilize drawer dividers to keep smaller items like socks and underwear neat.

Declutter and Organize Kids’ Belongings

Returning to school means an influx of new supplies, clothing, and other items that can quickly lead to clutter. To keep messiness at bay, you may wish to incorporate the following organizational strategies:

• Create a drop zone: Designate a specific area near the entrance for backpacks, shoes, and jackets. This helps keep clutter from spreading throughout the house.
• Label everything: Use labels to organize school supplies, books, and personal items. Labels help kids understand where certain items belong and make it easier for them to put their belongings away.
• Utilize storage solutions: Invest in bins, shelves, and hooks to maximize storage space. Clear bins are especially useful because they allow kids to see what’s inside without rummaging through everything.
• Sort through toys: Before the school year starts, go through toys and donate items that are no longer used. This makes room for new items and keeps play areas tidy.

Make Time to Relax

As important as cleaning and maintaining a routine are, it’s also equally crucial to take time to relax. After all, these tasks require a lot of time and energy, especially during the back-to-school season. A few ways to incorporate relaxation into your daily life can start with:

• Not procrastinating: When you put off those important chores, they can spill into time that might otherwise be used for more enjoyable things.
• Planning an outing: Planning a fun outing with the family after all homework (and cleaning) is completed can get everyone excited to take a little break.
• Enlist help: Whether you involve the entire family or hire a professional cleaning company, enlisting help can make things go faster or relieve you of all responsibility.

Merry Maids Is Here to Help Busy Parents

A little planning and regular maintenance can go a long way in keeping your home and family ready for whatever the school year brings. By incorporating these tips into your routine, you can create a clean and organized home that supports a smooth transition into the new school year. But you don’t have to do it all yourself – if your schedule is packed, consider enlisting calling our professional cleaning services at Merry Maids®. Our flexible, personalized options help you enjoy life’s moments without the stress of cleaning.

Request your free estimate today and take the first step toward a cleaner, more manageable home!