May break is coming! For the kids, that means endless playtime and sleeping in. For you? A house that’ll look like a tornado hit it within a day. No worries: with a bit of smart organizing, you can keep things (more or less) under control. Here are five tips that’ll save your sanity.
1. Create Play Zones (and Save Your Living Room)
Don’t let toys take over. Set up small play zones: a table for crafts, a rug for building blocks, a cozy corner for reading. Keep it simple. Kids know exactly where to play (and clean up) — and your feet will have a safe place to land again.
2. Rotate Toys = Less Mess
When everything’s out at once, boredom hits faster. Before the break starts, stash half of the toys away and swap them out each week. It keeps things exciting — and your floor less cluttered. Bonus: you might even rediscover a few old favorites yourself.
3. Craft Station to the Rescue
Rainy afternoon? No problem. Set up a small cart or bin with basics: markers, paper, scissors, stickers. Easy access means kids can create (and hopefully clean up) without needing you every five seconds ("No, not the kitchen scissors!").
4. Make Tidying Up a Game (Seriously)
Set a five-minute timer, blast some music, and go. Who can tidy up the fastest? Or who has the best dance move while cleaning? Turn it into a game and watch your little tornadoes turn into cleaning champs. (Okay, champs with excuses, but still.)
5. Set Up a Grab-and-Go Station
As soon as the sun’s out, you’ll want to dash outside. Set up a spot near the door with hats, sunscreen, water bottles, and a few small toys. Less scrambling, more spontaneous fun.
Final wisdom:
Your house won’t be perfectly tidy (and it doesn't need to be). But with a little prep, it’ll stay just tidy enough to actually enjoy the break. And hey — worst case, just shut the door and pretend you didn’t see the mess.