I know that catchy title has already got you hooked on what I’m about to write but actually I get a lot of questions about how I keep my house so tidy. Most frequently I’m asked where do I keep the boys toys.
Let me warn you I am a neat freak. To the point where it’s an obsession. So what you are about to read might seem crazy and extreme but let me assure you no children are harmed in the cleaning of my house.
The boys have lots of storage in their bedrooms. Harbor has the Ikea kallax storage unit with boxes in the shelves. He also has a built in wardrobe which on oneside is shelves where I can hide the hideous bright coloured plastic toys of doom. They both have wicker storage baskets under their bed and some cute bookshelves I found off eBay. Which originally were in my living room and as with most furniture that doesn’t have a home it tends to migrate to the boys.
We have a storage chest in the living room which houses one genre of toy. This month it is cars and I rotate it each month. Lego month was a low point let me tell you!
I have my eye on these Laura Ashley baskets which I want in the lounge for the boys toys.
The boys are amazing at tidying things back away and once a week I do an inspection. They don’t stand to attention but we do sort ALL boxes back into genre. The boys love this as they see toys they have completely forgotten about.
Since leaving full time work to become a mother I felt lost without the structure and routine of being in management so I guess I subconsciously replaced my job with running the house. I am a perfectionist and although there doesn’t seem to be any chance of promotion I’m definitely performing well!
My basic rules are that the house is completely clean and organised before I go to bed. Which means hoovering and polishing after the boys are bathed and in their pyjamas. This means when I wake up all I have to do is laundry.
I aim to be out of the house where possible. I have to walk the dogs, do the school run alongside park trips so it’s pretty easy. Then Sonny naps and I do the ironing and normally clean out one cupboard or draw.
I actually enjoy cleaning and I don’t feel like I can relax unless everything is picture perfect. I have such a routine now that I find I have loads of time to spend with the boys.
The only exception to my rule is the weekend where I just adopt a ‘what’s the worst that can happen’ attitude. Especially since Harbor started school I feel like weekends are so precious.
And for all of those ‘you can come and clean my house’ people. Anytime!
Cara
Please come and clean my house I hate cleaning which is why I have a cleaner only down side is they don’t use eco products something I feel strongly about as I always have eco friendly products in! I love the fact you rotate the boys toys each month and they are good are tidying them away 🙂 Your such a GOOD Mum 😀
Sophie Kate | sophiekate.co.uk | http://www.youtube.com/c/sophiekateblogs
Author
I love Method which is chemical free. I agree with trying to use better products! 😘
I’m in the process of trying to find a better balance and we’re building better storage solutions (well my partner is!) I design, he makes lol. This post is fab, I think it’s a good thing when the kids get involved, something we’re trying to implement as a fun thing with our four littles! x
Author
Thank you! I felt a bit silly writing it!
I really like the idea of rotating toys in the downstairs toy box! As a fellow cleaning obsessive, I’m really struggling with all of my 13 month old daughter’s toys-we have a pram, a trolley and a flashing plastic walker…. They’re difficult to tidy away and clutter up the space. As we don’t have space for new cupboards, I suspect I’m just going to have to grit my teeth and bear it. I’m living in hope that one day my living room will look as serene as yours! Xx
Author
Aw thank you! Big toys are tricky, but luckily most of their big toys are outdoors or can be taken into little pieces!
I think this was the post I was waiting for but didn’t know it! I love a clean and tidy house, and quite enjoy the cleaning and tidying. I currently struggle to get much done as I am mum to a 5 month old boy. It drives me round the bend! Did you manage to clean so much when the boys were babies? x
Author
No it definitely was so much harder then because I was sleep deprived! The boys sleep from 6.30pm – 6.30am now!
Wow I wish I could be like you! My kids are now grown up and so no toys! It sounds like you have a great routine I wish I was that organized my house only gets cleaned at the weekend ( I work full time in a school) if I’m feeling very energetic I deep clean in the holidays 😬Ih dear that sounds awful doesn’t it?must do better x
Author
If I worked all week I definitely wouldn’t be this organised! X
You did a good job I am excited about your site and thoughts they very useful and help us I Like your site a lot it’s very useful and help us this is the best one
Where is your poof/coffee table from? Thanks x
Author
It’s from sofa.com x
Thank you!