How to Keep Your Home Clean with Kids Home for Winter Break
Winter break brings togetherness, excitement, and a whole lot of activity inside the house. With kids home all day, toys seem to multiply, dishes pile up quickly, and routines shift. If you want a calmer season, like many homeowners in West Des Moines, cleaning services can give you a strong starting point so daily messes feel easier to manage. But even with extra help, having a simple cleaning plan for winter break can make your home feel steady and comfortable.
How do I keep my house clean when my kids are home for winter break?
When kids spend more time indoors, clutter and crumbs pile up faster than usual. A few simple routines can help you stay on top of it without cleaning from morning to night.
1. Create drop zones that actually work
Kids tend to roam from room to room, leaving a trail behind them. A few baskets at key spots help contain the chaos. Place one near the front door for hats, gloves, and small items that disappear easily. Keep another in the living room for toys and art supplies. The rule is simple. If it belongs to the kids, it goes in the basket until they put it away. This prevents random piles from growing and keeps the rest of the home more manageable.
2. Keep snacks simple and cleanup-friendly
Food is a major source of mess during winter break. Choose snacks that do not create sticky fingerprints or crumbs that travel. Keep wipes or a damp cloth nearby so the kids can help clean up after themselves. A designated snack area, like the kitchen table, helps keep spills contained and makes cleanup much faster.
3. Set gentle daily expectations
Kids often respond well to routines, even during school breaks. Give them small responsibilities such as bringing dishes to the sink, returning blankets to the couch, or tidying their rooms for five minutes. These are simple tasks that help the home stay organized without feeling overwhelming. It also teaches them that everyone plays a part in keeping the home comfortable.
4. Rotate activities to limit mess
When kids get bored, the number of items they pull out increases quickly. Try offering only one or two activities at a time. If they are coloring, keep building blocks put away. If they are reading, leave puzzles for later. This small shift makes a big difference and keeps the entire home from becoming a playroom.
What’s a simple daily cleaning routine that works when kids are off school?
A routine needs to be realistic, especially during winter break when schedules change. Focus on the tasks that make the biggest impact.
1. Morning reset
Before the day gets busy, give the main living spaces a light reset. Open the blinds, clear surfaces, and start a quick load of laundry if needed. This helps set a calm tone for the rest of the day. When the home looks tidy at the start, it’s easier to keep it that way.
2. Midday sweep
Sometime after lunch, do a simple sweep of the house. Collect trash, wipe the counters, shake out the rugs, and check the bathroom. This doesn’t need to take long. Think of it as a refresh that prepares the home for the afternoon rush of activities.
3. Evening pickup with the kids
Right before bedtime, invite the kids to help with a quick family cleanup. Put on music and turn it into a five-minute game. Everyone picks up items in the room they were using, such as toys in the living area or books on the couch. This small habit prevents messes from carrying over into the next morning.
4. Protect the spaces that matter most
Choose one or two areas to keep consistently clean during winter break. It might be the kitchen island, the entryway, or your bedroom. When at least one part of the house feels peaceful, the rest becomes easier to handle.
Where in West Des Moines and the vicinity can I find efficient cleaning services?
If you want the season to feel lighter, phClean is here to help. Our team brings kindness, respect, and a commitment to creating a home that feels refreshing and peaceful, even during the busiest weeks. You can also explore helpful tips on handling sticky kitchens after holiday baking, building a cleaning routine that truly lasts, and managing the salt and slush that winter brings into your floors and entryway.
While we take care of the dusting and deep cleaning, you can enjoy a relaxing visit to Raccoon River Park and come home to a place that feels warm, tidy, and ready for family time. Call us today to schedule your appointment!