The summer holidays are nearly here, which means six weeks of fun, family time... and let's be honest, a lot more mess!
With children home from school, the house quickly becomes the hub for everything from arts and crafts to garden games, snack breaks and sleepovers. While you can't stop the inevitable mess altogether, there are plenty of ways to get your home ready before the school holidays begin.
At Time For You, we know a little preparation goes a long way. Here are seven simple ways to get your home holiday ready, so you can spend less time cleaning and more time making memories.
1. Start with a Deep Clean
Before the holidays begin, give your home a proper clean from top to bottom. Starting with a fresh, tidy home makes it much easier to stay on top of things over the coming weeks.
Pay extra attention to the areas that are about to get the most use, including the kitchen, bathrooms and living room.
Your deep clean checklist could include:
- Vacuuming throughout the house
- Mopping hard floors
- Dusting shelves and surfaces
- Cleaning bathrooms
- Wiping kitchen cupboards and worktops
- Cleaning inside the microwave and fridge
- Emptying all bins
Starting with a clean slate makes daily tidying much more manageable.
2. Declutter Before the Chaos Begins
The less clutter you have lying around, the less there is to tidy every day.
Spend an hour clearing surfaces, sorting toys and putting away anything you won't need during the summer holidays. It's also a great opportunity to donate old toys, books or clothes before new ones inevitably find their way into the house.
Focus on:
- Hallways and entranceways
- Living room surfaces
- Children's bedrooms
- Kitchen worktops
- Dining table
A clutter free home feels calmer, even on the busiest days.
3. Create a Cleaning Station for Everyday Spills
Summer holidays often mean sticky fingers, muddy footprints, melted ice creams and endless snack wrappers.
Keeping your most-used cleaning products together makes it much quicker to deal with everyday mess before it becomes a bigger job.
You might want to keep handy:
- Antibacterial spray
- Microfibre cloths
- Kitchen roll
- Floor wipes
- Dustpan and brush
Having everything in one place means you're always prepared for life's little accidents.
4. Refresh Outdoor Spaces
If the weather behaves itself, you'll probably spend more time outside. Giving your garden or patio a quick tidy before the holidays makes it a much more enjoyable place to relax.
Take some time to:
- Sweep patios and paths
- Wipe down garden furniture
- Clean outdoor toys
- Remove weeds from patios
- Wash outdoor cushions if needed
A clean outdoor space gives the children somewhere to play while helping keep muddy footprints out of the house.
5. Get Ahead with the Laundry
School uniforms might be taking a break, but somehow the washing basket never seems to!
Beach towels, sports kits, pyjamas and everyday clothes soon pile up over the summer. Starting the holidays with everything washed and put away helps you stay one step ahead.
It's also worth making sure spare bedding and towels are clean if you're expecting family or friends to stay during the holidays.
6. Set Up Simple Storage Solutions
With children home every day, toys, shoes, books and games can quickly take over.
Simple storage can make tidying up quicker for everyone.
Ideas include:
- Baskets for toys
- Boxes for arts and crafts
- Shoe storage by the front door
- A designated place for beach bags and picnic blankets
- Hooks for towels after garden water fights
The easier it is to put things away, the more likely everyone is to help.
7. Consider Regular Cleaning Support
The summer holidays are all about spending quality time together, not spending every spare moment cleaning.
Having a regular domestic cleaner can help you stay on top of the house while you enjoy days out, family activities and well earned downtime.
Instead of worrying about vacuuming or cleaning bathrooms, you can focus on making memories, knowing your home is being looked after.
Make More Time for Summer Fun
The summer school holidays should be filled with adventures, lazy mornings and family time, not endless housework.
By getting organised before the holidays begin, you'll make everyday cleaning much easier and create a home that's ready for everything summer throws at it.
And remember, you don't have to do it all yourself.
At Time For You, our trusted domestic cleaners help busy families keep their homes clean and tidy all year round. Whether you need regular weekly cleaning or a helping hand over the busy summer period, we're here to give you back more time to enjoy what matters most.
Looking for reliable domestic cleaning services this summer? Get in touch with your local Time For You office today and let us help keep your home sparkling while you make the most of the school holidays.
