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There are so many benefits to living in a small home, because it frees up money to do more, and you're not tied down to your belongings. (Not to mention there's less to clean!)
However, when you have small children, living in a small home may make you feel like you're losing your sanity in a more confined space. Here are some sanity-saving tips for parents living in a small home.
1. Multifunctional space is vital. Anyone who lives in a small home knows that multifunctional space makes life a lot easier. Tables that fold up and away or sofas that fold down to become a bed make a small space twice as livable.
2. Downsize and get rid of broken toys or clothes that don’t fit. Holding on to things that are not needed, make the place become cluttered very fast. Once a month, take inventory and dispose of unnecessary items ~ if you stay on top of things they'll be so much more manageable then waiting to tackle it once a year!
3. Have a place for everything. Organization is the key. If you have a place for everything the space will be tidy and easier to move around. A neat and organized home feels more peaceful.
4. Teach kids the importance of putting things away when they are done using it. It's easier to teach them from the beginning to put things away when they are done with it. Otherwise, you'll either be constantly picking up after them or continually telling them to put their stuff away.
5. Have rules of your home posted! This is important to help keep peace and kids know what is expected of them. Kids need structure, and if it is clearly listed they cannot argue with you that they didn’t know the rules.
6. Have a chore chart that includes everyone. It's important for everyone to help out taking care of your home. This not only helps build a team spirit in your family, it also teaches your kids how to do things for themselves, when they live on their own.
7. Be consistent. This is one of the hardest things to do, especially when you're tired. But the more you're willing to consistently encourage kids to keep your home organized, the more naturally they'll do it as they get older.
8. Plan activities to keep kids busy. Kids love doing arts and crafts or playing board games, and if they have a few activities to stay busy they'll make way less mess than when they're bored. Encourage a few planned activities each week, and have them help clean up afterwards.
9. Use outdoor activities as much as possible. When the weather permits, taking your kids to the park or out riding bikes helps get out energy. Kids love running around outdoors, and it helps when you want everyone to settle down at night.
10. Everyone needs their own space. A space of their own is essential for every child. Even if it is just a small corner or a cubby space under the stairs to keep their own belongings in, knowing it is their space is important.
11. Have family fun days. Having a day of the week designated to family fun days gives everyone something to look forward too. It helps to break up the monotony of day to day activities.
12. Take time out for your marriage. Go out on a date with your spouse, reconnect. This is significant for your kids to see that their parents do love each other.
13. Take time out for yourself. Take time out to do something you like. It helps you to de-stress and helps you to rationally deal with whatever situation may come up.
Living in a small home with kids is a lot easier when you have a systematic approach. You don’t have to stress about scheduling every little detail of every day, but just implementing a few of these tips, might help your family live happier in a small home.
Great list! Do you have a printable version? Thanks!
There is a little green button at the bottom of the post that says print friendly. Try that and you should be able to print it.