Mastering the Art of Family Cooperation: 8 Genius Ways to Get Everyone Cleaning
Posted On: May 29th, 2024
Family House Cleaning Tips:
What To Do When No One Helps Around The House
Feel like you're the only one with a sixth sense for dirty dishes and stray socks? Meanwhile, everyone else is blissfully unaware.
You’ve tried it all—gentle nudges, stern reminders, even bribes—but getting your family to help clean feels like a never-ending battle.
At Truly Free Home, we get it. Juggling a clean home and a million other things is tough.
That’s why we’re sharing eight simple, fun ways to turn the tide and get everyone on board. Let’s make a tidy home a team effort.
1. Divide Cleaning Tasks Equally
Feeling like the only one fighting clutter? Try a cleaning card game. Diane Quintana, a home organizer, suggests making cards with tasks that take 10 minutes or less. Each family member picks a card and gets to work. It's fun and spreads the chores evenly.
What to say:
"Housework feels like something you majorly don't want to do. I wonder what we can do here... you want to keep playing, and the house needs to be tidied because grandma and grandpa are coming over. How about picking a card and seeing if we can finish these tasks quickly together?"
2. Divide Cleaning Responsibilities by Room
Instead of chasing everyone to pick up their socks, give each person a specific room to clean. This way, they take more pride in keeping their space tidy. Plus, it’s easy to see who’s doing their part.
What to say:
"Keeping your own space clean can feel like a lot, I get it. I wonder if there's anything we can think of that would make it easier or more fun? Let's each take a room to tidy up and see how much better it feels."
3. Teach Little and Often
Why wait for a full-blown cleaning day? Dr. Deena Kara Shaffer recommends short bursts of cleaning daily. Try a quick evening clean-up or a Sunday reset. It keeps the house in check without overwhelming anyone.
What to say:
"Cleaning up every day can feel like a drag, I understand. It's tricky because we want a clean home without spending too much time on it. How about we do a quick 5-minute tidy-up before relaxing tonight?"
4. Keep It Consistent
Consistency is key. Annie Redlin keeps a regular chore schedule in her house. Everyone knows their role after dinner, making sure the kitchen is clean before bed. Less room for excuses this way.
What to say:
"Doing chores every day can feel like a lot. You wish you didn’t have to stop what you're doing. How about we spend 10 minutes after dinner cleaning the kitchen so we can all enjoy a clean space tomorrow?"
5. Set Clear and Defined Expectations
Clear instructions make chores less confusing. Dr. Deena Kara Shaffer suggests being specific about what needs to be done. It helps everyone understand their tasks and avoids the “I didn’t know” excuse.
What to say:
"Sometimes chores can be confusing and feel overwhelming. You wish it was simpler. Can you please vacuum the living room, making sure to get under the couch and the corners? It will really help us keep things clean."
6. Don't Finish an Uncompleted Cleaning Task
It’s tough to see a half-done chore, but resist finishing it yourself. Dr. Stephanie Fields says let your family complete their tasks. It builds responsibility and accountability.
What to say:
"Seeing unfinished chores can be annoying, I know. It's tricky because you wish it were done already. I noticed the bathroom isn't finished yet. Can you go back and complete it? We all need to take ownership of our tasks."
7. Try Not to Be Too Strict
Standards are important, but so is flexibility. Annie Redlin suggests letting family members choose the order of their chores. It empowers them and makes the tasks feel less like a burden.
What to say:
"Chores can feel like such a hassle sometimes. You wish you could decide when to do them. You can choose the order you want to do your chores today. Just make sure everything is done by the end of the day. Thanks for helping out!"
8. Assign Age-Appropriate Cleaning Tasks
Make sure chores fit each person’s age and ability. Dr. Stephanie Fields recommends starting with simple tasks for younger kids and increasing responsibilities as they grow. It helps them develop skills and balances the workload.
What to say:
"Chores can be hard and feel like a lot. It's tricky because you want to help but need simpler tasks. Can you help by setting the table for dinner? It's a simple task that really helps. When you’re ready, you can take on more tasks too!"
By using these tips, you can turn cleaning into a team effort. At Truly Free Home, we believe that working together can make our homes cleaner and our lives happier. Try these ideas and see how your family steps up to help keep the house looking great!