Let’s be real for a second: being a single mum is like juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle—on a tightrope! There are days when just keeping the kids alive feels like a victory, let alone keeping the house tidy. So, if your home looks like a tornado passed through (again), you’re in the right place. Don’t worry; I’m not about to suggest turning your living room into a Pinterest-worthy sanctuary overnight. We’re going for manageable here. Let’s dive into some easy (and a little fun) tips for decluttering and simplifying your life as a busy single mum.
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1. The 10-Minute Tidy Up: Your New Best Friend
You don’t need hours to make a dent in the chaos. Grab your kids (yes, they’re helping whether they like it or not) and set a timer for 10 minutes. Everyone picks an area—a room, a corner, a mysterious pile of who-knows-what—and goes to town. The trick is to make it a game. Whoever clears their space first gets to pick dinner or the next show to watch (or, let’s be real, 10 extra minutes of screen time).
You’d be amazed at what a difference 10 minutes can make! And hey, worst case, at least you can now see the floor in one room. Progress is progress!
2. The Magical Power of the “Donate Box”
We all have stuff we don’t need—those toys no one has touched in six months, the clothes you swear you’ll fit into again one day, that kitchen gadget you used once and then forgot how to use. Grab a big box, label it “Donate,” and keep it handy. Every time you come across something you don’t love, need, or even like, toss it in the box.
In a few weeks, when it’s full, take it to your local charity shop or donation center. Boom! Less stuff, more space, and you didn’t even have to think too hard about it.
3. One In, One Out Rule (With a Twist)
Here’s a fun rule to keep clutter at bay: for every new thing that comes into the house, something old must go. This applies to everything—clothes, toys, books, and even that random kitchen gadget your child “needed” (you know, the one they’ll forget about by tomorrow).
Here’s the twist: make it a group activity. For every new toy your child gets, they help pick which old one gets donated. Not only does this help keep clutter under control, but it also teaches the kids about giving. Look at you, multitasking like a pro!
4. The Laundry Mountain Myth
Spoiler alert: the mountain of laundry never ends. You’re not failing as a mum just because you can’t keep up with it all. Instead of stressing about it, embrace the chaos! Here’s the trick: do one small load of laundry every day. Yep, just one.
This method keeps the mountain from growing into Everest. Plus, you’ll always have something clean to wear, which is a huge win on its own.
Pro tip: fold the laundry straight from the dryer. If it sits in the basket too long, it will never leave. That’s a scientific fact. Well, probably.
5. Declutter Digital Life Too
It’s not just the physical clutter that can weigh us down—your phone, computer, and inbox can be just as messy. Spend a little time decluttering your digital life. Unsubscribe from those 300 emails you never open (except the good ones, like this blog, obviously). Delete blurry photos and screenshots you don’t need.
Clearing up your digital space can make you feel as refreshed as tidying up your home. Plus, fewer “Your storage is almost full” alerts—win!
6. Let Go of Perfection
Newsflash: your house does not need to look like a page out of Good Housekeeping. This is real life, not an Instagram photo. It’s okay if the toys aren’t neatly lined up in color-coded bins or if your kitchen counter sees more mail than actual cooking. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress.
Your home is a space for love, laughter, and yes, sometimes a little mess. As long as you and your kids are happy and healthy, you’re doing amazing, clutter and all.
7. Outsource (Yes, It’s Allowed)
Guess what? You don’t have to do it all by yourself. If it’s in your budget, consider hiring someone to help clean once a month, or trade services with a friend (you watch her kids one weekend, she helps you organize the next). Don’t feel guilty for getting a little help—you’re a superhero, not a machine!
8. Have a Decluttering Party
Yes, I said “party”! Sometimes, tackling the chaos alone feels overwhelming. So, make it fun. Put on your favorite playlist, invite a friend over (bribe them with coffee and cake), and get to work together. Decluttering with someone else not only makes the time fly but also turns a chore into a fun catch-up session.
Final Thoughts
Decluttering and simplifying your life as a single mum doesn’t have to be an overwhelming, soul-draining task. It’s all about baby steps, small wins, and, most importantly, not taking it too seriously. At the end of the day, a little mess is okay. The world won’t end because your laundry isn’t folded, and you certainly won’t lose your “super mum” card because of a few scattered toys.
Remember, you’re doing an amazing job—chaos and all!
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