How to get teenagers to organize and clean their rooms

Here’s a painless solution for frustrated parents who need help convincing their kids to clean up and tidy their room. Oftentimes, parents get tired of nagging and decide to wait in the hopes that their teen will start cleaning up before it becomes a hygienic necessity! Of course, simply keeping the door closed won’t help your child organize their clutter.

So don’t get angry, don’t do it yourself and don’t ignore it; Instead, teach them how to do it!

PLAN AHEAD

Some parents make the mistake of thinking that teenagers need to be able to organize their room or clean up a neglected room without help. This is an overwhelming task for anyone. Adults need help too. Organization or cleanliness is not everyone’s strength. I suggest that you first model the process in partnership with your youth and break the task down into manageable pieces; faster and a lot more fun. What you need to get started:

1. Plan with your teen a few hours in advance when you will be available for work.

2. Have the following accessories available: duster, basket, plastic storage container, spray cleaner, garbage bags, trash cans, and vacuum cleaners.

3. Label boxes: “Hold” for items to be kept elsewhere and “Donations” for items going to your preferred charity.

EXECUTE PLAN

Now that you’ve prepped your supplies and set the time, you can use this quick method to clean up. If you have teenage kids and you’ve never been shown how to tidy and clean a room quickly, or if your child isn’t naturally tidy, I recommend doing it all together. If your teens are more experienced, let them choose from the list below what they want to focus on (ex.

1. Gather all dirty laundry from the bed and floor and place them in the basket (or laundry basket). Do the laundry when the basket is full and always have a basket in the closet.

2. Get a trash bag and collect the obvious trash and throw the bag in the trash. (If your child’s room is in disrepair, this is not the time to check your belongings and closet, do it another time.)

3. Pick up misplaced items from the floor, bed, and other surfaces and place them in boxes or plastic containers. (For now, set aside items that belong elsewhere in the house.)

4. Make the bed. Don’t turn it into memory.

5. Now collect, fold, or hang any clean clothing items.

6. Clean all surfaces and place decorative items neatly.

7. Stack plastic bins, remove trash, and return items to appropriate rooms in the house.

8. Vacuum the room; Move furniture if necessary. Powder furniture.

9. Unpack your supplies and other boxes.

TO CELEBRATE

When you’ve successfully completed this project together, take a moment to think about how beautiful the room looks and feels. Congratulate yourself and celebrate yourself (go for an ice cream or opt for a more meaningful reward).

If your child does not meet your cleaning deadline, is late, or refuses to attend, you need to let them know of the cause and effect. For example, if your teen plans to meet up with friends later, they may go out after the room has been organized and cleaned. Depending on the specific circumstances, he may have to forego your help. (Remember, it is your responsibility to teach your child how to be responsible!)

Know that you are teaching your children life skills by teaching your children how to competently handle basic household chores. Every family member should have regular household chores. Not only does this help keep your household running smoothly, but it also builds a community within your family. Start early and don’t make the mistake of combining essential work with a grant.