My oldest son recently left for the summer. His absence is the perfect time for me to get into his room and do some serious summer cleaning! Anyone with a tween or teen can relate to this post.
Nope, this is not my kids’ room. I refuse to post before pictures of the madness. It really isn’t as bad as this picture – there’s just clutter and finding his “hiding” spots of treats and snacks he wasn’t supposed to have. (I feed my kid, I promise!)
My son is very cold-natured, so when summer comes around I’m able to finally confiscate his coats and jackets and give them a good cleaning before storing them until late fall. I, also, take this time to go through his closets to sort his clothing into toss, store and keep piles. His younger brother will get the majority of his clothing that are suitable for hand-me-downs. My boys have different thoughts on fashion – so there are some items that I know my younger son most likely won’t wear. Those items get donated.
My 5 year old loves to help, so I’ll usually give him the task of dusting and wiping down the base boards.
I switch out their black out curtains – I like to use a lighter color during the summer months.Blackouts are still a necessity but it gives the room a brighter feel when I use a lighter color.
While changing the curtains, I’ll open the windows and turn on the ceiling fan to air the room out some. I, also, sprinkle the carpets with baking soda and let it sit for about 30 minutes before vacuuming up.
I, also, clean out book bags and determine if I’ll need to purchase a new one for the following year. I prefer to pay a little more for a book bag that I know will last a few years. Now that his school is going book-less, the longevity of book bags are increasing!
What summer cleaning rituals do you have in your home?
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Whitney says
I have one that likes to clean and the other…well, it takes probing and threats. They are required to keep it clean, but we do a thorough cleaning about every 3 weeks.
Beth Moody says
My grandkids love this game. I set the timer and tell them they have 10 minutes (or 5 or 3 or 15) to clean um their mess. If its not done in the allotted time the the great "Oh No" happens. I have no idea, what that would be but there's such fun after I leave the room and they race to clean up before the ding.
Nova S says
That’s a lot of cleaning to do!!! good thing it is summer, he won’t have an excuse of not cleaning his bedroom.. kids!
Jeana says
Luckily my son’s room is small enough to keep it comparatively clean 🙂 He’s only 3 and does a great job of picking up after himself. I wonder when that will change – lol.
Melinda Kuffler Dunne says
My teenage son has to keep his room clean it is rule in my house. He has to do everything himself including his bedding-which he doesn't do nearly enough. I need to dust off my ceiling fans and ledges.
Jennifer Williams says
I would never want to clean my teenage sons room. I am too afraid of what I would find growing. I do make him clean it though and my husband inspects it so I hope it is not too bad.
Chubskulit Rose says
My daughter is turning 8 next month and I am still working on her organization skill as she tend to be messy when not guided properly.
Bless says
Before summer I already sorted my kids closets and was able to give to my friends and family hand-me-downs. Both my kids are still small so I am doing all the cleaning right now 🙂
Debi Gerhart says
My kids and I have been decluttering. I have been trying to get rid of things we do not need.
Mallery says
Summer is a great time for cleaning, I love being able to open all the windows in the house and let fresh air in. It’s also a great time to sort through kid toys. They are outside so much they won’t even miss them!
Cyndie Norell says
My son is real good about picking up after himself. I try to stay on top of cleaning.
Kalley C says
Summer is really the perfect time to really get in the dressers and drawers and clean things out. Not just for the season, but check to see what needs to be donated or stored for another child down the line.
Maria says
My daughter is a teen and has a horrible messy room! I can’t stand or understand her thought process! Good tips though maybe one will work on her this week!!
jheylo says
I don’t mind kids making mess as long as they know how to put them all away at the end of the day.
patricia says
Looks like my kids room! hahah
OurFamilyWorld says
My son’s room is worse sometimes than that picture! Well, not messy, just cluttered. I need to organize!!
becca112971 says
we usr summer as a time to clean out closets and shelves from winter storage
Michele says
Hum–first I have ever heard of a book less school-not sure I like this one little bit!
Michelle says
I don’t. They have books in the library the kids can use, enjoy, check-out, etc – but as for the classroom everything is electronic. They don’t have traditional textbooks. Ipads and Chrome Books are taking over.
Renae Cruz says
This is a great idea! I really need to get into my kids closets…I just keep putting it off! I WILL get to it this week, though!
SixFeetUnderBlog says
We are going through closets already to get our home ready for salel-great idea!