Parents of teens and tweens need to think carefully about creating a bedroom for them that will definitely work in the coming years. I don’t come from the school of thought, that this is a room that a teen can do as they please in terms of tidiness. I know it is common for parents to close the door on the mess and leave them to it. For me, I prefer to make sure you have systems and storage in place in the room first and then give some guidance on ways to keep the room organised and tidy. It may sound strict (ahem, I not too bad honest) but I do think that you are teaching them life lessons. Plus when it comes to the point that they are studying for their mocks and true exams it will help so much, believe me. Though I won’t mention the state of my daughter’s desk when it was peak GCSE time. So it’s not always a perfect solution all of the time.
So I want to give you a few hints as a parent first of all, then move onto my tips for teens who want a tidy space to sleep and relax.
1. Plenty of storage and zones
Storage can come in many forms, and if space allows it, it really needs to be plentiful. As your child grows so does their clothing, books and collections! Think about storage at different levels, would high shelves work, or extra boxes within a wardrobe. Can you split seasonal clothing and store away in a storage bed. Beds with storage are great for hidden storage and together with some storage boxes and vacuum bags they can really help to declutter what is on show, making you at least feel that the room looks clear. Make it look cosy though so that when lights are out you can really relax.
Make sure there is a homework area, if there isn’t enough room for a desk, is there anywhere else in the home that could work? Or at a pinch add some pillows in the bed so it can be used to sit on easily without hurting their back, or maybe a slim console for a laptop, so it isn’t taking up much room.
2. Look from a parents perspective
My message to my teen has always been to stand in the doorway of your room and take a good look around. Think about what your parent sees. It’s a simple message, that can really help to minimise arguments in the long run.
3. Get into the habit of putting things away
When you get home from school, put things away. Pick your clothes off the floor and hang them up or take them to the laundry basket. Put things in drawers or cupboards. Throw out any rubbish. Spend around 5 minutes doing this every day. Then once a week think about giving the surfaces a quick dust and hoover.
4. Too late? Let’s declutter then
- Rubbish – anything that is no longer needed, or is broken and beyond repair.
- Donation – to a younger sibling or to charity.
- Storage You may need them another time, but they can be stored.
Don’t try and do this all at once, take an area of your room to focus on. You can do one a day, or even once a week but don’t put it off.
5. Let’s help you stay organised
- A laundry basket in the corner of your room.
- A bin. Remember though that you shouldn’t really be eating in your room and the bin definitely shouldn’t have old food in it.
- Hooks for bags and jewellery can really help. Put them in wardrobes or the backs of doors as a simple storage solution.
- A room which has the bed aired neatly each morning will feel so good when you return in the evening.
- Don’t throw your jacket on the bed or on the floor. Hang it up, the same for that school bag and lunch box. Do it as quickly as you can, so you can relax.
Taking a little time each day maybe only 5-10 minutes and it will honestly make life, in the long run, easier. I mean, who enjoys a nagging parent!
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