A parent’s simple yet effective cleaning tip has gained traction on Reddit, offering a practical solution for families grappling with clutter. This advice, shared by a user in a discussion about maintaining tidy homes, emphasizes using an affordable plastic garden rake to swiftly gather and organize toys and other items strewn across the floor.
In the original post, the parent recounted a transformative suggestion received from another mother years ago. “When my kids were little, another mom gave me a tip that was a game-changer,” they wrote. “It was a way to instantly make a room feel clean and refreshed.” This approach is particularly useful for households where toys, birthday party favors, and various small items accumulate quickly.
The technique involves sweeping the mess towards the center of the room with the rake. After gathering the clutter, parents can easily transfer the items into a decorative basket or a container destined for storage. The user shared, “Leave it in the garage and see if anyone misses anything. If not, curate at your leisure.” They noted that while it is essential to avoid disposing of meaningful items, many toys simply take up space without serving a purpose. “It was like a breath of fresh air to weed that stuff out,” they added.
The creative method has resonated with fellow Reddit users, who expressed their admiration for the simplicity and efficiency of the idea. One commenter remarked, “I love this! I throw away about one Happy Meal type toy per month.” Another added, “This is brilliant, I love it,” while a third noted the added benefit of removing pet hair during the process.
In the same discussion, several parents shared their own strategies to combat household clutter. One user described a designated area in their home dubbed “Toy Hospice,” where forgotten items are placed. If no one in the family inquires about an item within two weeks, it is disposed of. Another parent mentioned a habit of tidying up one or two items whenever they move around the house, which can help maintain order, especially during periods of illness.
Beyond these personalized strategies, participants also suggested setting a timer for a 10-minute clean-up session to maximize productivity. Others advocated keeping a squeegee in the bathroom for quick clean-ups after showers, ensuring surfaces remain presentable. Additionally, one user recommended tackling small organization projects weekly, such as cleaning out junk drawers or organizing the pantry. “If you do it consistently, your home will always hover at a basic level of cleanliness versus clutter,” they explained.
As families continue to seek efficient ways to manage daily messes, this innovative rake method and accompanying tips illustrate how simple solutions can make a significant difference in maintaining a tidy home.
