School holidays bring a welcome break from the usual routine — no early morning rush, no school lunches to pack, and a little more time to relax. But let’s be honest: when the kids are home all day, the mess multiplies fast. Toys migrate from bedrooms to the living room, snack crumbs magically appear on every surface, and laundry seems never-ending. If you’re wondering how to keep your home under control while still enjoying the break, you’re not alone. These practical cleaning tips for school holidays will help you stay sane, stay organised, and still leave time for fun.
1. Set small daily goals.
Trying to deep clean the entire house while entertaining kids is a recipe for burnout. Instead, break your cleaning into small, manageable chunks. Tidy the lounge in the morning, tackle the bathroom in the afternoon, and leave the rest for another day. This helps you avoid feeling overwhelmed and keeps your space looking presentable throughout the week.
2. Get the kids involved.
Yes, it’s possible! Turn chores into age-appropriate games or challenges. A “5-minute toy pick-up race” or a “cleaning dance party” can work wonders for motivation. Giving your children a sense of responsibility not only helps reduce your load but teaches them valuable life skills. That’s a win-win from any angle.
3. Create activity zones.
Holiday clutter often comes from kids using every room for every activity. Try creating specific zones, like a crafts corner, a reading nook, or a snack station. This helps contain the chaos and makes clean-up quicker. It’s one of the simplest yet most effective cleaning tips for school holidays.
4. Stock up on essentials.
With more mess comes more cleaning. Make sure you’re stocked with basics like paper towels, wipes, laundry detergent, and bin liners. Having these on hand reduces the urge to put off small clean-ups that can snowball later.
5. Treat yourself to a professional clean.
There’s nothing wrong with asking for help, especially when your home doubles as a playground, canteen, and craft studio. Booking a Sweepsouth clean during the school holidays is a game-changer. We connect you to reliable SweepStars who can help you reset your home while you take a well-earned break (or just catch up on work or errands).
The key to surviving the holiday mess? A little planning, a little patience, and some backup when you need it. By following these cleaning tips for school holidays, your home can stay calm, clean, and comfortable, even with kids underfoot. Need a hand this school break? Book a Sweepsouth clean in just 2 minutes and get back to enjoying the holidays.

ALSO SEE: HOW TO ENTERTAIN KIDS DURING THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS.