How to Keep Your Home Organized During Bein Hazmanim School Break
As the Bein Hazmanim (school break) approaches, many Israeli families face the challenge of managing the chaos at home with children out of school. The article offers practical advice for maintaining order without stress during this busy period.
The key is to avoid trying to tidy the entire house at once and instead create designated "stations" for different activities such as eating, playing, crafting, and storing shoes and bags. For example, setting up a "return station" near the entrance with accessible shelves and hooks helps children put away their belongings independently, reducing clutter in living areas.
In the kitchen, the article recommends establishing a dedicated snack and drink station to prevent constant opening of cabinets and the refrigerator. Using a shaded balcony as a daily eating or activity area can also help contain messes and separate play zones from the main living space.
Rather than one large toy box, smaller activity boxes sorted by type (e.g., building blocks, cars, dolls) should be rotated to limit visual clutter and reduce disputes. A controlled craft corner with a simple table, organized supplies, and clear rules about starting and finishing projects in the same spot helps keep creativity manageable.
The living room should remain a multifunctional family space but with limits on what toys and items stay there, maintaining at least one clean area for relaxation. A quiet corner with books and puzzles offers children a place to calm down when needed.
Meal times should be scheduled to reduce constant snacking and kitchen activity, with clear routines for breakfast, snacks, lunch, and dinner. Before buying new storage solutions, families are advised to declutter by removing broken toys, unused items, and old papers.
Finally, managing the influx of children’s artwork from camps and activities can be done by designating a display wall and a single storage box, with regular review and removal of excess pieces. Preparing the night before with planned meals, activities, and organized belongings can help mornings run smoothly.
The article emphasizes that the goal is not a perfectly tidy home but a functional one that supports real family life during Bein Hazmanim, reducing stress for both children and parents through simple, sustainable organization strategies.
