Back to school

Welcome readers to your ultimate guide on how to nail "Back to school" this year!


As summer winds down and the school bells start ringing, many parents feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. The back-to-school season can be hectic, but with a bit of organisation and preparation, you can ease the transition for your family. As a cleaning company owner, we've seen first hand how a tidy environment can make a world of difference. Here are some of our top tips to help you cope with the back-to-school rush!


1. Create a Family Calendar


Start by setting up a family calendar for the school year. Whether you prefer a digital calendar or a classic wall planner, this will be your go-to for tracking important dates—school events, deadlines, and extracurricular activities. Encourage your kids to help fill it in; this not only teaches them responsibility but also gets them excited about the upcoming school year.


2. Designate a Homework Station


Set up a dedicated space in your home for homework and study. Ensure it’s well-lit, stocked with supplies, and free from distractions. This will help your children focus and create a routine that signals it’s time to hit the books. Keeping this area organised will also save you from last-minute searches for pencils or paper!


3. Backpack and Lunchbox Prep


Choose a designated spot for backpacks and lunchboxes right by the door. This will make it easier for everyone to grab their things on the way out. Encourage your kids to pack their bags the night before, laying out clothes and preparing lunch together. This not only saves time in the morning but also instils a sense of independence.


4. Streamline Morning Routines


Mornings can be chaotic, so streamline the routine. Set a consistent wake-up time and create a checklist for each child that includes tasks like dressing, breakfast, and packing their lunch. Having a visual checklist can help younger children feel accomplished as they check off completed tasks.


5. Declutter and Organise


Before the school year starts, take some time to declutter your home. Go through old papers, toys, and clothes. Create a donation box for items that are no longer needed. A tidy home not only reduces stress but also makes it easier to find things when you need them. Consider involving your kids in this process—it’s a great way to teach them about organization and giving back.


6. Meal Planning Made Easy


Planning meals for the week ahead can save you time and stress. Involve your family in meal planning by asking for their input and creating a menu together. Consider batch cooking on weekends so you have healthy meals ready to go during busy school nights. Don’t forget to prep quick snacks for after-school cravings!


7. Set Up a Cleaning Schedule


With the school year in full swing, it’s crucial to maintain a clean and organized home. Create a cleaning schedule that involves the whole family. Assign age-appropriate chores to your kids and make it a fun activity by turning on some music. A tidy home can help everyone feel more relaxed and focused.


8. Stay Flexible and Positive


Finally, remember that things might not always go as planned. Be open to adjusting your routines and schedules. Keeping a positive mindset will help your family navigate unexpected challenges with ease.



Back-to-school season doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little organisation, preparation, and teamwork, you can create a smooth transition for your family. Embrace the new school year with enthusiasm, and don’t forget to take a moment to enjoy these precious times with your children. Here’s to a successful September!




by Danielle Navarro 10 February 2026
February can feel like one of the longest months of the year! The weather’s still cold, routines are hectic, and after the fresh motivation of January, many busy families struggle to keep on top of household cleaning. If you’re juggling work, school runs, family life and everything in between, the last thing you want is to spend your limited free time scrubbing and tidying. The good news? A few smart cleaning hacks can save you hours, reduce stress, and keep your home feeling fresh — even during the busiest weeks. Here are 10 realistic, time-saving cleaning hacks every busy UK family needs in February. 1. Focus on “High-Impact” Areas Only You don’t need to clean everything every day. In February especially, focus on the areas that make the biggest difference: Kitchen surfaces Bathroom sinks and toilets Living room floors Hallways and entry points Keeping these areas clean instantly makes your home feel tidier — even if the spare room hasn’t been touched. 2. Create a 10-Minute Daily Reset Set a timer for just 10 minutes each evening and do a quick reset: Clear surfaces Load or empty the dishwasher Wipe kitchen counters Tidy toys and clutter Small daily efforts prevent mess from building up and avoid the need for exhausting weekend clean-ups. 3. Clean Little and Often (Not All at Once) Trying to deep clean the entire house in one go is overwhelming. Instead: Clean one bathroom one day Vacuum downstairs another Wipe kitchen cupboards another day Breaking cleaning into manageable chunks fits better around busy family schedules. 4. Use February as a “Declutter Lite” Month You don’t need a full Marie Kondo overhaul. February is perfect for small declutters: One kitchen drawer One cupboard One shelf Less clutter means less to clean — and less stress overall. 5. Keep Cleaning Supplies Where You Use Them Save time by storing supplies where you need them: Bathroom cleaner in the bathroom Floor wipes near high-traffic areas Microfibre cloths in the kitchen No more running around the house searching for products when you’re short on time. 6. Get the Whole Family Involved (Even Kids!) Cleaning shouldn’t fall on one person. Age-appropriate tasks can make a huge difference: Kids can tidy toys or wipe tables Teens can vacuum or load the dishwasher Partners can handle bins or bathrooms Many hands really do make light work — and it teaches responsibility too. 7. Tackle Mud, Salt & Winter Mess at the Door February in the UK means muddy shoes, wet coats and salt marks on floors. Create a simple entryway system: Shoe trays or mats Hooks for coats A basket for gloves and scarves This stops winter mess spreading through the house and cuts cleaning time dramatically. 8. Use Professional Products (They Work Faster) Professional-grade cleaning products are designed to work quickly and effectively. They: Remove grease faster Kill bacteria efficiently Reduce scrubbing time This is one reason professional cleaners achieve better results in less time — and why booking a professional clean can be a game-changer. 9. Book a One-Off Clean to Reset Your Home If things have slipped (and that’s completely normal), a one-off professional clean in February can reset your home: Kitchens and bathrooms deep-cleaned Floors refreshed Dust and grime removed Once the hard work is done, it’s much easier to maintain cleanliness with small daily habits. 10. Know When to Ask for Help Busy families don’t need to do everything themselves. Between work, children, health needs and life in general, professional cleaning support can: Save hours every week Reduce stress and burnout Give you more quality time with family Whether it’s regular cleaning, deep cleaning, or help with daily tasks, support can make a real difference. Let Cleaning Queen Ltd Take the Stress Out of Cleaning This February We understand how busy life can be — especially for families, professionals, the elderly, and those needing extra support. Our experienced, friendly cleaners provide reliable domestic and commercial cleaning services tailored to your needs. If February feels overwhelming, let us help you start fresh! 👉 Contact Cleaning Queen Ltd today to book a one-off clean, regular service, or personalised cleaning plan — and enjoy a cleaner home without the stress.
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