Tips to keep on top of housework?

[GreyhoundGardens]

It's a constant struggle. I have two kids that make so much bloody mess. I've organised toys until I am blue in the face, but it doesn't seem to make any long term difference. They bring so much stuff home from school/preschool too. It's not just the kids, DH and I aren't naturally tidy people and the clutter builds quite quickly. We don't have a huge amount of storage, which I am gradually working on too. I find whenever I come to clean anything I spend half the time clearing clutter rather than actually cleaning. Every so often it gets totally out of control and I want to weep (and live in fear of unexpected guests).

This weekend DH and I spent almost a whole day having a thorough sorting and cleaning session. It's not perfect, but definitely much better. But how do I keep it like this without becoming a slave to domestic chores? Do any of the programs like TOMM actually work? I work part time (3 days) so have two week days at home, but currently still have pre-schooler with my on my days off so I'm not as productive as I could be.
After this latest clearing/cleaning out session DH and I have told the children there will be no TV after tea if there's mess lying around and we all have to tidy up together before we can sit down...

I just feel a bit lost with it all. I keep telling myself that in just over a year my youngest will be at school so I'll have two days of child-free time to really blitz the house and get things properly in order, but I need something to help in the meantime.

I've just had a second Eufy robot hoover delivered, so we now have one for upstairs and downstairs. I am hoping this will motivate me to make sure the floors are kept clear upstairs and downstairs so they can both run around daily and help to keep on top of the floors (we also have a dog).

Help mumsnet, I feel like a failure. I don't want an unrealistic show home, just a house I'm happy with if people pop around unexpectedly...

Honestly speaking, if it's mostly the dc's stuff and their artwork I'd be inclined to just be patient and not sweat it. I find families with young dc who have very tidy houses either limit/rotate toys or are very strict about what they can have out. I couldn't be bothered nor had the inclination to do either. Tomorrow they'll be grown up and your living room will be empty.
If you mean day to day stuff I used to set a timer for 15 minutes and made myself do something in that time, such as sort bills, fold washing, dust work tops etc, which made me feel quite productive.

Tomm does work if you stick to it.

As for clutter you have to be brutal with getting rid of stuff. Sell/bin charity shop anything that you don't use.

Getting the dh and dc to tidy up after themselves/not make clutter for you. I can't say I've cracked this one completely but I'm like a Rottweiler about shit being left lying around because it always ends up being me sorting it out.

Most important whilst they're still little - don't overdo it on buying stuff for them. Toys, clothes, decorations, bags, collections etc. Etc.

Ive been on a minimalism journey for just over a year. Its more than just decluttering and I've only started to feel really on top things when I started to have half empty drawers, and half empty shelves in cupboards. Makes it easier to find things and to tidy away. I haven't missed anything I've got rid of.

We've also cut down on presents between us.

I really love TOMM. I work 13 hour shifts and sometimes split the days cleaning on work days so maybe the 15 minutes before and another 15 minutes when I get in and the last 15 minutes before bed.

There’s a boot camp too which is helpful to start with.

The app is good and can be shared between you and your Dh so you both tick things off as you do them or just use the print outs.