Let’s Keep It Real About Messy Homes on Social Media — It’s Totally Normal

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Where are all the messy homes on social media? Seriously, there’s no way everyone has a pristine, perfectly styled house. Either I’m living in chaos, or most people are carefully curating their images, pushing clutter out of sight for the perfect shot. I can’t be the only one feeling this way. So how about we start posting our messes to make messy homes the new norm? This could lighten the mood of our social media feeds and ease the pressure many of us feel daily.

I genuinely enjoy scrolling through beautifully curated Instagram feeds featuring gleaming white tiles and stylish furniture. I dream of owning that furniture without worrying about my kids decorating it with found markers. But I really wish to see more reality in my social media.

For many parents, our houses are filled with the delightful chaos that comes with children. No matter how often I tidy up, it always feels like I’m raising a bunch of Tasmanian devils! There are laundry piles in unexpected corners, toys strewn across the living room, and a continuous trail of shoes and socks.

We’ve become so accustomed to polished social media posts that many of us, even if unconsciously, feel pressured to match that standard. I want to see the moms who are brave enough to showcase their messy homes. Those who reject the notion of perfection and instead share snippets of their genuine, messy lives are my kind of people.

I know some mothers take immense pride in maintaining spotless homes, and I truly admire them. However, this isn’t a critique of anyone’s clean, beautiful space. I just want to remind other moms that if you have laundry piled behind a door, sticky spots on the counter, or a sink that never seems to be empty, you are definitely not alone!

As a mom of four, it’s nearly impossible for me to keep my house looking neat all the time. Honestly, it’s usually a mess. Yes, my kids have chores and I make them help out, but there’s always some clutter lingering. I’ve come to accept that with my busy life — balancing work, family, fitness, and a social life — a perfectly tidy home just isn’t feasible.

I refuse to feel guilty about it. I don’t want any mom scrolling through social media feeling inferior just because her home doesn’t look like someone else’s highlight reel. So, let’s unite and start normalizing the reality of everyday messy homes.

What’s “normal”?

How about having a designated spot for clean laundry that’s always overflowing, forcing you to dig through it every morning for clothes? I’m not saying this should be your ideal, but many moms are rummaging through laundry baskets at 7 AM looking for clean socks (matching pairs optional).

And how about the constant cycle of picking up toys throughout the day, only to find them scattered again by bedtime? Or those random cups that seem to multiply throughout the house? Don’t even get me started on that desk or counter piled high with unread mail and important papers waiting for attention.

And who hasn’t had a little artwork from their kids end up on the walls? My youngest has left a permanent black marker smiley face on the bathroom wall, which has been there for over a year. Plus, every home with kids probably has a few broken items — a towel rack, a cracked mirror, or a missing cabinet handle. And let’s not overlook the inevitable stains on the carpet or couch!

To clarify, I’m not glorifying a dirty house. I’m advocating for honesty about the everyday mess that comes with living in a home filled with kids. Everyone has different standards for cleanliness, but can we please show our homes in their natural state and embrace the “lived-in” look? Let’s stop hiding the clutter behind the camera or only posting pictures of freshly cleaned rooms.

If we all start sharing our little secrets, we might just feel a bit less stressed and less like we’re failing at keeping everything together. The truth is, most of us parents don’t have it all figured out, and many of us don’t maintain a spotless home. That’s just the reality for most.

Ultimately, what makes a house a home is the love shared within it, not the shine on the kitchen sink.

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Summary:

This article encourages a shift in how we portray our homes on social media, advocating for authenticity over perfection. It highlights the common chaos of family life and aims to normalize messy living spaces, reminding us that love and real life are what truly define a home.