Melody GrangerHello! Since my clients primarily consist of empty nesters or retirement clients who are cleaning out, updating, remodeling, downsizing, or prepping their home for sale, I don’t talk much about organizing children.
Nevertheless, I do have children, have been inside a lot of homes where children live and am happy to recommend products that have worked very well for them!
In full disclosure, there may be affiliate links associated with products on my website, including products recommended below. I don’t recommend products that I wouldn’t purchase myself or for someone I know. I’m super picky!
First, before you start any organizing project, you must have water nearby. Adults and kids alike are wanting the top selling Stanley water bottle… including 1st and 2nd graders, 12 year olds, and teenagers. For those who like to fit in with their peers. Who doesn’t want to be trendy and cool with high quality things they love too???
For organizing toys, I have been super happy with this toy organizer. I purchased two to line up against a wall for my daughter’s room. She’s in love. The open style organizing bins and shelves make it super easy for a child to clean up the room fast, while also having enough space to keep like toys together.
Next, for toddlers to elementary age children, a clothing rack they can reach is ideal for teaching responsibilities. Not only can they held select clothing or help hang clothing, they can have fun doing it!
These wooden clothing racks can be used to organize and hang dress up clothing, organize and hang school uniforms, and if you’re like me, you’ll get several of these because Grandparents need one in their playroom too!
Now before you click and peek at this stuffed animal storage organizer, I will tell you that you could probably make this on your own using small strips of wood and bungee cords. The moment I laid eyes on this type of product at a client’s house, I had instant LOVE. There’s was super nice – and it’s not available on Amazon. Since I know how many stuffed animals can come into a child’s life, I know how beautiful this stuffed animal storage idea is for parents who want to stay sane. The kids will love seeing the stuffed animals looking like they are in a Zoo, too. The bungee cords or elastic ropes make it simple to stuff those animals right back into their cage!
Next, purchase matching hangers in a kid size. Matching hangers will reduce the visual noise and make clothing look neater, orderly and cohesive. And when all the clothes are off the hooks, the empty matching hangers create a soothing, artistic presence.
Finally, let’s talk about book storage. My number one pick for children’s book storage has been and will always be the front facing children’s book shelf. It’s smart. Super smart. Montessori smart. The first time I saw this, it was in a client’s home and she said it was a product from Pottery Barn – from 20 years ago!! The kids can see the front of the books, and even if the shelving gets messy, it still looks great!! And, like a library. The cons to the standard book shelves are that stacking, filing or hiding the front of the book doesn’t engage the child as much as when they are drawn to front cover of the book. My favorite part is that the kids don’t have to be as neat or orderly because they can drop these books onto the front facing shelf in no particular order.
Oh my, I missed an item that needs some attention… organization of those cute little kid shoes!
For this one… line them up, line them up, line them up. And beware of just shelves, because kids climb things! Aim for shoe organizers that are sturdy, stylish, have seating on top, and can be placed out in the open of any room and still elevate the look of the room. As your child grows, the areas you place family or children’s shoe storage will change.
Hope my experience and expertise helps you teach your child organization without them feeling like it’s sooo hard. We don’t aim for detailed perfection, we aim for categorization and joy seeing their things light up their faces. Most of all, we want them to have clear floor space to think and play.