26 Kids' Storage Ideas to Control Clutter

The article addresses the challenge of managing children's clutter in homes, a problem exacerbated by the stress of working from home, particularly during a pandemic. It proposes a strategic approach to organization through a thoughtful combination of cabinets, shelves, and containers to maintain a tidy living space. Without a proper storage plan, homes can easily become overwhelmed with toys, games, and school supplies, leading to chaos. The initial step involves an honest assessment of each child's storage requirements, acknowledging that needs vary based on the number of toys, involvement in sports, or artistic and literary pursuits. Designers emphasize the importance of designating specific areas for different categories of items, such as Legos, sports equipment, or art supplies, to ensure everything has its place and encourage children to participate in cleanup. The article suggests dividing a child's space into areas for rest, study, and play, with books in a reading corner, art supplies near a desk, and toys in designated drawers. Anticipating future needs is crucial, as children's interests evolve rapidly. The article advises designing children's rooms with flexibility, cautioning against overly juvenile or themed decor that children might quickly outgrow. Choosing furniture and decor with simple designs and neutral colors can facilitate the transition as children grow and their preferences change. Integrating a desk with drawers, even for young children, is recommended to accommodate future study needs. The importance of planning for growth ensures longevity and adaptability of the storage solutions. To maximize storage, the article recommends incorporating built-in furniture with integrated drawers and cubbies under beds, benches, and window seats. Custom-made beds with under-mattress drawers and headboard cubbies are highlighted as effective solutions. Similarly, living rooms can be designed with multi-functional furniture, such as window seats that conceal toys, coffee tables with hidden storage, and cabinets that serve both adult and child storage needs. For those opting for purchased furniture, options from brands like Pottery Barn Kids, Lulu and Georgia, and Ikea offer platform beds, storage benches, and free-standing cupboards, which can store various items from dolls to action figures. Bins and baskets are presented as indispensable tools for containing clutter, enhancing the utility of drawers, cubbies, and shelves. They help separate different types of toys, simplify retrieval, and make cleanup faster. Designers favor sturdy, movable baskets for their ability to maintain an organized appearance even with quick cleanups. Stackable bins are also recommended for their efficiency. The article suggests dedicating an extra bin for outgrown items to facilitate donations and free up space. For concealed bins, clear containers are preferred for visibility, or pictures of contents can be taped to opaque bins for easy identification. The portability of bins also allows for easy transfer of items, such as schoolwork, between rooms. Utilizing wall space is another effective strategy for storage. Shelves can display books or toys, turning them into decorative elements. Shallow wall shelves are ideal for showcasing books with their covers facing out, while wall-mounted baskets can hold art supplies. Pegboard storage systems offer versatile solutions for organizing craft items, and horizontal wires with clips provide a way to display children's artwork. The final piece of advice emphasizes making storage accessible by placing shelves and containers within easy reach of children, especially adjustable ones that can be modified as children grow. The ultimate goal is to empower children to clean up after themselves, fostering independence and maintaining an organized home environment. #ChildrensClutter #HomeOrganization #InteriorDesign #StorageSolutions #FamilyLiving #KidsRooms #DeclutteringTips #BuiltInStorage #FurnitureDesign

This article presents 25 toy storage ideas designed to help parents and caregivers maintain an organized and clutter-free home while keeping children's toys accessible. It emphasizes creating simple systems to contain toys and board games, addressing the common challenge of toys spreading throughout the house. The solutions are practical, catering to various spaces and budgets, and aim to make cleanup easier for both children and adults. The article begins by suggesting the utilization of often-overlooked areas such as the back of doors. It recommends securing organizers to doors for holding toys, books, or small items, with the flexibility to adapt as a child's collection grows. Pegboards with hooks are also mentioned for hanging dress-up costumes. The next idea focuses on mixing and matching storage containers, advising against the need for perfectly uniform bins. Instead, it encourages using various containers already available at home and grouping similar ones. Open baskets are suggested for larger toys like stuffed animals, while lidded, stackable bins are recommended for smaller items. This approach is highlighted as budget-friendly and capable of maintaining a coordinated look. Baskets are further explored as a simple and quick cleanup solution. Strategically placed wide, open baskets can instantly clear floors of soft toys, dolls, and balls. For common areas, baskets with lids that blend with the existing decor are suggested. The article then moves to maximizing space with kids' storage shelves, particularly in corners or narrow wall stretches. Built-in shelving is presented as an effective way to store books and toys, with lower shelves being accessible to children. Food storage containers are introduced as a smart, space-saving option for organizing small items like toy cars, figurines, and crayons, with the added benefit of being stackable and portable when placed inside larger baskets. Creative use of awkward spaces is also covered, with a focus on under-stairs storage. This area can be transformed into hidden storage with shelves for containers, baskets, figurines, and Lego creations. Kid-friendly storage labels are another key tip, recommending the combination of words with photos on labels to assist young children and early readers in identifying and putting away toys. The article suggests built-in cabinetry as a method to hide toy storage in plain sight, offering examples like cabinets used for art supplies with pull-out shelves and bins for loose items. For family rooms that serve multiple purposes, a coffee table with storage is recommended for quick cleanup, providing space for board games and puzzles. Toy storage baskets are revisited, highlighting their lightweight and colorful nature for organizing books, art supplies, and plush toys. Color-coding or labeling bins is suggested to simplify cleanup. Low, open shelving is presented as a kid-friendly option, allowing easy access for children to grab and put away toys, with soft-sided bins being particularly suitable. The article also touches upon color-coordinated toy storage, using colors to categorize items like Lego bricks, which can also aid in color learning. Stand-alone furniture pieces, such as tall bookshelves paired with benches, are proposed to boost storage and create reading nooks. Decorative toy storage ideas include using acrylic display boxes mounted on walls to showcase children's creations or favorite toys, integrating them into the room's decor. Shallow floating shelves are recommended for displaying colorful books, encouraging reading while serving as decor. Under-bed storage with drawers is presented as a practical solution for out-of-season clothing or bulky sports equipment. Repurposing items is also covered, such as using over-the-door shoe organizers for dolls and accessories, and transforming armoires into toy storage units with bins and magnetic surfaces for artwork. Mobile toy storage units with plastic bins are suggested for small items, allowing easy portability for playtime and quick cleanup. Multifunctional furniture like storage ottomans is highlighted for living rooms, offering seating and hidden storage. Finally, sideboards or cabinets are presented as attractive yet functional options for storing games and bulky toys in various rooms. The article concludes by encouraging readers to apply these principles to other areas of a child's room, such as closets and bathrooms, to maintain overall tidiness. #ToyStorage #KidsRooms #HomeOrganization #Decluttering #PlayroomDesign #StorageSolutions #ChildFriendlyDesign #InteriorDesign #SpaceSaving

This article provides comprehensive ideas and tips for organizing kids' closets, focusing on creating functional, fun, and adaptable storage solutions that evolve with a child's growth. It emphasizes the importance of making closets easy for children to use and maintain, thereby fostering organizational habits from a young age. The article begins by highlighting general storage tips, suggesting the use of small drawers, cubbies, and bins to allow children quick access to their belongings and facilitate tidiness. It recommends keeping clothes in shallow stacks and placing toys and books on easily reachable open shelves. For safety, adult-only items should be stored out of children's reach. For shared closets, the article suggests symmetrical layouts to give each child their own distinct space, utilizing racks on either side of a central unit. Bold labels are advised to avoid confusion and clearly mark ownership of drawers. A key tip for hanging rods is to choose adjustable ones that can be repositioned as the child grows. Maximizing storage space is another focus, particularly for toddlers who cannot reach high. Upper closet areas can be used for adult-accessed items, while two staggered rods can optimize vertical space. Ready-to-assemble storage cubes with cubbies, drawers, and shelves are recommended for toddler belongings, arranged in the lower part of the closet, with quarter-round molding adding a decorative touch. The article advocates for storage solutions that grow with the child, such as wire closet organizers with adjustable components. These systems can accommodate larger clothing and accessories over time, and extra hanging space can be created by repurposing slide-out drawer units. Specialty features like shoe shelves and hanging baskets can be added as needed. To promote organization, the article suggests labeling clothing types and accessories, and using color-coordinated containers. This approach helps children learn to distinguish items and understand the value of organization, allowing for personalization with their favorite colors. Store-bought organizers are an option, or DIY solutions can be made with craft supplies. Custom closet ideas include replacing standard bifold doors with tempered-glass windowpanes enhanced with colorful fabric. Inside, a bench can be incorporated for sitting while putting on shoes, surrounded by drawer and cubby storage. A built-in look can be achieved without extensive construction by placing a cushion-topped toy or blanket chest between tall, narrow shelves or modular storage cubes. Stylish closet designs can incorporate bins and baskets for items not suitable for hangers or drawers, such as socks, underwear, and keepsakes. Lidless baskets are recommended for ease of use, encouraging children to put away items. Involving children in the organization process is crucial. Allowing them to decide how to sort their items or choose dividers can increase their willingness to maintain a tidy space. Older children can be encouraged to decorate their closets. Creative alternatives to traditional closet doors are presented, such as removing doors and installing decorative curtains. This method can make a room appear larger, especially if the curtain extends from the top of the wall to the floor. The article also suggests making storage units a focal point by painting armoires or dressers in vibrant colors. Easy-to-grasp drawer pulls, decorated boxes for out-of-season items, and tension rods for wrinkle-free hanging are practical additions. For standard closets, the article advises simple tweaks to cut clutter, such as using existing high rods for out-of-season clothes and adding a second lower rod for everyday items. Floor space can be utilized for shoes, toys, and laundry hampers. Planning is essential, which includes purging outgrown items and creating a design tailored to the child's accessibility needs. Modular systems offer versatility and can be adjusted over time, with low rods removable for longer clothes and high shelves transitioning to everyday storage. Keeping storage easy with accessible organizers for shoes, hats, and personal items like socks and underwear in oversized baskets is emphasized. Finally, the article encourages making organization fun by incorporating room themes or personal interests, such as a princess-themed closet with a tension rod for dress-up clothes and baskets for accessories. It rethinks walk-in closets as mini bonus rooms, suggesting remodeling for toy cabinets and window seats, or even adding wallpaper to small closets and using hooks on walls and doors for extra storage. The overarching message is to focus on solutions that make it easy for children to stay organized. #KidsClosetOrganization #ChildrensStorage #HomeOrganization #KidFriendlyDesign #ClosetSolutions #StorageTips #RoomDecor #SpaceSavingIdeas #DIYStorage

The article details a Q&A session with The Home Edit, a professional organization company, focusing on practical strategies for organizing living rooms. It emphasizes the importance of combining ordered spaces with aesthetic design. The discussion covers various aspects of living room organization, including methods for managing children's toys, storing extra blankets, maintaining an organized space, and handling cords and electronics. For children's toys, The Home Edit recommends designating a specific area in the living room for toys to foster a sense of ownership in children and simplify cleanup. Large floor baskets are suggested for bulky items like stuffed animals, trucks, and train sets, effectively concealing them while keeping them accessible. Smaller items, such as Barbie dolls, doll accessories, or building blocks, can be organized using stackable clear shoe boxes or modular drawers. The importance of labeling each category, with a preference for general labels, is also highlighted. Regarding the storage of extra blankets, the ideal solution is a linen closet or a cabinet located near the living area. However, for those with limited space, large floor bins are presented as a functional alternative that also contributes to the room's aesthetic appeal. Maintaining an organized space is addressed with the advice to integrate the organization system into daily routines. If the system is well-designed to fit the space, item volume, and functional needs, maintenance should be minimal, primarily involving returning items to their designated places. This daily upkeep is referred to as a “mini-edit” every few weeks. For organizing cords and electronics, specific techniques are provided. Cord wraps or cable ties are recommended for differentiating wires and preventing clutter, with color-coding as an option. Cord reels are also suggested for concealing and shortening visible cords. For electronics, the advice is to group items by category and store them in labeled, stackable bins. Infrequently used electronics should be stored in less accessible locations, such as high shelves, to optimize valuable space. The article outlines The Home Edit’s step-by-step organizing methodology, which begins with removing all items from the space. This is followed by grouping items by category and then paring down possessions to only what is needed or wanted, purging the rest. With a reduced inventory, a functional system is then devised to suit the space and lifestyle. A key piece of advice offered is to start with small, manageable projects, such as organizing a single drawer, to build confidence and motivation before tackling larger areas. Finally, The Home Edit shares its wish list of Studio McGee products for organization, including ladders for hanging items and baskets that blend functionality with aesthetic design. #HomeOrganization #LivingRoomDesign #DeclutteringTips #KidsToyStorage #ElectronicsOrganization #InteriorDesign #HomeEdit #StorageSolutions

The popularity of the Barbie movie has re-inspired fans of all ages to embrace Barbiecore and collect Barbie dolls. However, with Barbie dolls come numerous accessories, including clothes, shoes, and various modes of transportation, making it challenging to keep them organized. A professional organizer, drawing on over five years of experience and personal history with Barbie Dreamhouses, offers practical solutions to manage Barbie collections, emphasizing easy retrieval and return of items, especially for children's toys. One effective method involves using a cubby organizer, which is typically low to the ground and accessible to children. Fabric cube bins can conceal visual clutter, with specific bins designated for dolls and accessories. For instance, a bin labeled 'accessories' can hold clothes and beauty supplies, simplifying the tidying process. Larger toys, such as Barbie's convertible or playsets, can be displayed on top of the cubbies. Another option is a storage bench, which can house larger dolls and pieces. Tiny accessories should be stored in clear-lidded bins within the bench to prevent them from getting lost. A full storage bench can also serve as a signal for children to declutter before acquiring new Barbie items. Existing furniture, such as underutilized bookcases or TV consoles with cabinets, can also be repurposed for Barbie storage, with larger items on open shelves and smaller ones in baskets or lidded bins. Over-the-door shoe organizers provide a creative use of often-overlooked space. A clear organizer can hold frequently played-with Barbies and accessories in its lower pockets, or it can be cut in half and mounted lower on a wall for easy access by small hands. For those who prefer to display their Barbies, a wall-mounted rack can turn them into decorative wall art. Narrow book racks can hold dolls upright, secured by a front bar or dowel. For sentimental Barbie collections not frequently used, under-the-bed bins offer a space-saving solution. Shallow bins can store dolls, while small accessories can be kept in separate bins alongside them. If the dolls are occasionally played with, bins with wheels are recommended for easy access. A three-tier rolling cart provides a mobile and versatile storage solution that can grow with a child's needs, accommodating dolls and small items with open bins or trays. Stackable drawers are ideal for maximizing vertical space, particularly in smaller rooms. These can be placed on closet shelves or in awkward corners, with different drawers used to separate dolls and accessories, similar to organizing LEGOs. If ample drawer space is available, individual drawer organizers can compartmentalize Barbie items, with specific sections for shoes, hats, and other accessories. For shelf or desk space, a divided lazy Susan can keep everything corralled and on display while allowing children easy access. Craft or tackle boxes with compartments are suitable for smaller Barbie collections, keeping them neat and portable. Finally, zippered pouches, a common professional organizer hack, can store dolls and accessories in various sizes, making them easily transportable and identifiable with labels, ideal for travel or sleepovers. #BarbieStorage #HomeOrganization #KidsRoomStorage #DeclutteringTips #ToyStorageSolutions #Barbiecore #PlayroomOrganization #SpaceSavingIdeas