Kids have stuff. Just like we all have stuff. Life is basically all about stuff.
My ongoing goal (or shall we say uphill battle) is to work WITH the stuff. To embrace the stuff. To find “homes” for the stuff, and to get my posse to put their stuff away too!
I’m guessing you can relate with me, just a wee bit?
Each of my kids keep the majority of their stuff – clothing, toys, books, etc., in their own bedrooms. However there IS the need for a spot for some of their shared items. (We do not have a designated playroom.) For our family these are things like art supplies, school study aids, puzzles, resource books, and small electronics.
When we moved into our current home there were four book shelves left for us to use. This is like a dream come true to an organizer! I used two of the shelves downstairs in our Laundry Room and the other two got lifted upstairs to our landing at the top of the stairs. This is the landing on our top floor where all of our bedroom doors face. It’s a bigger spot and it really lended itself to a “spot” for the “stuff”! (To the right is my organized hope chest, looking at that “done” project, still makes me happy!)
IF I only leave you with one thing today, it’s this – store all paint, puzzles, messy crafts, stickers, small toy parts, play dough – UP HIGH. This way if one of your beauties wants to play or use something in this category, they have to ask you first. 🙂
A quick label of each Sterilite Basket and we can all work together to keep this space more organized!
I LOVE this system for storing all things marker and coloring related. It’s easy to clean up and the kids can tote these around  to wherever they feel like being creative. I’ve had these containers for years and they still carry them – Sterilite All Purpose Lapis Ultra Caddy
Be practical with how you store your kid’s stuff. It’s all about making it easy to maintain and keeping things accessible (within reason). If you feel like you’ve seen these bins before – you have. I had a similar system set up in our previous home in a hall closet.
I also shared some great tips in my youngest Berkley’s bedroom HERE and HERE, all about keeping the toys.under.control.
*KISS – Labels & Baskets can keep things organized and your kids will be able to clean up – all on their own!