DIVIDE & CONQUER

Kids and organization typically don’t go hand-in-hand—especially if you live in a home with active boys and girls with a lot of toys and gear! However, with problem-solution thinking tailored to your kids’ lifestyles, closets can be orderly in less than one weekend. Start with five bins, each with a label pocket for the day of the week. Put M-F outfits in the bins and refill them on laundry day. Activity gear, such as soccer or swimming items, can be stored in bins labeled by activity. Keep a tall laundry bin on the closet floor to capture dirty clothes. Because kids grow fast use a clear, lidded bin, also placed on the closet floor, for receiving outgrown clothing—when the bin is full remove it and store or donate the clothes.

Drawers: Keep dust bunnies at bay and instead use rolling under-bed storage drawers to corral small toys and extra linens. Chalkboard labels identify what goes where. Extra divider bins can move in and out for play.

Labels: Identify bins with easy-to-read tags so kids know where things are stored.

Sports Pack: Separate play and/or sports clothes—the gear they’re allowed to get dirty, such as cleats, shorts and jerseys.

fun zone

The number of books and toys in a kid’s room increases every birthday and Christmas and can overwhelm their space if not edited and controlled. Follow these tips to keep playtime orderly:

• Edit It’s a good idea to assess the toy box and reading area for items the child has outgrown and no longer needs. Allow them to keep a few items as keepsakes and donate the rest to children in need.

• Book Ledge Book ledges are a great way to display favorite reads so the covers show. Try stacking multiple shelves or place them side by side for a custom book ledge that holds the number and sizes of books your child has.

• Toy Cubbies Putting favorite toys in open storage makes it easier to take them out and put them away. Place a bin in one or more of the cubbies for loose items such as large puzzle pieces, building blocks, doll clothing and play-sets with small pieces.

• Play Perimeter Create a special spot in your child’s room that teaches how organization works. Anchor a rug with a reading chair next to the book and toy storage pieces to define the space. Keep toys confined to the rug for easy cleanup.

• Pick-up Time Use an alarm clock and set the timer for when it’s time to pick up and put away toys and books. Make it a race to beat the clock.