BY TIMOTHY R. SCHULTE
Parents have plenty to worry about: getting kids dressed, fed and to bed, and hopefully catching a little shuteye themselves. Tripping over Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or navigating a sea of building blocks might be a daily struggle. And once they’re put away, they often find themselves right back where they were: strewn all over the house. It's time to bring order to the playfulness and create a system that benefits both parents and kids. Let's embark on a journey to transform your space into a playful and organized haven with a few strategic steps.
For homeowners with children, there is no such thing as a toy-free zone. More often than not, kids have too many toys to begin with. Reducing the amount will make controlling them a lot easier. Kids’ tastes in toys change about as fast as they grow. The ones they’re no longer using have no business being in your house. You can give them to a neighbor, donate them to a charity or drop them off at a local thrift shop. Or you can turn your child into a mini guru and let them reap the profits of what their toys net at a garage sale.
1. Bedroom
Use closets to your advantage by adding shelving or adding containers, such as rolling carts. This keeps toys contained and at close proximity, and more importantly, off the floor. If you’re looking for a more whiz-bang solution, consider investing in a customized storage or shelving system to fit your closet’s specifications.
If the closet is too full of school and soccer uniforms, long, short plastic storage containers are a perfect solution for under the bed. Armoires and chests make good toy-hiders while fitting seamlessly into a room’s furniture arrangement.
2. Bathroom
Toss out the soap and loofah and turn a shower caddie into a toy caddie. That means no more superheroes on the shower floor, and your child will feel more adult-like as he or she totes their shower essentials to the tub, just like mom and dad do.
3. Family/Living Room
Some of the same rules from the bedroom apply here. The under-the-bed container will work perfectly beneath a couch, and some space in the entertainment center or in a chest will keep toys hidden and ready for play. A wicker basket makes a great accent on a bookshelf, and filling it with toys is a great way to keep them out of sight – the lower shelves are good for easy access for your short stack. There’s nothing wrong with going old-school with a toy box, just make sure it fits the room’s theme and décor.
Say goodbye to tripping over toys! Our blog on playful organization has the solutions you need to get your kid's business in order today. Your child will take pride in keeping toys under control, and you'll love the clutter-free house. Discover expert tips for a seamlessly organized haven with a touch of playfulness.
