Get organized with 5 smart storage solutions for your kids’ stuff
There’s definitely such a thing as too much of a good thing, and any parent who has walked into a messy playroom or bedroom can attest to that. That horrible, sharp pang in the heel of your foot when you step on a Lego? That’s a sign that your children’s toys are running your household.
In fact, too many toys can potentially harm your child, at least according to advocates for a minimalist lifestyle, like website BecomingMinimalist.com. It’s time to spring clean that chaos and prepare your house for summer, when kids (and their messes) are home more often. Here are some clever kid-friendly storage solutions and ways to wrestle Toy City.
Pare down
Provided by Target
If you have less, you have less to clean up. The first step to order is getting rid of all toys your children don’t actively play with. Sell them. Make money. Use that money to buy one single toy your child will enjoy–or better yet, use the money to buy shelving and storage for the remaining toys. If you aren’t sure where to start, pick a pre-organized storage unit. There’s a reason schools are lined with cubbies and shelves; imagine trying to keep dozens of kids’ stuff in order! Take a lesson from the teachers and get an at-home cubby storage unit (above). It contains bins for toys, six cubbies (for shoes or photos), a book holder (also great for craft projects and coloring books) and colorful bins to keep it all organized. RiverRidge unit, $99.99, target.com
Stash the stuffies
Provided by Bed Bath & Beyond
Don’t live in a stuffed animal zoo. Store stuffies in a wooden “pen” or keep them inside a cute bean bag cover. When not in use, they provide cushion for a comfy chair–and they are all in one spot. Urban Living soccer ball bean bag cover, $29.99 on sale, bedbathandbeyond.com
Use the doors
Provided by Walmart
An over-the-door shoe organizer is an inexpensive storage solution to many problems. Fill it with Barbies, small stuffed animals, dress-up clothes, craft supplies–whatever is small and does not have a home. Whitmor shoe organizer, $9.70, walmart.com
Display art beautifully
Provided by Staples
Don’t just stick your child’s art projects on the fridge in cluster. Hang their cute crafts on clipboards or rotate artworks into a specially designed frame every week or month. Then take a photo, upload it to an online photo album and throw the actual paper away. Staples clipboards, $3.79 for two, staples.com
Get magnetic
Provided by Macy’s
Use magnets in nontraditional ways. A magnetic wall strip that is typically used to organize knives can also get toy cars off the ground (and out from underneath your bare feet). J.A. Henckels International knife storage with magnetic strip, $19.99, macys.com
