Question: My kid's playroom is a disaster area. You'd think a tornado swept
through
is there anyway we can keep this space neat and clutter free?
Robin
Answer: Conquering kid clutter is quite a challenge, but there are some simple
solutions that will contain that clutter once and for all.
Use sturdy under-the-bed storage bins hold rolls of craft paper and art
supplies.
Top a plastic garbage can with a vinyl table round to make a chair side
table, which doubles as hidden storage. Once the kids start entertaining
their classmates, they'll be set for tea parties and after school visits.
Create instant storage with metal racks that hang over the door. Fill with
books, children's videos, and audiotapes. Vertical storage frees floor
space and creates visual interest while utilizing unused space.
Hang a vinyl pouch organizer on the back of the playroom door. Although
these are normally used to organize jewelry, they do a fine job of corraling
desk supplies, Barbie shoes and other small accessories.
Shoe bags easily hang on a closet door and contain all those beanie
babies, Barbies and action figures
Two file cabinets can be used to support a desktop for a workspace, which
is great for homework or arts and crafts
Filing cabinets for your kids provide a spot for all those papers that
seem to take over the house: school work, pictures, cards, awards and
certificates, art projects, report cards. That leaves more room in the
play room for creative play. If you don't want sharp metal edges or bulky
file cabinets in your playroom, let them fill colorful folders with their
paper treasures, then hang them in a plastic milk crate. This can easily be
stored in their bedroom or carried to the kitchen when studying.
Several organizing product companies sell a corrugated chest with pull out
box "drawers." The unit holds six boxes, one for each school year, and
provides a safe place for all those school year treasures. Or talk your
neighborhood pizza parlor into giving you an unused pizza box, which your
kids can decorate and fill with childhood treasures.
Corral those stuffed animals in a doll's playpen, toy hammock or hang
from a pole wrapped with velcro.
Use divided containers such as tackle boxes and craft bins for toys with
small parts. Legos, action figures and trading cards.
Purchase a rolling cart with drawers to house the video game set and all
the games that go with it.
And my favorite:
Implement a House Rule to make sure the kids clean as they go, picking up
thei toys before going outside to ride bikes, eat dinner or go to bed. For
some kids, competition is enough to get them going-- set a ticking timer and
have them beat the clock or race each other. The winner gets to pick a movie
or play video games first.
Email this page to a friend
