Helping children get (and stay) organized usually feels like a daunting and overwhelming task, am I right?
With three children of my own, two teenagers and one tween, I’m in that stage of life where my kids don’t have as many toys scattered around but they still have plenty of stuff, and sometimes their stuff seems to take up as much space as their childhood toys and stuffed animals, if not more.
My youngest daughter, my tween, is the definition of a spirited and creative child. Which yes, equals to sometimes less organization and structure. Therefore, in setting up Berkley’s room in our new home, I realized that I needed less organizing systems for toys and more organizing systems for her “tween” stuff. Items like journals, slime making supplies, and yes, dolls (not all of the toys are gone yet). I also needed a simple organizing plan that Berkley could maintain and commit to on a regular basis (almost there). A simple plan just like we used in her bathroom.
So, in three simple organizing steps, I took her piles of stuff and created an easy to follow plan. This system should get her through her tween years and beyond, and still allow plenty of space for her spirit and creativity!
#1 – Organize Vertically
When me moved in, we did the furniture shuffle and Berkley acquired two tall black Ikea book shelves from our furniture pool. These shelves make a great storage option in her room. Whenever you can go vertical in organizing, the more options you’ll create.
Another way to use vertical space is to install hooks. They work great for coats, back packs, and purses.
#2 – Organize with Bins
Next, I needed to find some sort of basket or bin that would fit on the shelving in her desk area to create a great organizing option. Target helped, again, because Target. I found these bins on clearance and snatched six of them. The green stripe was one of her accent colors and the best part, they fit the shelving perfectly. Bins allow for a free spirit and still help to control the chaos.
Before shopping for storage solutions, always measure your spaces – this will save you time and money!
In her closet, we also added some shelving. She had been using a dresser which was becoming a bit of a dumping ground. By implementing open shelving (I’ll let you guess where I bought the shelving…) it helps her see her clothes more easily and I can tell if things are picked up and organized. The three bins on the top hold smaller clothing items and the jewelry holder was passed down from her sister and works great to contain small accessories.
#3 – Organize with Labels
After designating what would go in each bin in her desk area we came up with six categories and made labels. I decided on laminating printed cardstock and then clipping the label on the front of each bin with these cute office clips (also from Target). Labeling helps keep the bins committed to their category and also helps Berkley when she has friend over. They can easily work together to pick up things, because everything has a place!
We’ve ditched the small toys and replaced them with art supplies, accessories, and journals. I love watching the evolution and also seeing how my children continue to change and blossom. Help your tweens (and teens) stay organized by organizing vertically, using bins, and labeling when necessary.
Do your kids have more things to organize now than they did when they were younger? What are the hardest things for your kids to part with?
Happy Organizing!
