Organizational skills are learned behaviors that can help your kids feel more competent and effective. Getting your kids organized is only half the battle. Teaching them to stay organized can be a challenge. "A place for everything and everything in its place" is more than an old adage; it's the basic rule for any type of organizational system.
Set an Example
You can set up an organizational system for your kids, but if you are disorganized it is unlikely that your kids will be any different. Kids learn by their parent's example; get yourself organized before you try to teach your children the same skills.
Clothing Organization System
You can organize your kids clothing without expensive closet organizers. Edit the amount of hanging clothes by removing out-of-season items. Store out-of-season items in storage bins and vacuum bags to increase the available closet space for in-season clothing. Space saving hangers can help keep hanging clothes organized. Sort folded clothing in drawers as well for out of season items.
Shelving
Wall shelves utilize vertical storage space so your kids can keep collectibles, mementos, decorative items and must-have toys organized in their room. If you have small children, place the shelves within reach so they will have easy access.
Toy Library
An abundance of toys contributes to the clutter in many kids' rooms. Remove excess toys to help your kids get and stay organized. Keep one or two favorites in the room, but sort and store the remaining toys in a toy library. The library can be a plastic tub, a garbage bag or shelving in another room. Bring the toy library into the play space during play time or remove the desired item for play. Teach the kids to return the library toys back into the storage container.
Designated Work Space
School age kids need a place to organize their school supplies and to do their homework. Designate a study area in their bedroom or another room in the house where the kids can study with no distractions such as television or other simultaneous activities. Each child should have a drawer, shelf or storage box to house necessary school supplies, or access to an organized family office supply space.
Small Storage Solutions
Decorative cardboard photo boxes are available at most craft stores for storing mementos, small toys and school related paraphernalia. Kids can also make their own decorative storage box using a shoe box, photos or paper cutouts and decoupage glue. Label each box with words or images and stack them on a shelf, under the bed or in the closet.
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