As a parent, it can be a struggle to create a system to help children organize and deal with their stuff. But we also have an obligation to provide limits for our children on what comes into the home and set up a process for what goes out. Peter Walsh, author of It’s All Too Much says that “Kids are so over stimulated by the sheer volume of stuff in their home that they lose the ability to concentrate and focus.” When my son was very young, I started to help him let go of toys and clothing he no longer wanted after each birthday and holiday.
Here are a few tips to assist kids on how to simplify their lives and make their rooms an oasis, not a jungle.
Set the tone:
- Involve your child in organizing his or her room. Explain the benefits to them: having friends over, a personal oasis, and easier to clean up.
- Ask your child about his/her room: what they like and don’t like, what works and what doesn’t work.
- Integrating your child’s suggestions will increase the chances the arrangement will work; let them think outside the box!
Children’s room basics:
Use a big hamper and a big trash can.
- Go vertical when possible: hooks, shelving, book shelves, and shoe pockets on the back of doors. Leave free floor space for play and for having friends over.
- Open shelving and bins without lids will more likely be used. The less time spent on opening a lid, using a hanger, or opening a drawer, the more chance it will stay that way.
- Create zones in their rooms: sleeping, homework, reading, playing.
- Use coat racks as the “halfway” point for clothing: worn once, but not yet ready for the washer (and it’s up off the floor).
- Employ bed risers for older kids to provide space under beds in smaller rooms.
Going forward:
- Less is more. Agree on a system to let go of unneeded toys and clothing: place a donation box in a central location.
- Ask (or beg) grandparents to limit the stuff they give your children or ask them for contributions to a 529 college savings plan.
Finally, give your children experiences and memories instead of stuff; memories last forever, stuff doesn’t. Visit my website at thecluttercrew.com for more suggestions on keeping your children organized for school and for life!
“Your children need your presence more than your presents.” — Jesse Jackson
Vali G. Heist, M.Ed. is a Certified Professional Organizer® and Owner of The Clutter Crew. She is the author of Organize This! Practical Tips, Green Ideas, and Ruminations about your CRAP.
