Kids' Clutter: Any Hope At All?

by Marjorie Dorfman | More from this Blogger

27 Jan 2007 09:07 AM

The problem with kids is that they are not embarrassed by their clutter, neither when company comes and makes a disapproving face nor when you open the door to the room and get bombarded with falling and dangling "educational" things. But there is hope and a way for children to know and appreciate the importance of non-clutter and the power of organization. Here are a few tips for the kids' room, that is, if you can find your way to the computer.

Seasonal Storage Buy a plastic garbage can, replace the lid with a square or round piece of wood and drape it with a matching piece of fabric. Fill the bag with your children's out of season clothing and if you dare, add a little lamp and you have created an attractive corner storage table. Or hang a second closet rod blow the level of the clothes on the first rod. Attach with two ropes, one at either end, tied to the upper rod. Teach your child to hang his or her in-season clothing on the lower rod.

Bribe Your Children Arm your children with some boxes and tell them to put inside them any toys that they do not want. Offer $10 dollars per box, which will go into their savings accounts. Charity gets the toys, your kids get some money and the room gets organized. (Is everybody happy?)

Toy Hang Ups Attach a shoe bag with compartments to the back of the door or inside the closet. These are useful for storing small dolls, stuffed animals, motorcars and such.

Toy Boxes Stack toys in clear plastic boxes instead of throwing all of them into one large toy box. If possible, store them under the bed. This process makes it easier for the child to identify the wanted toy, without throwing everything out on the floor first.

Do YOU have any kid's clutter tips to add? Please share.

Related Reading:

"Your Cleaning ABC's"

"Washing Windows: A Carefree Diversion"

"Removing Carpet Stains"

Learn more about Marjorie Dorfman

Marjorie Dorfman is a freelance writer and former teacher originally from Brooklyn, New York.

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