3 Keys to Organizing a Play Room

1.  Containerize with the right size/shape containers

Select bins, baskets and tubs that are the appropriate size for the toy(s).  For example, a broader category, perhaps Barbie Accessories for example, are best further categorized into more specific, smaller bins, such as: clothes, shoes, linens, house parts, etc..

Tapper Richards Interiors Playroom Organizing Project - Barbie Doll Accessories

Consider using clear, easy to handle bins whenever possible – this way, the kids can actually see what is in each bin before having to dump it all over the place :).  These acrylic cabinet bins (via Target) are the perfect size for small toys and keep them easily visible and accessible.

Tapper Richards Interiors Playroom Organizing Project - Acrylic Cabinet Bins

I want to grab something when I want it, and toss it back when I’m done.  

~ Pretty sure I’d make a great toddler~  

Nix the covers.  Any bin with a cover requires two action steps and two hands to get into it …AND also two steps to put something away and reassemble:  step 1:  pull out the bin, step 2: open the cover.  We don’t want to promote laziness here, but why not accommodate it

Solution: Opt for containers that are just shallow enough to hold each category and store them on shelving that makes it easy to simply toss things back in to put them away. 

Image via LilBlueBoo.com

2.  Label

Use both words AND pictures to appeal to all generations (toddlers, spouses, babysitters and grandparents).  This will help to maintain the established order as well as teach the little ones about the how easy staying (at least somewhat) organized can be. 

Image via A Day in My Life

3.  Teach

Reinforce the habit and ritual of putting things away when done.  

Even if they don’t tidy up all of the time (just like adults in real life) 

at least there is some structure to return to when needed.  

Every family has its own limit to how disorganized a space will get before its time to tidy up.  For some families, it is every night or before a nap.  

At our house, each tidy up and organizing session usually involves finding a missing part to a puzzle or a toy.  This - to me - is very exciting, so I amp it up.  It's like a treasure hunt!

Involve the kids in the process and mention some of the highlights of being organized. After all, every organizing effort has to be justified by some benefit (we'd rather be at the beach than cleaning the house, but...).  

Here are some bonuses to being organized that kids might be able to relate to.

Being Organized Bonuses:
·      Finding toys when you want to play with them
·      Storing all of a toy's pieces and parts together
·      Tidy up frequently and the job never gets too big
·      Having a clear space to play in
·      Keeping toys in good working condition

Valuable Lessons:

·       Cleanliness – locate the hidden, day-old PBJ before the kids do
·       Safety - prevent injuries - barefeet and Legos don’t mix

·      Passing items along to others who need them or want them as a way to recycle and give to those less fortunate

Good luck tackling possibly the most difficult space in the house to keep organized, but it will be worth it!  I'd LOVE to hear from you in the comments below 

how you keep your spaces organized, or also throw in any questions about your particular organizing challenge!

Baby Changing Table & Clothing Organization

Ahh the old condo.  It was fun while it lasted, but I'm glad it didn't last much longer.  We started our married life there as well as brought our two babies home there.  It was bitter sweet to leave, but more sweet than bitter.  This post is a homage to ye 'ole changing table.  We actually still use this piece of furniture as the kids' dresser and changing table at the new house.  Re-purposing the antique proved to be a great move.  Both the littles loved being on the changing table and looking at themselves in the mirror/smearing drool, etc on it/peeing, etc. on it.  Everything was close at hand for Mom and Dad too! Here is a glimpse of the space:

Hamper to the left, diaper genie to the right, wipes in the drawer, diapers on the shelf behind the mirror, toys around the perimeter to distract (attempt to distract) busy babies.

Bottom drawer - linens, sheets, cloth diapers.

Middle drawer - clothes folded and "filed" helped keep everything visible for easy dressing.  

Top drawer - diapering supplies, onesies, bibs, burp cloths, extra wipes.  

Very handy having everything nearby.  The lamp helped shed a little light on certain things needing further attention...diaper rashes, etc.

Now, with a 3 year-old and a 1-year-old, we're still using this method.  The linens from the bottom drawer are stored elsewhere with larger items like sweatshirts and bulky pants for cold seasons stored there instead, and there is a pink drawer (top) and a blue drawer (middle).  We're getting ready to upgrade the little man/older brother to his own dresser seeing as he hasn't laid on this changing table in a while, but for now things are working just fine.