What kind of example are you setting for your children? What habits will they grow up with as they silently watch your organizational behaviours? If you don’t put your possessions away, why should they? Teach younger kids organizing skills and it will help them learn to set priorities, make plans, stick to a task and get things done when they are older.

Here are some great tips to help kids become organized.

• Have your children be part of the organizing process. When decluttering, have children pick out their favourite toys. Ask the kids to choose one or two toys from what’s left to give to a needy friend or charity.
• Use low shelving for toys and books. Create separate areas for toys, books, library books, school notices.
• Use clear plastic containers with hinged lids. Use coloured bins for toddlers and have kids make their own labels. Make organizing fun!
• For art, awards, cards, reports, use a small filing box or plastic drawers in the closet.
• Hanging shelves for storage for clothes means kids can reach it themselves. Use closet and shoe organizers and make use of vertical space.
• Store keepsakes and seldom-used items high in the closet in labelled containers or clear plastic bins. This works well for rotating toys, too!.
• Place a laundry hamper inside your child’s room. Install a basketball hoop over it.
• Install low-hanging hooks to hang not-too-dirty clothes that they can wear again.
• Use under the bed storage for toys or clothes.
• A clothesline strung horizontally close to the wall is ideal for hanging artwork or photos.
• Increase floor space. Remove the closet doors and use a spring shower rod to hang a bright curtain in its place. Open the curtain to enlarge the play area!
• Use a timer and small rewards (stickers or a new container!) to motivate kids to tidy and/or organize.

If you need help decluttering and getting kids organized, Out of Chaos can provide customized services to suit your needs. Simply send us an inquiry through our website or contact me at 604-813-8189.