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The biggest challenge to parents when decorating the kids room is in keeping it neat and organized.
Everyone knows just how messy the children's room can get with toys, books, clothes and other knick-knacks strewn around. The solution to toy storage is two-pronged but simple. And if you keep at it right from the beginning, it could mean easier times in the years that follow.
So what is this two-pronged approach?
First you have to provide ample storage solutions. There are childrens bookcases, closet organizers, kids shelving and toy storage bins, to name a few. We will discuss them in detail below.
Make sure you label the containers and make it clear as to which items go in each storage area.
Secondly, follow up with the clean up routine on a regular basis.
Baby Showers are a lot of fun. Sometimes the gifts you receive at the baby shower cannot be used immediately. But if you store them away in toy storage bins, you might just forget about them. You know - out of sight, out of mind.
Instead if you think your baby might enjoy them in later years and they go with the theme of the nursery (actually, even if they don't), display them neatly on wall shelves high near the ceiling.
Your baby cannot reach them (so he is safe) and yet they visibly add to the character of the nursery. And when your baby is the right age, they will be able to enjoy these. And your loved ones will also feel that their gifts have been honored.
The shelf can later display former toys, future trophies, collections or artwork. Kids shelving is available in adorable themes and graphics. Or you could paint them to match the rest of the decor.
The closet is probably the messiest area in the entire room. Keeping it neat and organized is simply a matter of providing ample storage. Think out of the box - Hang canvas shoe bags to use as toy storage; buy storage bins, portable storage carts. Create zones within the closet – what will go on hangers, in drawers, in storage bins and in shoe bags.
Providing storage for the toys is not the only purpose. You need to find them just as easily. Dumping every toy into a basket or bin will only cause a big mess each time your kid is looking for a specific toy.
Labels are your friends. If your baby is not old enough to read yet, print pictures of items that will go in a particular storage bin. This has two benefits - your kids can be taught to clean up after themselves; and to have a proper place for everything making it super easy to find whichever toy they want to play with in the moment.
Convert an awkward nook in the room to your advantage. Fit in simple shelves including one at desk height.
This space can be used for arts and crafts at first and for homework later. The kids bookshelves or wall cubbies above can be great for keeping books and other knick knacks or even as to keep toy storage bins.
Paint the back of each cubby a different color for more visual appeal. Drawers below can store many accessories.
If the room is small and you are struggling to find storage space, look under the bed. It is one of the most under-utilized areas in the bedroom, even as the bed takes the most amount of space in it.
Rolling bins or beds with storage drawers (like Captains beds) are perfect for storing toys as well as extra blankets!
Always try to find multi-functional pieces to save space, enhance the look of the room and provide storage. Additional seating is always welcome in the room for when friends come over.
I love this little bookcase and reading nook in one - creates a nice and cozy spot for your little one.
While the floor space is limited and needs to accommodate the bed, desk, dresser etc; think vertical when looking for additional toy storage space.
For younger kids, you can mix them up to provide a colorful and fun set-up; while older kids might like a more subdued look. What might start as storage for toys could eventually turn into storage for other items such as scarves, art canvases or music books.
Other storage solutions that you can use on your walls are pegboards and even hammocks, which are perfect for those mountains of soft toys your young one accumulates. Sometimes I feel like they multiply overnight, don't you?
While manufacturers provide myriad different options for convenient and delightful toy storage options, you might be surprised at how easy it is to create storage that is unique but enduring.
Canvas shoe bags can be hung on the wall to hold pens and notepads as well as small toys. If your little one enjoys dinosaurs (or cars), stuff the small ones into the openings – within easy reach of tiny hands, it doubles up as room décor.
Stack-able plastic boxes and kids buckets make for great kids storage bins. Plastic containers in the kitchen department of the store might be just right for all those puzzle pieces to be neatly stored in.
While it is great that we have the kids room finally neat and organized, it is unlikely that his mess is contained there.
If you have tripped more than once over a tiny toy waylaying you on the way to the living room sofa, you know what we are talking about. Toy box benches (if space allows) are a great investment in the living room too.
Are you worried that it would mess up the decor? On the contrary, it injects an element of warmth...and can even be a great conversation starter.
Not to mention, the kids would love to have their own space within your space. And last minute clean ups (for that surprise visitor) will be a breeze. These gorgeous ottomans can also be great hiding places for scattered toys.
There are also Outdoor Storage Benches available to cater to the never-ending stream of toys, balls and such that end up outside.
For many parents, bath time can be quite stressful. Bath toys are regularly updated to provide the kids a fun time in the bathroom.
But then again, what about storage? If your child has a bathroom all to himself; do create storage for towels, diapers, creams etc in the bathroom.
The toys can be dumped into a Bath Storage Basket for easy access and clean-up.
A First Aid Kit is probably one of the first things you would have bought since your child turned 2! Keep it in the bathroom, but out of his reach; at all times.
Childrens toy storage ideas have come a long way. Here is one go-to resource for you.
There will be days when your 3 year old listens and cleans-up and then there will be days when he won't. You do not have to push him every day.
Sure you can clean up for him once in a while. But make sure he realizes that you have done his job for him; that it is a favor, and not something he can take for granted.
With persistence the clean-up can become a habit that will sustain over the years.
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Hi, I am Richa and am super excited to see you here. I enjoy interior designing so much I went back to study it. Now armed with knowledge, passion and a vision to make 'happy homes', I hope this site will give you all the tools you need to make your kid's room happy too. Read More...