{All photos by Laura Sumrak}
As soon as August rolls around each summer the internet is a buzz with the topic of organization. The kids are going back to school so it seems like everyone is in a frenzy to get things prepared. I have definitely come up with some systems over the years to keep things like, choosing clothes and packing lunches, running smoothly but more than anything I have learned to keep things simple. I have grown to appreciate this more than ever since having kids. I am not a neat freak by any means but, I certainly appreciate some order. The days may feel a little hectic but if my bed is made and I don’t see tons of clutter I feel just slightly more in control. The problem is, kids have so.much.stuff!! We don’t even buy our kids a ton of toys or things throughout the year but somehow we always have masses. When I first had kids I tried to maintain the chaos with labeled bins and specific places for each and every item but as I have become a more seasoned mom I have found that a system of “A place for everything and everything in it’s place…ish” works much better for us.
See those little toys thrown under the seat? It’s not perfection around here!
Today I thought I would take you guys on a little tour of Harper’s toy storage and show you how I keep the floor clean and my mind sane! If you are one of those moms who sorts and labels (and whose kids never wear wrinkled clothes or go to bed without brushing their teeth) you may just want to look away. Or maybe read on and find out how to let yourself off the hook just a bit!
Utlilize an Extra Drawer
It shocks some people that my only girl has a bedroom that doesn’t even have a closet but so far it has not been an issue at all. We use an industrial style garment rack for hanging things and a Hemnes dresser from IKEA for her other clothes. It provides enough storage that I was able to leave one drawer empty. I did this on purpose to provide another place for toys. Specifically her babies. The entire bottom drawer is full of dolls, bottles, baby clothes, diapers, sippy cups, and all that comes with being a “little mama.”
Don’t Overly Stress About Little Toys
Drawers really are your best friend when your kids have tons of little figurines! Whether its army guys, mini animals or matchbox cars you can just toss them all together in one drawer and call it a day. That’s what I did with Harper’s My Little Ponies in her desk drawer. We also stash all Frozen related figurines in there too. The top of her vanity houses makeup and hair stuff.
Make It Easy
Hooks are one of my best friends! I use them for over-the-door storage, mudroom organization, and here, in Harper’s room for dress up clothes. She can easily hang things up and see exactly where her favorite costume is at all times. I also use them in the boys’ room for belts, bags, etc. Baskets are my second bestie! It is so easy for kids to rummage through and find their stuff all while they look pretty for mama. I used these three in Harper’s room and they are designated strictly for her “accessories”, i.e, magic wands and plastic heels!
Let Go
Speaking of Frozen…Let It Go!! Kids are able to help clean up independently if you take away some of the parental OCD. I used to make my kids go through each bin every week and help sort the cars from the animals but I have learned that cleaning up is easier for them (and me!) if I let go a little bit. All kitchen stuff just needs to be throw in the kitchen. All the horses can pile up on each other as long as you can shut the drawer. And the baby stuff may all be lumped together but I don’t have to worry about finding that one specific thing because…newsflash…I am not the one playing with the stuff. And kids have an amazing ability to easily sort thru their crap!
So now when I tell my kids to go clean their rooms they know exactly where to put their things. It’s way more about teaching them the categories of their storage than demanding things be perfectly orderly. Yeah the drawers may look messy but they know exactly where to look for specific things. And, I can go in their rooms and do a quick sweep of the floor, toss everything in it’s place, and walk out in less than 10 minutes. #momWIN
You can shop my favorite organizational products including some of these under my “Shop” tab!
If you can’t find something leave me a comment below and I will try to find it for you!
PS…Follow along on Instagram today- I am off to a really fun trip in Denver!
Design chic says
What an adorable space, Beth and I LOVE the wallpaper, and getting a peek of your precious Harper! Happy Wednesday!
Michele @ Moonfield Interiors says
OMG, this is making laugh remembering how I used to organize our playroom. I have two boys who are obsessed with all things war. I actually separated their army figures into WWII, Civil War, Revolutionary, etc. What. In. The. Heck.
StagerLinda says
Beth, I always thought the garment rack was a stroke of genius! I say “keep it out where you can see it”. Her room is adorable. You are great with organizational Mama skills.