The biggest complain that mothers have, regardless of how old their kids are, is "why is this room a mess?!" Sometimes it's the shoes that are missing, or the socks are not in pairs. Sometimes you are tripping over toys or slipping on the books.
But if this is happening too often, you need to organize your little one's room in a more efficient way. It is not just about storage, but also de-cluttering and, if your child is old enough, assessing if he or she is able to take care of things.
Where To Begin?
There are some key steps to organizing your child's room - taking inventory, deciding what to keep and what to throw (since children outgrow baby clothes and kids accessories pretty fast), exploring different ways to organise and store things.
This entire process is of course easier said than done. Depending on how old your child is, he or she may be able to help - and this is a good thing! Because a child as young as even 4 or 5 may not only enjoy sorting his things, but also learn how to keep their own spaces and surroundings neat and clean. This is also a good way to raise a responsible kid, by getting them to treat their belongings respectfully. Self-care skills - dressing up, sorting clothes and arranging shelves in a way that you don't have to rummage through things are very important to a child's growth and development.
How you begin to organize your little one's room depends on how many children you have, and the amount of space process will depend on how many children you have, the amount of space you choose to devote to your child's possessions, and of course, the amount of time you are able to devote to the process.
What To Keep in Your Child's Room?
The first step in organizing - taking inventory - is critical. It may not be difficult, but it is what takes a lot of time! Recall how shops and stores sometimes shut down for a day or two to 'take stock'.
What helps in this exhaustive process is being clear about what your child needs and owns and whether he or she even requires those items anymore in the first place. So grab a pen and notepad and make a list of everything. Then be ruthless in sorting those products. You can pass the kids products that your child does not need to those around you that may need them.
Moving systematically through the kids furniture and baby accessories etc in the room is helpful. Start with the big things, such as furniture and bedding. The kids clothes are most difficult to sort. This is because children outgrow clothes really fast and there are huge chances that your child's wardrobe has a wide variety of clothing options. Some of these may no longer fit or might just be completely worn out. Take specific inventory of these as well, noting, for example, how many pairs of jeans your child has. Ensure that you write the sizes of all clothes etc - if you feel something is really not worth keeping, set it aside instantly. Once you've gone through all of your child's belongings, it's time to decide what stays and what should be given away or discarded. This entire process of taking stock will lead to simultaneous de-cluttering too.
How to Organize & Store
If your child's room is big and spacious, you may divide certain areas within it - a sleep zone, a wardrobe, a section where you store kids toys and maybe a study area (or allocate space for it when your little baby is older). That you have the luxury of space should not mean you cram everything in. Leave floor space for the child to play and move around freely.
A child’s bedroom is a crucial part of their childhood. It is their 'space' - in every sense of the word. Practical organization will make it the perfect environment for your child to grow up in - his or her unique, cosy, and safe zone.
Once you have de-cluttered, the right storage system is essential. Pick the right storage as per the child’s age. There are many options that are available at either a baby shop website or kids stores in Dubai. If your child is a toddler, then keep toys, books or other baby toys in floor-level containers. If you are buying kids furniture for storage, go for chests, boxes, or open shelves that are accessible to your child.
Children tend to outgrow tubs, baskets or shelves really fast. Donate some of the stuff you don't need and choose kids furniture that will grow with your child. It is very easy to find wardrobes that have the option of shelves that can be added when needed.
Built-in storage furniture is always a good idea. Buy a bed with in-built drawers, tables, and extra space. This will allow you to keep the kids room tidy. Even within cupboards and drawers, you can label and divide them - for older kids.
After you have got the organization system in place and your kids room looks neat and clean, the more important thing is to keep it that way. You don't want this painstaking process happening more than once a year! The best way to make this possible? Get the kids to keep it so, especially if they are older. Set up a reward system for your children every time they do things to clean the room. This practice will encourage your child in developing a habit for cleanliness that will likely last a lifetime.
The parenting journey is a constant process of learning. The Elli Junior community is always here to support you in every step of the way. Stay connected with us!