Planning a kid's room is such a fun project. You are free to use colours and decor that you probably would've wished for as a child yourself. There are a few things to consider when planning your child's space. Basically, a child needs four functional areas. Here are 4 tips for kids room organisation.
Anyone who has kids knows that the struggle with an ever expanding mountain of toys is real.
What you don't buy, you receive on birthdays, holidays and such.
This is why it's important to plan how and where you will be storing your children's toys and what you will do with the surplus.
Organisation is key, especially for children because they have so much stuff.
First, let's look into the four key areas a child needs.
1. Sleep area:
You need a warm, comfortable and relaxing space for your child to settle in for the night. This space should be clutter free and inviting. Perhaps a bed, bedside table for water, books and an armchair for you to read those books at night.
These three pieces of furniture are more than enough. The less stimulating the space is the easier they will fall asleep.
2. Quiet area:
The quiet area or a reading nook affords your child some time to calm down and spend time with themselves and by themselves. Parents are often trying to constantly entertain their children, but a child must be allowed to be bored. Out of boredom is born imagination and creativity. A quiet space allows them this opportunity.
Sometimes, it's nice just to curl up with a lovely picture book and flip through. I know my daughter loves to do this.
3. Play area:
When we had a small apartment, the play area was a small kallax unit in the living room. You do not need to have a playroom or the play area in a bedroom.
It is important however, that you have one. The play area should have a soft rug for warmth and comfort and of course -Toys.
I highly recommend the kallax series from Ikea as each cube can have it's own categories of toys. You can also use baskets to store things in.
To make it interesting, try alternating components in each cube. I have open cubes for books and small curios and the baskets for smaller toys like Lego.
4. Creative area:
By a creative space I mean either a children's desk if you have the option, or a makeshift space in the living room. This is where they are allowed to be messy so watch those rugs and carpets.
I used to have a craft caddy that I would store under my bed, and when we wanted to craft we would do so on the dining table.
If you are short on space, I highly recommend the ikea cart. You can find tons of inspiration on how to organise the cart for crafts on Pinterest.
Now we move to the next question, what to do with all the surplus things after you are done with the planning and organisation?
1. Donate:
What you don't have use for, someone else might. Donating is such a nice way of doing your part to help someone. There is always someone struggling, who could really benefit from the things you no longer need.
2. Rotate:
I tend to do this a lot. I keep some of my daughter's toys in her room, some in the living room, and the rest I put away in the basement. Every two months or so, I move the toys from the basement, to the bedroom. The toys that were originally in the bedroom go into the living room. And, the toys in the living room go into the basement for the next 2 months.
There are of course, favourites that do not go anywhere.
3. Keepsakes:
These are the things, that have a special sentimental value and are stored away. I tend to keep no more than one or two pieces per category. So 1 piece of clothing, 2 toys, 2 books and so on.
4. Passing things down:
I have two kids and I keep all of my older one's clothes, toys and books for the younger one. Of course, she has new stuff too, but it's nice to balance the budget a bit. You never know when you need extra clothing.
Saving the older child's stuff has seen so many families through. It's financially wise and earth friendly.
If you are interested in more of the same, here are some posts you may enjoy:
I hope you liked this post and found it helpful. I would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions on the topic. Feel free to leave a comment down below and I'll be sure to get back to you.
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