A child’s playroom can either be a dreamy, fun space or a nightmare pile of toys and books strewn everywhere. If you’ve experienced the latter, you’ll want to check out this handy list of organising ideas to keep clutter at bay, so you and your child can enjoy a more peaceful time at home:
1. See-through storage boxes
And label them clearly
So you know exactly where everything is and where everything should go. It also helps develop your child's self-help skills and promotes responsibility. Get them involved in the labelling too, so they start to take ownership over their things.
2. Use open and closed shelves
You can choose to organise a large shelf depending on the age of your child. If you have two or more children, arrange books, toys and trinkets in a way that's suitable for each. For instance, board games for older children can go on the top, while books for toddlers can sit on the bottom shelves for easy retrieval.
3. Use a trolley roller cart
Makes packing up easy
If you're looking for storage that looks good and is super functional at the same time, a roller cart is the solution. You can even make them yourself using a crate from a hardware store or Ikea, and some wheels! This makes packing a breeze, especially when the toys overflow to other parts of the house.
4. Make use of vertical shelves
Vertical shelves save so much space, and you can hang them practically anywhere — behind the door, on the wall, in the cupboard... Use them to store anything, from books to soft toys to craft supplies. Mesh baskets work well as they're pretty lightweight and inexpensive, not to mention safer than materials like wood that can splinter and hurt a child.
5. Use clear shoe organisers
Or go extra creative and use shoe organisers! Get a transparent one so you and your child can see everything at once, which makes retrieving and replacing items easy.
6. Hang kids' artworks on walls
If you've no idea how to store the stacks of drawings and artwork made by your child, but can't bear to throw them away, try using fishing line, or frame them up for a gallery-style wall. Then, you can replace them as newer ones come along. It shows that you're proud of their little accomplishments, and can help build their self-esteem.
7. Drop-leaf table hides clutter
If space is a big concern, as it is in many homes, a drop-leaf table will definitely save floor room. Get one that comes with shelves for even more storage. It's like veritcal shelving, but with the added bonus of a table for crafting!
8. Magnetic strips organisers for toy cars
Tired of slipping on toy cars? A simple magnetic strip or two is a brilliant way to keep the toy cars off the floor, and doubles as a neat display too!
This article first appeared on The Singapore Women's Weekly in 2016.