| ~Purge~
Now you need to start removing things. You will
need to have some boxes and garbage bags for the items you will be getting
rid of.
> Doesn't fit- Can be handed down to siblings,
or donated.
> Beyond repair- Torn/stained clothes. Simply
throw away.
> Missing pieces- Games, puzzles, action
figure arms! Toss.
> Doesn't belong here- friends toys, clothes,
books, etc.
> Outgrown Toys- Keep only age appropriate
toys. Donate
> Outgrown books- Donate to library or childrens
hospital.
> The dirty dishes lurking under the bed.
Restrict eating in the bedroom!
Try to get your child involved in physically
bringing the donated items to their new "home". Once they see that others
have a real use for their old stuff, they will get a sense of pride knowing
that they helped someone.
~Clean~
Now that you have removed at least half of the
stuff from this room, you should be able to see the floor. Take advantage
of this by giving the room a deep cleaning.
> Wash curtains
> Dust mini blinds
> Clean windows
> Scrub and polish furniture
> Sweep and scrub floors
> Vacuum carpets
> Dust shelves
> Flip mattress and vacuum
* Don't forget to clean inside the closet*
After purging you should have significantly
less stuff to deal with. Now it is time to organize this wonderfully clean
space. Now I will give you some ideas on how they should function.
~Define space & Organize~
Below are the basic areas a child needs in their
room. I call these areas "stations". Does your child have the proper stations
in their room? For a child to function productively in their environment
they need the following areas:
> Sleep station-This one is a no brainer,
your child sleeps here, but if your child also enjoys reading in bed, be
sure you have proper lighting and perhaps a nightstand or book shelf near
by.
> Study Station-A sturdy desk with proper
lighting is a must. If your child does their schoolwork here make sure all
of the necessary supplies (pencils,paper,caculator,ruler etc.) are neat and
organized. You can use an inbox for spare notebook paper, an old mug can
hold the scissors, pens, etc.
> Games/playing Station- Designate either
a place on the floor or a table for board games. Board games should be stacked
near this area.Book shelves will work fine or they can be neatly stored under
the bed. For action figures and dolls, use see through plastic bins for storage.
For accessories (doll shoes,action figure weapons etc.)you can use an empty
egg carton.
> Creativity Station-Lets face it children
love crafts, so this area is a must.Use old coffee cans for storing paint
brushes and crayons. Glue, paper, scissors, play-dough, etc. can be stored
in old shoe boxes.
> Dressing Station- Place a hamper near either
the closet or dressser.This should help to encourage your child to not drop
them on the floor. Lower the rod inside closets(if possible) so little ones
can reach their clothes. You can also purchase a rod that hangs on the existing
one which not only makes it easier for children to reach, but it also adds
additional storage.
Go over each area with your child explaining
each stations function. You will be surprised by how neat they keep their
new space. Children don't like messy rooms any more than we do, they simply
need to be taught how to be organized. Remember the saying "A place for
everything and everything in its place".
Once everything has a home your child should
have no problem staying organized. Explain to them that if they are done
in one station, they must put everything away before they can play in another
station.
At the end of every day before bed give your
child 10 minutes to pick up the room.
Storage ideas
When you place items into a storage container,
be sure to label it. This will eliminate the excuse of not knowing where
something belongs.
An over the door see through shoe holder can
be used to hold: Barbies, Action figures,markers,crayons,stuffed animals,craft
items, building blocks, baseball cards.
Clear plastic containers-everything mentioned
above PLUS matchbox cars,puzzles,paints, papers,un-assembled race tracks,
photographs, comic books.
A net hung in the corner of the ceiling can
hold stuffed animals, sport balls, baseball gloves.
A ribbon or rope strung across a wall can hold
art work, photos, awards, greeting cards, hair clips, and hats. They will
attach easily using clothespins.
These are just a few ideas. Look around the
house for your own storage ideas. Here are a few things you probably have
lying around: Wicker baskets, cleaning caddy's, clay pots, and milk crates.
Now use your imagination to see what you can store in them.
Of course everything mentioned will not apply
to every child.
Make any necessary adjustments to accommodate
the age of the child.
~~
You may also be interested in
Get Organized Now!
Ideas, tips, tools and more to help you organize your home, your office and
your life!
~~
Copyright 2001 Paula Eichermuller
Reprinted with permission from Paula
Eichermuller's Sunshine Organizing Newsletter. Get your FREE Bright ideas
Pak, and great organizing ideas by visiting her website.
http://www.sunshineorganizing.com
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