Expert: Jan Hayner - 10/21/2007

Question
I have a fairly small home and a six yr old daughter who seems to have everything I've tried different organizer boxes and shelves and her room still seems crowded besides throwing out her stuff do you have any ideas?

Answer
Hi Jackie;
Well, it sounds as though you have started organizing, but need to eliminate the clutter. So, you are on the right track. Good Job!

First, go through and get rid of any broken things, items with missing parts etc.

Second, Pick out some of her favorite items and keep those in her room.

Third, Take the items that she doesn't play with and donate them to your favorite charity so kids that don't have things can use them (A great idea with Christmas on it's way).

Fourth Pack the items that she doesn't play with away and then in 3 months bring them back out and pack away the items that she plays with now. It will give her room an all new look and she will play with them more often.

Fifth, before you pack away the other toys, go through them from steps 1-4 and eliminate items.
Fifth, Christmas will bring in a whole new batch of toys, so make room for those as well.

Sixth, Make use of under the bed storage for Barbie things, try to keep games on shelves and use shoe bags that hang on the inside of closet doors, for pieces that have small parts.

I hope this gave you a few ideas that help you. Organizing containers are nice, but don't forget to label what is inside. You can also tape a picture of the items that are inside, so that she isn't opening boxes and letting them lay, while she is looking for something.
Happy Organizing,
Jan