"Declutter, Divide, Display: Containers, Bins & Shelves Explained"
Quick Tips for Children's Clutter by Life Stage
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Toddlers:
~ rotate toys in labeled bins every week to reduce clutter and overstimulation.
~keep toy bins shallow and open for easier access (and clean-up training)
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School-Age Children:
~Color-Coded bins and folders make responsibility easier.
~shelving at their eye-level encourages independence.
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Teens:
~Clear containers for snacks, or hygiene items so nothing is "lost"
~let them help with designing part of their storage system - they're more likely to use it if it has more of their personality than yours drizzled on it.
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Whether you're chasing toddlers or chauffeuring teens, staying organized is key to a more peaceful home. Let's be honest: if you've ever stepped on a Lego at 2 a.m., opened a closet avalanche, or found a sock in your purse (that's not yours)...you might be a mom in need of better storage. If your home feels like a never-ending cycle of picking up toys, folding laundry, and searching for lost crayons, you're not alone- and you're not doing anything wrong. The secret isn't having less stuff (though that can help), it's having the right systems in place. That's where the powerful dream team gets called to the court: containers, bins, and shelves.
They are not just for social media reels and influencers. They're for you, the snack holder, the finder of lost things, the bedtime negotiator. From playrooms to pantries, they help you group, store, and access everything your busy family needs-without losing your sanity. In this section, I'll walk you through smart, mom-tested ways to get organized and go from "Is this a daycare?" to "Wow I can see the floor!" Get ready to tame the clutter, reclaim your space, and breathe a little easier - one shelf at a time. Let's start with our first two areas.
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1. Entryway: Catch the Clutter Before It Spreads
~Containers: Try labeled baskets or trays for keys, mail and sunglasses.
~Bins: Designate each family member a cubby bin for their shoes,
bags or sports gear.
~Shelves: Install floating shelves for decor or in our house we have
"can't forget" sensory items like noise cancelling headphones for my Sensory Avoider and the Buddy Band for my adventurous Sensory Seeker.
2. Living Room: Cozy not Cluttered
~Containers: Decorative baskets hold books, remotes, or game controllers.
~Bins: Use toy bins disguised as ottomans or woven cubes to hide clutter.
~Shelves: Use low, wide shelving to store books, puzzles, and toys within reach (and teach kids to help clean up).
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