Change is in the air, and with it comes the urge for to clean, declutter, and toss out. Until the next year, when we start all over again. For some reason, after the holidays and again in the springtime, I find myself drawn to minimalistic decorating. You know the style: no knick-knacks, a few things hung on the walls, throw out all the kids' toys... Ok, that is a bit drastic. But with a preschooler's Hot Wheels taking over my living room, I'm getting ready to regroup. Perhaps a few of these organizing tips will help you in your quest to conquer clutter in kids' rooms.

PLEASE CONTAIN YOURSELF!
Remember all those plastic tubs with lids you bought on sale? You know the ones, stacked in your closet or truck of your car? This is the time to put them to good use.

Blocks, doll clothes, small toy cars, tinkertoys, playdough, and all the other loose items floating around the house belong together. I strongly recommend using shelves with tubs of different sizes as opposed to toy boxes. Toys last longer when they're stored gently and not stacked, and the kids can find things easier. Reduces boredom and makes for fewer trips to the toy store as well.

Small plastic shoe boxes are perfect for Legos, Barbie clothes and accessories, and hot wheels. Find the totes a size larger with handles on the top for easy carrying to and from the playarea.

Larger tubs hold blocks, play food and dishes, and other pieces that just seem to multiply in the night.

Save the large tubs for train sets, car tracks, doll accessories, and sports gear.

Flat under-the-bed boxes are wonderful for out of season clothes and toys. Most closets are not large enough for toys and clothes, so why not store unused toys as you would clothing: kites, beach gear, and baseball gear is stashed during winter months; football, hockey stick, and ice skates are stored during the summer.

Try to buy clear tubs for easy viewing, or label with words or pictures for younger children. If they can't see what's inside, chances are they won't use the toys within the nicely organized containers. Kind of defeats the purpose, don't you think? Get creative, and let the kids help you label the boxes with photos or magazine clippings of the items. Good rainy day project, and promotes reading skills for the little ones.

Don't forget to see our articles on organizing your kitchen, your cleaning supplies and schedules, and your grocery shopping and dinner planning!

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About the Author
Debbie Williams is a professional organizer and editor of the online organizing forum, OrganizedTimes.com http://organizedtimes.com She can be reached by email at debbie@organizedtimes.com