A couple of weeks ago I shared how Pokemon was taking over my house. Seriously, TAKING OVER! If you didn’t read that post, you can find it here.
Here’s another reminder to refresh your memory. This is only one pile of many:
So I knew a solution had to be found for the Pokemon that was spreading like wildfire in our house. I also knew it would have to be a portable solution since apparently he liked to travel the house leaving a Pokemon trail behind him. One reader suggested a child’s suitcase on wheels which I thought was great but unfortunately I didn’t have one of those. Then another reader commented that she used Snapware to keep her son’s Pokemon organized. That got me thinking because I remembered I had some Snapware in the “container for my containers” section of my laundry room. I got really excited by this and ran downstairs to find it. Guess what? It’s perfect! It’s perfect and I completely forgot I had it to use. So happy I was reminded.
It’s in there somewhere.
Whoot, there it is!
All ready to go!
I love the two sections that snap together lickety split. So easy, my son has no problem using it. He puts his Pokemon guys in the bottom and all his cards on top (okay not all of them, he still has a binder full but they are nicely organized in card sleeves). Then on top is a handle for him to cart the whole thing around. How great is that? I sure love my readers 🙂
So just having a container to organize my stuff isn’t going to magically solve my Pokemon clutter problems though is it? Even as nice as that container is.
Nope it is not.
Containers are all fine and dandy but if you don’t add some organizing habits to the mix, you might as well forget about it.
My son needed to be taught what was expected of him and the maintenance of his fine Pokemon collection. So he now understands that little piles everywhere are not okay. I don’t mind one pile (possibly two) wherever he chooses to play but should he want to move on from that location to play in another, he takes that pile with him. In his container. It’s such a beautiful thing.
If this doesn’t happen, I will quietly remove said pile and put it into clutter jail. In order to jail break his cards or guys he will need to perform some random chore for me that I make sure he doesn’t like to do. It varies all the time depending on my mood…ha! Some days I’m nicer than others. Honestly it doesn’t happen often though because kids learn FAST. Especially if it means there is work involved!! Start them young, it really does work 🙂 I LOVE this clutter jail printable over at iMOM. Be sure to check it out.
So all is well with our Pokemon epidemic. The Pokemon live to see another day. I have conquered (for now) their sneaky efforts to take over my house. I will not be defeated! I am onto those Pokemon and am watching them like a hawk. Oh yes I am.
Clutter fighters UNITE!!
Carolyn says
Cute post!
Clutter jail is called “toy time out” in our household. Some of the toys my kids do not miss, which is a pretty good indication that this organizer’s kids have too many toys.
Jennifer says
I LOVE the clutter Jail!!!! I can’t wait until my son is old enough for it. Hes only 2 right now but soon!!!!
Lance says
Organization is never easy, especially when it’s kids and toys that need to be organized!
I guess we just have to get used to it and prepare to live a life full of clutter! I personally think that the use of those bins is a great idea for organizing the clutter as much as possible…. Best of luck
Crystal says
i love “Clutter Jail”….what an awesome, clever idea!! Too bad my girls are grown-up now.
Jill Robson says
Hi Laura
Is snapware available to buy in Canada? I am having a lot of trouble getting items i see on line that are only available in the States.
Becah says
I’m intrigued by the idea of your Clutter Jail-I picture a clear rubbermaid-type container with “bars” of black electrical tape and a sad teddy bear waiting to get out of the joint-what to do use?
Laura says
I simply use a box is all but I think your idea with the electrical tape is so fun!
Becah says
I like the idea the more I think of it, I think I’ll do it this weekend. Thanks so much for all your wonderful ideas, I really enjoy your blog!
Jennifer McClure says
Oh, how I love snapware! They are just so very multipurpose and practical and affordable… I could go on. LOL I used that exact one to create a homework supply kit this year. http://creativeorganizingblog.simplify101.com/2012/08/starting-the-school-year-off-right-with-organized-homework-supplies.html
Debbie D. says
When our kids were little (grade school) we had a “Saturday Box”. Before bedtime they were to pickup and put away their items (clothing, toys, homework, electronics, etc). If they chose not to follow the house rules, their items would end up in the “Saturday Box”. Nothing could be taken from the Saturday Box until Saturday morning…not even homework! When Saturday morning arrived, they were allowed to reclaim their items, and anything not attended to before lunchtime was ‘disposed’. Needless to say, we only had the “Saturday Box” at our house for about 2 months. They knew we were serious and learned quickly to respect their belongings and helped with keeping the house orderly.
Sabrina says
Love to use bins with handles for scrap booking/crafting items. We pulled out the best of the best Pokemon cards and put them in a collector’s binder.
Becky L says
glad you figured out the Pokeman dilemma. The toy jail…..oh brings back memories when our daughter misbehaved not too long after Christmas. She didn’t want to clean up her room and dad went in and some of her Christmas toys were gone for a few days. She wasn’t too happy about that. Taught her a lesson then! Thanks for sharing your story!
(P/S click on my website link and see our love story that started 35 years ago.)
Annette {Simple Mom} says
This is our perfect solution for Littlest Pet Shop! Ours have dividers…
Rachel Owens says
I have been enjoying following your blog for maybe a year or so now. We recently moved 3 times this year (I know!) and have finally unpacked some things that have been boxed for 5 or 6 years (while we spent some time overseas for my husband’s PhD). Anyways, I grew up and changed a lot in that time and your blog has helped me think through organizing and getting rid of various things I’ve hung on to for many years…without guilt. I just read this blog post: http://www.theminimalists.com/organizing/ and wondered if you could/would comment on it. I think they potentially bring up an interesting point and it is something I have been grappling with personally. We have space to store all the stuff I no longer want, but after having it boxed up I find I no longer need/want most of it. It has weighed me down and I want it gone. Is organizing just another way to hoard?