The following is a guest post about helping tweens organize their spaces from regular contributor, Morgan from Morganize with Me.
Helping children get (and stay) organized usually feels like a daunting and overwhelming task, am I right?
With three children of my own, two teenagers and one tween, I’m in that stage of life where my kids don’t have as many toys scattered around but they still have plenty of stuff, and sometimes their stuff seems to take up as much space as their childhood toys and stuffed animals, if not more.
My youngest daughter, my tween, is the definition of a spirited and creative child. Which yes, equals to sometimes less organization and structure. Therefore, in setting up Berkley’s room in our new home, I realized that I needed less organizing systems for toys and more organizing systems for her “tween” stuff. Items like journals, slime making supplies, and yes, dolls (not all of the toys are gone yet). I also needed a simple organizing plan that Berkley could maintain and commit to on a regular basis (almost there).
So, in three simple organizing steps, I took her piles of stuff and created an easy to follow plan. This system should get her through her tween years and beyond, and still allow plenty of space for her spirit and creativity!
#1 – Organize Vertically
When me moved in, we did the furniture shuffle and Berkley acquired two tall black Ikea book shelves from our furniture pool. These shelves make a great storage option in her room. Whenever you can go vertical in organizing, the more options you’ll create.
#2 – Organize with Bins
Next, I needed to find some sort of basket or bin that would fit on the shelving and create a great organizing option. Target helped, again, because Target. I found these bins on clearance and snatched six of them. The green stripe was one of her accent colors and the best part, they fit the shelving perfectly. Bins allow for a free spirit and still help to control the chaos. Before shopping for storage solutions, always measure your spaces – this will save you time and money!
#3 – Organize with Labels
After designating what would go in each bin and coming up with six categories, I knew I wanted to create some sort of labeling system. I decided on laminating printed cardstock and then clipping the label on the front of each bin with these cute office clips (also from Target). Labeling helps keep the bins committed to their category and also helps Berkley when she has friend over. They can easily work together to pick up things, because everything has a place!
We’ve ditched the small toys and replaced them with art supplies, accessories, and journals. I love watching the evolution and also seeing how my children continue to change and blossom. Help your tweens (and teens) stay organized by organizing vertically, using bins, and labeling when necessary.
Do your tweens have more things to organize now than they did when they were younger?
Happy Organizing!
Morgan is the energetic and motivated, but also realistic girl, behind Morganize with Me. She is a list lover, fitness fan, and chaos calmer! Her mission is to share tried and true techniques that she hopes will encourage her readers and clients as they focus on their health and homes. Join one of her Challenges and be sure to check out her Shop full of fabulous organizing printables!
Seana Turner says
Always good to look up! Love when you can give a bargain on bins that match your decor. Cubbies/shelves and bins are such a great solution. I agree that it is fun to watch your children grow and evolve, getting a glimpse of what direction they might take as adults:)
Kathy says
Hi. What book cases are those from IKEA?
Morgan Elayne Tyree says
Hi Kathy! The bookshelves are Hemnes – http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30371711/#/60371762
Happy Organizing! Morgan 🙂
Amy @ The Quiet Homemaker says
Wow, this was so wonderful. The tween years are a huge and strange transition. I have all boys and was not sure how to help them transition into this stage. Now I have one that is 8, and, well I am still not sure. But there will be much more organization when we finish our cabin and get moved in. He just likes sooooo many different things! Lol!
Morgan Elayne Tyree says
I agree! The tween years are full of change and yes, strange! 🙂 Best of luck with your new home.