How to Successfully Organize Storage in a Nursery

Organizing space in a child’s room, especially ensuring ergonomic storage solutions to keep the space uncluttered and functional, is a true art. However, by knowing a few secrets (and having underbed drawer storage as an assistant), you too can become a master of this art. More importantly, it will be an order that even your kiddo will find easy to maintain along with you.

A well-organized space can improve a child’s focus and reduce stress, making it easier for them to learn and play.

General Rules and Principles

Children grow quickly, so the most important and primary rule is not to buy too many similar items. The problem is that they very quickly end up in bags that you will try to give away to acquaintances or donate to charity. The fewer items there are, the easier it is to maintain order and find what you need, even in a limited space. On average, children outgrow clothes every 6 months until age 2, and then every year after that, making it crucial to avoid overstocking.

As the kids grow older, actively involve them in the process of organizing the space and tidying up the room. Initially, this will take even more time and require a lot of parental patience, but it will pay off: the older the child gets, the easier it will be for them to be independent and keep their room tidy without your help at all. Think of your current efforts as an investment in the future with a high return. Research suggests that children who are involved in household chores from an early age develop better life skills and have higher self-esteem.

Try to organize the space so that all the items used frequently are easily accessible. To simplify storage and subsequent searches, divide all items into categories: clothing, toys, books, stationery, etc. It is also advisable to periodically get rid of unnecessary items that are no longer used. The “one in, one out” rule can be helpful – for every new item that comes into the room, an old one should be removed.

Organization of Frequently Used Items

For storing clothing, wardrobes, baskets, containers, and open wardrobes are suitable. Choose wardrobes at the child’s height for the nursery, so that the toddler can also choose their clothes for a walk, for example. Small items such as socks and underwear can be neatly stored in baskets, containers, and organizers with dividers. Color-coding storage containers can make it easier for children to identify where things belong, promoting independence in the organization.

Toys should also be sorted. If a lot of toys are visible to the child, it is difficult for them to choose what to play with today, so some toys can be hidden in bags, baskets, and boxes. The rest can be placed on open shelves. Small toys are conveniently stored in containers with pictures or labels — this helps identify what is where and makes cleaning up easier after play. Studies show that children with fewer, but more open-ended toys engage in longer periods of play and develop better problem-solving skills.

Books and stationery should be stored in a way that makes them easily accessible. Maria Montessori suggested using shelves placed on the floor with a slight forward tilt instead of traditional wall-mounted shelves. This allows books, albums, and coloring books to be displayed as if they were on a shop window. It makes them attractive to the child and encourages more frequent reading or drawing. Research indicates that children in rooms with easily accessible books are exposed to 1.4 million more words by kindergarten than those without.

Storage of Seasonal and Infrequently Used Items

Items that are not used daily or are currently out of season can be stored in a way that they do not get in the way:

• Seasonal sports equipment, such as skis or skates, can be placed in containers and stored on the upper shelves of wardrobes.
• Bedding and some toys can be stored in under-bed drawer storage.
• Seasonal clothing is best stored in vacuum bags. This prevents the items from absorbing unwanted odors and minimizes the space they occupy.

Rotating toys and books seasonally can renew a child’s interest in old items, reducing the need for constant new purchases.

If you notice that certain toys have lost your child’s interest or some clothes no longer fit because they have outgrown them, do not store them as if in a museum. All these items can be donated, passed on to other kids, or sold through online platforms. Besides freeing up space, you can use the money earned to buy something new and pleasant. These simple rules will help you keep the child’s room clean, tidy, and well-organized. This way, the interior is not overloaded, cleaning is easy, and the kiddo also adopts this experience and learns to maintain order and care for their environment. Teaching children about donating and recycling unused items can instill valuable lessons about sustainability and helping others.

Conclusion

Organizing a child’s room isn’t just about keeping things tidy – it’s about creating a space that grows with your child, encourages independence, and makes daily life easier for everyone. By following these tips and involving your kids in the process, you’re not just decluttering a space, you’re teaching valuable life skills. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection, but progress. As your child grows, their needs will change, and so will their room. Stay flexible, keep things simple, and don’t be afraid to get creative with storage solutions. With a bit of patience and these handy tricks up your sleeve, you’ll be well on your way to creating a functional, fun, and fuss-free space that both you and your little one will love. Happy organizing!