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Organizing with the Kids

How can I help my kids get organized?

Make organizing a priority in your home by taking time to teach them and instill in them good organizing habits. They will mimic and organize the way you do because that’s all they see and learn in your home. If you value being organized and on time, they will as well. Here are some practical suggestions to teach them and ideas of how to get them involved so they’ll understand what organizing is all about.

1. Go through their toys and clothes with them at least twice a year to discard anything they’ve outgrown, used up, or don’t care for anymore. Explain to them what you’re organizing and why you’re organizing with them.
2. Insist on clean up time each day with your child. If you leave a room a mess, why should they clean up their toy area? So remember, set the example and teach them to pick up after themselves each day by starting with their toy area.
3. For older kids like teens and college age students, have “clean up” or “organize time” designated on one day a week (because they’re busy balancing jobs, friends and schoolwork). And if they don’t organize or pick up on that day, there has to be a consequence- otherwise your system will never work.
4. Work on being on time as a family. Again, if your kids see that you value being on time and that you need to respect other people’s time by being prompt, then they will too.
5. Finally, make organizing easy for them by using systems. Label containers, color code bins, and use practical furniture and products that are conducive for storing their stuff. Organizing doesn’t have to be complicated. Keep it simple.

Read our full article on organizing toys and teaching kids organization if you enjoyed these tips.  

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