2. Tame shoe clutter "Kids are tossers, not stuffers," says Deniece Schofield, explaining her choice of a basket to hold shoes (b)
over a traditional shoe bag or rack (we also added a basket for socks).
"It takes too much effort to stick each shoe onto a form or into a
pocket," Schofield says. "In the basket, shoes may be slightly jumbled,
but at least they'll be penned up." To protect dressy shoes, stash them
in individual see-through plastic boxes. (Baskets, about $8 to $14 each
at department, discount, and craft stores.)
3. End hanger hang-ups "It's easier for kids to put clothes away on hangers made for their smaller hands and garments" (c),
says Ilene Drexler. To color-code garments, or just brighten the
closet, choose kids' hangers in various colors (available at national
discount stores; ours were $1 for 5 regular hangers and $1.50 for 2
skirt/pant hangers with clips).
4. Go vertical To increase our hanging area, Ilene Drexler had us install a closet rod doubler (d)Hold Everything).
($10, The Container Store; 800-733-3532; www.containerstore.com, click
on "Closet," then "Racks and Wardrobes"). We also added a hanging
storage bag (e) with open compartments for easy access to sweaters,
leggings, even toys ($20, The Container Store). And the interlocking
hanging hooks (f) keep hats organized and off the floor ($28, Hold
Everything; 800-421-2264;
5. Liberate the top shelf "Get better use out of high shelves
and closet rods by providing your child with a small stepstool" (g),
($25, Target) says Crystal Sabalaske. That upper shelf is the best
place for items your child doesn't use every day--dress-up clothes,
second-tier toys, out-of-season clothing--stored in clear, labeled bins (h) ($4 to $7 each, Target). To handle hand-me-downs that are still too big, Deniece Schofield suggests a "grow into" box (i); if you can, store this box in plain sight (so you won't forget it exists) and go through it twice a year to see what fits.
6. Grab 'em and go "For quick hang-ups--like bathrobes or
purses--install hooks or pegs on the side walls or door of the closet"
(j), says Ilene Drexler. Hang them within your child's reach and make
sure they're kid-friendly, with rounded ends (available at national
discount stores; prices vary).
