Don't Let Your Kid's "Stuff" Overtake Your Home!

No matter what their age, children have a lot of stuff. Beginning at birth, children need diapers, clothes, bibs, toys, car seats, high chairs, and on an on. As they grow, their "stuff" changes. It can be quite challenging to find storage solutions that don't require you to redesign a child's room every few years.

To avoid spending a fortune over a child's lifetime, there are several key things to keep in mind when creating a storage solution for a child's room: flexibility of the storage system, current age of the child, your budget; storage space; and child's personality and individual style.

First, the child will grow and grow up, so whatever storage system you select will need to afford flexibility in what is stored and how it is stored. A storage solution that is designed strictly for a toddler will be inappropriate for an elementary school child, and you'll find yourself re-purchasing storage containers and redesigning storage systems every few years.

Your budget is a key factor in determining what storage system you'll purchase for your child's room. From a strictly practical perspective, it would be best to purchase the most durable and well-made storage pieces you can afford. They will last longer, wear well, and hold up over the years.

The amount of space available for storage is another key consideration. If you plan to convert a small closet into a custom-made storage area, you don't want to purchase a large piece of furniture that won't fit in the space.

You'll also want to consider the types of things that will need to be stored in your child's room. Different sizes and shapes of storage areas will be needed for sports equipment and paraphernalia than will be needed for matchbox cars and Lego's, for example.

A great storage solution that affords flexibility and adaptability is a corner hammock for stuffed animals and dolls. Several toy hammocks can be installed at varying heights, and/or they can be elevated as your child grows. They are available in various colors and sizes and you can select the hammock(s) that match the color scheme and decor of the room.

A pocket shoe organizer is another inexpensive, flexible storage item. A shoe organizer can be hung on the inside of a closet door, on the back of the bedroom door or even right on the wall at child-height. Small toys, craft items, doll accessories, etc. can be stored in the pockets and will stay accessible and neatly organized.

Under bed containers with or without wheels are great for storing children's shoes, out-of-season clothes, blocks, cars, and a host of other toys or children's items. Under bed containers don't take up valuable floor, wall or closet space either.

A shelving unit with deep shelves is a great purchase for a child's room. This is a storage solution that offers adaptability as your child grows and her interests change. Purchase cloth-lined baskets for storing toys and games neatly, keeping them off the floor and making clean up a snap.

An armoire is another great storage item for a child's room. When children are young, toys and games can be stored on the shelves, coats, backpacks, etc., can be stored inside. When your child gets older, he/she can keep sports equipment, craft supplies, extra school supplies, and anything else neatly stored behind the doors of this great piece of furniture.

Your kids are going to grow up. Their storage needs will change, but their need for storage will not! Plan ahead and avoid spending money every few years on new storage items or systems.