Your Family's Ultimate Organizational Checklist

by Brenda Stokes

Keeping the house clean with little kids in the house can seem next to impossible, but with a few organizational tips and tricks, you can get a handle on the clutter. Here are the items you need to stay organized, the ones that will be helpful, and those that would be nice for the ultimate in clutter clearance.

Essentials

Dresser or armoire Of course you need a dresser! Baby's clothes need to go somewhere, right? You can use a dresser to keep baby's clothes, booties, nappies, and bibs tidy. You may even be able to use the extra drawers to store items such as cloth diapers, diaper covers, or rattles.
Hamper or laundry basket Not just for dirty clothes, a hamper is also a good place to store toys or lesser-used items.
Toy box or storage bins A must-have item, the toy box or storage bin system will keep kids' odds-and-ends off of the floor. You can teach your kids to place their toys here once they are done playing, so make sure the box or bins are at an accessible level. Some parents prefer smaller, open bins so everything doesn't end up on the bottom of the toy box. Additionally, don't forget to check toy boxes for safety as well; kids should not be able to become trapped in a box where they could suffocate.
Mesh storage bags For soft toys or stuffed animals, mesh bags work great by keeping everything together. These bags can be attached to the wall in a hammock style or simply sit in a corner.
Bookcase or storage cubes A small bookcase or storage cube set can work wonders at keeping books off the floor and out of the way. Once your child can read, she can go to the bookcase herself and grab a book, as long as it's at a suitable height.

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