help me organize my mess!

[luvmyfam444]

Tell me what do you do w/all those handme down clothes? I have a bunch that are several years/sizes away -but basics that will be needed, jeans. And then I have those that dd#1 has just outgrown & need to keep for dd#2, but again it may be years before she wears them.
How do you store them?
Where do you store them?
We are in a small house (1200 sq ft), we do have an attic & outside shed...no room in closets (toys)-only 3 bdroom-& baby #3 on the way!

ALSO- if you have any tips on organzing toys - my girls are sharing their room (each has own closet right now) and baby #3 will have to share the room w/computer/office/scrapbook stuff -basically only enough room for crib...so I don't have a clue where those clothes are gonna go yet....

PLEASE give me any ideas for my mess...please, please, please!

 

[Beth76]

I store my older son's clothes in a clear plastic bin and sort them by size and season. I label the outside too (ie 2T fall/winter). I have three of these big bins and they stack on top of each other. I keep them in the store room of my basement.

As far as toys I bought several clear plastic bins (smaller) to seperate different kinds of toys. All the cars go in one, all the balls go in another and then they stack easily too. Also they sell those shelves that have several open bins rather than actual shelves. You can get all of this stuff at Target or Walmart.

 

[RadioNate]

Here's what I do.

Rubbermaid tubs. All old and future clothes are stored by size in tubs in the attic. If I have a lot of extra cloths they are further split into winter/summer bins. I use these and like Beth I label the outside of the tub

I also use smaller tubs in his room. The majority of them are these

Each toy and all it's components go into the tub. The tubs are stacked in the closet or slid under the bed. I also have general boxes that have like items for example an art box w/coloring books, crayons and other art supplies; a puzzle box and a 'outdoor' box with sidewalk chalk and bubbles.

For bigger toys/sets like GeoTrax or Little People I use the clear version of this box.

anything that can be boxed is. We also have a 2 box rule. Only 2 can be out at a time (unless it is something like GeoTrax that takes 3 boxes!). Toys that come in sturdy original boxes like Linclon Logs or Lego tubs stay in their 'factory' containers and are put away on a book shelf inside the closet.

For the most part we do ok. Everything has a home and when we run out of space it's time to put some thing in the attic.

Like Beth mentioned we also have a plastic basket thing like this that is used for 'extras.' Random things that have no home or odd shaped things that would be impratical to tub.

 

[CajunDixie]

Is your attic opening big enough you can get a plastic tub up there? If you had to you could use double bagged black trash bags. Take them up empty and fill up there if the opening is very small. And are there sheeting boards over the insulation? If not simply cut some cheap OSB or paneling to lay across the trusses. My boys are 3 years apart and I simply rolled the jeans up and stored them in a plastic tub in our attic. You may find the girls have different body shapes at different ages and you may end up selling some things.

For the toys I'd start weeding out what they don't play with to donate to charity. If you wait until Christmas (if you celebrate Christmas) you'll most likely have even more toys. Toys can be stored in the attic for the little one too. When taken out of storage a simple washing in dishwater is good for plastic items.

As for the baby items I'd suggest tubs/baskets that fit under the crib and check out places like Target, WalMart, Lowe's for their back of the door storage ideas. If there is a closest in there that does not have a bifold door you could use 2 of these storage ideas. Think how small baby clothes are, they could even go in a shoe organizer bag on the back of the door.

 

[Skylarr29]

I agree with the plastic bins. We have some that are made to slide under the bed and underneath our bed is completly full of them but you cold never tell because the bed skirt covers them. Also if you afford it you could look into some custom closets kits that you can purchase and do yoruself from lowes or home depot or you can find a company that will come out and install it.

 

[MerryPoppins]

I use the plastic tubs, too. Sort by size and season. Label on the end.

Small plastic stackable tubs are great for toy storage. I like the clear ones, because you can see what's inside. We put up inexpensive plastic shelves and stacked the tubs of toys on the shelves. It really helped cut the clutter.

I suggest a clear or mesh over the door shoe holder for the baby's room. Hang it on the back of the door or on the closet door. Many of the baby supplies can go in the little pockets. You can see through the pockets and find what you need in a second. Great for everything from powder and diaper ointment to nail clippers to socks to small toys.

 

[Tinijocaro]

The best way is to pitch or donate as much as you possibly can. Kids don't need or use nearly the amount of toys they typically have. I make a goodwill donation at least 4 times a year of my kids toys, stuff they just don't play with, and the sad thing is THEY NEVER NOTICE. Especially with Christmas just around the corner. Get rid of stuff! Stuff makes you unorganized. Then, with what's left, use bins, under-the-bed bins, shelves, oh, and did I say get rid of stuff??? That's my solution- it feels sooooo good.

Jackie