As a parent, I've learned that the battle for a clean kids' closet is never truly won. But guess what? It doesn't have to be a battle at all. In fact, with a bit of creativity and the right tools, it can be fun. Yep—you read that right. Organizing their closet can be a way to bond with your child, teach them valuable skills, and maybe even buy yourself a few extra minutes of peace in the mornings.
- Let them be the designer
- Make it a game
- Create a clothing “capsule wardrobe”
- Hang clothes at their level
- Leverage outfit organizers
- Give everything a home
- Make laundry fun
- Label everything
- Create a “dress-up” corner
- Reward their efforts
- Make it a family affair
- Embrace change
Keep reading to discover what I've learned about making organization fun for kids, through my own trials—and even a few errors.
Let Them Be the Designer
Who says kids can't have opinions about their closet? Let them pick out some fun drawer pulls or knobs. If they're old enough, take them along to the home improvement store and let them choose colorful bins or baskets for their toys and accessories.
Make it a Game
Try to gamify organizing your kids’ closet with prompts like, “Let's see how fast you can put away your socks,” or “Can you find all the red shirts?” It’s a fun way to clean-up time into a game to keep your kids engaged and make it more enjoyable. Add a timer or a silly dance for when they finish to up the fun factor.
Create a Clothing “Capsule Wardrobe”
Help your child create a mini-collection of their favorite clothes. This will help them see everything they have, make it easier to pick out outfits, and avoid the dreaded "I have nothing to wear" complaints.
Hang Clothes at Their Level
Don't forget that those tiny arms have a limited reach. According to HGTV, one of the best features for a kids’ closet is the pull-down rod. High closet rods are too high for kids to reach, but they’re a great spot to store clothing your kids don’t wear frequently. With pull-down hanging rods, the top rods are still accessible for your little ones.
Leverage Outfit Organizers
Invest in some hanging organizers with multiple compartments. Each compartment can hold a complete outfit, including socks and underwear, making getting dressed a breeze and taking the guesswork out of matching tops and bottoms.
Give Everything a Home
Provide designated spaces for everything in the closet. A shoe rack for sneakers, bins for stuffed animals, and hooks for jackets and backpacks will make it easy for your child to put things away in their proper place.
Make Laundry Fun
Instead of a traditional hamper, try a slide-out laundry basket or a colorful laundry bag with a fun design. This makes it easier for kids to toss their dirty clothes in, and you can even make a game out of it by seeing who can make the most "baskets."
Label Everything
Even if your child can't read yet, picture labels can be a huge help. Place labels on shelves, drawers, and bins to make it clear where everything belongs. You can even use a label maker and let your child decorate their labels with stickers or drawings.
Create a “Dress-Up” Corner
Dedicate a corner of the closet to dress-up clothes and accessories. This allows kids to express their creativity and keeps those fun outfits separate from their everyday clothes. A mirror in the closet is also a great addition for trying on different looks.
Reward Their Efforts
When you see your child putting in the effort to keep their closet organized, acknowledge it. A simple compliment like, “Wow, your closet looks so neat!” or a sticker chart with small rewards can go a long way in encouraging them to continue their good habits.
Make It a Family Affair
Make organizing the closet a family activity. Put on some music, have a little fashion show, and make it fun for everyone involved. Working together not only gets the job done faster, but it also creates a sense of teamwork and responsibility.
Embrace Change
Kids grow quickly, and so do their needs and interests. Their closet should evolve along with them. Consider a custom closet system with adjustable shelves and rods that can adapt as your child grows. This means you won't have to overhaul their entire closet every few years.
A Tidy Closet, a Tidy Mind (and Happier Mornings)
By implementing these tips and investing in a custom closet solution, you'll be surprised at how much easier mornings become. Your child will develop essential organizational skills, learn to take pride in their belongings, and, best of all, you’ll spend less time searching for that missing shoe and more time enjoying those precious moments together.
Ready for a Closet Transformation Your Kids Will Love?
Homebuilt Closets specializes in creating custom kids’ closet solutions that cater to the needs of your whole family. We understand that kids' closets require unique features and flexibility. Our team of expert designers will work with you and your child to create a closet that not only looks amazing but also encourages a sense of responsibility and fun. Reach out to Homebuilt Closets today, and let's transform your child's closet into a space they'll love to keep organized!
