Organizing a kid’s room can be a challenge.  You need to place things where your children can pick them out, and when finished, be able to put them away for next time. Being able to do this allows the child to feel a sense of responsibility and accomplishment and it allows us parents to feel less like a personal maid service.

Below are a few tools to consider when reorganizing your child’s room. Hopefully, these tips with make it easier for both parent and child.

1. Closet Rods — We all have them. But for a child, the height may make it impossible for them to hang up or take down items without making a mess. To hang children’s clothes without letting them drag the floor, you’ll need a rod height of around 32 inches. If it is possible, lower the rod to about 4-6 inches lower than the height of your child. Or install a new rod at the lower height, and leave the upper rod to hang out-of-season or dress clothes. Allowing kids to reach the rod will help them be able to help organize their clothing.

2. Small Toy Bins — Using one huge toy box for all of your toys can actually end up creating more problems. What happens when they want a toy? They dump the whole thing out. One giant toy box may be convenient for cleanup, but it actually causes more cleanup by its nature. Try using smaller bins that allow toys to be sorted by their type or use.  Sorting and organizing toys can be an educational activity for your child.

3. Hamper for Laundry — If your kid’s room is piled high with dirty laundry, the problem may not be your child; It may be the hamper.  Older children may benefit from a divided hamper that allows them to sort out whites, colors, and linens. Younger children may need a fun incentive to put their clothes in a hamper. Try mounting a basketball goal above the hamper, and let your kids slam dunk while they organize their laundry. Some companies now have animal hampers that let you feed your dirty clothes to a wild animal.

4. Workable Bedding — Simplify your child’s bedding. If you have ruffles, sheets, duvet covers, and multiple pillows, the bed can seem impossible for a child to conquer. Simplify the contents down to what they use. Beautiful beds with multiple pillows, blankets, and sheets don’t look that great when they’re unmade. Trade in the bolsters and multiple shams for simplicity and a neatly made bed.

5. Hooks — The hook is a simple yet wonderful organizational tool. Hooks at an accessible level can allow children to hang their own hats, bags, scarves, backpacks, and more. Hang a few hooks on the back of the closet door and put labels above to remind your children of what to put there. Remember to label items with pictures and words for non-readers.