Back To School
Making Back-to-School as Easy as 1-2-3 Storage Solutions and Organization Ideas Keep Rooms Clutter-Free
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Aug 20, 2005, 18:19

(ARA) - Back-to-school is a great time to evaluate children's rooms to make sure they have a well-organized work and play space for the coming school year.
According to the experts at Pier 1 Kids, a solutions-based children’s furniture and accessories retailer, there are three easy steps adults can take to better organize children’s rooms for back-to-school time. Adapt these simple steps to best suit individual needs for smart study spaces and clutter-free kids rooms.

* Step One: Provide Adequate Storage for Belongings

Children need a place to store toys and other stuff when adults tell them it’s time to clean up.

“All of your child's belongings need storage space if you expect them to not be left around the house,” says Julia Summers, director of stores for Pier 1 Kids and mother of one. “Action figures tend to migrate to piles underneath the bed if they don't have a place to call home when playtime is over.”

Pier 1 Kids director of merchandising Peter Fowler agrees. “Storage trunks are essential to an organized kid’s room,” says Fowler. “However, toys are not the only things that need a home. Hang wall hooks within your child's reach for jackets and sweaters and save space in the closet for shoe bags or racks.”

Fowler also suggests color-coding storage areas for toys. “Color coordination is a simple technique to help kids. In fact, I use color coding as an adult!”

Use a variety of large and small wicker baskets and storage bins that are sturdy, attractive, colorful and affordable to store art supplies, books and toys. If larger storage is needed, try a toy chest, which is also perfect for quick clean-ups before company arrives.

“Teaching children to pick up after themselves at an early age will save both parents and children a lot of future stress,” concludes Fowler.

* Step Two: Create Smart Study Spaces

Parents should consider creating a comfortable place for school-age children to sit and color or to read and do homework without distraction. Study spaces can serve as a haven to work on homework and other school projects, and should reflect their personalities.

To make study spaces unique, try decorating them with fun, vibrant desk lamps, comfortable chairs and stylish desk accessories. This approach will help kids feel more comfortable and inspired to start the new school year off with a bang!

“A desk or workstation is a great solution for kids’ rooms. Not only will these serve as a place for young children to color and write, but they can also grow with your child,” says Fowler. “As kids’ interests grow, the space can be used to store books, toys, CDs and even computers.”

A computer workstation can be a great tool to house a computer, serve as a desk and store school and computer supplies. Use stacking bookcases, CD/storage towers and baskets with or near the workstation to house small books, CDs, toys and stuffed animals.

Pier 1 Kids has just introduced a new bunk bed -- the Teen Loft System. Combining a twin or full bed with a desk area underneath creates a useful solution for study, play and sleep needs. With a built-in keyboard tray, storage drawers and bookshelves, the Teen Loft System creates a unique, space-friendly design option.

* Step Three: Set an Example

The easiest and fastest way to teach kids to stay organized is for supervising adults to do so as well.

“If parents don't pick up their belongings from around the house as part of their daily routine, it makes it hard for children to understand why they have to,” says Summers.

Sort the mail as it comes in, hang up coats in the hall closet, put away the laundry when it’s clean, and find an appropriate home for magazines, paperwork and the like. By doing so, adults are demonstrating the positive behavior they wish to be mirrored by their children. Courtesy of ARA Content

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