This is part of a series from our CEO, Sarah! Be sure to read Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 if you missed them. Please note there are hyperlinks in this post.
If your family is anything like mine, you have too many books to count. Games and puzzles galore. Let's not talk about the toys! But, now is the time to tackle them!
Organize using the Rainbow Method.
Seriously! I did it a few years ago, and it only takes a few minutes to tidy up once established. I'd say this is easily one of the best organizing methods I've incorporated into my family’s daily routine. The Home Edit was where I got my inspiration. Check them out on Netflix if you haven’t already!
As you start to organize ask yourself a few questions:
Do you want it?
How often is it used?
Is it broken (ripped, coloured on, etc.)? If so, can it be fixed?
Start with books - including colouring books (these go in their own section of course). Use the colour of the spine to organize where the books will go. It looks amazing once you get it all set up. It's visually appealing and conveniently organized. Putting books this way makes it easier for children to know where things go. It's a lot easier to say, “Go put this back with the yellow books, please.” than to trying to explain where the book goes on the shelf.
Next are puzzles. Count each piece OR do each puzzle so you know you have all the pieces. Pro tip: number your puzzles. Put the number of the puzzle on the back of each piece. This way, if you ever see a puzzle piece on the floor you know exactly where it goes! Arrange your puzzles the same way you did the books.
It's game time! Make sure you have all the pieces to the games and, once again, organize them using the Rainbow Method.
When it comes to toys, where you store them really depends on how your home is set up and your style. My family uses a KALLAX shelving unit from Ikea with the storage cube inserts. Two cubes are filled with costumes and two are filled with toys. The other four cubbies contain arts and craft supplies.
In the next article, we will talk about arts and crafts storage as well as some frugal ideas for DIY activities to keep the kids busy when you need them to be!