8 Tips for Kid Friendly Closet Organization

A tidy kids closet where everything has a place sounds like a dream but it is achievable! Setting up a system to deal with both incoming & outgoing clothes as well as maximizing the space that your kiddo can reach will go a long way in keeping your kids closet organized. Here are some of my top tips for Kid Friendly Closet Organization:

1.) Keep a Donation Bin for Outgrown Clothes

You can keep this bin/basket on the floor or on a higher shelf in the closet. If your kid puts on an outfit that is too small, instead of hanging the outfit back up put it in the donation bin. When the bin gets full, head to a local charity to donate. Any clothes that are heavily worn/ripped/stained can be taken to Remains Inc (if you live in St. Louis). If you are saving clothes for a younger kiddo than label the bin with the size/season and then store in your basement when full.

2.) Designate a space for next size up clothes

It’s fun to shop deals for the next season but often it is a struggle to determine where to store these items. Depending on your kids closet space, you can designate a section of the closet rod for next size up clothes. If your closet has a few different rods- then use something up higher/and to the side of a closet\-giving current size clothes the prime real estate. A bin stored on a higher shelf could be used for the same purpose. If tight on closet space, then an under the bed solution like these canvas bags from Bed Bath and Beyond would work great, just remember the items are down there!

3.) Keep current seasons clothes in reach

Give prime real estate to clothes that are currently in season, ideally on a rod that your kids can reach. If your kid will likely be in the same size come Spring/Summer, just move the t-shirts to a higher rod and move down the sweatshirts/long sleeve shirts/etc. This way your kid is empowered to dress themselves & put away their own laundry.

4.) Hang as much as possible by category

Folding is a nice idea in theory but not something a kid will typically do haha. If you have the shelf space then you could designate a basket per category (make sure to label) and aim to have your kid at least put their clothes in the right baskets. But shelves and baskets can get messy quick. Try to hang as much as possible if you have the space. If you only have one rod then consider a closet rod extender to double the hanging space. Also purchase kids sized hangers in the same color as often times kids clothes are too small for adult sized hangers. Amazon has endless color options for kids sized hangers.

5.) Roll socks in a ball so no pair is lost

When your putting away socks, ensure pairs stick together by putting them into a ball. To make- place socks on top of each other and hold both socks in one hand. With the other hand take toes of socks and push toes back up, creating a little pocket. Fold down the top of the bottom sock over both. Better yet just Google sock ball for a better visual! :)

6.) Get creative with additional storage solutions

If your rods are high enough in the closet or perhaps just on one side of the closet & you lack space for non hanging items, consider bringing in an additional piece of furniture to the closet. The Kallax unit from IKEA (turned on its side/running horizontally) is a great option to consider. Use the cubbies to store shoes & baskets can be added to the cubbies to store items like underwear/socks etc. if you lack dresser space in the bedroom.

Utilizing the back of closet doors to store hats & shoes, is another great solution to gain extra space. Command hooks on the interior sides of closets or on back of doors can store accessory items like purses or light jackets.

7.) Use baskets/bins with labels for non hanging clothes

There are so many fun & beautiful baskets/bins out there to help corral and contain any items that don’t lend themselves to hanging like pants, shorts, sportswear, and undergarments. You can bring the look/feel/colors from your kids room into their closet as well. Measure the size of your shelf and utilize the same bin (in different sizes if possible) for a consistent look. Label the bins with something like these clips from Target so your kid learns the “home” for each clothes category and can start to dress themselves as well as put away their own laundry.

8.) Create a separate space in room for toys/books

Sometimes a kids closet can be a catch all for everything in the room- from toys to books to art supplies. If possible, try to designate a separate space in the room for books and toys like on a vertical bookshelf or a smaller Kallax unit from IKEA.

I hope I have armed you with some good tips to start wrangling your kids closet! Please reach out if you need another organizing hand :)