Ready for School: Entry Closet Organization for Kids
Our front entry closet is mostly dedicated to the kids.
Over the years as they’ve grown it been a real workhorse for us. Neat and tidy it has not always been, but it’s been great to have.
During our renovation I designed it very simply. It had to be shallow so not much could get lost in there, and the doors had to open wide so we could see everything at a glance.
At the end of last year it was looking chaotic and I knew we needed to clean it up before the school year began.
We also needed to change a few things up because the kid’s feet had grown. They do that a lot!
Benefits of Organizing a Kid’s Entry Closet
How to Organize an Entry Closet with Kids and Stay Organized Throughout the School Year
1. Assess Your Space
Measure the dimensions of your closet
Before you buy any organizational tools for your closet do a quick measurement of it. Knowing what will and won’t fit in your closet will save you the hassle of doing returns.
Note any existing storage solutions
2. Declutter
Declutter by emptying your whole closet and starting fresh. Bit by bit put items back where they are best placed. It feels so good!
3. Plan Your Storage Needs
Consider the number of children and their specific needs
We’re a big family with five kids. Even though one of those kids is in college across town some of his things are still in this closet.
The three youngest use this closet the most however, so we allocated a lot of the space to them and their needs.
Categories: backpacks, shoes, outerwear, accessories
As you can see we have many shoes. Shoes storage was a priority and I added more on the top shelf with there shoe racks here. A great deal for the added space they bring.
The lower hooks are great for backpacks. Originally white, I was impatient and spray painted them black which was not the best idea because they got so much us the paint chipped.
They once were perfect for the little kids who couldn’t reach the top hooks. Sniff, sniff, my little ones have grown so fast.
4. Invest in Storage Solutions
Storage can make or break an organizational project.
There are so many out there. Take your time deciding which one best suits your needs. And be realistic, you don’t need a lot of storage.
Sometimes for kids it’s as simple as getting into a good habit of hanging your coats up on the hooks.
- Hooks and pegs for easy access (no hangers for kids works best for us)
- Bins and baskets for smaller items
- Shelves and cubbies for shoes and bags
- Labeling for easy identification (these are nice and large so the kids can’t miss them)
5. Create a Daily Routine
Assign each child a dedicated space
This can avoids fighting and arguments that don’t need to happen.
Encourage kids to hang up and store their items daily
6. Add Personal Touches
7. Maintain Organization
Regularly check and tidy up the closet, and rotate seasonal items as needed.
Or like us, sort of rotate the items because Summer is so short in Michigan.
8. Involve Your Children
Teach kids the importance of organization.
Make it a fun activity to keep them engaged
Get competitive. Can the kids do better than their parents keeping the entry closet organized for a month? If yes, they get ice cream, or whatever dessert they want.
MORE ORGANIZATION POSTS
- Budget Bathroom Organization
- 4 Smart Ways to Declutter When You’re Overwhelmed
- Bedroom Closet Makeover for Under $50
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