Ready for School: Entry Closet Organization for Kids

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Time to get ready for school! Let’s talk entry closet organization for kids, but let’s keep it simple.
If we start the year off with organization that’s easy to maintain, we’ll save ourselves and our kids so much work.

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!

Entry closet organization family

 

Benefits of Organizing a Kid’s Entry Closet

The benefits of an organized entry closet go beyond getting ready quickly in the morning.
The peace that an organized closet brings will positively effect you and your kids throughout the day.
Entry closet organization storage

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

Reevaluate your current storage solutions.
I saw that because the kids feet were growing some shoes no longer fit into a thrifted shoe rack I had found.
It was time to invest in a new one. I also saw that shoes were being thrown on the ground in piles.
These new shoe racks here and here were purchased to help shoes stay more organized and keep them from getting marked up in the closet.

 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!

Sort through current items: keep, donate, or discard. You know the declutter drill. This post here shows how I do it quickly.
Entry closet organization kids

 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.

Entry closet organization simple

 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.

Entry closet organization aesthetic

Entry closet organization shoe holders

 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

Every parent finds themselves saying the words, Put away your things. It can be annoying when they don’t listen, but just keep on keeping on parents.
Here’s a wonderfully helpful book I listened to that allowed me to let some stuff go and free our family in the process.
Parenting tip: Instead of reminding kids to put their stuff away when they forget, try asking them what they should be doing now. The question helps them focus their brain on what was missing and hopefully they will figure it out next time on their own.

 6. Add Personal Touches

Customize spaces with names or favorite colors. This holds each child responsible for their own belongings.
Use decorative elements to make the space inviting if the kids are motivated by aesthetics. My kiddos like a minimalist style, except in their rooms where maximalism rules. (Roles eyes.)
Entry closet organization ideas

 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.

I know, easier said than done.
It helps though when you make it personal.
Ask the questions, Do you want to only be able to find one of your shoes and be embarrassed because you’re late to school looking for it? No? Ok, great put your shoes where they belong.
Entry closet organization back to school

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.

Entry closet organization tidy

 

Start organizing now for a smoother school year. It’s never too early to have an idea of what your children need to get out the door to school stress free.
 If this post has inspired you in any way, please sign up for my newsletter for more!
xo maria

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Welcome to Pure Happy Home! A home design and DIY blog encouraging and helping you to design spaces you love. Here you’ll find budget makeovers, design tips and creative ideas you can apply to your home. Follow along as our family of 7 works to make our home more beautiful and our relationships closer.

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