As a first step to "de-clutter" a child's bedroom, organizational expert Gigi Scandinaro recommends sorting toys, clothing, etc. into piles on the floor.

The Problem
Both rooms have loft beds and an extra bed on the floor. There are old, broken, and unused toys and clothes everywhere. Clothing is just thrown into the closet.

Expert Gigi Scandinaro, organization consultant - Meet Gigi and our other design experts.

Solutions:

• Inexpensive boxes on the floor to sort like items and determine what should be thrown away or given to charity:
  
  • Book box
    
  • Doll box
    
  • Stuffed animal box
    
  • Throw away box
    
  • Charity box
• Big see-through containers labeled for items such as dance clothes or crafts
• Organized coin collection in a binder
  
• Color coordinated clothing
  
• Created a bulletin board with elastic and cloth spins
  
• Created desk space by placing everything in compartments
  
• Created magnetic board to hang pictures
  
• Took away dresser that was blocking door and not being used

Simple Tips

• Experts say we spend 150 hours a year looking for lost items. Think how much time you could save by organizing!
  
• Gigi recommends zoning a child's room like a school classroom.
  
• Donating to local charities, like Goodwill, are a great way to de-clutter.

Resources

The Container Store
800-733-3532
28 locations in 15 markets from coast to coast. Store locations stock every product seen on their website, as well as thousands of other multifunctional solutions.
www.containerstore.com

Ikea
800-434-4532
Make a list of anything you may need for your home--you'll be surprised how much variety there is at the IKEA stores.
www.Ikea.com