Getting your home organized can be a pain. It is a daily chore, a constant source of headaches, and it can seem truly impossible to perfect. Getting all the members of the family to pitch in can seem like a pipe dream at best. However, it is easy to cut down on the stress associated with keeping a mess free and clutter free home by having the right tools – and skills – to keep things under control. One of the worst areas for clutter and disorganization is the kids’ room. More specifically, their toys, games and sports equipment have a tendency to sprawl in an unsightly way. Sports equipment tends to be a huge problem: it is unwieldy and large, used frequently, and can be pretty dirty when used outdoors. There are a few different storage and organization techniques that can help to cut the sports equipment clutter and help you regain a peaceful space.
One of the more obvious choices for organizing kids’ sport equipment is large, plastic containers. There are a number of reasons for the popularity of these Tupperware-like tubs. Not only can they be purchased nearly anywhere, but they are also one of the cheapest storage solutions out there for bargain hunters. For those who are creative or have a unique décor, the tubs are nearly infinitely customizable; a can of plastic-bonding spray paint and stencils (you can create your own from contact paper) are all that is needed for a truly personal touch. A big plus is that the tubs are also kid-friendly; they are easy to open and close, and have none of the sharp edges or tricky latches of some storage options. Containers can be easily labeled as well, either permanently with spray paint or temporarily with masking tape or stick-on paper labels. For those wanting an even simpler solution to finding out what is in each tub, look for clear containers whose sides reveal their contents. There are still drawbacks to using plastic tubs for storage. First and foremost, the tubs come in set sizes; it is easy to end up with bigger tubs as holding cells for mess rather than as truly organized containers. Additionally, though tubs can be stacked, they typically require a lot of floor room, which can be a problem.
Another option that works well is hanging storage. Though bikes are commonly thought of as the only sports equipment that can be hung, many bulky and awkward items can find their place when hung from walls or ceilings. Less commonly used items, like surfboards, snowboards and skis can be suspended easily out of reach; check your local hardware supply store for a range of load-bearing hooks or simple do-it-yourself hanging shelving. For smaller items, consider installing either peg board (typically used for tool storage) or a wire grid along an unused wall. Items that can be hung by their handles will have a quick and visible home. Miscellaneous items can be placed in baskets that can hang from hooks on the peg board. The drawback to a peg board system and to hanging storage is that it can make it difficult for kids to put away and take out their own equipment easily.
Remember that you and your family are most likely to keep using organizational systems that are simple to use. Consider combining the two storage types (hanging and container) to fully satisfy your family’s needs. Rarely used and bulky items can be hung higher, often used items hung within kids’ reach and miscellaneous items (such as rubber balls or uniforms) can be kept in their own containers. Above all else, remember that organization is a process; keep trying to change things up until you find a routine that works.
