The Ultimate Organization Checklist for Parents

By: Brenda Stokes

Essentials


Dresser or armoire

Of course you need a dresser! Baby's clothes need to go somewhere, right? You can use a dresser to keep baby's clothes, booties, nappies, and bibs tidy. You may even be able to use the extra drawers to store items such as cloth diapers, diaper covers, or rattles.

Hamper or laundry basket

Not just for dirty clothes, a hamper is also a good place to store toys or lesser-used items.
Toy box or storage bins

A must-have item, the toy box or storage bin system will keep kids' odds-and-ends off of the floor. You can teach your kids to place their toys here once they are done playing, so make sure the box or bins are at an accessible level. Some parents prefer smaller, open bins so everything doesn't end up on the bottom of the toy box. Additionally, don't forget to check toy boxes for safety as well; kids should not be able to become trapped in a box where they could suffocate.

Mesh storage bags

For soft toys or stuffed animals, mesh bags work great by keeping everything together. These bags can be attached to the wall in a hammock style or simply sit in a corner.
Bookcase or storage cubes

A small bookcase or storage cube set can work wonders at keeping books off the floor and out of the way. Once your child can read, she can go to the bookcase herself and grab a book, as long as it's at a suitable height.

Recommended

Small hangers

Small children wear small clothes, and small clothes require small hangers. Make sure you have a bunch on hand to keep little outfits tidy in the closet.

Shoe rack or hangers

Nothing is worse than when you can't see the closet floor beneath all the shoes! Shoe racks or hangers work well by keep shoes together in pairs and off the floor. They come in all sorts of styles, such as cloth bag racks that hang on the back of the closet door or those with several shelves that can sit in the back of the closet.
Wall hooks

Wall hooks are super handy. Hang coats, cups, blankets, or just about anything from them. You can even have a hook designated for your keys.

Storage baskets

Not only do they look stylish, but you can fit a lot of odds-and-ends in storage baskets. You can tuck them away under the coffee table or even place them on the bottom shelf of your bookcase. This way, you can keep items accessible without leaving them all over the house.
Under-bed/crib storage boxes

Under-bed boxes are a lifesaver. You can keep just about anything in them, and their long, flat design allows them to slip easily beneath most beds and cribs.

Stackable crates

Who doesn't need stackable crates? You can easily store your child's toys, books, or even some of your own items in these crates. They fit in the corner nicely and look much better than having items strewn across the living room floor.
Niceties

Diaper station organizer
or diaper stacker

All of those diapers need to go somewhere! A diaper stacker is a great way to store new diapers and keep with the theme of your nursery. The same goes for a diaper station organizer. You can keep diapers, rash cream, and even wipes neatly organized and ready for use.

Toiletries organizer

Keep bottles and brushes from becoming askew (and your bathroom from looking disastrous) by using a toiletries organizer. You can buy one that hangs on the wall or in cabinet form.
Toy caddy

With a toy caddy, you can easily pick up toys and move them from one room to the other. Rather than letting your home turn into a 100-percent kid's zone, load up the toys in the caddy and you can quickly have playtime in the living room and safely store the playthings back in your child's room when you're done.

Rolling storage carts

Rolling storage carts are another great way to keep clutter at bay and allow your child's playtime to venture outside of her room. Just roll the cart out and take out toys. When you're done, put the toys or other items back in the cart and roll it to its storage spot.
Closet organizer

Because not many people will see your closet, it's the most tempting place to let go. But you can keep your closet tidy with a closet organizer. By adding shelves and additional rods to your closet, you can prevent more of your items from making a home on the floor and be better able to find what you need in the morning rush.

Label maker and label stickers

Great for use on just about anything, a label maker and accompanying stickers allow you to easily identify what's inside your storage baskets and cabinets. You can even label under-bed boxes with pictures of certain toys so your kids can grab what they want themselves.
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About the Author
Brenda Stokes is a freelance writer based in Southern California. Her work has appeared in numerous pregnancy and parenting publications.

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