our top tips for kids' rooms
There’s no question that kids need space and plenty of practical storage to accommodate all the paraphernalia from the different areas of their lives; whether it’s school, sport, hobbies or play.
The most efficient way to accommodate all these areas is with a mix of storage solutions such as a combination of drawers, shelves and hanging space. An important consideration is the inclusion of adjustable storage that can grow with your kids and their changing requirements. Also consider the colours and finishes you use. It’s best to opt for neutral and simple – then add colour or pattern with accessories that can easily be removed or changed as kids get older.
Planning and De-cluttering
As with any wardrobe planning, the key to success is planning. Our most important tip when designing kids storage is de-cluttering as part of the planning process.
We recommend an initial and thorough de-clutter to clear out any outgrown, damaged or unused clothes, toys and other items.
Consider exactly what you need to store and what the easiest way will be for your child to access those things. If you’re not sure, talk to one of our experienced wardrobe experts at 7am. We’ve designed hundreds of wardrobes so we have a good idea of what works and what doesn’t.
Modular Storage and Easy Access
A modular wardrobe is the way to go for flexible storage. It’s easily able to accommodate a combination of drawers for clothes, open shelving for larger items, toys and books, as well as hanging space.
Remember it’s important to think about making storage easy for kids to access. Open shelving is great for this reason and will hopefully help to contain mess by making it easy for kids to put their stuff away. Store toys, books and anything used regularly on lower shelves so kids can readily access.
A long shelf that runs across the top of the wardrobe is a good use of otherwise dead space, and handy for storing items that are rarely used.
When it comes to drawers, it’s a good idea to make them small and shallow so that kids don’t upend the whole drawer and make a mess when they’re trying to find something. If clothes are stored in short stacks they won’t have to rifle through to find things. The good thing about drawers is that even if kids do make a mess, it generally stays in the drawer rather than on the floor.
Make it Easy for Them
Don’t watch all your planning and de-cluttering go down the drain by making it too hard. Keep kids on board with keeping their spaces tidy by making it super easy for them.
That means using other small storage organisers in the wardrobe such as baskets and storage bins so that everything has a place. Shops like Howards Storage World and Kmart are great sources for these. Hooks on the back of wardrobe doors or next to doors are a good place for hanging bags and hats.
And finally, if you have the space, consider incorporating a study nook with a built-in desk and shelves. This is a really great, cost-effective way of creating a functional study space that will take your kids from pre-school to university.