Back to School Closet Organization

September 19, 2017

School is in session and parents everywhere are going crazy, especially in the mornings before carpools show up and kids have to be out the door and off to school. Checklists include things like: make sure homework is done, put it in backpacks, eat breakfast, brush teeth, find matching socks, get dressed. The list goes on and on. And then for those of you who live in a place with all four seasons, you have so many accessories to worry about too (jackets, scarves, gloves, boots, beanies, etc.). I may not have a solution for all of your kid’s morning routine problems, but we do have a solution for at least a couple! It’s a simple closet organization. An organized closet can not only make less work for your kids, but for you too! Anything to help reduce stress in my house is a welcomed consideration. Most kids, up until a certain age, need help finding clothes to wear in the morning—at least clothes that match. And some kids never even grow out of it (*cough cough my husband*). Imagine a closet that is so organized, even your preschooler could pick out his own clothing. Seems impossible, right? It’s not! Here are some tips to make that happen!

1. Belt and/or Scarf Hanger

This little organizer can be extremely helpful, especially if your kids wear uniforms where belts are required. Belts, scarves, and other accessories seem to constantly go missing, at least in my house. Aside from that, most people don’t have a designated spot for them. This hanger is super easy to install and will solve the problem of the missing belt.

2. Tie Rack

Similar to the belt and/or scarf organizer, this pull-out tie rack is out of the way and convenient. The one pictured above is a telescoping tie rack from ROK Hardware, but you can also buy them as hangers if it works better for your closet.

3. Valet Rod

This valet rod installs easily and is perfect for keeping closets more organized. Often times, valet rods are used to hang dry cleaning, but in your kid’s case, you can hang up outfits the night before so that mornings go more smoothly for both you and your kid(s). If the clothes are hanging up already, your kid probably won’t even need help getting dressed, if you can believe that. Most rods hide away easily for when they are not in use.

4. Shoe Organizer

Photo Credit: "Almost Made It #1” by kellinahandbasket is licensed under CC BY 2.0

A shoe organizer can be an amazing thing. If your kid has his shoes just piled on the floor on top of each other, a shoe rack or something similar will help him or her keep pairs together and learn to be more organized. Shoe racks can be found in many different styles, both vertically and horizontally. Some hang over the door, some are basically shelves on the ground, and others can be installed into a specific location (including the closet). Find what works best for you and go with it.

5. Wall Hook

A wall hook is super convenient for a purse or jacket or something similar that you’ll use every day, but don’t want to have to take on and off a regular hanger all the time. Install it onto the wall right next to the door and it will be easily accessible.

6. Drawers or Shelves

Photo Credit: oh-three-ohana.blogspot.ca

We often think of closets as a place to hang our clothing, but get creative. Make use of the space underneath all of the hanging shirts. This can be done with drawers or shelves (or even a shoe rack—see #4 above). If your kid has TONS of shirts, then you can even use the space below to add yet another bar. A second row of available hang space might be just what you need. Take inventory and figure out if drawers, shelves, or a hanging bar would be most useful.

7. Door Shelves

Photo Credit: Involvery.com

If your closet has a typical door, make use of the space on the door that usually goes unused. I mentioned an over-the-door shoe rack earlier. You can also use handy organizing shelves like in the photo above and store whatever is needed there. Some ideas include socks, gloves and mittens, hats, blankets, or even toys.