Children’s bedrooms are often the smallest rooms in the house, but they carry the biggest demands. Toys, clothes, books, school supplies—all of it somehow needs to fit. Without a plan, the space quickly gets overwhelmed and hard to manage.
The good news? With a few smart organising strategies and the right storage solutions, you can turn even a tiny room into a tidy, functional space your child can enjoy.
Here’s how to make the most of every inch.
Start With a Declutter
Before you buy new bins or shelves, take everything out.
Sort items into four categories: keep, donate, throw out, and store elsewhere.
Be honest about what your child actually uses. Broken toys, outgrown clothes, and old craft supplies take up valuable space.
Involve your child in the process. It teaches them to let go of what they don’t need and helps them value the items they choose to keep.
Use Vertical Space
If you can’t build out, build up.
Use the walls for storage by adding:
- Floating shelves
- Wall-mounted book rails
- Hanging baskets
- Pegboards for hooks and small containers
Tall bookshelves can hold baskets, toys, or folded clothes. Just be sure to secure them to the wall to keep things safe.
Even above-door shelves or corner-mounted racks can add extra space for items used less often.
Vertical storage keeps floors clear and gives the room a more open feel.
Choose Multi-Use Furniture
Furniture that does more than one job saves space and keeps things organised.
Try:
- Beds with built-in drawers
- Ottomans that open for toy storage
- Desks with shelf space underneath
- Storage benches at the foot of the bed
If you’re buying new furniture, look for pieces designed with storage in mind. If you’re using what you already have, think about how you can repurpose it.
A bookshelf next to the bed can double as a nightstand. A small dresser can also hold art supplies.
Use Under-the-Bed Space
That gap under the bed is prime storage real estate.
Use shallow storage boxes or roll-out bins to hold:
- Extra bedding
- Seasonal clothes
- LEGO sets
- Board games
Label each container so your child knows what’s inside. If you’re short on closet space, this area can be a game-changer.
For younger kids, use soft bins or bags that are easy to pull in and out of.
Divide the Room Into Zones
Think about how your child uses their room. Sleeping, playing, reading, and homework—each activity needs a space.
Create simple zones:
- A sleeping area with a nightlight and books
- A reading corner with a beanbag and a shelf
- A homework space with a small desk
- A toy zone with bins or a play mat
Zoning makes clean-up easier and helps your child learn where things go.
Even in a small room, dividing space by purpose helps keep things under control.
Label Everything
Labels are key to keeping an organised system in place.
Use simple labels with words or pictures, depending on your child’s age. Stick them on drawers, bins, and shelves.
This makes it easier for your child to help clean up and find things without asking.
It also encourages independence, an important part of keeping the room tidy long term.
Keep Toys Rotated
Too many toys at once can feel overwhelming for your child and for you.
Try toy rotation. Keep a few favorites out, and store the rest in a closet or under the bed. Every few weeks, swap them out.
This keeps things feeling fresh, limits clutter, and encourages deeper play.
You don’t need more space—just fewer distractions.
Make the Closet Work Harder
Even a small closet can do more with the right organising tools.
Add:
- Double hanging rods
- Hanging shelves or cubbies
- Shoe racks or baskets
- Hooks on the inside of doors
Use low shelves or drawers for things your child uses daily. Store off-season or rarely used items up high.
The goal is easy access where it matters, and smart storage where it doesn’t.
Add Hooks Everywhere
Hooks are underrated when it comes to storage.
Install them on the back of the door, inside the closet, or along the wall.
Use them for:
- Backpacks
- Dress-up clothes
- Hats and bags
- Robes or jackets
They’re quick, easy, and give everything a place without taking up floor space.
Store by Category
Group similar items together so they’re easy to find and put away.
Have a bin for dolls, one for building blocks, and another for puzzles. Keep all school supplies in one area. Make a basket just for bedtime books.
This makes daily cleanup simpler and helps your child build organising habits.
Clear bins can be helpful for quick visual checks, but opaque ones hide clutter better. Pick what works for your space.
Keep It Simple
You don’t need fancy systems to keep a room organised. In fact, simple setups work best for kids.
Open bins, shallow drawers, easy labels, and reachable shelves all encourage your child to stay involved in keeping the space tidy.
Avoid storage that’s too high, too heavy, or too complicated.
The easier it is to use, the more likely your child will use it.
Involve Your Child in the Process
The organisation works best when your child is part of the plan.
Ask them where they want their favorite toys to go. Let them choose storage boxes in their favorite color. Show them how to use labels or rotate toys.
When kids feel ownership over their space, they’re more likely to help keep it clean.
Plus, it turns organising into a shared project, not just another chore.
Final Thoughts
A well-organised children’s bedroom doesn’t require a massive space or a complete makeover. With smart storage solutions, thoughtful planning, and a few simple habits, you can create a room that’s easy to use, easy to clean, and enjoyable for your child.
It’s not about perfection—it’s about creating a system that works for your family.
Start small. Choose one area to improve. And build from there.
Every organised drawer and labelled basket makes a difference.
And most importantly, you’re teaching your child how to manage their space—something they’ll carry with them for life.
Some of the links on this site are affiliate links. This means that if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products or services I use or trust.
mommiesontheweb.com 