Organizing Your Kids’ Shared Room

Most parents want their children to have separate rooms. They think that by having their own space, kids will be more responsible and have precious alone time. However, these reasons are often more relevant to us than to children. On the contrary, by sharing a room, your kids will gain many valuable skills. They’ll still learn to take responsibility for their belongings (maybe even more so!). Plus, they’ll become better at communication and solving problems as well as learn to be creative and tolerant. But the question is how to arrange all their belongings? Where to put all the toys, clothes, school things, and other items? Even if you are short on space, there’s no need to worry! With a bit of creativity and planning, you’ll be able to create a cozy and unique space your children will love. Here are some great tips on organizing your kids’ shared room!

Bunk beds are great for expanding space

Maximizing space in a small home can be difficult. But, even if the square footage of your home is limited, creating an airy and spacious feel is far from impossible. One of the fundamental rules is to leave as much floor space as possible.

Otherwise, the room will feel crowded and stuffy. This rule is especially important when it comes to your kids’ room. They need a lot of free space to move around, as well as play and study.

And when it comes to saving floor space, bunk beds are your best friend. They come in a variety of styles and designs you can choose from. For example, there are some with storage space underneath. Or you can opt for lofted beds with built-ins – your children will love them! Not to mention that by stacking beds vertically, you’ll create a perfect play area for your little ones!

Decluttering is the key

Shared rooms can easily become a mess if clutter gets out of hand. With plenty of clothes, toys, books, etc., your kids’ room will quickly turn into chaos. However, careful planning and regular decluttering will create the comfortable, tidy space you want. Plus, it will be much simpler for your kids to maintain order themselves!

The first step is to get rid of clutter that is already there. Throw away all the clothes they’ve outgrown, broken toys, and other damaged items. Then, consider all the things your kids don’t need or use – you can sell or donate them. You’ll be surprised how many of such items you’ll find! Lastly, turn decluttering into a habit – getting rid of all the unnecessary items twice a year will keep the space fresh and well-organized.

Storage ideas

Neglecting storage is one of the most common mistakes when decorating your children’s room. When your kids are still small, space doesn’t seem like such a significant issue. However, they’ll need room to grow and develop.

Over time, things tend to accumulate – your kids will find new hobbies and interests they love. Pretty soon, the once spacious room will seem tiny and crowded all of a sudden. That’s why it’s essential to plan everything in advance and keep the future in mind. Here are some creative storage solutions, ideal for organizing your kids’ shared room:

• double-duty furniture – multifunctional wall units, dressers, fold-up chairs, etc. are a lifesaver when you’re short on space
• go vertical – use hooks to hang jackets, bags, and similar items, or add shelves to display and organize your kids’ treasured belongings
• use bins, baskets, and containers – they come in plenty of colors, materials, and designs; plus, they are a cheerful and extremely useful addition to your kids’ room
• utilize the space under the beds – pull-out drawers, tubs, or bags under the bed will provide a lot of storage space for extra bedding, unseasonal clothes, or anything else you have in mind.

Create individual spaces within the same room

Although sharing a room will be fun and enjoyable for kids, it’s also important to provide each of them with a space of their own. Creating a physical barrier between will not only save you from intervening in occasional (but inevitable) fights and arguments.

It will also give each of your kids some room to breathe and express themselves. Plus, with clearly defined personal spaces, each child can take responsibility for their part of the room and keep it in order.

Fortunately, there are many ways to create this effect (short of putting up a wall!). You can use bookshelves, curtains, room dividers, or even rugs! Additionally, you can use contrasting wallpaper, artwork, or color schemes! That way, it will feel like two different rooms in one. Your children will appreciate it – not to mention they’ll argue less and contribute more.

Closet organization is crucial for organizing your kids’ shared room

Creating individual spaces is not only important when it comes to the room on the whole. It’s also necessary for the closet! Multiple kids in one room certainly mean a lot of clothes and potential mess.

However, you can avoid this by organizing the closet into two separate parts for each child. Use the hanging racks, shelving, pull-out baskets, or buy some closet organizers! That way, getting ready and putting the clothes back will turn into a simple task for your kids.

Let your kids showcase their personalities and taste

Last but not least, ensure you provide ample opportunities for each of your kids to showcase their personality and style. Although they share the room, it doesn’t mean all their belongings must match.

The color scheme is only the beginning. For example, you can let each child choose the bedding and pillows they like. Additionally, they can each organize their desks or showcase their cherished belongings on open shelves. This will add a personal touch to their individual spaces. Not to mention that active participation in a decision-making process will increase your kids’ creative development.

The bottom line

While it may seem challenging at first, organizing your kids’ shared room is a worthwhile task. Not only will your kids become closer, but they’ll also gain some valuable skills. Of course, take your kids’ interests and preferences into account and be creative with storage ideas. That way, your kids will love their new room and spend many happy moments playing and learning together.

Author bio: Julia Spencer is a freelance writer and interior design enthusiast. When she’s not writing about home décor and organization, she spends time with her husband and their kids. Their hobbies include various DIY projects, camping, and reading about pirates of all kinds.

 
Photo by Alen Rojnic on Unsplash