Organizing a Toddler’s Closet
Kids’ rooms can be tough, especially toddlers. They are constantly growing and clothes sizes are changing. The key to a kid’s clothing is to work with that change. When organizing a kid’s closet and dresser, you want to have systems for bringing in new clothes and getting rid of outgrown clothes. Many of these tips will work for older kids as well. They are still growing out of clothing, just not as quickly.
On a recent moving project, I organized a toddler’s closet for a family with a toddler and baby on the way. Check out the toddler closet below and follow me on Instagram @wildelyorganized to see baby sister’s closet!
Toddler organized closet
Current size and season
The first space you need in a closet and dresser are current clothes. This includes the correct size and correct season. Nothing is worse than pulling out something for your child to wear that day and it being the wrong size. Keep certain drawers and space in the closet for current clothes that you know fit your child. That way, on a daily basis, you’re pulling out clothes that fit your child and work for the current season.
Toddler organized drawers
In this closet, the bottom rack is for current clothes. That way, both mom and dad know which clothes fit their child and can get her dressed. Also, they are on the bottom rack which will transition to her being able to pick out her own clothes as she gets older. You can always think about the future when setting up systems that will work as your child gets a little bit older. The drawers also have current size clothing. Each row is separated by a drawer divider which keeps everything organized and helps everyone see where different items are.
Systems for hand-me-downs in and out
Some families have hand-me-downs coming in and others have some going out. Everyone needs a system for clothes that are too small – every child grows out of clothes! For clothing coming in that is too big, I like to separate the clothing by size so you’re not having to go through all the clothing every time. If you separate by size, you only have one bin to go through at a time to determine what works for your child and the season they’re in.
In this closet, there are both. There is a space on the top shelf for clothing that is too big. This way, when it comes time, mom knows where the next size up clothes are. She can quickly go through the clothing and determine what works for them. Then, the clothing goes into the closet on the bottom rack or into the drawer in the dresser. The clothing that she has outgrown can go out and in a space for baby sister.
The easiest solution for hand-me-downs for a younger sibling or family friend (or just to keep in case another sibling comes along) is to have a bin in the closet. This way, when you try something on your child and it is too small, toss it in the bin immediately. If you put it back in the drawer or the closet, you are creating the problem for yourself again. If you have an easy solution that doesn’t take a lot of time, you’re more likely to do it! Then, when you have time, you can go through the clothing and see what you want to keep for the next child.
In this closet, there is a bin for clothes to hand down to little sister. When the bin gets full or mom has some time, she can go through the clothes and see what she wants to pass down. Then, the clothing will go into a bin, labeled by size, and live at the top of little sister’s closet until it’s time for her to wear them.
System for off-season clothing
Another system you want to have is for off season clothing. There are two options. The first is to have a bin for off season clothing in the correct size for your child. When it starts to warm up or cool off, you know where the clothing is. I like to make this bin the most accessible since this clothing currently fits your child. This way, if you happen to need a coat when it’s warm, you can get to it easily.
The other solution works well in this closet. Since it’s a larger closet for a toddler, there is extra hanging space. The top rack has off season clothing in the correct size. Since both parents know this, they won’t dress her in the wrong clothing but have a coat or long sleeve shirt easily accessible if needed.
Diapers and accessories
For a young child, you want to make sure that diapers are accessible. An easy solution is to put them in the top drawer of the dresser if you have a changing station on top. It keeps them neat and out of the way, but easily accessible for diaper changing. Since they won’t take up the whole top drawer, this is a good place to store hair accessories or socks. Using small bins the drawer will help separate everything and keep it neat and tidy.
Storage
If there’s space, it helps to keep all kid related items stored together. I like to keep all my travel items for kids in their closets. This way, when it comes to packing for a trip, I know where the portable crib is and the sheets that go with it.
In this closet, there is some space at the top that has some kids items stored. This way, when searching for kid items, the parents know right where to find them.
Shoe storage
Another item you want to consider is shoes. The shelf in the middle of the closet is a good idea if you want them out of reach of toddler hands. Or the bottom of the closet if you’re ready for your child to get their own shoes.
Another option, which this family does, is have a spot downstairs for shoes. This works well if you prefer house shoes in your house. Children will learn to place their shoes downstairs and take them off when they enter the house. For young children, I like bins for their shoes because it’s easier for them to put them away. As your child grows, allowing them to put their shoes on the shelf with yours will work.
At our house, my four and a half year old likes to put his shoes on the shelf with mine so he knows which shoe goes on which foot. Choose the option that works best for your child.
Organized coat and shoe closet
When you have some time, look at your child’s closet and see where you can make it more efficient. Below, I have linked some of the products I used in this room to help organize her clothes.
