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Kids Can Manage It
20
items Simple products, resources, and organizing ideas I recommend to help kids find their things, manage more on their own, and make everyday family life flow a little easier.
Sections
5
Getting Out the Door
Food They Can Handle
Taking Care of Their Own Stuff
School, Activities & All That Gear
Let Them Make It Theirs
Getting Out the Door
My go-to ideas for making it easier for kids to find what they need and get moving.
I recommend sturdy hooks for backpacks because they're simple, don't take up floor space, and even younger kids can use them.
Backpacks - Heavy-Duty Command Hooks
Low, open storage makes everyday shoes easy for kids to see, grab, and—just as importantly—put back.
Shoes - Low, Open Shoe Storage
I recommend one simple spot for papers needing adult attention rather than creating another complicated filing system nobody wants to maintain.
School Papers - Wall Pocket or Magazine File
I love visual checklists for younger kids because pictures let them start checking what they need without waiting for an adult to remind them.
What They Need Tomorrow - Visual Checklist
For younger kids, I suggest a basic calendar with activity stickers so they can actually see what's happening and start learning to follow their own schedule.
Their Schedule - 12-Month Calendar + Stickers
Food They Can Handle
Food storage doesn't need to be redesigned around the kids. A few small changes can make it easier for them to participate without taking over the kitchen.
Kid-friendly lunch containers because children can gradually help pack, carry, open, and manage more of their own lunch.
Lunch Supplies - Bentgo Kids Lunch Box
A snackle box makes grabbing snacks easy and fun—and this is one of those organizing ideas that works surprisingly well for kids of all ages.
Snackle Box With Built In Ice Pack
Fewer bottles with easy-to-use lids and matching parts make this everyday essential much easier for kids to manage.
Water Bottles - Rack for Easy Storage
Taking Care of Their Own Stuff
Organizing everyday basics so kids can take on more as they're ready.
Simple drawer sections make clothes easier to find and put away without creating a complicated folding system.
Everyday Clothes - SKUBB Wardrobe Boxes
I recommend a lightweight hamper near where clothes actually come off so even younger kids can use it and help carry it.
Dirty Laundry -Kidsline Hampers & Accessories
Melissa Pateras is my go-to for practical laundry tips, including realistic ways to get kids involved and teach them to manage their own laundry as they grow.
Clean Laundry - Age-Appropriate Laundry Jobs - Melissa Pateras
For shared bathrooms, I like individual caddies because kids can easily recognize, grab, and put away their own everyday things.
Bathroom Basics - Personal Caddy
For medications and first aid, keep everything easy for adults to find quickly while safely out of reach of little hands.
Medicine & First Aid - Safe Medication Storage Resource
School, Activities & All That Gear
My favorite systems here are the ones kids can eventually manage without an adult keeping track of every piece.
A portable supply caddy is one of my go-tos because kids can bring supplies wherever they're working and easily put everything away afterward.
School & Homework Supplies - Portable Supply Caddy
Keeping each activity's gear in its own bag has worked well for both clients and at home—kids have one place to check, grab, and eventually pack themselves.
Sports & Activity Gear - 1 Bag per Activity
One shared charging spot gives cords and devices a predictable home—and makes it pretty obvious when a charger has wandered off.
Device Chargers - Shared Charging Spot
I recommend keeping library books separate from owned books, and Libby is a great option for older kids who are ready to manage some of their own borrowing.
Books - Library Book Basket or Libby
Let Them Make It Theirs
These are great areas to give kids more say—the system has a much better chance of sticking when it makes sense to them.
TROFAST-style bins work especially well for younger kids because broad categories and easy-to-handle bins make cleanup something they can actually manage.
Toys & Games - Storage Solutions
Rolling carts are a favorite for creative supplies because kids can bring everything to where they're working and roll the inevitable art explosion away afterward.
Art & Creative Supplies - Rolling Carts
Artkive is a great option for saving the memory without saving every piece of paper, and kids can help decide which creations deserve a spot in the collection.
Keepsakes & Artwork - ARTKIVE