Organizing a shared boys bedroom will carve out a clean, uncluttered place to think, play and dream for each of them. Before undertaking the project, talk with both children. Ask them what they want for the space and how they see the space working. Consider their individual interests and give them both a voice in how the room functions and looks. Enlist their help in the project and watch them take ownership with pride.
Instructions
Split Space for Two Boys
1. Clear out all the shelves, closets, dresser drawers, toy chests---every storage solution available in the space. Separate the boys' belongings, with a third pile for shared items. Creating a clutter-free space is the goal, so purge and donate items they no longer want or use.
2. Zone the room so each child has adequate space to sleep, play and study. Resist the urge to create a physical barrier between them; use complementary color to separate the space instead. Keep the amount of furniture in the room to a minimum if square footage is tight. Consider bunk beds to make use of vertical space.
3. Sort what's left of the boys' belongings by use---sports equipment with sports equipment, books with books, art supplies with art supplies---and provide appropriate storage solutions for each. One by one, put items where they will go. The best way to help children learn to put away their things is to assign a specific spot for each grouping. If you make a place for everything, the boys won't have to guess. At this point, set expectations for how the new space will be maintained.
4. Add hooks to the backs of doors for jackets and backpacks. Hang additional shelving to free up floor space for storing books, collections, trophies and other items. Use a large toy chest in a central location in the room for easy play and cleanup. Try under-bed storage bins to hold offseason clothing and less frequently used toys.
5. Install a closet organizing system to maximize space and accommodate both boys' clothes and shoes. If they share certain items, make those the most easily accessible, and then separate the rest by child.
Tags: boys belongings