Storage Solutions for Kids

Under the Bed

• If your child's closet is overflowing, consider storing certain clothing items under the bed. Thin, plastic containers can be purchased at most home goods stores. You can then store out-of-season clothes in these boxes, such as sweaters in the summer and bathing suits in the winter. Just slip the boxes under the bed until the kids need the clothes.

Homework Cubbies

• Kids can make their own homework cubbies out of shoe boxes. Let little ones decorate the outsides of shoe boxes using markers and stickers, making one for each school subject. The boxes can be used to store important papers, study materials and assignments from school, so they can always see what subject they must work on.

Ottomans

• Ottomans are small pieces of furniture that can act as foot rests or small seats. Today, many ottomans are made with a top that pops off and is hollow inside, an ideal spot for storing items. You can place kids' toys inside a decorative ottoman in the living room. The toys are then available for kids when the whole family is hanging out in the room, but are concealed when company is over.

Baskets

• Baskets are easy storage containers that are also decorative, so they aren't an eyesore when placed in a room. Square baskets are perfect for storing books and provide an ideal solution when placed under or next to a night stand. The basket acts as a spot to drop books after kids read in bed, so you don't end up with a messy stack threatening to spill off the night stand.