Playroom Organization: Photo Labels for the IKEA Expedit

While we don't have a playroom, we do use bins in an Ikea Expedit for storing our son's clothing. The bins take up most of the shelf so it's hard to see inside and our husband is constantly complaining that he doesn't understand our "system." (We're impressed he thinks we have a system.) Stephanie is one step ahead of us with her bin photo-labeling approach...

She took photographs of different categories of toys, had them printed wallet size, laminated them at Kinkos, hole-punched them and hung them on her bins with ribbon. Not only do the labels make it easier for her kids to participate in clean-up, it helps visiting kids and parents lend a hand too.

Hop on over to Stephanie's blog, Stephmodo, to see more photos of her project. While you're there, check out her posts on the renovation of the cottage ("La Maisonnette") her family recently purchased in France.

Comments (3)

I tried to do something similar with the bins in my son's Trofast but the pictures turned out too badly to use... need some tips, I guess.

I have the exact same set up, same expedit and baskets, however, mine are used for books, photo albums etc. A word of caution: the baskets themselves are heavy and filled with toys can be difficult for a child to move. I would fear one toppling a child.

The container store has mesh folding bins that fit perfectly. We use the black ones to hold toys, dress up collections and blankets. It's all contained, you can see in the boxes and if someone gets bonked on the head or falls into the box, it collapses flat. The cubes are also a life saver on trips. Extra toy box, laundry box, trash can during the summer or individual hat/scarf/mitten/boot box on winter trips.