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Helen Forum All-Star
Joined: Dec 03 2005
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Posted: April 20 2010 at 10:09am | IP Logged
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What is your storage solution?
How do you allow access but also keep the materials and props in good shape?
I think I need storage suggestions along with "how to" advice.
TIA!
__________________ Ave Maria!
Mom to 5 girls and 3 boys
Mary Vitamin & Castle of the Immaculate
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Maddie Forum All-Star
Joined: Dec 27 2005 Location: N/A
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Posted: April 20 2010 at 10:32am | IP Logged
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We have a couple long wooden coat hook/rack like this in our rec room at child height. This has been the best system thus far. We tried the toy box and a dresser but this is perfect as they can see their options at a glance. Accessories are stored in a toy box nearby and we use a large white trash can for the armory.
__________________ ~Maddie~
Wife to my dh and Momma of 9 dear ones
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Bethany Forum Pro
Joined: Oct 16 2006 Location: Texas
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Posted: April 20 2010 at 10:34am | IP Logged
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Well just this week I moved ours into an under bed storage box in their room. The three oldest share a room and we had them in a square tote but it was in the way and always a mess. I had this extra under bed box, so we tried that earlier this week. They really aren't any neater, but they are covered and put away when not being used. It helps keep their room looking much neater. I worried they wouldn't play with them if they were out of sight, but they still have.
I tried for years to keep them folded nicely, but finally realized that wasn't going to happen. So now at least they are kept out of sight. We don't have a lot of costumes and they aren't really high quality, so this works for us. If you have things you want to keep in really good shape, this might not be the best option.
__________________ Bethany
Wife to Mike, Mommy to Amelia (6/02), Sarah (10/03), Martha Grace (10/05), Rebecca Anne (12/07), Laura Catherine (3/10) and Reed Michael 7/4/14.
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Kathryn Forum All-Star
Joined: April 24 2009 Location: N/A
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Posted: April 20 2010 at 7:47pm | IP Logged
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We started w/ the dresses in a toy chest type box. However, my DD 11 still dresses up and her dresses have gotten too big plus for something like that and I still had old bridesmaid dresses but boy does she love those! Anyway, we have a gameroom upstairs so we were able to hang a tension rod betw. the wall and a desk. We got rid of the desk so I just bought this at Walmart last week: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Neu-Home-Adjustable-Garment-Rack/1 0569418
There was one that was even height adjustable but it was $30 and I didn't want to spend that much so I'm trying this one for now. I'm not sure how it will work for my DD 2 1/2 but sister is usu. always with her so she can help get dresses down for her.
The tension rod would be better for the younger ones if you could find a place. Doesn't mean they always get hung up but at least when they are they stay in far better shape than a bin or box.
That's my suggestions if you have space that allows that, otherwise I would recommend hanging them in the closet. The props and such do still go in the toy box but they're not played with near as much as just the costumes/dresses that are more visible.
__________________ Kathryn in TX
(dd 16, ds 15, dd 8, dd 5)
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Lori Forum Pro
Joined: Sept 10 2008 Location: Arizona
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Posted: April 22 2010 at 12:46pm | IP Logged
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Maddie--a trashcan for the armory...BRILLIANT! Thank you for the wonderful idea!
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Erin Forum Moderator
Joined: Feb 23 2005 Location: Australia
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Posted: April 22 2010 at 3:25pm | IP Logged
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Helen
We have tried a few things over the years. We started out with a big metal chest, but I found it a huge mess and I would always find huge amounts of grit and small toys at the bottom.
We then used a cupboard with shallow drawers and hanging space. I was the one who always seemed to do the picking up and the cupboard wasn't big enough for our collection any way.
Our latest solution has been the best. We have a wooden filing cabinet with three deep drawers. That houses shoes, scarves, swords, play cloths etc. Everything else hangs on a couple of wooden clothes racks. Because they are open it is easy for selection and easy to return items. The children do need reminding but it is not a difficult job.
Unfortunately they are all at present on my verandah (no room elsewhere) and some are a bit mouldy Any suggestions on getting rid of mould?
__________________ Erin
Faith Filled Days
Seven Little Australians
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Heliodora Forum Rookie
Joined: Jan 07 2008
Online Status: Offline Posts: 79
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Posted: April 22 2010 at 8:25pm | IP Logged
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I've tried a bunch of things over the years, and the only thing that works is to keep two large rubbermaid bins- one for girl clothes and one for boy clothes. Every once in a while I'll go through them and wash/mend them or put away the extraneous items that inevitably get mixed in. This works the best for us for keeping them put away neatly. I would love to have a neat looking wardrobe hangar with all of the clothes neatly put up, but I have a hard enough time getting them to hang up their clothes, lol, and I don't have time to clean up after them myself. With the bins, even the toddlers can clean up after themselves, by just dumping the items in.
__________________ Prove all things, hold fast that which is good. -1 Thessalonians 5:21
Heliotropium
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Mary K Forum All-Star
Joined: May 14 2005
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Posted: April 23 2010 at 7:20am | IP Logged
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Our costume items are in large covered boxes, longer dresses are hanging on a clothes rod that is part of the house and accessories are in 2 small suitcases.
My most difficult thing is that when we get any clothes given to us, my 20yodd (theater major), 17yodd and 12yodd will keep things that have costume potential! At least, we never have to buy Halloween costumes and they can be something/someone uncommon.
God bless,
Mary-NY
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