We build kids' closets at kid height
A closet only works for a child if they can reach it. When we organize a kids' closet, the first decision is what the child should be able to do on their own: pick an outfit, put away pajamas, hang a jacket, find their shoes. Everything needed for those tasks moves to their height.
That may mean a lower rod, bins on the bottom shelves, or hooks on the inside of the door. Items parents manage, such as dress clothes, extra bedding and next-size clothing, go up high where little hands do not reorganize them.
Outgrown and next-size clothes need a system of their own
Children outgrow clothes faster than most closets can keep up. We sort everything by size and set up two clearly labeled bins: one for clothes that are too small, and one for the next size up, whether from hand-me-downs, gifts or sales.
When the too-small bin fills, you decide whether those clothes go to a younger sibling, a friend or donation. Options in the valley include Goodwill of Southern Nevada and Opportunity Village, among others, and we can take up to a carload of donations with us at the end of a session. For babies and toddlers, our guide to organizing baby clothes by size explains the bin method in detail.
What we typically set up in a kids' closet
Every child and closet is different, but most of our kids' projects include a version of these zones.
- Everyday clothing at reach height, either hanging or in labeled bins
- A school-week section or hanging organizer for families who plan outfits ahead
- A shoe bin or low shelf, with outdoor and sports shoes sent to the garage door
- Picture-and-word labels for children who are still learning to read
- High shelves for off-season items, special-occasion clothes and keepsakes
- A small bin for current favorite toys, with the rest returned to the playroom
Las Vegas family life shapes the closet plan
Because winters here are short and mild, most kids only need a handful of cold-weather pieces. We store those in a single bin on a high shelf for most of the year rather than letting a puffy coat take up hanging space in August.
Swimwear, sun hats and rash guards, on the other hand, are year-round essentials for a lot of local families. We give them an easy-to-reach bin, often near the back door or in a bathroom closet closer to the pool. Many new-construction homes in Henderson, Skye Canyon and Inspirada have smaller reach-in closets in secondary bedrooms, so we make the most of door space and shelf height.
Shared rooms, playrooms and the rest of the house
When siblings share a room, each child gets a clearly defined side or color so belongings do not mix. Our guide on organizing a shared kids' bedroom covers that setup.
Kids' closets often connect to wider family systems, so many parents pair this work with playroom organization or a broader home organization for families project. A full day around $1,200 lets us handle several children's rooms and the playroom in one visit.
