How to Get Kids to Clean Up

A year ago I made a toy jail.

It was a really popular post and a really popular tool around our house. It was a great reminder for my boys to clean up after themselves, but now they’re a bit older and we don’t have to battle so hard to keep the toys where they belong. Now, it’s more about organization and helping them stay on top of their own stuff… so, now we’re onto Clean Up Bins

Clean Up Bins DIYWe based this concept on their toothbrush holders (that are still alive and kicking all these years later) so I organized them by the first initial of their name.

Clean Up Bins for KidsLabel Bins for Kids

The concept for Clean Up Bins is pretty simple. I put one for each boy at the bottom of our stairs, or by the backdoor or in the hallway, basically wherever their stuff accumulates. They’re required to clean it out at the end of every day. I’ve found the easiest way to do that is just to have them carry it upstairs when we head for bed. But, either way their stuff has a location now and actually, magically, finds its way back home.

Bottom of the Stairs Organizers