Using the Basket Method to Keep Kids Organized

 Starting from birth, kids come with stuff. Lots. Of. Stuff. Experts on child development say that children as early as age two can learn chores and make an important contribution to the family’s cleanliness. Teaching kids to be tidy and organized can set them up for easier transitions into school and make it easier for them to be social.

 One method organized families use to keep things tidy is the Basket Method. This method is used by schools all around the globe. This method incorporates baskets to help kids keep spaces clean and makes it easy for them to be responsible. They learn to keep their personal items organized.

Here’s how:  

What it is- The basket method is simple. A basket is assigned to each child. There can be more than one basket if necessary for different types of items: school supplies, sports equipment, clothes, or toys. An example could be a designated laundry basket for clothes and a designated basket that remains in the living room for toys. These are in addition to the “basket” that is primary.  

How it works- The basket comes into the main living area at the beginning of the day. Throughout the day, items that belong to the child can be placed in the basket by a parent or the child as a means to keep clutter to a minimum or get the item to its proper place. At the end of the day, the child takes the basket to their room and puts the items in their proper place. The empty basket is ready for a new day.

Why it’s awesome- The basket method is a great way to teach pride of ownership, responsibility, and respect. Being responsible for the items in the basket and seeing that they are put away teaches kids to participate in the chores without feeling overwhelmed. Picking up one basket at the end of the day feels less intimidating than rounding up multiple items. Moms and dads don’t mind tossing a stray shoe or book into a basket that they know their kid is going to take to their room.

Other ways to use the basket method:

The basket method is a great way to streamline many sorts of chores. Here are some other ways to use the method.

If you have a multi-level home, you can keep a basket at the foot of the stairs to capture items that need to go up.

Keep a basket in the garage to unload the car and bring loose items into the house. Toss the items into the kids’ baskets and you can avoid lost sports gear, coats, and other important items.

Instead of having a school locker, the kids have a basket to maintain their school supplies. When school is in session, they pull out their basket and set up at the table or study area.

Teaching kids the importance of being tidy helps them adjust and adapt to new situations easier. Knowing the importance of being a part of a team and how to take care of their belongings helps them contribute to the family in a meaningful way. Having kids who manage their belongings on their own makes mom and dad’s lives a bit easier too. The basket method is a great way to help kids and the home stay organized. And when your child is homeschooling, it keeps all materials together which helps keep your student on task.

Until next time...

Lisa

P.S. The Basket Method isn’t just for kids...you can use it to organize all areas of your home. The Basket Method creates a system that allows you to maintain and tidy your home with ease...and living with ease and intention is what most women want in their lives. If you’d like to learn more strategies and techniques for living an Intentional Life, visit our website at www.lisamcgrath.me. A Pilgrimage to Self Lifestyle Coaching Membership is a personal program to help you discover, design, and develop an Intentional Life...the life you are meant to live...a life of ease, joy, accomplishment, and success...all intentionally.