kid storage

Going over to a friend's house for brunch can be an ordeal. As a parent, gone are the days of rolling out of bed and heading over with a latte in hand. Having a child adds a whole new dimension of packing her food, a change of emergency clothes, diapers, wipes, books, and toys.

The creative geniuses at Skip Hop have crafted a simple solution for parents on the go. Forget organizing a diaper bag filled to the rim with toys. Simply scoop up the Bin-Go organizer ($25) from your living room floor and be on your way. The sightly caddies are easy on the eyes and a cinch to handle. When the party's over, just drop the box back on the living room floor and let your afternoon resume.

It's so hard to part with your baby's first blanket, the bonnet they wore home from the hospital or their first pair of shoes, but it's even tougher to live with bags of their keepsakes stored in every nook and cranny of your place. As the mother of two, I don't have trouble tossing things into a giveaway bag. It keeps me sane and allows the goods to keep on giving. For those of you who feel the urge to keep every washcloth, burper and pair of ballet slippers, here are a few purging tips that help me choose what to lose.

• Stow heirloom gifts and handmade items. Things that people took the time to make should be cherished.
• Stow short term items that you will need for another baby — receiving blankets, onesies, snapsuits.
• Stow big ticket item toys like your swing, papasan chair, baby carrier and jumper.
• Stow timeless, classic outfits that can be worn by siblings and/or future generations.
• Stow a handful of sentimental items — the stuffed animal your child slept with, the first barrette that held her hair, the lil suit from his first photoshoot.
• Stow books — kids love to read the same stories over and over.

To see what to throw, read more

Kids accumulate a ton of stuff. Keep clutter out of your little one's lair with storage solutions that are easy on the eyes.

• Elfa Decor Infant Closet: No monster will hide in this fancy closet! The do-it-yourself shelf and rod system can be reconfigured to accommodate the needs of a growing child.
• Over Door Organizer: This durable nylon shoe organizer has enough pockets to store shoes, socks, hats, mittens and hair accessories.
• Mod Ball Coat Rack: Kids can hang their own hats and coats on this stylish rack made of brightly painted metal balls
• P'Kolino Play Ottoman: It's okay to sit on the table! Made of Baltic birch and premium vinyl, this versatile upholstered piece provides kid-friendly storage where you least expect it.
• The Animal Bag: Stuffed animals are the filler for this over-sized plus bag that zips up to provide child seating. The bag is available in three shapes — oval, otto and trio, and a palette of colors.