A colored storage system starts by purchasing

That's where a little color and creativity comes in. Conquering clutter doesn't have to be a chore. With a solid plan and a little patience you can turn a messy child's room into an organized environment in a matter of hours.By using color as an essential part of your child's organizing system you make the clean up process fun. And by knowing that each toy has a home custom tin can your child can then learn how to return items after play. Even very young children can benefit from color coordination.

Preschoolers in particular learn their colors faster when they routinely put colored items in matching bins.A colored storage system starts by purchasing large cubes, bins or baskets. You don't have to stick with primary colors either. The toys and storage containers of today come in all colors and shapes.

And if you're having trouble coming up with enough containers in the color(s) of your choice consider spray painting baskets or covering boxes with matching wallpaper.Unfinished wood furniture is ideal for rooms you'll be implementing a colorful organizing system in. This kind of furniture is the ideal canvas for all kinds of decorative touches. You may even wish to give each drawer a different color.

Even when space is tight you can incorporate a little extra color and storage space by fitting the insides of wardrobe drawers with either hooks or plastic coated grids with shelves.Organizing kid stuff by size is also a good idea. Storing small and large things together can result in lost or broken items. Where possible small items should be contained in smaller bins. That said, there is wisdom in storing items together that will be used together. In that case it's a matter of packaging small items up separately within a bigger bin or container.

A thermos is also handy to hold whatever drink your child likes to take.Try to put some fun in the lunchbox: keep a stash of small, inexpensive toys, cut sandwich bread into cool shapes with cookie cutters, write little notes to your child, cut out funny cartoons. Children love surprises.A good routine to get into is while you are cleaning up the kitchen after dinner, put leftovers in the storage containers, or make sandwiches and place in the fridge in a designated area for lunch items. Get your kids to help--the more they are involved, the better!

Put napkins, etc. in lunch boxes or bags and place them where all anyone has to do in the morning is fill with the prepared items. Now you can all be out the door in minutes!Here are a few recipes that will help get you started this school year:

Apple Surprise Cut apple in half. Carefully, cut out the core of the apple. Spread peanut butter where the core used to be and over surface of apple. Sprinkle raisins over the peanut butter.2 cups granola cereal

Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container.A small serving of this goes a long way!Peanut Butter BallsMix all gredients and form into balls. Roll in sesame seeds.This is a good recipe for the kids to help with-- they love to roll the dough into balls.NOTE: sesame seeds are cheaper in bulk at a health food store. You can get unsweetened coconut there, also.