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Tupperware, Rubbermaid, plastic bins galore!
Remember all of those plastic containers you bought on sale? You know...the ones that have been stacked in a kitchen cabinet, the storage room, or in the trunk of your car? Now's the time to put them to good use.
Blocks, dolls, toy cars, jars of play-doh -- all of these kinds of things belong together. Instead of a toybox, you can use shelves (a bookshelf will do) with clear plastic tubs to house your little one's belongings. Easy to see through, kids can find things easier and the small boxes are gentler on toys.
Another easy and cost-conscious shelving idea is to buy a few plastic crates. You can find them at any discount store, and they often come in a variety of colors. They can be stacked on top of one another, or a specific shape or design (such as a pyramid). Toys or books can be stored inside, or for any even tidier appearance, you can put a plastic bin or box inside each crate.
Flat, under-the-bed storage boxes are wonderful for out-of-season clothing and toys, as well. To extend the life of toys, and to eliminate boredom (meaning fewer trips to the toystore) you can opt to alternate the toys in the boxes on the shelves with those under the bed, so your toddler or preschooler never gets tired of what he has to play with.
Hat racks and pegged shelves can not only add a lot of decorating "oomph" to a room, they are also wonderful places for backpacks, stuffed animals, jackets, dress-up clothes, and...hats! Coat racks work well for this function, too, and can be easily painted to match any room decor.
Toy hammocks (called "pet nets") can also be used when you have an abundance of stuffed animals, or, to be a little more creative and to save money you can simply spray paint an old tension rod to match the room decor, attach velcro strips, and merely stick the stuffed animals to the rod!
Closet chaos is an oft-heard complaint by many parents. To make organization easier for your child, give a number of clutter-busting options so that he or she will be more likely to clean up than to toss things aside where they don't belong. Over-the-door hangers can be hung on the inside of closet doors for coats and backpacks.
Plastic crates work well for stacking bulky items such as winter sweaters, or can be used to house sports equipment like roller blades and bike helmets. Shoe racks are also an added bonus if you want your child's closet to be organized. Not only does it increase the chance that your child will put his shoes where they belong after taking them off, but you'll always be able to find matching pairs in the morning when you're in a hurry!
And last but not least, use the opportunity to get your child involved in the organizational process by suggesting that he or she donate any old or unused toys to a local charity, or learn a lesson in money management by hosting a garage sale (and donating a portion of the profits, of course).
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