the transforming bedroom

All three of my boys are in the same bedroom. Somehow we've fit ALL their toys, clothes, shoes and books in the SMALLEST room in the house. It probably should drive me crazy BUT because we've limited what we HAVE-- it really does work. And not to brag, but I never have to clean their room. Granted, my oldest child is a neat-freak and could make serious money as a merry-maid. But I think the setup of their room has really taught them how to be better organized.

I really shouldn't be posting pictures because I still want to do another stripe (a smaller black one) but who knows when I will get around to it. So, here it is anyway.

I mentioned a few weeks ago that this room used to be navy. It was the first room we painted and the boys lovingly called it the Star Wars room. I never liked it. It took me a whole year to change it. I was dreading painting over the dark blue, but it was NOT a big deal. It was an afternoon project.. and when I was finished, I scolded myself for waiting so long. Paint is not something to stress about, people!

The stripe was easy. I leveled it with a laser, taped, painted gray over the tape (so the original color would seep through the tape on our textured walls. It makes a super straight line. Caulking over the tape doesn't work when your original wall isn't white..) Then I painted a coat or two of orange. All in all, it was a two-day project. The bunk bed was another story. It used to be white and I spray-painted it black. My husband was so annoyed with me (because I made HIM do a lot of the work.) But I am pleased with the result. Oh, and don't mind the transformer stickers... I didn't want them, but it's my kids' room and they are thrilled about having messy Transformers everywhere. At least they are removable :)

I believe I've already posted pictures of their closet. I am a minimalist when it comes to clothes, but I've allowed them to keep (and have constant access to) ALL of their costumes-- as long as they each have a place to go. Their costumes get used more than anything else in this room. Go figure. Their summer clothes have finally been switched out for sweatshirts. I miss their swimsuits as the basic unit of clothing already. My washing machine is feeling the difference too. Winter just means more laundry... can't wait to add a new baby to the mix and watch it triple.

Call me a mean mom, but I will not keep toys that my kids don't play with. I h.a.t.e. bulky items. The only toy they have that doesn't fit in a small bin is under their costumes (their star wars space ship... and I have a feeling it won't last long because it doesn't get used enough.) The toys they have get played with CONSTANTLY. You can't go wrong with blocks and legos and little buildable gadgets. But these kinds of toys can be really annoying if there isn't a place for them (and if they aren't out of reach from the little ones.) Thus, I have created this cheap (ghetto-fabulous) toy shelf. It used to be in our garage. I bought dollar store plastic bins and labeled them. Everything has a place and if it's not in it's place, my kids know I will throw it out. Each of my boys has their own bin for odd items that don't fit under a label. Their personal bins get cleaned out all the time because if it doesn't fit, they can't keep it. It's all about limits!

Eventually, when #4 is sleeping through the night, Zack and the baby will share a room. But this is honestly working for us. I know a lot of children have their own bedrooms.. and there are definitely benefits to either situation. But I have really enjoyed hearing them giggle at night before they drift off to sleep. And I am so impressed with Zack and his abilities to care for his own items. His older brothers have been awesome examples to him. I think limiting what he owns actually helps a lot. I have thrown out SO many toys over the years-- but do you know what? My kids can't name a single thing they're missing... which means they never really loved it in the first place.

There is no explanation on the shoes behind the door. Just want to say that it's mine from my freshman year in college-- it's still making my life easier. (The door to the right is their bathroom.)

** side note.. PLEASE know I am not posting pictures to show what a fab organizer/decorator I am. This has never been one of my gifts in life. But over the past year, I have found ways to make life SIMPLER. If it happens to help you in any way, run with it. I am also ALWAYS open to any organizing/decorating tips YOU have to share. I need all the help I can get!