Good afternoon everyone. Trista here to bring you another edition of Home Matters. I am always searching for new ways to entertain my two energetic toddlers. Incorporating education in with some fun is always a plus. About a year ago, I found an interesting way to store some of the kids’ ever growing collection of toys (especially since we were limited on space at the time). Hanging storage bags did the trick.

Hanging storage bags are available in all sorts of material and come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. Best of all, this quick and easy storage fix is very reasonably priced. Through trial and error we found that hanging them with thumbtacks or with hooks worked better than using the hanger, which can cause sagging or tearing. Why am I telling you all of this? Well, aside from the fact that I am a bit of a chatterbox, I wanted to share that little nugget of information with you before going into detail about today’s project. That’s my cue… are you ready for some hybrid fun? Here we go!

I was browsing one of my favorite home craft websites when I came across a really neat and educational twist for using hanging storage bags. I was immediately drawn to to this project with one goal in mind and as I worked more ideas came. The possibilities seem endless.

The first thing that I did was measure the front of the pockets on my hanging bag to get an idea of how big to make the labels. Once I measured I opened a new 8.5in x 11in (standard printer paper size) project in Photoshop and created a template. As luck would have it I could fit four labels on each sheet. This is where the fun comes in. Play around with different ideas. I chose to create two different options: alphabet and colors. You can also use shapes, or numbers. Let your creativity take flight.

Next, I printed the labels.   Tip: You can print on label/sticker sheets so that the finished product will easily adhere to the front of the pocket. I chose not to do this as I wanted to have the flexibility of switching out the labels. (see bottom of post of full credits)

Once I cut the labels, I tucked them into the pockets of the organizer and handed my three year old a handful of flash cards.

We immediately discovered that the bag was hanging too high. Tip: Hang low for little ones to reach easily. I made the appropriate adjustments for her height and she had the best time sorting.

Later I got the notion to try out the color sorting. This time I tacked the hanging bag on the lower wall of the toy room (DH may not be thrilled about the tack holes.). This worked like a charm because Isabelle was able to sit comfortably on the floor, eye level with the bag.

A few other tips that we have learned through trial and error. The smaller storage bag organizers seem to work better, especially for toddlers that may not be able to reach the top of the longer bags. The smaller bags also hold less which really helps keep the weight of the bag to a minimum and reduces sagging or possible ripping.  

Now it is your turn! Have fun!!

Credit goes to Family Fun for the wonderul idea.
Credits for the labels that I created:
chrome typewriter alpha from Graham Like the Cracker (recolored) in the Life’s Little Surprises ScrapMatters Mega Collab
apple and cookies from Freshly Baked – Creations by Rachael
airplane and boat from Passport – Creations by Rachael
balls from Junior kit collab by Graham Like the Cracker and Karen Lewis
books from Just One More Story collab from Graham Like the Cracker and Chelle’s Creations
butterfly from True Colors by Jennifer Labre
cupcakes from Another Candle on the Cake by Graham Like the Cracker
dog, flag, and frog from No Girls Allowed – Creations by Rachael
dragonfly, grass, and cloud from Rainbows and Blutterflies collab from Graham Like the Cracker and wm[squared]