The trucks, teddy bears, dolls and Barbie Dream House may be history. But their fading from favor doesn’t mean you’re off the hook.

Next comes the hard-core electronics. Desktop and laptop computers. Video games. CDs. DVDs. Xbox. Nintendo’s Wii. Cables and more cables.

Your child’s room or playroom can be as much of a mess with electronic gear as it was with toys. So how do you set up a system to get things organized and have them stay that way?

We asked advice from a designer, organizational experts and Christopher Lowell, host of “Work That Room With Christopher Lowell.”

Interiors by Decorating Den in Weston, Fla., Myriam Payne:

The challenge: A playroom created for two boys, ages 8 and 10 in Weston Hills, Fla.

Her mission: To organize their toys and electronic gear, which include an arcade machine, table soccer game, a Wii machine, Xbox and a large flat-screen TV. And to make sure it’s tidy enough for overnight guests.

Her plan: She hung the flat screen on the wall above a chest, where all the electronic gear was stored. To prevent glare on the screen, she installed blackout shades.

Her advice: Look for cabinets with plugs inside and openings in the back. Install task lighting for the keyboard.

TV personality Christopher Lowell:

The problem: He often finds children’s workstations are outdated or crammed into a corner. They don’t have the dominance they should in our tech-driven world.

The solution: If you get a flat-screen TV, mount it on the wall and build a great desk underneath. Take two or three plywood tops to expand the work space and store them in the garage when not in use.

Wellington designer who also operates mydesignsecrets.com, Lorrie Browne:

The problem: Two boys share a bedroom and love to play video games.

The solution: She split the large closet into two smaller ones with a middle console that stores a TV and all the gaming gear. The cords can be pulled through the cabinet and grouped together with plastic ties.

Conquer Chaos, Noble Professional Organizers, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Mindy Noble:

The challenge: Set up an organizational system that works for the child so it’s easy for him or her to put electronic gear away. Determine if the child is more tactile or more verbal.

The solution: Put electronic gear in plastic bins and label them so the child knows where each goes – DVDs, CDs, joysticks, wires. If you have a media center, the software and DVDs can go inside the slots provided. A verbal child can be told what to do. A tactile child has to be taken by the hand so he or she can touch the objects and learn where to place them.

The aftermath: Set up a reward system, such as stars or a treat, to encourage the child to keep the room organized.

From Chaos to Harmony, Plantation, Fla., Kelly McDaniel

The challenge: Establishing a system that will continue to work.

The solution: If the equipment is in a public room, small armoires are a good choice because the doors can be closed to hide the electronics. Put DVDs and CDs in books to take up less space and so jewel cases won’t be tossed around the room. Use plastic ties or plastic tubes to wrap around the cords to keep children’s feet from getting tangled in the mess.

The aftermath: The key is to stick with the system and maintain it. Start a cleanup-before-bed routine and stick with it. The key is to teach your kids organizing skills early so they can use them later in life.

Checklist for keeping electronics organized

Cables: Look for a variety of devices, such as the “One Man Tied” wire tidier ($10) at CableOrganizer.com.

Bins: They are available in a variety of styles and materials and can be labeled to make things easy to find. Sources include ikea.com.

Children’s desks/armoires: Rooms to Go Kids, potterybarnkids.com or landofnod.com.

DVD and CD organizers: Staples, Office Depot or containerstore.com

Copy the Story Link