5 ways to tame kids' electronic clutter

The trucks, teddy bears and dolls may be history with your child but that doesn't mean you're off the hook.

Next comes the hard-core electronics. Desktop and laptop computers. Video games. CDs. DVDs. Xbox. PlayStation. 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?

Here are some tips from designers and organizational experts:

• For laptop and desktop computers, look for cabinets and desks with plugs inside and openings in the back. Install task lighting for the keyboard.

• If you have 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.

• For video games, split a 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.

• For odd-shaped gear such as joysticks, use labeled plastic bins or baskets.

• 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 special books with pockets 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.

Sources: Myriam Payne, Interiors by Decorating Den in Weston, Fla.; Christopher Lowell, designer and TV personality; Lorrie Browne, designer who operates mydesignsecrets.com; and Mindy Noble, Conquer Chaos.