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If one of your New Year’s resolutions is decluttering and organizing your kids’ stuff, don’t put the job at the bottom of your list.

The first week in January is a perfect time to start with these practical tips and ideas that help you collect and sort the clutter.

Once you have designated a place for everything, the kids can take over at “pick-up” time.”Shoe” stuff away Most toys and games can be easily stored in labeled bins and baskets, but what about the stragglers, like Matchbox cars, yo-yos and decks of cards? See-through, plastic hanging pocket shoe holders are an inexpensive practical solution. Attach one to the back of a closet or bedroom door at your child’s height. Encourage kids to regularly sort and store their favorite things.

Tip: Hang a pocket shoe holder by your back door for organizing hats, mittens, sunglasses and umbrellas.Make art portfolios for keepsake paintings, drawings, stories and poems.

Find a sturdy corrugated square cardboard box approximately 20 inches by 20 inches. Cut off the top and bottom. Flatten the box along two of the side folds. Cut the flattened box in half vertically using the other two side folds as a guide.

You will now have two portfolios. Your child can paint the cardboard with poster paint or cover it with colorful self-adhesive-backed paper or wallpaper. On the inside, tape a large mailing envelope to store small drawings.

For larger paintings, tape a 6-inch-by-20-inch strip of poster board on three sides near the centerfold to create a pocket. Poke holes through the portfolio to attach a ribbon for closing. Decorate the outside with a favorite painting or your child’s picture.Hide it under the bedFlat gift-wrap storage bins that fit under the bed are often on sale this time of year. Use them as a “Treasure box” for souvenirs, photos and award certificates your child collects throughout the new year.

Periodically, go through the collection and keep only the best of the best.

Tip: If you have extra-large paintings that don’t fit the art portfolio, wind the art around a recycled cardboard gift-wrap tube, secure with a paper clip or rubber band, and store in the treasure box.