[NetPal]

This is also a good approach. Letting them find their own things will make them understand the value of keeping things in place.

[carebear]

I don't think it's possible. I have kids and I give them a bin, container, bucket, shelve or basket for every thing. I set it up but they usually mix it up in three days time.

[hummingbird42256]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news. But, I have 2 girls age 11 ,not too bad on neatness,one 16 yr old who I swear get messier but the yr. I think it is all in the genitics. We were either born to be neat or messy. I an neat my sister is ,my other sister messy.But trying to train can do no harm.

[Cyd]

what worked for us was a 2 step process. 15 minutes before bedtime we do a 15 minute ETE. The timer is set and we all rush around 'eliminating the evidence' putting stuff away or at the door for tomorrow.

We also have a Sunday Box. Anything left out, no matter whose, no matter how important, goes to the BOX, retrievable only on Sunday. If not retrieved by the 3rd Sunday...orphan items go to trash or charity.