Let's face it—kids’ toys can quickly overtake your home, taking it from cosy to chaotic, very quickly. The clutter can be overwhelming for parents and kids alike, making it hard to focus on anything other than the mess. When it gets too bad, you can forget about finding anything in the mess.
Kids love to spread out and get creative with their playtime, which is excellent for their development but it's equally important to get them to learn the importance of respecting their space and caring for their toys by cleaning up after themselves. Creating easy-to-follow systems can support your child's choice and end up enhancing playtime!
Tips and Tricks for Storage and Organizing
When it comes to sorting out the storage and organization of kids' toys, don’t shy away from including your little ones in the process. This helps children see how a cleared floor and clean space can lead to inspiration as they let their imaginations run free. Too many toys can result in cluttered thinking.
Start by teaching kids that every toy has its space or “home.”
One of the best ways to store toys is by using a larger piece of furniture that has multiple functions. Perhaps it can double as a window seat that you can read on but it has drawers installed with bins for storage. Depending on your style, clear bins are often visually helpful for knowing where everything is for easy access.
If you are short on space and a storage unit won't fit, open shelves or colour-coded bins can go a long way! This way, everything can have its spot, without taking up precious floor space.
For larger, awkward-shaped toys, lean into tall wicker baskets that are not only aesthetic but can often fit in the corner of rooms, blending in nicely. You can also lean into cloth pouch bags for smaller items.
Toy chests should be treated with respect, especially as they are often family heirlooms. Try placing only a few sentimental or special toys in there, as a way to avoid a lack of organization and so they do not become over-packed, resulting in toys getting lost.
Does your kid love to make art? Grab some second-hand frames to display art on the wall, removing mess but still showing your child you appreciate their work.
Labels will become your best friend when organizing a play space. Labelling makes things so much easier, and as your child learns to read, they can have more autonomy in the cleanup process.
Does Your Child Really Use It?
You know the annual closet purge you do (or should do!) every year? The same needs to happen with toys.
As they grow, kids can lose interest as toys lose their appeal, or even fall apart! It's important to keep toys that are only being used in the house. Plus, this is a great learning lesson, as you can discuss donations for toys still in good shape, to give back to children who are in need.
If your child is struggling to let go of a toy, try rotating it. This limits the number of toys they have at hand, but when an “older” toy comes back, there is the same joy as a brand-new toy. This helps you be mindful in purchasing and is a much more sustainable method of toy collection to avoid overconsumption.
Conclusion
Taking the time to organize your home will lead to a calm space with a whole lot less mess. Take your time in organizing and try to make it a fun opportunity to connect with your kids creatively with what is possible. What organizing hack saved your home?!