Top Tips for Organizing Toys
Back in the simpler days of having a small infant with a handful of toys, I could not have anticipated just how all-encompassing toys would become (can you feel my eyes rolling?). Following our baby shower over two years ago, we had enough little toys to fill a small basket. But now? We have toys in Bebe’s bedroom, our living room, our bedroom, probably her sister’s room, both of our cars, my sister’s house, and my mother’s house. Our little diva gets new toys at every turn - birthdays, holidays, other people’s birthdays, Tuesdays, etc. The near-constant addition of new toys has taken its toll: we are having to declutter very often lest we become top contenders for the show Hoarders.
They say to enjoy these days because they go by so fast and while I agree, I do not enjoy clutter at all. In a world that constantly reminds me of my lack of control, I would like to at least have my house in order. And I know… the day is going to come when I have no more toys in my house because my daughter is all grown up. I’m dreading that day, but my silver lining will be all the extra space we’ll have.
For the moment, we have things mostly under control but that’s only because I always have an eye out for toys we can donate or toss. After this past Christmas, we probably purged about a third of the toys in our home (and we still have a great deal of them).
For my fellow uptight parents who just can’t find it in themselves to appreciate the present without complaining about something, I’ve compiled a list of ideas on how to organize and declutter toys:
Assess your space and needs. Before jumping into organizing toys, it’s important to assess the space and the types of toys that need to be stored. Take a good look at the room or area where toys are kept. Consider the size of the space, how often the room is used, and how accessible it needs to be for your child.
Do you need a designated playroom, or can the toys be stored in common areas such as the living room or bedroom?
It’s also important to take stock of the types of toys you have. Are there large toys like a dollhouse or play kitchen that need specific storage? Are most of the toys small, such as action figures, legos, or art supplies?
Sort and declutter. Organizing starts with decluttering. Over time, toys tend to accumulate and often include duplicates, broken items, or toys that are no longer used. Sorting through the toys will help to minimize clutter and make the organization process easier.
Here’s a step-by-step approach to decluttering:
Categorize the toys: Sort the toys into broad categories, such as action figures, dolls, building blocks, cars, puzzles, arts and crafts, and so on. This will help you identify which categories are taking up the most space and where you might need more storage.
Evaluate condition: Inspect each toy to determine if it’s still in good condition. Discard any toys that are broken beyond repair or have missing parts. You can donate gently used toys that are no longer being played with or swap them with other families.
Involve the kids: Depending on their age, involve your children in the decluttering process. Teach them how to decide which toys to keep and which to part with. This helps them understand the value of organization and encourages them to take responsibility for their belongings.
Establish zones for different activities. To further enhance organization, create distinct “zones” for different activities within the play area. This approach not only improves organization but also helps your child to focus on specific activities without becoming overwhelmed by too many options.
Here are some ideas for creating functional zones:
Building zone: This could be a designated area for blocks, Legos, or other construction toys. Use bins or trays to store these items so that they are easy to access and put away.
Art zone: If your child enjoys drawing or crafting, set up a creative station with art supplies such as crayons, markers, paper, glue, and scissors. A small table or desk with a storage unit for supplies works well.
Reading corner: Designate a space with shelves or baskets for books. Add comfy seating or a small rug to create a cozy spot where your child can sit and read.
Play kitchen or doll area: If your child enjoys role-play with a kitchen set, dolls, or action figures, designate a specific area for these toys. Use toy storage cabinets with shelves to neatly store the accessories.
Choose better storage solutions. Once you’ve sorted through the toys and established zones, it’s time to choose storage solutions. There are various options available, depending on your budget, available space, and the types of toys you have. Below are some examples:
Bins and baskets. These are the most versatile storage solutions. They come in different sizes, colors, and materials, making them ideal for storing a wide range of toys. Labeling each bin can also make it easier for children to know where to put things back after playtime.
Clear plastic bins. These are excellent for storing small toys like Legos, cars, and action figures. The clear plastic allows you to quickly see the contents without opening the bin.
Fabric bins. These are soft and often come in various decorative patterns. They work well for storing larger toys or stuffed animals. These bins can be stacked or stored under furniture.
Wicker or wooden baskets. Wicker or wooden baskets add a touch of elegance and are great for hiding clutter while maintaining a stylish look. They can be placed on shelves or underneath tables for easy access.
Toy chests or storage ottomans. Toy chests and storage ottomans provide a large, spacious area for storing a variety of toys. These are especially useful for storing bulky toys or toys that are not frequently used. Many toy chests double as furniture, such as a bench or coffee table, which can be beneficial if you're short on space.
Wooden toy chests: These are sturdy and often come with safety features, such as soft-close lids to prevent injury. They are perfect for large toys like stuffed animals or dress-up clothes.
Shelving units. Shelves are ideal for keeping toys within reach while maintaining an organized, visually appealing display. Open shelves make it easy for kids to access and put away toys, and you can use bins or baskets on the shelves to further organize the items.
Wall-mounted shelves: These are great for maximizing floor space in small rooms. Wall-mounted shelves can hold books, toys, or small storage containers.
Toy organizers with multiple compartments. There are many toy organizers available with built-in compartments that can help you store and sort toys according to size or type. These organizers often come with removable bins, making it easy to clean up after playtime.
Stackable storage bins: These bins can be stacked on top of one another and are available in different sizes. They’re ideal for keeping toys of similar types together but still separated for easy access.
Over-the-door organizers: If you’re working with limited floor space, consider using over-the-door organizers. These are great for storing smaller items like action figures, cars, or puzzles.
Incorporate labels. One of the most effective ways to maintain toy organization is by incorporating labels. Labeling storage bins, shelves, and drawers makes it clear where each toy belongs. Labels are especially helpful for young children who may not yet be able to read, as they can identify toys based on pictures. You can label storage containers using stickers, tags, or printed labels. For older children, you can even make a game out of cleaning up by challenging them to match the toy to the correct bin.
Teach children to clean up. A key element of maintaining organized toys is teaching children how to clean up after themselves. I know this is easier said than done, but so worth it. And it’s doable even if you have a toddler (to a certain extent). Our two year old knows exactly what we mean when we tell her to put her toys in her toy chest, and she’s pretty good at complying most of the time.
If you also have younger children and they don’t love cleaning up, you can make cleanup fun by turning it into a game. For example, you could challenge them to see how many toys they can put away in one minute or ask them to put away toys in a specific order. By creating a habit of cleaning up and ensuring that the toys are organized and accessible, you help children develop habits that will carry over into other areas of their life.
Keep toys rotating. The idea is to put some toys away while keeping others readily available and then flipping them every few weeks or so. Additionally, someone gave me the idea of putting away brand new toys for a while (if there’s an excess of them) and surprising my child with them whenever she’s sick or is just not having a good day.
By implementing the ideas above, you will be maximizing the space in your home, while also giving yourself some peace of mind. However, it’s important to remember that while all the steps above are effective, you are going to have to re-evaluate your approach periodically because kids grow fast, and the types of toys they like are going to evolve. One day, it’s stuffies and dolls, the next day it’s books and electronics.
XOXO, Alexis.