If you're a parent you know how easily toys can take over your entire home. We keep toys out of our children's rooms so they can sleep better at night. Since all the toys are kept in our main living room they need to be organized and everything needs its own space. Regardless of where you store your child's toys you'll need a good system to keep everything in its own place! So I've put together a list of my 10 favorite ways to organize toys of every size!
1) Baskets, Bins or Boxes
I love using any type of basket, bin or box to give toys their own designated spot. Smaller containers allow for smaller sets of toys to be kept together, whereas larger bins are good for holding larger sets of toys. You can use clear containers to allow easy viewing of the contents or colored containers to give a more unified look.
2) Group it
Categorize toys and divide into groups. Animals with animals, cars with cars, dolls with dolls, etc. If it all goes together it will be easier to put it back together.
3) Label
Use word labels and picture labels to make clean up easier on everybody! Children will learn to put things away based on the pictures and then learn the words that go along with each category!
4) Use a rotation system
Don't be afraid to put some toys away for a while. You can use a large bin to store toys in a closet or garage. Rotate the toys every few weeks, months, etc to keep the kids entertained with all of their toys. It also keeps the mess to a minimum if you don't have as many toys to spread out!
5) One in - One Out Rule
Implement a one toy in means one toy out rule. Any time a new toy gets brought into the home an old one has to go to charity! Again, less toys equal less mess!
6) One to Play
You can also implement a one to play rule that means they can have one toy or group of toys out at one time. Once they are finished with this group they must clean it up before moving on to the next group.
7) Create Stations
If you have a lot of lego's you can create a lego station, toy foods and dishes can use a kitchen station. Giving each category of toy its own space makes it easier to put it away.
8) Expand collections
As your children get older and develop interests in certain types of toys you can ask for those to be expanded vs new toys being purchased for holiday's/birthday's. Example: if your child loves lego's ask for more lego's or lego accessories vs a new set of toys. Sets are easier to keep organized than random loose toys.
9) Get creative!
Sometime's organizing toys can take a little creative thinking. Play around with the layout of your toy room/storage to be able to use the space wisely. Sometime's shifting a piece of furniture 6" will make all the difference in creating the best organized space.
10) Get your Child's input!
If your children are old enough to help put away the toys ask for their input on where things should go. Children have a great way of seeing things differently than we do! Getting them involved in where everything should go will give them a feeling of ownership and they'll be more likely to help clean up!
Most importantly: make sure everything has a place! Teach your kids from the get go to respect their home and their toys by keeping them clean and orderly. Life is just more fun when everything is kept where it belongs and is easily accessible!
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