How To Organize Kids' Toys: Top Tricks
Oct 24, 2023
Toy organization can seem daunting, but with a few simple tricks, it can be easy and fun! Let’s talk about how to organize kids’ toys in their bedrooms and in the living room. I will also share some toy storage hacks that will help you get your home organized once and for all!
Trust me; I’ve been there! The play area was such a disaster that there was no way the kids could clean it up without help. There were way too many toys and no one knew where anything went. It was insane! Yes, my little girls’ room still gets crazy at times, but it’s not near like it was. Let’s get into some tips and tricks on organizing kids’ toys!
How to Organize Toys
So, you’re here because you have too many kids' toys, and you want to know how to organize them all! I’ve been there before and know just how to help you out. Let's get into my best tips for organizing that mess of toys!
Declutter Toys
This first step may or may not surprise you, but first thing to do is to declutter the toys. This is hard but it’s necessary if you want to organize your toys. Trust me, less toys equal less mess! Go through each toy and ask yourself these questions:
– Does my child play with this toy anymore?
– Is this toy broken or missing pieces?
– Do I have more than one of these toys?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then get rid of the toy! It’s taking up valuable space in your home and it’s not being used. Once you’ve gotten rid of a few toys, it will be easier to organize the ones that are left.
There are so many benefits of decluttering toys, so be sure to check those out along with some more tips for decluttering toys.
Now that you’ve decluttered, let’s talk about how to actually organize the toys.
Have a place for everything
As you organize the toys you are keeping, you will want to have the perfect place for each toy: a home, if you will. This is an easy way to help your child know where to put the toy when they are done playing with it. Not only does this make clean-up easier for both of you, but it also helps keep the toys organized and looking nice.
A great option to do this is by using labeled bins or large baskets. You can find some cool ideas at your local store or online. Another option is to use shelves with designated spots for each type of toy. This might be a little more expensive but it’s definitely worth it if you have a lot of toys! It's a good idea to keep similar toys together.
Toy storage bins and baskets
One of the easiest ways to organize kids’ toys is by using toy storage bins. These come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can find one that will fit perfectly in your child’s room. You can also get creative with how you store the bins. For example, if you have a lot of small items, you could store them in a large bin with smaller compartments or use a fabric organizer to hold the toys.
One of the best toy storage ideas is toy storage solutions that double as furniture! This way, you’re not taking up any more space than necessary if you don't have much storage space, and your child has a place to sit and play. We have “stairs” up to the top bunk that doubles as toy storage. I also love the cube storage bins. We have several 6-cube units and have three with baskets and three without.
You can find bins and baskets on Amazon or somewhere like Ikea or Home Goods.
Keep it simple
You don’t need a complicated system. Less is more! If your storage option is too complicated for your child to keep up with, they won’t be able to keep it organized.
Be sure to not overfill your baskets and shelves. It will look much neater as well as be easier to put away when you’re not trying to finagle toys to make them fit.
Organizing Toys in the Living Room
If you have young children or small bedrooms, you may want to keep your toys in the living room. This can be challenging because it is your main living space (ask me how I know!), but it’s totally possible. Here are a few tips for organizing toys in the living room:
- Use toy bins or baskets to store smaller toys. This will keep them from taking up too much space and make it easy for your child to find what they’re looking for.
- Invest in storage furniture. There are many different types of storage furniture out there, so you can find something that fits your needs and style. Try using an ottoman with storage or a coffee table with hidden storage compartments.
- If you have enough room, consider investing in a playpen or activity center. This will give your child a designated space to play and keep all of their toys in one place. At one time, we split our living room into a play section and then our regular living room section.
- Hang baskets on the walls or use wall shelves to store larger toys. You can also use a toy box. This will free up space on the floor and make it easier for your child to play.
- Consider rotating toys especially when they are in the living room. Fewer toys are so much easier to quickly pick up.
Toy Storage Hacks
Now that we’ve talked about how to organize kids’ toys using different types of storage containers, let’s talk about some toy storage hacks. These hacks will help you get the most out of your storage containers and make organizing your child’s toys a little bit easier.
- Use labels to identify each toy bin or basket. This way, your child can easily find what they’re looking for without having to search through everything. Plus, they will know where to put them away. You could also just choose to use clear storage boxes.
- Keep toys where your child can reach them safely. However, anything that you don’t want your child to have free access to, such as art supplies and board games, definitely keep out of reach! Since they don't have easy access, your child has to ask to use it.
- Store large toys in toy chests or boxes that can be stored under the bed or in a closet. This is a great idea that will free up space in your child’s room, making it easier to play.
- Hang pegboards on the walls and use hooks to hang smaller toys. This is a great way to save space and keep everything organized.
- Use an over-the-door shoe organizer to store small stuffed animals, figurines, or craft supplies.
- Use a toy hammock. These are great for storing small, soft toys that can be difficult to store some other way.
- Use plastic containers for storing small toys such as magnatiles, blocks, figurines, lego bricks, or train tracks.
- Rotate toys. No one said you have to have all your toys out at once. Keep some of your toys in storage and do a toy rotation to swap them out every month or a few months (let’s be real), and enjoy having less to clean up!
Now that you know how to organize kids’ toys, it’s time to get started! Be sure to use these tips and tricks to make the process a little bit easier. You and your children will love the results! Do you have any tips for organizing kids’ toys? Be sure to comment below.
While you're organizing and decluttering, be sure to check out these:
How to Start Decluttering When You're Overwhelmed: Easy Tips
