How Do I Organize Toys?
We all have been there, and some still are. Toys everywhere, all over the house and hiding in our beds! So how do I organize them, what’s the first step? Why do I have so many and how did this happen? These are all questions I ask myself while searching the internet for toy organization systems and what toys does my kid “need” to have for their age. And honestly there is no perfect answer. We all know our kids and just like a broken record we try one thing and unless we stay on top of it, it’s not going to work.
We went to a friends house tonight and I was so impressed with how they handle toys. They really seemed to have it figured out. Downstairs there were toys, but they all had a place to be “put away” and it wasn’t a kids cube or ikea furniture. They were simple but nice looking baskets on their bookshelf. They looked nice but nothing so out of the ordinary. Each thing fit nicely inside and could easily be put back. And there weren’t a lot- I’d say 5-6 baskets. Upstairs in their daughters room was awesome. She had three tubs of dress up toys, not too big, but enough to fit a fun variety for dressing up and accessories. She had a storage cube (4) used as a doll house, each cube is big enough to have a doll and their furniture. A little table that had some little toys on it and play house for character play. And a small kitchen with one category of food out- a tea set with pastries. It may sound like a lot but it wasn’t, and the best part they each had a specific spot and easy to put away. It wasn’t too much out either.
Immediately I want to go home and take everything down and redo it all! But I need to take a step back and think about what are my goals, what is my space, and what do I already have that can make my space more functional for my kids. The hard part is I have a 2 year old, 4 year old and 7. They’re all at different levels so you want toys out but I also have to be careful. I’m also limited on space. Although we have a “playroom” it’s often overfilled so the kids end up in the family room anyways! So how do I create a fun space without too much? And how do I go through the toys I have?
I’ve always agreed less is more- and it’s so true with kids. When I had a lot out, it almost was just overlooked and underplayed with. I’ve always been a huge fan of the tub system. But it can be hard, especially to start. Organizing and separating all their toys is so time consuming. But I do think if you can find a way to make that organization simple for yourself it will save you a big headache. So here are a few tips to hopefully get you motivated to start.
You can’t really start until you’ve planned out what you want in your space. I would do a Pinterest search for playrooms, to get a sense of how much you want in the room. Then maybe like I did, go to someone’s house and see how they do it? Maybe you’ll get motivated by their set up? For me I have a hard time putting certain toys together and just get overwhelmed with all of it. I think to start I would get a container that’s easy to store and see out of it. Decide what categories you want or think are good for them to have. For example: train toys, dress up, dolls, My Little Ponie’s etc. try to put the toys that go together in that container and not mix them. Once those are done check out what is left, can it go in a category? Is there too much of things that don’t belong? Maybe they can be donated. Another thing is you don’t need 3 tubs of trains. Try to limit the qty so you’re not over doing it. It’s hard to do this but maybe even asking a friend if they’d like them and maybe even switching off the tubs?
My problem is I don’t have an organization method that makes it easy to find the toys and there are too many. But it’s expensive to go out and buy new tubs. My first choice is to go through what tubs I have- can I use what I have and trade out any? Sometimes people have taken a photo of the toy and taped in on the container too. Do you belong to a buy nothing group? You can always check there first and sometimes local mom groups sell things before you try Facebook marketplace. Next door is another good one to try for cheap used items. I’m all about getting used because you can save a lot.
It’s hard to start and it’s hard to get rid of toys, especially when you feel like you buy so many to begin with. But I’m certain once you are able to really create a toy rotation and set them up in a way where it is easy for your kids to put them away. Especially with less out at once. It will be worth your time and effort. Start small, you don’t have to do it all in one day. Go little by little if need be and you’ll feel so good once you see the progress. Got any other tips or tricks? Share them!
