You are not alone in having an overflowing mountain of kids toys. And, if you are a mama to more than one, you likely have multiple mountains. No judgement here. Getting organized with kids can be challenge for a variety of reasons but I wanted to share a few tips that might help you maintain these spaces without too much time and energy.
Now, if you are like 95% of parents, you do not have time to color coordinate the Legos. Trust me, my OCD is loving every bit of those Instagram posts but for me, and many people I know, it is not a realistic solution.
If you are getting ready to dive into a play room or kids space that is overcome with toys consider the items below while you are working and you will be so much happier with the result!
Check out my kid’s organization product recommendations before you get started!
With OR Without the Kids - Many people ask if they should organize with their children around. I say, you know your child best but consider these things:
Just like adults, children have a connection to many of their items and parting with them can be overwhelming & emotional. Adults have the ability to better regulate those emptions. I firmly believe in teaching organization as part of any parental practice to some extent but if you know getting rid of toys is going to really challenge the child maybe only incorporate them for small portion at a time.
Teaching Kids to Organize - If you are just starting the conversation with your kids about getting organized and learning the compassionate task of donating to those in need, I recommend checking out this book, “Robbie’s Toys”. I just love these woman, also pro organizers, and the tool they created to help their clients & their kids get ready for organization.
Get Rid of Broken & Missing Toys
This one is easy. If the toy is broken and missing parts/pieces, let’s take back our space and get rid of those items. Often we hang on to broken toys with the best intention of repairing it. 9/10 I see that intention not come to fruition.
Pro Tip: If you say you are going to fix something and use that as justification for keeping it…
the broken toy, repair the torn dress, take the shoe to the cobbler etc. GIVE YOUR SELF A DEADLINE!! If the deadline passes, it is time to let the item go!
Learning Progression - Where are your children headed? What have they outgrown?
Take a look at the toys they may have outgrown both in size and cognitive learning. Toys in general often have an age range on the box. Be mindful of that.
What skills has your kiddo already accomplished? If there is a toy associated with that skill, then it is time to move on.
What area would make sense for new learning and development? Those would be the toys we keep, they might not know how to play with them quite yet but more difficult and complex toys are where they are likely headed so those may stay on a shelf for now but we will be brining them out before we know it!
Too much of a good thing
I have seen many birthday parties or holidays that resulted in duplicate gifts as I am sure you have as well. Clear out any duplicate toys you may have accidentally collected.
Be mindful of that both as a giver and receiver of gifts. Registries are helpful so that other family members or friends see what you actually need. For those buying, items not listed on the registry may already been in the home so if I do want to give an “off registry” item, I recommend asking the parent if they already have it and if I can’t find out, ALWAYS GET A GIFT RECEIPT. That way they can quickly exchange for something else.
Grouping Like Items - Don’t get too granular
For younger kiddos, general categories for individual toys often work well as it is much easy to put all of your toy trucks in a 1 or 2 bins labeled “TRUCKS” instead of each truck type sorted and categorized “Monster Trucks”, “Construction Trucks”, “Farm Trucks” & “Hot Wheels Trucks”.
As your kids age, the organization structure can become more advanced as they are beginning to read and likely hyper aware of the unique details of each type of toy truck set.
Containment, Storage & Accessibility
Having easy to access storage bins to contain toys really helps with the visual clutter as well as a clear starting point for what a “clean play room” is.
Per usual, containment is my critical request. Having a place, bin, shelf or designated spot on the floor. Doesn’t matter where/how but having a spot intended to hold specific items gives your kids a defined spot for when the “put it back where it belongs” request comes from you. If it always lives in a different place, that leaves this open to interpretation.
The basics - somewhere for books, bins for toys, designated spots for larger items like that princess tent or gymnastics mat.
Labels & Clean Up Time
Once you get the space sorted, it is important to set expectations with the kids on what clean up time looks like. Having clearly labeled bins (for younger kids even a photo label instead of a word) will help them know where things go without having to ask.
Teaching the importance of putting away toys or taking care of their things will lay the ground work for them taking care of their favorite things as an adult. If a more minimalistic life style and home is your preference, the earlier they learn this the better!
This quick session used only what storage the client already had but a bigger difference could have been made by adding additional shelving & storage bins for items that are still stacked on surfaces making access not as easy as it could be.