Organize kids toys
once and for all
Are you tired of the problem “kids toys everywhere”? I believe that at least some of us have experienced this feeling at some point, but would love to avoid it.
How to organize kids toys, maintaining order in long term or how to organize kids toys once and for all – we share eight recommendations that helped us!
Everything has its own place
Firstly consider where the children’s play area will be located. It should be taken into account that the child will mostly be interested in playing in a room where there are other people around. Keep in mind that it is extremely important for preschoolers to be in an environment known to them – establish an order of things, which can remain unchanged over a long period of time. Regardless of whether it is a play corner or a separate children’s room, we need to think about what belongings and toys we want there. The first step is to gather things from all rooms in the house – make it easier to sort them by placing them on the ground.
Less toys, more order
A child does not need a lot of toys! Although we, as parents, want to spoil our children (and they would also like to bring all the possible contents of the store home), it does more harm than good- the child gets confused by countless things, thus not encouraging play and the desire to use these things.
It is necessary to evaluate whether all of the toys are truly necessary. Be sure to get rid of (you can donate, give away or transform) all broken toys, as well as toys with missing parts.
You should also evaluate whether the child has already grown out of some of the toys. If, however, some of them are very dear, they should be kept in a box in a place where the child cannot see them, and they can be used for rotation!
Some items can also be divided, for example, the baby will not need the 100 blocks that are included in the set at once but 20 will be enough.
Sorting similar things go together
When sorting, things should be grouped. For example, books, soft toys, puzzles, etc. Grouping is important, because then we see how many things we actually have in one category – whether there are too many, duplicates, etc.
Boxes/baskets for organizing toys and books
The unwritten golden rule – less belongings, less mess! But since it rarely works in practice, you have to think about shelves and baskets. Often parents mention that they lack space for children’s stuff, but most likely the problem is that there is a lack of space to organize them. Open-shelves are a great way to store children’s belongings, complementing them with low baskets or boxes, which contents the child can easily see.
Creating age-appropriate markings
Boxes or baskets should be marked for children. It’s also easier for us adults to navigate things if we know that we have to put the specified contents in the corresponding box. But the important aspect here is to choose markings appropriate for the child’s age. For example, for smaller children, it could be printed pictures with a book, puzzles, etc. For the older children you can add the first letters, thereby additionally promoting reading skills!
The printable stickers available in stores will come in handy here, you only need to create titles in Microsoft Word and print them with the simplest printer – voilà – your personalized stickers for boxes/ baskets are ready!
Accessibility: items are placed at an age-appropriate height
An important aspect in the organization of belongings is accessibility. The child’s things should be convenient and easy to reach, thus stimulating the child to use or play with them. Additionally, the child will be able to take and put things back independently. Thus, the child’s confidence is promoted, as well as the ability to maintain order.
Decluttering - uncrowded shelves and baskets
When placing things in baskets and shelves, it is very important not to clutter them so that the things/ toys can be seen. In addition, everything should be set up in such a way that the child can easily vary with their toys. For example, don’t arrange their belongings so that they have to take the things in front first because only then they can access the next ones.
Rotation of toys
When everything mentioned above is considered, it’s time to do a rotation of toys/things! This is especially relevant for those who have a lot of stuff. It will be more inviting for the child to play and will bring great joy every time, because the child will be interested in playing with the “new” toys again. Remember that wonderful feeling when you find a long-forgotten thing you love? The child will feel similarly! And we – the parents – just need to help a little!
For a future where
the only problem you have
is that your child is more organised than you!