If you’re a parent, you know that toys have a magical way of multiplying overnight. One minute the living room is tidy, and the next, it looks like a toy store exploded. Keeping kids’ toys organized isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s also about creating a more peaceful, functional space for both kids and adults. The good news? With a few practical strategies and a family-friendly approach, you can bring order to the chaos – especially when your kids are home from school this summer!
💙 Edit Regularly with Your Kids!
Start by doing a toy audit. Broken toys, outgrown items, and things that never get played with can go. Get your children involved — ask them what they still love and use, and what they’re ready to let go of. Framing it as making space for new toys or helping other kids by donating can make parting with items easier for little ones.
💙 Create Toy Zones
Designate specific areas of your home for toy storage. Whether it’s a playroom, a corner of the living room, or bins in their bedroom, every toy should have a “home.” Keep like-items together — blocks with blocks, dolls with dolls — to help kids (and parents) know exactly where things go at cleanup time.
💙 Use Clear, Kid-Friendly Containers
Opt for clear bins, labeled with words and/or pictures, so kids can see what’s inside without dumping everything out. Baskets with handles, color-coded bins, and low shelves help encourage independence. When organizing for young kids, accessibility is key: if they can reach it, they can put it away.
💙 Rotate Toys for Fresh Interest
Toy rotation is a game-changer. Store some toys out of sight and swap them every few weeks. This keeps things feeling new without buying more, reduces clutter, and makes cleanup quicker. It also helps kids stay engaged with what they have, promoting more focused, creative play.
💙 Make Cleanup Part of the Routine
Organization only works if it’s sustainable. Build a 10-minute cleanup time into your daily schedule — right before dinner or bedtime works well. Turn it into a game (race the timer, sing a cleanup song) to make it fun. Kids thrive on routine and consistency, and over time, they’ll start cleaning up with less prompting.
💙 Embrace Imperfection
Real-life organizing with kids isn’t about picture-perfect bins and minimalist shelves — it’s about creating systems that work for your family. Don’t stress if it doesn’t look like Pinterest. Aim for functional, livable spaces where both kids and parents can breathe a little easier.
Keeping toys in check is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix. But with the right systems, you can reduce the clutter and bring more joy and ease to your everyday life. At Simply Dare, we believe that home should be a place of peace — and that even the smallest organizing changes can have a big impact. Follow us today for inspo @simply.dare on all social media platforms!
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