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Keeping Kids Toys

Organized and Avoiding

Toy Clutter

by Maria Gracia Updated October 10, 2023 Join our newsletter to be notified when new content is added to our website. These days, kids are practically drowning in toys? Walk into any store and there are a gazillion options. Most adults (parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.) love seeing the kiddos light up when they get a new toy, but regret all the toy clutter later. After all, those toys can turn any house into Toyland chaos real quick. Here’s some help for keeping kids toys organized and avoiding toy clutter. 1. Make Room for the Good Stuff. Get rid of any and all toy clutter. This would be anything the kids don't like, have outgrown, or simply never play with. Donate, sell, and/or get rid of these toys. Make room for the stuff they do play with. 2. Put Toys into a Weekly or Monthly Rotation. Just like adults, kids can’t focus on any one thing when there are a plethora of choices. Pick out about 20% of the toys and keep those out. Certain toys are VIPs, like your kid's go-to doll or that trusty toy truck. Those stay out too. The rest? Put them into storage. Every week or month, rotate the toys that are out back into storage, and bring some in storage back out. 3. Stash Away “Ask Me” Toys Until YOU are Ready. Stash away the high- maintenance stuff (think messy Play- Doh and puzzle pieces) in a locked cabinet. These come out when the kids are under supervision and you have time and patience for the messy after- effects. In other words, the kids have to “ask for” these rather than just play with them anytime they’d like. This will save you a whole lot of unexpected cleanup time. 4. Create Designated Play Zones: Establish specific play areas within your home, each dedicated to a certain type of toy or activity. For example, have a corner for building blocks, a shelf for books, and a designated space for arts and crafts. Stuffed animals can live in a stuffed animal zoo. By assigning specific zones for different types of toys, you not only encourage organization but also make it easier for kids to find and engage with their favorite activities. 5. Involve Kids in Clean-Up: Teach your kids the importance of tidying up after playtime by making it a fun and interactive activity. Set a timer and turn clean-up into a game. Use bins, baskets, and/or cubbies for different types of toys, and challenge your kids to see how quickly they can return items to their designated spots. By involving them in the process, you're instilling good habits and making organization a collaborative effort. Back to Organized Kids Index