How to Organise Children’s Toys – Christmas brings lots of new gifts into your home, which can quickly lead to toy clutter, making it hard for your kids to enjoy their new presents, and even harder for you to keep the house tidy. But don’t worry, with a little planning and organisation, you can transform your home into a space where toys are easy to store and accessible for the whole family to enjoy.
Here’s how to organise children’s toys before Christmas so that both the old and new gifts have a place, and your home stays tidy and fun for the little ones.
How to Organise Children’s Toys
Have a Sort Out
Before the holiday season kicks into full gear, it’s a great idea to go through the toys your children already have. This will not only make space for new gifts but also help you identify any toys that are no longer being played with. A clutter-free space is essential for both organisation and the enjoyment of the new toys.
Here’s how to start:
- Set Aside Time: Dedicate an afternoon to toy sorting. Get the kids involved if they’re old enough—they’ll enjoy helping decide which toys to keep and which to donate.
- Categorise the Toys: Create piles based on categories (e.g., action figures, dolls, building blocks, educational toys). This will help you see what you have and make it easier to organise.
- Assess Condition: Check if any toys are broken, missing pieces, or are no longer safe for your children to play with. Dispose of or recycle what can’t be reused.
- Donate or Sell: If there are toys in good condition that your kids have outgrown, consider donating them to a local charity or selling them online. It’s a great way to give back and free up space.
Create Toy Zones
Once you’ve decluttered and sorted through old toys, it’s time to think about where everything will go. Creating designated play zones for different types of toys can make it easier for your children to find what they’re looking for and keep their space organised.
Consider these toy zones:
- Building and Construction Toys Zone: For blocks, LEGO sets, and other construction toys. Store these in stackable bins or clear containers for easy access.
- Arts and Crafts Zone: For markers, colouring books, paper, and craft supplies. A small craft table with drawers or a cart with compartments can help keep everything in one place.
- Books and Educational Toys Zone: For picture books, puzzles, and games. Use a low bookshelf for easy access, or consider clear plastic bins for puzzles and games that require multiple pieces.
- Action Figures or Doll Zone: For figurines, dolls, and their accessories. A toy chest, large basket, or drawer unit can store these items neatly, making it easy to grab and go.
- Outdoor Toy Zone: For items like bikes, scooters, sports equipment, or gardening tools. This may need to be stored in a shed, garage, or outdoor storage unit.
Invest in Functional Storage Solutions
When it comes to toy storage, it’s important to find solutions that are both functional and fun. Toys can quickly overwhelm a space if they don’t have a proper home, so investing in storage solutions that keep toys organised, and even more importantly, easy to clean up, is a must.
If you have sentimental items taking up space in your home that you want to keep but don’t need immediate access to, consider using Now Self Storage in Reading. It’s a secure and convenient way to store your cherished toys and belongings, keeping them safe and sound until you’re ready to use them again.
Here are a few other storage options to consider:
- Toy Bins and Baskets: Soft fabric bins or wicker baskets are perfect for storing toys out of sight while still being easily accessible. You can even label each basket with pictures or words for easy identification.
- Clear Plastic Containers: These are perfect for storing smaller toys or sets with lots of pieces, like LEGO or action figures. Clear bins allow kids to see the contents without opening them, making it easier for them to grab what they need.
- Storage Cubes or Shelving Units: Modular shelving or cube units with pull-out drawers allow you to store different categories of toys in one place while keeping them organised and easy to access.
- Toy Chests: A classic option that works well for storing larger toys, stuffed animals, or toys that aren’t used daily. A toy chest can also double as extra seating or a fun storage feature in the room.
Prepare for the New Toys
As Christmas draws nearer, prepare your storage solutions for the flood of new toys. Consider the following tips for handling the influx of presents:
- Pre-Packaging: If you know what toys your children will be receiving, take the time to pre-package them in appropriate bins or containers before Christmas. This way, once the gifts are unwrapped, they can be immediately placed in the correct spots.
- Gift Storage: Consider storing toys in the back of closets or spare rooms until you’re ready to introduce them to your kids. This can help avoid overwhelming your kids with too many toys at once and allows you to rotate toys throughout the year.
- Set Limits: Encourage your children to pick a certain number of toys to “swap out” once they receive new ones, keeping the collection manageable and allowing them to let go of older toys they no longer play with.
6. Establish Toy Clean-Up Routines
Once everything is sorted and stored, it’s important to establish a clean-up routine that your kids can easily follow. Here are some simple steps to help maintain order:
- Make it Fun: Turn clean-up time into a game. Set a timer and challenge your kids to beat the clock or make it a family activity.
- Use Labels: Labeling toy bins or containers with pictures and words can help children easily understand where things go and encourage them to take responsibility for putting toys away.
- Daily or Weekly Checks: Make it a habit to go through the toys regularly to ensure everything is in its place. A quick daily or weekly tidy-up will prevent clutter from building up.
Getting your children’s toys organised can help reduce the stress that comes with the holiday season and ensure that you’re ready for the inevitable influx of new gifts. By sorting through the old toys, creating designated play zones, investing in smart storage solutions, and preparing for the new arrivals, you’ll have a tidy, organised space where your kids can fully enjoy their toys, both old and new. Plus, it’s the perfect way to teach your kids the importance of organisation and tidiness during the holidays.