I’d be lying if I said that I have not been organizing my socks off since 2020 hit. It’s kind of wonderful but I have never felt more my age than I do now 🤣! Lucky for me, I’ve got some cute helpers who are always willing to lend a hand and get down to de-cluttering business. And that’s a great thing because we had a mini toy tornado after Christmas… and I am sure I am not alone. Today I will share my practical storage solutions to keep toy clutter at bay while still making sure that littles have a space to enjoy and play in. Let’s jump in !
Piles
First off, take inventory of what you have and what you don’t need anymore. I categorize the sorting into three piles:
Keep Pile
Donate Pile
Trash Pile
and last one is what I like to call the “Grandma Box” pile.
So this is a little WEIRD, but I have a box of special toys that I keep in a box I call the Grandma Box. This is a box of special toys, sentimental and great quality, that I keep for someday when my kids are grown and have kids of their own. I don’t go too overboard with keeping because I am actually pretty good at getting rid of material things. One tip I read in a Feng Shui book some time ago (this was before Marie Kondo!) was to take a photo of the item so you still have it look back on if you are having a hard time parting with it. This tip has helped me a ton!
Sorting + Storing
Once the piles have been made, its time to start sorting. This is where I let my kids help me decide which items go where. They feel so good when they feel apart of the organizing process! Baskets and bins work amazing for sorting and they are available anywhere. My preference is cube storage because it makes the most sense. The organizers and baskets we have are from Ikea. They are super affordable and may even be available secondhand for an even better deal.
We use Ikea’s 8 Cube storage system KALLAX in high gloss white. Click here to see it and here for the rattan baskets, also from Ikea. I have linked similar options below as well! I love how simple or expressive toy storage can be just by switching up the baskets. They make so many cute patterns!
Here are some cube organizers that I love. Bonus they are on SALE right now 👍!
Here are the cube baskets that I am loving for in room toy storage and living room storage. Now you don’t have to sacrifice style for function 🙌.
Labeling
After everything has been sorted and stored I like to go through and quickly label what has been put away. Not only is this SUPER FUN because this label maker is awesome, but it makes clean up a breeze! No more shoving things in random baskets, everything has a place. I love that this helps my kids in the reading department too. This is the label maker I use and it’s AWESOME! We used it for our pantry makeover last year if you care to take a peek here! I use it for all organizing needs in my home as you will see in the next coming weeks.
I simply add labels above the storage baskets. Clean up has never been easier for everyone!
*TIP: I always suggest adding a miscellaneous basket in there for random pieces that your kids can’t part with. Old Valentine’s cards, small superhero parts (like Batman torpedoes 😉), random cheap party favors… Go through this box periodically and check in on what is being used and what needs to go.
Large Toys + Keepsakes
For large toys we leave a reasonable amount of space in the kid’s closet for them. We are very intentional with toy buying and don’t buy things we don’t have space for. We use under the bed for large hot wheels tracks and the bat mobile. For my daughter’s room we use under bed storage for doll’s outfits. Nothing is cluttered and is available within comfortable reach, I think that’s the key.
Under bed storage is amazing and I especially love those with dividers, if you need categories as we do with the doll storage. Here are some really affordable under bed storage options.
For sentimental and keepsake items we utilize the top shelf in the closet. This space was cluttered before we started this little organization project! After we figured out what couldn’t stay I picked up some photo storage boxes at our local Michaels. They run less than $5 for almost all of them and are perfect for special photos and cards. I promise seeing the boxes in place of random piles is a game changer for your mind. Plus they are so affordable so why not?!
The Aftermath
At this point, everything may still seem a little messy because of trash piles and goodwill bags. My tip is to get to goodwill (or to a friend) ASAP! Empty trash out right away and get another storage bin if you need one. After we got working, we realized we didn’t want to keep our guest bedding in my son’s closet anymore so I asked my hubby to snag a large storage bin at Lowes. It’s now tucked away in our garage until the next time we need it.
If they Refuse to Part with It
If you child absolutely REFUSES to get rid of a toy you know they don’t need or play with I suggest getting a box to put that item in. Give the box a special name like the “unicorn box” or “superhero box”… let kids decide and make it fun! Tell your child the box is a magic box that will help the child decide if they really want to keep the toy. Set a time frame (like a week) to do a check in with the item, If at the end of the week, your child has not played with it, ask them if they are ready to part with it. (You can offer a reward if you wish)
If they STILL don’t want to part with it. Ask if you can move the magic box to the garage where it will be safe! They can ask to play with it at anytime. Check back in a month or year! * I realize this seems daunting and I am NOT a professional, but I believe some kids are attached to items for several reasons and personally would never advise throwing out an item they hold value to. I hope the magic box idea helps you!!
Final Thoughts
I know how overwhelming toy storage organization and clutter may seem especially if it’s been awhile. The good news is the more you practice organization the easier it becomes. Doing this with your kids is also a great way to show them how to take care of the things they love and when it’s time to let something go.
Are you ready to get organized? This is just the beginning of our organizing and de-cluttering fun. Join me on Instagram for our daily life inspiration! Also check my Pinterest for more fun ideas. Have a great week and if this post helped you please let me know in the comments!
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