Keeping the Playroom Organized: 29 Brilliant Toy Storage and Organization Strategies
Maintaining an organized playroom can be a daunting task, especially when it seems like new toys are constantly appearing. However, with the right strategies, you can create a tidy and functional space that your kids will love. In this article, we’ll explore 29 brilliant toy storage and organization ideas that will help you keep your playroom neat and make cleanup a breeze.
The Importance of Less is More
1. Less is More
Believe it or not, having fewer toys can actually make playtime more enjoyable for your kids. When there’s a surplus of toys, it can be overwhelming, and children may have a harder time finding the toys they want to play with. By paring down their toy collection to the items they truly love and play with regularly, you’ll create a more open and comfortable space that encourages play.
Decluttering: A Regular Task
2. Declutter at Least Twice a Year
To maintain a less-is-more approach, it’s essential to declutter the playroom regularly. As your children’s interests change, they’ll grow out of certain toys and move on to more age-appropriate ones. Decluttering at least twice a year will help keep the playroom tidy and ensure that your kids are playing with toys that are relevant to their current interests.
3. When Decluttering, Make the First Pass Alone
When it’s time to declutter, start by making a pass through the room alone. Remove any broken, gross, or unusable items, and set aside toys that your kids no longer play with. This initial pass will save you time and make the decluttering process less overwhelming for your children.
Creating Zones: A Key to Organization
4. Create Zones
Dividing the playroom into zones can help keep like items together and make cleanup easier. Create zones based on your children’s interests, such as an arts and crafts zone, a game zone, or a LEGO zone. This will help your kids quickly find what they need and put things back in their place.
Labeling: A Helpful Cue
5. Label Organized Playroom Storage Bins
Labels can be a helpful cue for kids, letting them know exactly where to put things. Use worded labels or pictures to help your children understand what’s stored in each bin. As your kids get older, they’ll become more accustomed to following the labeling system.
Maximizing Storage Space
6. Maximize Available Closet Space
If you have a closet in the playroom, make the most of it by installing a closet system. This will provide additional storage for toys, keeping the main part of the room clutter-free.
7. Maximize Wall Storage Space
Don’t forget to utilize the walls in the playroom for storage. Use wall-mounted shelves, pegboards, or magnetic strips to keep items like toys, art supplies, or games within reach.
8. Utilize Pegboards for Organized Playroom Storage
Pegboards are a versatile storage solution that can be used to display art projects, hold small craft supplies, or store Nerf guns.
Displaying Art and Finished Projects
9. Provide a Display Area for Art
Create a space where your kids can showcase their artwork, such as a pegboard or a display wire system. This will encourage them to keep creating and make it easier to rotate out old pieces.
10. Save Cute Art Projects While Eliminating Paperwork
Instead of keeping every piece of artwork, consider taking pictures of special pieces and creating a digital or physical album. This will help reduce clutter and make it easier to cherish your children’s creations.
Practical Storage Solutions
11. Use a Letter Tray to Make Craft Paper Easily Accessible
Keep craft paper organized and within reach by using a letter tray. This is especially helpful if your child frequently uses printer paper for art projects.
12. Make Coloring Utensils Easy to Transport
Use a divided organizer to keep coloring utensils like markers and colored pencils tidy and portable.
13. Bring in a Rolling Cart for Organized Playroom Storage
A rolling cart can be a great addition to the playroom, providing a mobile storage solution for art supplies, toys, or games.
14. Go Magnetic
Use magnetic strips or containers to add storage to rolling carts or other metal surfaces.
Organizing Toys and Games
15. Separate Toys into Categories Using Cubes
Cube units are an excellent way to store toys, as they help keep like items together and make cleanup easier.
16. Use Unlidded Bins When Possible for Organized Playroom Storage
Unlidded bins are a great option for storing toys, as they make it easy for kids to put things away without having to open lids or latches.
17. Use Lidded Bins to Keep Sets Together
For toys that come in sets, like LEGO or Qixels, use lidded bins to keep the pieces together and prevent mixing with other toys.
18. Keep Toys Stored Off of the Floor When Possible
Use shelves or storage units to keep larger toys off the floor, making the room feel more spacious and tidy.
LEGO Storage and Organization
19. Use IKEA’s TROFAST System to Keep LEGOs Organized
The TROFAST system is a practical and affordable way to store LEGOs. Use a combination of floor and wall units to keep the pieces organized.
20. Organize LEGOs Based on How Your Children Play with Them
Store LEGOs in a way that makes sense for your child’s play style. If they like to free build, store the pieces in a mixed bin. If they prefer to rebuild sets, store the pieces by set.
21. Organize LEGO Manuals Using Hanging Folders and a File Box
Keep LEGO manuals organized using hanging folders and a file box. Divide the manuals by category and arrange them alphabetically.
22. Designate a Display Area for Finished LEGO Projects
Create a space where your kids can display their finished LEGO creations. This could be a shelf or a designated display area.
23. Give a Surface an Added Purpose
Consider adding a building surface, like a LEGO table, to the playroom. This will provide a dedicated space for building and creating.
Additional Storage Solutions
24. Utilize Tall Bins for Nerf Guns for Organized Playroom Storage
Use tall bins to store Nerf guns, keeping them organized and out of the way.
25. Store Board Games Vertically
Store board games vertically, rather than stacking them, to make it easier to access and play with them.
26. Store Cards in Zipper Pouches
Use zipper pouches to store cards, keeping them organized and protected.
27. Use a Puzzle Organizer
Use a puzzle organizer to keep puzzles tidy and make it easier to work on them.
Tweaking Your System
28. Tweak Systems That Aren’t Working
Be willing to adjust your storage and organization systems as needed. If a particular system isn’t working, try something new.
29. Pay Attention to How the Kids Want to Use Their Space
Listen to your children’s feedback and observations about their space. They may have valuable insights into how to make the playroom more functional and enjoyable.
By implementing these 29 brilliant toy storage and organization strategies, you’ll be well on your way to creating a tidy and functional playroom that your kids will love. Happy organizing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I declutter the playroom?
At least twice a year to maintain a tidy space and ensure kids are playing with relevant toys.
Q: What is the benefit of creating zones in the playroom?
Dividing the room into zones helps keep like items together and makes cleanup easier.
Q: How can I maximize storage space in the playroom?
Use closet systems, wall-mounted shelves, pegboards, and magnetic strips to keep items organized and within reach.
Q: What is the best way to store LEGOs?
Use a system like IKEA’s TROFAST, and organize LEGOs based on how your child plays with them.
Q: How can I keep art supplies organized?
Use a letter tray to store craft paper, and a divided organizer to keep coloring utensils tidy and portable.
Q: What is the benefit of labeling storage bins?
Labels help kids understand what’s stored in each bin, making it easier for them to put things back.
Q: How can I display finished LEGO projects?
Designate a display area, such as a shelf, to showcase finished LEGO creations.
Q: How can I store board games and cards?
Store board games vertically, and use zipper pouches to store cards, keeping them organized and protected.
Q: What should I do if a storage system isn’t working?
Tweak the system as needed, and be willing to try new approaches.
Q: How can I involve my kids in the organization process?
Pay attention to their feedback and observations, and incorporate their insights into the organization system.
Q: What is the key to maintaining an organized playroom?
Regular decluttering, creating zones, and using effective storage solutions.
