I’m all about making life simple, especially since I have kids. I like short cuts, few ingredient meals, and no mess activities. I’ve always been some what organized with our toys. Recently I read THIS ARTICLE about one Mom’s quest to de-clutter and get rid of excess toys that I really got inspired. I ended up being home with just my 2 year old so we got busy. I got 2 bags ready (a give away and trash) and we got busy.
We dumped out all our totes and bins and started putting all the toy pieces back together. Random legos went back to the lego bin. We made a basket for just books. We put all the cars in the car bin and I even made a sensory/speech bin for my little one for his speech lessons. It really only took us maybe 30-45 minutes and the best part, my 2 year old that it was SO MUCH FUN!
I’ve never been one to just go crazy buying toys for my kids. When holidays/birthdays come around I’ve always made an effort to tell family what my kids really want/need. We buy lots of books and we buy lots second hand! Consignment has great things! I also switch toys out. I keep some in a closet and I put newer stuff out and put some other things away for later use. Having so many toys out can be overwhelming!
I didn’t spend a dime on this organization. I used all my Target bins and write on clips that I bought years ago. They still work great. I love our IKEA bookshelf we’ve had for years. It helps with toy organization and is very sturdy. (Ours is bolted to the wall). The top is full of my daughter’s school things and quiet Boxes. Colorful Target bins are pretty cheap and these write on clips are easy to switch out. What we have out is on the shelf. Everything has a place. This will make clean up easier.
My biggest task will be to make sure my tornado 2 Year old doesn’t just go nuts in here (and he’ll try) so we’ve got to be diligent about only getting 1 toy out at a time!
So is less best? In my case it is. I still have bins full of legos/blocks/and random toys but with these easy organization techniques hopefully we can keep our toy area more organized!
Do you have a toy organization tip?
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Carrie says
I have those cute little heart bins! I also agree – less is more!! I get so tired of the kids toys being everywhere…I finally got id of a bunch and we are all happier for it.
Jennifer S. says
I’ve taken my littlest children down to one basket with toys and a three-drawer shelving unit for their legos. It has made life so much easier. We don’t try to organize the legos just throw them in whatever drawer is open.
Shannon says
That’s great Jennifer! Less is best!
Brittany says
I love your cubbie from Ikea! I need to get myself one of those!
Shannon says
IKEA is the best place to help you get started organizing!!