Are you looking for ways to organize a toy closet? These tips will make corralling your kid’s toys easy and relatively stress-free.
Organizing your child’s toy closet can seem impossible, especially when you’re tripping over small toys or constantly finding puzzle pieces in every corner of your living room. But there is a way to get out from under the chaos! Here are some straightforward tips to help you contain your kid’s toys and turn your closet into a highly functional storage unit.
Tips to Help You Organize a Toy Closet
1. Start with a Clean Slate
The most important thing before organizing is to empty the entire closet. It might seem overwhelming, but this gives you a clear picture of what you have and what needs to go. During this process, I found toys we hadn’t seen in months, and yes, a lot of those were random toys or tiny toys that found their way to the back of the closet. The idea is to clean everything out so that you can see what you’re working with.
2. Categorize and Declutter
Group similar items together – art supplies with art supplies, board games with board games, and so on. This method makes it easier to find what you need and helps identify duplicates or toys your kids have outgrown. Remember, decluttering is a great way to keep only those toys your children play with, making maintaining order in the long run easier.
3. Embrace Storage Solutions
Investing in the right storage solutions is really important. Plastic bins are perfect for small pieces like Lego or art supplies, while larger bins can store bigger toys or bulky items. I love using clear bins; they’re a great option because my kids can see what’s inside, reducing the chance of everything being tipped onto the floor.
4. Maximize Vertical Space
Utilize the back of the closet door or install shelves to create additional storage. Over-the-door shoe organizers are great for smaller items or those odd pieces that don’t belong anywhere else. This approach is helpful, especially in a small closet with limited floor space.
5. Label Everything
Labels can help maintain an organized space. They’re an easy way to ensure everything returns to its rightful place. Plus, they can be a fun way to involve your kids in the organizing process. Use pictures or icons for little kids who can’t yet read.
6. Rotate Toys Regularly
Creating a toy library can be a great way to keep the number of toys in check. Store away some toys and rotate them every few months. This keeps the play space tidy and makes old toys feel brand new, reducing the constant demand for new toys.
7. Implement Kid-Friendly Systems
The best toy storage ideas are those that your children can use themselves. Open bins and lower shelves are perfect for easy access, allowing kids to take out and put away their toys. This helps promote independence and responsibility as well.
8. Keep Favorites Within Reach
Always store your child’s favorite toys in an easily accessible spot. This ensures they can access them without emptying out other bins or creating a mess. It’s a simple tip that has saved us from many end-of-the-day tidying marathons.
9. Utilize Underused Spaces
Look at areas like the bottom of the closet or under a bed for additional storage. Large bins on wheels or flat containers can be great for these spaces, offering extra room for larger toys or seasonal items.
10. Include Fun Elements
Make the closet a fun and inviting space. Bright colors, fun labels, or themed bins can make tidying up feel less like a chore and more like a part of playtime. This has been an excellent solution for us, turning cleanup time into a game.
11. Chose Adjustable Shelving
As your child grows, their storage needs will change. Adjustable shelves are a fantastic way to adapt to different-sized toys or storage bins, ensuring the closet grows with your child. They’re a great way to ensure you use all available space efficiently.
12. Create a System for Small Pieces
Small pieces, like puzzle pieces or craft supplies, can be the trickiest to store. Small, clear plastic bins or fabric storage bins with dividers are perfect for organizing these items. They ensure you’re not constantly searching for missing pieces and make grabbing just what you need for craft time easy.
13. Maintain the Organization
The final piece to keeping a toy closet organized is regular maintenance. Take a few minutes each day to ensure everything is in its place. Encourage your kids to help with this process; it instills good habits and makes the task quicker and more enjoyable.
Tips to Organize a Toy Closet: Wrap-Up
Organizing your kid’s toy closet doesn’t have to be an impossible task. With these tips, you can create a fun and orderly space for your kids. Happy organizing!
Tips to Organize a Toy Closet: FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions you might have when you’re organizing a toy closet.
How often should I declutter my kid’s toy closet?
Decluttering should ideally be done every 3 to 6 months to keep up with your child’s changing interests and developmental stages. Regular decluttering helps remove broken toys, games with missing pieces, and items your child has outgrown. This also provides an opportunity to donate toys and make room for new ones, keeping the closet fresh and manageable.
What’s the best way to involve my child in the organizing process?
Involving your child in the organizing process can be fun and educational. Let them decide which toys to keep, donate, or throw away. Use the organizing time to teach them about categorization by grouping similar items. Encourage them to decide where each category should go in the closet, and involve them in labeling bins and shelves. This makes them feel in control of their space and teaches responsibility and decision-making skills.
How do I choose the right storage solutions for a small space?
For small spaces, focus on vertical storage solutions like over-the-door organizers, wall-mounted shelves, or tall, narrow shelving units that take up little floor space. Choose multipurpose storage, such as benches with built-in storage or beds with drawers underneath. Opt for clear, stackable bins to make the most of the space while allowing you and your child to easily see what’s inside each container.
Can you suggest any creative labeling ideas for non-readers?
Absolutely! For kids who can’t read yet, use picture labels or icons representing the contents of the bin or shelf. You can take photos of the toys or use stickers and drawings that depict the type of toys stored there. This visual system helps them identify where items belong and promote independence in maintaining an organized space.
How can I maintain the organization of the toy closet without constant effort?
Maintaining an organized closet is easier with a simple, kid-friendly system. Make tidying up a regular part of your child’s routine before dinner or bedtime. Use the one-in-one-out rule: an old toy gets donated when a new toy comes in. Seasonal rotations of toys can also prevent clutter from accumulating. Do a quick monthly check-up to reorganize and ensure everything is in its proper place.
What should I do with toys that have missing pieces?
First, set them aside in a separate container for a short period; sometimes, the missing pieces turn up. If they don’t, consider whether the toy is still usable or can be repurposed for parts in other play activities. If not, it’s best to discard or recycle them responsibly. Check with the manufacturer for board games or puzzles; they sometimes offer replacement pieces.
How can I prevent the toy closet from becoming cluttered quickly?
Consistent routines and transparent systems are essential. Teach your child to put toys back after playing, use labels for easy sorting, and maintain a donation bin for outgrown toys. Regularly rotating toys can also prevent boredom and reduce the urge to buy new ones, thus keeping the collection manageable. Encouraging mindful purchasing habits, like buying only when replacing something else, can also help keep clutter at bay.
What are some environmentally friendly storage options?
Look for storage solutions made from sustainable materials like bamboo, recycled plastic, or repurposed items. You can also get creative by upcycling household items, such as turning old crates into toy bins or reusing glass jars for art supply storage. Buying second-hand bins or shelves is another eco-friendly choice, reducing waste and extending the lifecycle of products.
Tips to Organize a Toy Closet: Product Recommendations
Here are 10 products that can help you organize a toy closet, making it functional and accessible.
Clear Plastic Bins with Lids
It is perfect for storing a variety of toys, especially small pieces like LEGO, puzzle parts, or art supplies. Clear bins allow children and parents to see the contents at a glance, simplifying the process of finding and tidying up toys.
Cube Storage Organizer
A versatile shelving unit with cubbies that can hold fabric storage bins, books, and larger toys. It’s excellent for categorizing different types of toys and makes everything easily accessible for kids.
Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer
Ideal for utilizing the unused space behind the closet door, it can store small toys, art supplies, or small stuffed animals in its clear pockets, making them easy to find and reach.
Label Maker
This is a handy tool for creating clear, durable labels for bins, shelves, and drawers. Labeling helps maintain organization and assists children in knowing where each toy belongs.
Toy Hammock or Net
Great for storing stuffed animals or larger soft toys, keeping them off the floor but still within sight and reach. It can be hung in corners or along walls, maximizing vertical space.
Stackable Open-front Bins
These are ideal for frequently used toys, offering easy access for kids to grab their favorite toys and put them back. Their open front makes it easy to identify the contents, and being stackable, they save floor space.
Under-the-Bed Storage Containers
Utilize the space under the bed with these low-profile bins, perfect for storing less frequently used toys or seasonal items, keeping the closet less cluttered.
Wall-mounted Shelves
They provide additional storage space above the play area or closet, perfect for keeping items that are only used occasionally or need to be out of reach of very young children.
Toy Box with Bookshelf
Combines book and toy storage in one, encouraging reading by keeping books visible and accessible while offering a large toy compartment.
Adjustable Closet Organizer Kit
This customizable shelving and hanging system adapts to your growing child’s needs. You can reconfigure the setup as your toy collection changes, ensuring that the closet organization grows with your child.
Each of these products offers a unique solution to everyday storage challenges, helping to keep the toy closet organized, accessible, and enjoyable for kids. When selecting products, consider the size of your space, the types of toys you need to store, and how accessible you want each item to be for your child.
I hope these tips will give you some great ideas for how to organize a toy closet. If you’re looking for more tips on organizing for your child’s things, check out these blog posts: