Simple Ways To Organize Your Child’s Toys

I have six children, so the topic of organizing toys has been learned the hard way.  Today, I’m going to show you simple ways to organize your child’s toys so they actually foster learning, stay organized, and with little or no money.

For the record, I approach toys a little differently than most people.  Being a teacher by trade and a homeschooler as well, I believe we should discuss the topic of toys thoughtfully.  My philosophy of toys is as follows.

• Foster imaginary play
• Teach developmental skills
• Fun
• Interest-based learning

Simple Ways To Organize Your Child’s Toys

SUPPLIES

Paper boxes (with lids)

shoeboxes

plastic bags

*0ptional spray paint (if you want pretty boxes)

Start by asking your children to pick their top three favorite toys.  Depending on their age you may have to pick for them.  These three toys should remain out in their rooms all the time with books of course.

• Next, sort your child’s toys into like groups.  For example, Legos, Lincoln Logs, baby dolls and clothes, broken toys, and cars.
• Pick out all the toys that are broken and throw them away.  It is never safe to have broken toys around.
• Determine which toys are in keeping with your family’s toy philosophy.  Place all the toys that don’t match your vision of play and place them in the plastic bags to give away.
• Now, the toys you have left will be placed in the paper boxes, shoe boxes, or plastic storage tubs if you have some on hand.  Based on a number of groupings of toys, you should have as many boxes as toy groupings.  One box for Legos, one box for baby dolls, etc.
• Label the boxes.

Now, for the part that makes this system for organizing your child’s toys work…

Preferably, do not store these boxes out in the open.  Depending on the space in your home, pick the basement, attached garage, or large closet to store the toy boxes.

I store my labeled toy boxes in the basement.

When it’s playtime ask your child what toy he wants to play with that day?  Walk together and pick out the box.  When your child changes his or her mind and wants a new toy.  Have them clean up by putting the toys back in the box and return it to the basement where your child can pick another box.

No more toy messes all over the house!  This method teaches children how to clean up their toys while fostering their decision-making ability.

YOUR TURN…

How do you organize your child’s toys?

Blessings,