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As a BUSY mum, you’ve got a lot on your plate – and the last thing you need is a floor full of toys adding to the daily chaos.
Keeping your child’s playthings organized can feel overwhelming, especially when toys seem to multiply overnight! But with a few smart, easy-to-implement strategies, you can create a play space that’s tidy, functional, and stress-free.
Here’s a guide packed with practical toy storage hacks every busy mum needs to know, so you can reclaim a sense of order and keep your little one’s space manageable.
1. Start by Decluttering
Let’s face it: kids often have more toys than they need or even play with. To make organizing easier, start by decluttering. Sit down with your child and go through each toy, deciding what they still love, what can be donated, and what’s no longer needed. It’s a great way to teach them about letting go while clearing out the clutter.
Top Tip: Use the “three pile” method – one pile to keep, one to donate, and one to discard. Fewer toys mean less to organize and tidy up!
2. Opt for Clear, Stackable Bins
Clear, stackable bins are a busy mum’s best friend. Not only do they save space, but they also make it easy for kids to see what’s inside. When toys are visible, they’re more likely to be played with and less likely to be dumped just to find that one missing car or doll.
TIP: Label each bin with words and pictures. For younger kids, visual labels with photos or drawings make it easy for them to know what goes where.
3. Use Vertical Space – It’s a Lifesaver!
When floor space is limited, think vertical. Shelving units, wall-mounted storage, and over-the-door organizers can help you keep toys off the ground and make better use of room height. Vertical storage saves floor space and adds a bit of personality to the room as well.
TIP: Try using wall-mounted baskets for soft toys or puzzles, or install floating shelves to store books and action figures.
4. Sort and Store by Category
Sorting toys into categories makes both playtime and clean-up much easier. Keep cars together, dolls in one spot, craft supplies in another. Grouping toys by type means kids can easily find what they’re looking for and (hopefully) know where to put things back.
Quick Tip: Use different coloured bins or baskets for each category – even little ones will quickly learn where each toy type goes.
5. Invest in Multi-Functional Furniture
When you’re short on space, multi-functional furniture can be a game-changer. Storage benches, ottomans with hidden compartments, or beds with built-in drawers let you tuck toys away without needing extra cabinets or bins. These pieces do double-duty, keeping your space neat and giving you easy access to toys when needed.
6. Rotate Toys to Keep Things Fresh
You’ve likely noticed that kids can get bored with their toys quickly. By rotating toys, you can keep things interesting without adding to the clutter. Store a portion of the toys out of sight, and bring them back into the rotation every few weeks. This keeps toys exciting and reduces the number left out at once.
Toy rotation is a lifesaver for busy mums – it keeps your home tidier without constant clean-up, and your kids feel like they’ve got new toys regularly!
7. Baskets are Your Best Friend
Baskets are perfect for a quick, no-fuss tidy-up. Place a few around the house – in the living room, bedroom, and playroom – for easy access. They’re easy to carry and make it simple for kids to help clean up, even if you’re short on time.
TIP: Choose lightweight, durable baskets that are easy for little hands to lift and carry.
8. Create a Designated Play Zone
If you have the space, set up a specific area for playtime and toys. This helps contain the mess and makes clean-up easier. A colourful rug or play mat can define the area and make it feel special for your little one.
Keeping toys in one area helps reduce clutter in other parts of the house, making your home feel more organised and relaxing.
9. Keep Small Parts Organized and Safe
Small toys can be challenging to keep track of and are often the ones that get lost under the sofa. Use small, labelled bins to store these items, and consider keeping them out of reach for younger kids to avoid accidents.
Safety Tip: Store small pieces in clear, lidded containers or high up on shelves if you’ve got toddlers at home – they’re less likely to be spilled and are easy to grab for older kids.
10. Make Clean-Up Part of Playtime
We know – getting kids to tidy up isn’t always easy. But making clean-up fun can be a game-changer. Use a timer, play a song, or turn clean-up into a game where they “race” to see who can put toys away the fastest. Involving your child in tidying up teaches responsibility and helps keep things manageable for you.
Try This: Create a reward system where they earn points for every time they tidy up – it makes clean-up feel like part of play, not a chore.
11. Label for Independence
Labels are an easy way to help kids know where things belong. Use photos or picture labels for younger children and simple text for older kids. Labelling helps build independence, and they’ll feel proud putting things back in the “right” place.
Use removable or washable labels so you can adjust as your child’s toy collection changes over time.
12. Repurpose Common Household Items for Storage
You don’t need to buy everything new – household items can often be great toy storage solutions. Hanging shoe organizers work wonders for small toys, and old jars or tins are perfect for craft supplies or small figurines.
Example: Repurpose an old spice rack for art supplies, or use a muffin tin to store tiny toys like beads, marbles, or building blocks.
13. Create a Toy Library for Less Clutter
A “toy library” can be a fantastic way to keep toys under control while keeping playtime interesting. Store some toys out of reach and let your child “check out” a few at a time. This setup keeps clutter down and makes toys feel new and exciting again.
14. Use Under-Bed Storage for Bulkier Toys
The space under the bed can be ideal for storing larger toys, games, or seasonal items. Use flat, under-bed storage boxes or large zip-up bags to keep things tidy and accessible.
15. Keep Main Areas Toy-Free for a Calmer Home
Try to limit toys to specific areas in the house, keeping main living spaces free from clutter. This keeps high-traffic areas safer, more organized, and lets you enjoy some toy-free spaces.
As a busy mum, keeping toys organized can be a big challenge, but it’s possible with a few tried-and-true tips. By making use of clever storage solutions, encouraging your kids to help with clean-up, and creating a few routines, you can bring a bit of order back into your home.
Try out these toy storage hacks, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from having a tidy, organized space – because every busy mum deserves that!
If you’re ready to take things a step further, why not join my 30-Day Decluttering Challenge? It’s a simple, supportive way to tackle clutter across your entire home and create lasting organization. Perfect for busy mums who want real change without the stress!