How to Minimize Toy Clutter

Does your kid's room look like a toy store threw up in there? You're not alone! Most parents feel like the number of toys in their child's room is out of control. We can't help it! We probably buy too much for them, then they get more as gifts, and eventually it gets out of control. With all of the developmental toys and popular must-haves, it can be hard to put limits on how many toys enter your home, because we want our kids to have learning opportunities as much as entertainment.

1) Designate an area for large items that take up a lot of space. Most kids have an enormous amount of stuffed animals, and they probably feel that each one is special and important. Designating a particular place for stuffed animals, balls, pillows, whatever your child has a lot of, can help the room stay cleaned up. You may need to label a large toy box, basket, or net for this one particular thing. Make it easy to toss stuffed animals in. You can make cleaning a snap if you allow you child to throw animals across the room into the net! Making it fun can determine whether your organization sticks or not.

2) Tiny items, like plastic building blocks, need somewhere special to go. Don't you just hate finding that one in the dark by stepping on its pointy corners? Ouch! You can give your kid a bin, basket or bucket to keep these things in, but nothing says that they will stay put there. They usually end up scattered around the house, dumped out, and lost. If your kid really likes this particular toy, you may be better off providing them with an area to play with them in. A table designated specifically for building can be helpful. An attached container, shelf, bucket, or basket will help keep the pieces at least near the table. Try not to put any other toys in this area and they're less likely to get all mixed up and lost.

3) If your child likes to collect little things, you're in luck. It can seem like a lot, but at least it doesn't take up a lot of space. You need to come up with a system for your child to display, or at least keep up with, all of their little treasures. Drawers with compartments, containers screwed to a board, miniature shelves, or baskets with compartments all make great places to store little collectibles.

4) Keeping the major things in order is key. Have a clear and easy system for your child to keep up with. A laundry basket in their closet gives them a clear place to put dirty clothes. Using children's hangers, infant hangers, or baby hangers makes it easier for them to keep their own things in order. Reward them for their efforts and adjust your system as necessary.