There is nothing more that stressed me out than getting home and walking into a disorganized and messy home and seeing toys scattered everywhere, especially since raising a young family is chaotic enough!
Over the years, I’ve tried many different organization systems – most of which usually only last for a couple months before we’re back to complete disorganization, clutter and utter defeat. Toys shoved into bins that might never be found for another four months, overflowing on the floors and missing pieces never to be seen again.
Seeing this made my blood pressure spike!
While our 2-Minute Clean-up works like magic to make sure our home is always picked up, what really does the trick is to have an easy organization system in place, even the kids willingly pitch in.
When my house is tidy – because everyone who lives under one roof should work together to pick up after themselves – it will always be ready for drop in guests. Like the neighbor who sometimes walks right in or the unexpected phone call that starts with “we’re in the neighborhood…”
An organization system varies for every part of your house – the kid’s room, playroom, living room, bathroom, closets, garage, etc. – because the needs (and contents) in that space are unique.
The one thing that they all have in common is every item you own should have it’s own place. This is what keeps clutter and disorganization at bay. If your items dont’ have a “home,” or you feel compelling to shove it into the closet until it fits, then it might be worth considering if it belongs in your home in the first place.
WHAT AM I MISSING ABOUT ORGANIZATION WITH KIDS?
The #1 ORGANIZATION TIP FOR FAMILIES when you’re looking to get order in your home is that kids will play with things they can see and grab.
Toys cannot be hidden behind closed doors, cabinets, or in storage containers.
Nope. Open storage like bookshelves and open topped bins that they can see into are magic for kids.
This is the key to organizing a family and making sure kids play with their toys – and then clean them up and put them back in the right space afterwards. They must see the toys without having to open something or dig through a container.
Hidden storage is wonderful, but not conducive if you have kids and you want to get your money’s worth of use for all of their toys. We all want this don’t we?
Those Christmas presents that you, or Grandma bought shouldn’t be played with once or twice before your kid looses interest. They should be played with until they’re worn out, right?
If you want this, put them in the line of sight for kids to see.
This is a fact. It’s proven to work. And you should do it. Trust me.
Not only will the toys be played with, but children SEE where the toy came from and learn faster where to put it back when they’re done playing with it.
OPEN STORAGE BENEFITS
- Toys are in Eyesight and When They’re Seen, They’re Played With
- Visually Helps Children See Open Spots to Put Toys Away When They’re Done Playing With Them
- Limits the Number of Toys so the Storage Units Stay Clutter Free (and your home too!)
- Parents Can Take a More Minimalistic Approach to Toys – Less Clutter, Less Chaos, More Imagination!
It’s easier to keep an organized home when you – the parents – can see the items and cannot just shove them into the deep recess of a closet or close a cabinet door and hope nothing topples down the next time someone opens it. (I used to be guilty of this!)
When you have open organization systems, this forces the entire family to be diligent about putting things away in it’s place. Open storage won’t let you build up ugly clutter or throw a bunch of toys in a shelf because it doesn’t look good and you want your house looking good, right?
Here are some awesome open organization pieces that will help you get a grip on toy storage and creating order to your closets, bathroom, playroom, car, books and of course, the stuffed animal collection. We use a lot of these in our own home, the kids have them at school and in the car, too.
Please note: My affiliate links are included in this post. This is at no cost to you, but it does keep the coffee running in our house. Please see my disclaimer for more details.
PLAYTIME & TOY ORGANIZERS
- Open Shelving Storage Shelf
- Dollhouse Bookshelf with Storage Drawers
- Colorful Bin Organizer
- Foldable Play Mat
- Underbed Rolling Storage For Toys
BOOK ORGANIZATION
CLOSET & STUFFED ANIMAL ORGANIZATION
- Over the Door Shoe/Sock/Toy Organizer
- Day of the Week Clothes Organizer
- Mesh hanging Organizers
- Stuffed Animal Hammock
- Storage Bean Bag
BATHTIME
CAR ORGANIZATION
- Back of Seat Velcro Organizer
- Seat Protector with Trash Can / Toy Storage
- Storage Bucket Between Seats with lid
- Back of Seat Organizer with Drop Down Tablespace (folds up like a messenger bag)
- Quality Trunk Organizer (not the flimsy kind!)
WANT MORE?
- The Magic of the 2-Minute Clean Up
- How to Help Your Kids Learn to Play Independently
- The Best Inside Activities for Entertaining High-Energy Kids
- How to Create a Positive Home (And Why this Will Affect Your Kids Forever)
- 9 Proven Ways to Boost a Child’s Confidence
- Give Mom Burnout the Boot! Step-by-Step Ways to Get out a Mom Funk
- Stop Aiming for Perfection – Why Imperfection Will Make You a Happier Parent
Want even more?
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