Hey mama! Are you looking for a toy organization system that works? I don’t know about you but, the holiday detox hits me hard the first two weeks of the new year. It’s like falling from a skateboard sans the helmet and knee pads, at the top of a 50-foot peak, and going full speed while hitting every tree and boulder on the way down.
Did you get the visual of that? Chalk the laugh up as a sigh of relief that a sister feels your pain and just know that you’re in the right place to curb that feeling of stress and anxiety (at least when it comes to storing those new toys and a constant cleaning situation)!
CLICK TO SEE MY FAVORITE TOY STORAGE PIECES!!
My biggest stressor when it comes to our boys’ play spaces and bedrooms, used to be not having a usable storage system that will allow my boys to clean up after themselves effectively!
Years ago when my oldest was diagnosed with Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder, we had no choice but to change certain aspects of our life to keep his stress-induced meltdowns at bay. The main focus was the need to create a clutter-free lifestyle with usable and attainable organization systems in mind.
I want to be totally honest with you from the get-go and let you know that no system is perfect, not every system that works for me will work for you, and IT DOES NOT require you to spend a lot of money.
There are so many great alternatives to expensive bins & baskets that will get you to a great place with a workable space! I’m going to share a ton of options for you below but first, I want to outline the most important aspect of this system- THE system itself. Bins and baskets are great but without the intentional use of those items, you will continue to fail which only leads to frustration and a feeling of defeat (in yourself and your kids).
TOY STORAGE SYSTEM THAT ACTUALLY WORKS WITH KIDS
How to get your kids to clean up after themselves every time you ask!
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE FULL
“THE WORKING TOY STORAGE SYSTEM WORKBOOK” HERE!!
I’ve created a full, 62-page guide with tips, tricks, advice, pro secrets, and workable pages that I’m sharing with you completely for FREE! Guys. THIS IS WHAT I LIVE FOR. All of the attainable organization tools THAT WORK are in this book! Print it out, read it, practice it, and see results!
GET STARTED:
- MAKE A PLAN: Make a plan for your space. Please don’t just go buying random baskets and bins before you know what you need. Doing this can lead to overspending and overbuying. Download THIS free complete guide to get started! Separate each toy category into sections on this list. Then, account for the type of storage you want for each specific toy category. *PRO TIP: Evergreen toy categories like matchbox cars, LEGO, trains, barbies, doll accessories, etc. should get a bigger storage piece than what you currently need. This allows room for when toys from those categories are gifted at birthdays or on holidays, in an effort to prevent you from needing to repurchase additional storage pieces every few months!
- PURGE THE EXCESS: When it comes time to get into the mess, be prepared to purge any broken or unused toys. This will allow your child to clean up without confusion, play without frustration, and eliminate unnecessary mess!
- PRACTICE & ASSESS: Before implementing the new system with your kids, plan on practicing it for two weeks on your own. It can sometimes help to let the kids watch you as you tidy up using the new system but, don’t get frustrated with them that they aren’t helping. This is your time to evaluate the placement of your storage pieces, rearrange if needed, and find or buy those last few storage items that you may realize you need.
- TOUR & TEACH: It’s going to take time for your kids to start using the system independently and that should be expected. We don’t come out of the womb walking, right? So, our children need to be shown the proper placement of their toys during clean-up time and how to appropriately do so! Giving your child a tour once you’re ready to implement the system and have worked in it on your own for those first two weeks, is a fantastic tool! Open drawers, bins, and baskets! Show them which toys are located where, and practice cleaning up with them consistently.
*SHOPPING TIP!
Evaluate your space first & create a list.
One of my favorite things about the system is shopping for and bringing new organization pieces into my home but, doing so without a plan can lead to overspending and overbuying! I’ve been the victim of buying a bin or basket for the way it looks and not having a use for it, one too many times! This is why evaluating your space and creating a list of your needs before shopping, is crucial!
For the full breakdown of how to make this full-proof system work for your family, download the workbook HERE!
I truly hope that this system is helpful and works for you and your children! It takes time and patience but, will pay off in the end if the work is put in on the front end!
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[…] give your kids the confidence and support they need to put away their toys independently, click HERE! I’ve created a 62 page workbook FULL of resources, tips & tricks, workable pages, and […]