Do your kids’ toys multiply in the night? Did their toys once fit in 1 small box, but have now taken over the whole house? Try these 7 ways to wrangle back control:
1. Kids want to be where you are
Don’t be concerned about creating a play room for the kids and their toys. The kids would prefer to be right under your feet where you are. Use a few tubs of boxes to pack up
2. Rotate, rotate, rotate
Make only a small amount of toys accessible at one time (store others and rotate weekly).
3. Easy storage
Make storage of toys easy for the kids to do on their own. If the kids don’t want to colour code their Lego throw it all in a box or sweep it all to the corner of the room each night so no one steps on it!
4. Mix it up
A drawstring bag with a collection of different toys is fun to play with and easy to pack up at the end of the day.
Ask family and friends to give vouchers or take the kids to the zoo for Birthdays and Christmas instead of giving more stuff.
5. Let it go
When something is broken, or missing pieces, explain to the child that it is time to thank the toy for it service (see Marie Kondo method of letting things go) and get rid of it.
6. Time to pack up
Encourage kids to pack up at least once a day to allow them to learn how to tidy-up and care for their toys.
7. Embrace the chaos
I can tell you from experience that kids don’t play with toys forever. Be in the moment, embrace the chaos and enjoy watching the kids make memories before those memories fade away.
What’s next?
Try the above techniques and see which ones you have the most success with. You may find that different ideas work at different ages.
Still need help?
I’ve wranged with a large share of toys over the years with 2 boys at home. I love to share ideas on sorting, decluttering and storing toys with families. I’d love to offer you a 20 minute, obligation free, chat on the phone to discuss your toy challenges, or you can book me here to come work with you one-on-one. Outside Melbourne? No problem, we can work together over the phone – see my services here.
Who is Julie Cliff, Professional Organiser at Space and Time?
The working mother juggle isn’t easy and can make life feel overly busy, stressful and overwhelming. Space and Time is a professional organising consultancy which helps busy working mothers live easier, far less stressful lives through simple, easy to implement organising systems to clear the clutter- both mentally and physically.