5-Steps to a Clutter-Free Playroom

A Guide to Organizing and Decluttering

The playroom, a hub of creativity and imagination, can quickly become a chaotic mess of toys, games, and clutter. If you find yourself stepping on Legos and struggling to find a clear space to play, it might be time for a playroom decluttering project. In this post, I will guide you through the process of decluttering your playroom by breaking down the toys into categories, helping you create a space that fosters play, learning, and creativity.

Now it's time to declutter with purpose

Step 1: Set the Stage

Before you dive into the decluttering process, set aside a dedicated chunk of time for this project. Enlist your kids' help if appropriate – involving them in the process can instill good organizing habits early on.

Start by having boxes or bins ready and labeled "Keep," "Donate," "Trash," and "Time will Tell"

Step 2: Categorize the Toys

Now it is time to start categorizing the toys you have into several categories:

• Active Play Toys: These include items such as balls, jump ropes, hula hoops, and any toy that encourages physical activity.

• Imaginative Play Toys: Think dolls, action figures, play sets, costumes, and anything else that evokes imaginative scenarios.

• Educational Toys: These are toys that promote learning and skill development, such as puzzles, building blocks, and science kits.

• Creative Toys: Arts and crafts supplies, coloring books, and items that nurture your child's artistic side.

• Electronic Toys: Gadgets, tablets, and electronic games. I know you've heard it before, but please consider setting limits on screen time.

• Board Games and Puzzles: Items that encourage family interaction and problem-solving.

• Books: I mean...you know what books are :)

• Stuffed Animals and Soft Toys: Keep these in check; they tend to multiply quickly and are hard to store effectively.

• Miscellaneous: Any other toys that don't fit into the above categories.

Step 3: The Decision-Making Process

For each category, go through and decide which ones your child loves and still plays with. Here's how to approach it:

Keep

Identify toys that your child still plays with and loves. These are their go-to toys and the ones they still engage with. One way to start is to quickly scan the room and set aside the toys your kids play with all the time. This should be easy, don't over think this step! Once you have identified the obvious keeps, you can start to slow down and make decisions on the rest of the items. 

Donate

Finding the toys they've outgrown or those that don't capture their interest anymore can be donated to local charities, schools, or shelters. Remember to think about what brings your child joy, not your own expectations for their play. Sometimes we can have thoughts about what toys we as adults would find fun or were our favorites as a child, but your child just doesn't have the same enthusiasm for it. Keeping this perspective will make your decision to donate a lot easier. If there are multiples of the same type of toy consider pairing that down into a more manageable amount, trying to limit the amount by what can fit into a storage bin.

Trash

Anything that is broken, missing crucial parts, or those that have seen better days and can't be donated belong in a BLACK trash bag. It is important for your trash bags to be black, so no one can see what is inside and start to make second guesses. 

Time will tell

These are the toys that you are truly unsure about. You are having a hard time deciding, so you put it in the time will tell bin. Only remove items from this box if they are asked for. Make sure to store this box away so it cannot be seen or gone through - out of sight, out of mind. Set a time frame and once that time is up, you can donate whatever is left. 

Step 4: Storage Solutions

Once you've decluttered, invest in smart storage solutions that are child-friendly and easy to maintain.

Open Shelving

Use shelves to display toys, making them easily accessible and reminding your child of what they have. Kids have an easier time using and playing with the things they can see. I really like the 5-cubby storage cabinet because it allows you to store toys/books/stuffed animals and everything is within your child's reach. 

Bins and Baskets

Use these for smaller toys, toys with a lot of pieces/parts (building blocks, cars, train sets, etc.), art supplies, and other items that could easily get lost. Make sure the bin or basket is not too big, because things will tend to get lost at the bottom otherwise. Using clear bins are a great option so the child know where everything is.

Labeled Containers

Label each bin or box with the category of toys it contains. This encourages kids to sort their toys after playtime and allows for much easier cleanup. If your child is younger make a label with a picture and the word so they can easily identify what is inside.

You can try to divide the playroom into different zones based on the activity or toy type. This not only makes it easy for children to locate their favorite activities, but also encourages a sense of order. Examples of these types of zones are:

1. Imaginative Play: Group toys that encourage imaginative play. This might include dolls, action figures, dress-up clothes, and play sets. Store these items in clear containers or shelves for easy access. 

2. Creative Zone: Gather art supplies, coloring books, and craft materials into one space. Designate a specific area for these activities, complete with child-sized tables and chairs, and organized storage for art supplies.

3. Building and Construction: Legos, building blocks, and construction sets fall under this category. Use storage bins with compartments or stackable drawers to keep these items sorted and ready for busy construction sites.

4. Learning and Educational: Puzzles, board games, and educational toys can be grouped here. Store them on shelves with clear labels, making it simple for kids to choose their activity.

5. Outdoor Play: If your playroom extends outdoors, create a section for outdoor toys like balls, jump ropes, and ride-on toys. Use storage bins that are either air tight to keep the elements out or containers that can breathe to let the rain drain through - this will depend on what toys you are storing outside. 

6. Reading Nook: Designate a cozy corner for books. Install bookshelves at child-friendly heights and include comfy seating to encourage reading. Make sure there is enough lighting in this space as well.

Step 5: Regular Maintenance

This is a very important step! Remember, the key to maintaining an organized playroom is consistency. Set a routine for decluttering and organizing the playroom. The best time to do this is right before any and all gift giving occasions (birthdays, holidays, etc) that way the playroom doesn't get overwhelmed by the influx of toys. Encourage your child to clean up after themselves by incorporating a 5-minute cleanup routine before bedtime or a designated cleanup time each day.

YOU DID IT!!!!!!!!!

By decluttering, categorizing, and incorporating smart storage solutions, you'll create an inviting and inspiring play space for your child's creativity and learning. Remember, the goal isn't just a tidy room; it's about cultivating a love for organization and ensuring that playtime remains truly enjoyable for both kids and parents. Now, roll up your sleeves and create the playroom your family deserves.