To avoid clutter, teach your children about organization and discipline, and designate an area for toy storage.
As a child accumulates more and more toys, parents often feel their entire home has become one gigantic playroom. Storing toys is an important way for parents to keep from feeling overwhelmed by the clutter and chaos of having children. Teaching children to properly store their toys teaches discipline and organizational skills that they will use throughout their adult lives. Ultimately, they will pass those skills on to their own children.
Closet Organization
One way to store children's toys is to place them into an existing closet. By organizing the closet in a way that enables children to utilize the storage without an adult's help, you teach them to be organized and self-reliant. To organize an existing closet, store toys low enough that a child can get to them. Installing low shelves or bins enable children to access toys. Clear plastic bins are good for younger children, as they will be able to more easily identify what goes where. For older children, labeling bins may help keep them organized.
Multi-Use Furniture
Build or purchase furniture with built-in storage, such as benches with lift-up seats (although hinged lids can close on fingers, and may not be ideal). Reduce clutter by purchasing tables or chairs with hidden drawers, or storage space under cushions. Ottomans or upholstered footstools are often available with lift-off lids. Some bed frames house drawers along the bottom. Several manufacturers make plastic containers that slide under raised beds.
Creative Tips
There are other, less conventional ways to store toys. Stretch a simple piece of fabric between two to four fixed points on a wall or ceiling to create a hammock-style shelf to store lightweight toys, such as stuffed animals. Hang light canvas or mesh cloth duffel bags from hooks inside a closet or inside a closet door. Hang plastic buckets from pegs to store smaller toys, such as building blocks or miniature figures. Store things like marbles or puzzle pieces in plastic food containers. These can be stacked or laid out on shelves.
Tags: they will, existing closet, inside closet, store toys, them organized
