Kids and toys are a package deal. Pets and toys are too. Unfortunately, neither one of them cares as much about having an organized home as you do. Plus, with online shopping, it doesn’t take much time for the clutter to pile up. Very quickly, your peaceful home can turn into your very own preschool center. Luckily, we’re here with practical tips to help you stay ahead of the mess and keep your home looking more like a design blog than a toy catalog.
1. Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Using Basement and Attic Storage
The first step is to utilize your storage areas, finished or unfinished, including your basement and/or attic! Set aside some space and sort toys into large bins. Label the bins and store them on shelves to save even more space. Keep toys organized by letting kids play with one set at a time. When they are ready for something new, have them put away the toys they are currently using before taking out another set. This helps prevent clutter from piling up and makes cleanup much more manageable.
2. Build Good Habits and Give Every Toy a Home
Every time a toy is taken out, take a moment to teach your child how to put it away once they’re done playing, returning it to its designated spot. Making this a consistent routine helps them understand that everything has a place and that cleaning up is just part of playtime, not something separate or optional.
Small things like this build a sense of responsibility early on and support stronger organization skills over time, without making it feel overwhelming. When kids learn this in small, simple steps, it becomes second nature instead of a chore they resist.
3. Rotate, Donate, Trash
When the toys really start to take over, and you’ve exhausted all of your storage options, it may be time for a reset. Grab two bags, one for donation and one for trash.
Pull out anything you want to save or rotate into basement storage, especially things you might reuse later or pass along to family and friends. Then set aside what your kids have clearly outgrown or haven’t touched in months for donation, and toss anything broken or missing pieces.
Once it’s all sorted, you’ll usually realize there isn’t much to actually get rid of. Most of it just needed a clearer place to live.
4. Think Beyond the Toy Box
There are some favorite toys that kids like quick and frequent access to. You also do not want to have to run to the basement to grab them every time they want to play with them. Instead of keeping toys in their original packaging, ditch the loud boxes and use decorative storage boxes that match your décor. You can get creative with your storage containers or use baskets to keep the toys out of sight.
Also consider smart furniture choices, like an ottoman with built-in storage. It’s a great place to tuck away toys without taking up extra space with plastic bins, helping your living areas stay both functional and clutter-free.
5. Set a One In, One Out Rule
One of the easiest ways to keep toys from piling up is to follow a simple one-in, one out rule. Whenever a new toy enters the house, encourage your child to choose an older toy to donate, store, or pass along to someone else. This helps prevent clutter from building up over time and teaches kids to be mindful about the things they own. It’s a simple habit that can make a big difference in keeping play areas organized and manageable.
6. Don’t Forget the Yard
These same rules apply to outdoor toys, too. Storage bins, deck boxes, and shelving can keep water toys, chalk, sports equipment, and helmets organized and easy to grab while helping your yard look neat and well-maintained. When selling, your yard is often a buyer’s first impression of your home, and a well-maintained outdoor space can add up to 15% to your home’s value!
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Reducing visual clutter and keeping only what comfortably fits in your home can make a big difference in how organized and inviting your space feels year-round. A quick toy cleanout a few times a year can help keep clutter under control and prevent it from becoming overwhelming.
These tips are especially helpful when preparing to put your home on the market, as organization plays a key role in effective home staging. Buyers expect to see signs that children live in a home, and for many families, that’s actually a selling point. However, it’s much easier for buyers to picture themselves in a home that feels clean, organized, and well cared for, rather than one that feels crowded or chaotic.
The post 6 Helpful Ways to Keep Toys from Taking Over Your Home first appeared on Lamacchia Realty.