How to Organize Children’s Toys: Simple Solutions for a Calm Home

How to Organize Children’s Toys: A Simple and Stress-Free Approach

Toys. They seem to multiply overnight, don’t they? One moment, it’s just a few cute little blocks and a stuffed animal, and the next, it’s an entire playroom filled to the brim with small pieces, dolls, action figures, and puzzle pieces that are impossible to keep track of. Trust me, I’ve been there.

As a mom of three young girls, I know how chaotic toy clutter can feel. But here’s the thing: a messy home doesn’t have to be a stressful one. In fact, I’ve learned that organizing children’s toys is about creating a system that works for both kids and parents – one that reduces frustration, encourages play, and, most importantly, doesn’t require constant upkeep.

In this section of my “How Do You Organize” series, I’ll share how I tackle the challenge of organizing children’s toys with small pieces. These strategies aren’t just about making things look pretty (though that’s a nice bonus!); they’re about creating a calm, functional space that’s easy to maintain. Ready to dive in? Here’s what works in our home.

1. Cube Storage Organizers: The Ultimate Multi-Taskers

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that simplicity is key. Cube storage organizers are a game-changer when it comes to organizing children’s toys. They offer a flexible solution that adapts to a variety of toys, from plush animals to tiny Lego pieces.

What I love about cube storage is its versatility. You can use fabric bins or clear plastic boxes to separate toys by type or category. Plus, the open design makes it easy for little ones to access their toys without making a mess.

Here’s how to make the most of cube storage:

Sort by category: Group similar toys together. For example, one cube could hold blocks, another could hold action figures, and a third could house arts and crafts supplies.
Label the bins: Even if your child can’t read yet, labels (or pictures on the bins) can help them know where things go, making cleanup easier and more independent. Cue my sharpie labeling hack!
Choose stackable bins: Opt for bins that are stackable for easy storage and to maximize vertical space. This keeps the toys neat without overcrowding.
Keep it accessible: Store the most frequently used toys in the lower cubes where your little ones can easily grab and put them back.

2. The IRIS USA Portable Board Game Organizer: Because Small Pieces Need Serious Protection

Toys with tiny pieces (think board games, card games, and puzzles) can quickly become a nightmare to manage. Lost pieces lead to frustration, and missing parts can make the game unplayable. That’s where the IRIS USA Portable Board Game Organizer comes in.

This nifty plastic storage box is designed with small compartments to keep game pieces, cards, and parts organized. I love that the snap-tight latch keeps everything secure, and the portable nature means you can move it around or take it with you on family trips.

Here’s how I use this organizer:

Separate by game or activity: Keep pieces of each game or activity in individual compartments, labeling each one with a name or a picture of the game.
Store cards and tokens: I keep game cards, dice, and tokens neatly in their respective sections so they’re easy to find.
Encourage kids to help: Even my youngest knows that her puzzles go into a specific compartment, which makes cleanup after playtime a breeze.

3. Mesh Zipper Pouches: Small but Mighty

When you’ve got small pieces, mesh zipper pouches are a lifesaver. Think of all the little accessories that come with games, puzzles, or building toys. A few pieces here, a few pieces there, and suddenly, you’ve got a mess on your hands.

These pouches are perfect for storing small toys like mini figurines, small Lego pieces, or doll accessories. Plus, the mesh fabric makes it easy to see what’s inside, so you don’t have to open every pouch just to find one tiny piece.

Here’s how I organize with mesh zipper pouches:

Sort by toy or set: Group small pieces together by category – puzzle pieces, characters figurines, or even pretend play kitchen utensils.
Keep pouches accessible: Store the pouches in a basket or bin so your child can grab them easily. Labeling each pouch helps make it even easier.
Encourage independent cleanup: I encourage my kids to zip up their pouches when they’re done playing. The pouches are easy for them to manage, making it a more independent process.

4. Rotate Toys: Keep Things Fresh and Less Cluttered

One of the best ways to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of toys is to rotate them. Keep only a few sets out at a time and store the rest in bins or boxes that are tucked away. This way, your kids always have something new (but familiar) to play with, and you don’t have to deal with endless piles of toys cluttering your living space.

Here’s how to make toy rotation work:

Choose a few toys to leave out: Pick a small selection of toys that will be accessible for a few weeks. These can be the ones your kids play with the most.
Store the rest: Put the unused toys in bins and store them in an accessible spot, like the attic or a closet. You can even label the boxes by type, like “building toys” or “stuffed animals.”
Switch things up: Every few weeks, switch out the toys to keep things fresh. Not only does this reduce clutter, but it also gives your kids a sense of novelty, even if they’ve seen the toys before.

5. Use Vertical Storage for Easy Access

If you’re dealing with a small playroom or don’t have a lot of space for bulky toy storage, vertical storage is your best friend. Wall-mounted shelves or hooks can help keep toys off the floor while still making them easy for little hands to access.

Here’s how to make vertical storage work:

Install wall-mounted shelves: These are great for storing books, small toys, or even art supplies. The key is to make sure they’re within reach of your children so they can grab and put away toys independently.
Use hooks for hanging toys: Small baskets or bags can be hung on hooks to store toys that are frequently used but take up too much space on shelves.
Keep things accessible: The idea is to store toys vertically without complicating access. Make sure your little ones can easily grab their favorite items.

Final Thoughts: Toy Organization Doesn’t Have to Be Hard

Organizing children’s toys isn’t about making everything look perfect – it’s about creating a system that works for your family, reducing clutter, and making cleanup easy. The goal is calm, and with the right systems in place, you can avoid the stress of toy chaos.

So, whether you’re using cube storage organizers, mesh zipper pouches, or rotating toys, the key is to find what works for your family and stick to it.

If you missed Part 1, be sure to check out how to organize children’s books for simple ways to keep your home library neat and accessible. And stay tuned for the next installment in our “How Do You Organize” series, where we’ll tackle organizing magnets. Because, let’s face it, that’s a whole other challenge!