text: Frugal Family Fun: Tips for de-cluttering and organizing toys in your kids' playroom!!!
  Tips for de-cluttering and organizing toys in your kids' playroom!!!
  With three kids things can get kind of messy around my house! Nothing is more frustrating (not to mention painful!!) than stepping or tripping on a toy somebody left out! And having clutter all over the house isn't only dangerous, but it just stresses me out! We finally established a "playroom" for all their toys that was separate from their bedroom. That way we can keep the mess contained to one area and they are free to play as they like. Keeping that room clean and organized is important for safety, so here are some of my tips to help de-clutter and organize your playroom!!:
  1-Have lots of boxes, bins and toy chests on hand! The more places you have for storage the less that will be on the floor. And while it may seem that bigger is better, in this case it isn't. I prefer longer, shallower boxes so that the toys are more visible and they can see what they want to get out.
  2-Use clear boxes for easy view! I prefer clear boxes so you can see what is inside without having to empty the whole box. Keep them stacked up on a shelf if possible!
  2-Keep games and puzzles in a closet out of reach of little ones, where they can be taken out when ready to use. Keeping them stacked up on a shelf allows you to see what you have and keeps little pieces off of the floor. Nothing is more frustrating then trying to play a game only to find some of the pieces are missing.
  3-Use boxes with lids to organize toys by type. AND DON'T LET THE KIDS OPEN MORE THAN ONE AT A TIME!!! Organize toys by categories such as Barbies, Hot Wheels, dress up, etc. and only allow them to play with one set after the first set has been cleaned up and put away. If your children want to play with different things, make each child responsible for the things he or she plays with.
  4-Do a clean sweep every few months, checking the toys for broken or worn out pieces. If it can't be cleaned or is broken, toss it. Most of our kids get PLENTY of toys from relatives, birthdays, holidays etc., so there is no need to keep EVERY single toy! Get your kids involved so they can help you narrow it down! Remind them that to get new toys we have to get rid of some of the old stuff! And if it is still usable, donate to your local Goodwill or other thrift store!
  5-Clean the room daily. Make it a routine before bedtime to clean up the room! Make it fun-sing the clean up song or make it a race to see who can clean fastest!
  6-Take some toys out of rotation for a while and store them away. Then after 3 months switch them out with other toys. The toys will seem fresh and new and there won't be so many toys everywhere.
  7-Get rid of toys that your child has outgrown. If it is a special bear or something sentimental, store it somewhere. Too many toys=too much clutter
  8-If your child doesn't have their own playroom, organize their room so one half is for sleeping and the other is for play. This keeps it organized and neat.
  9-Encourage your kids to help you organize the playroom. Ask them what would make it easier to find their stuff and play, and organize based on their needs.
  10-Lead by example!! You have to start a clean up routine and help your kids learn to be clean! You can't expect them to keep a clean space if you don't!! Teaching your kids early on that a clean house is a happy house will be an invaluable tool as they grow older! If they see you cleaning they will be more likely to want to get involved, and will learn this good habit early on!!
  So there you have it-10 tips to keep your playroom clean and organized!! Share your tips below to let me know how YOU keep it cleaned up!!!