Is it Possible to Keep all the Toys Organized?

I was inspired today by a post that I read on www.pinklikethecolor.org written by Laura (@MomPink).? She was asking for organizing tips for her home, one being how to organize all the toys after Christmas.

I can definitely relate with this issue.? I WISH we had a separate playroom for all the kid’s toys, but unfortunately we have to use part of our living room as a playroom.? So, I have had to get pretty creative when it comes to keeping things organized.? And with three small children the abundance of toys is endless.

In response to Laura’s request for ideas, I would like to answer her by sharing how I have used plastic bins as a means to keep everything in order within my home.

I bought around 20 plastic storage bins from the Dollar Store and I use them to keep each toy category in one place.? The trucks go in the truck bin.? The trains go in the train bin.?? The small stuffed animals go in one bin – and so on.? And at Christmas, I go through the toys and get rid of the ones the kids don’t use to make room for the new ones.

TIP – Sometimes, I just put the toys away in a closet and pull them out several weeks later after the kids forget about them.? When I pull them out, the kids get excited all over again as if they were new.

Here are a few pictures of my “playroom corner” in the living room. (Don’t mind the UGLY mauve carpet)? LOL

It may look a bit busy to you, but it functions beautifully.? I only allow my children to take one thing out at a time (sometimes 2 or 3 depending on what it is) and when they are done with whatever they are playing with – I have them put it away and then they can take something else out.? Everything has a place.? My kids know exactly where each thing goes and when I ask them to clean up – they (usually) put the toys back in the right spots.

The bins are very helpful with this.? I use both the stackable storage bins, which I had gotten from a local pharmacy store called CVS.? That was a couple years ago and I have not been able to find them since.? So if anyone happens to see these anywhere, please let me know!

I also use the dollar store bins to keep the smaller items in.? This way the kids can take the bin and bring it onto the floor to play with whatever is in it.? It also makes it easier to clean up.

I would love to hear your tips and ideas as well.? Be sure to comment!

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