How To Organize Your Playroom!
Playrooms can be a challenge because they are in constant motion with ongoing changes as kids grow, have playdates, new siblings arrive, and interests change. So creating a space that won’t break the bank, looks good, and is organized in a way that makes tidying up a breeze is the gold standard of playroom organization.
Read on for our best tips and products for a cost effective playroom organizing plan of action!
First step is editing...
Playroom editing 101
Kids don’t need all the things and they don’t need all the things out all of the time. Regular editing is critical if you want an organized space. Once you’ve done that first big edit, the maintenance isn’t as tough! But if it’s built up over time, here’s what you do:
How to edit the playroom:
The first step is to block out a decent chunk of time based on how much stuff is in the space. This means ideally no kids around so you can focus. You can do it with the kids – just know it’ll take longer and they don’t normally have the attention span to stick with it to the end.
- pull everything out of the space including cubbies, closets, etc.
- sort like with like - meaning groups of items that go together such as arts & crafts, dolls, trains, legos, play kitchen, etc.
- get a bit more granular with the sorting in terms of specific types of groups within the categories - like types of dolls, lego kits, etc.
- toss anything broken or damaged.
- set aside any items that are memories or for kids to grow into - these can be binned and labeled.
- edit out items for donation (outgrown, unused, used but in good condition) or specific items you'd like to gift to a friend or family member.
- evaluate the volume of what remains for the next step!
Setting up the playroom
Zones and stations: think Montessori
How the room is set up is based on your specific kids, their interest, and the needs as well as the layout and space you have to work with. If you have more than one age, creating discreet areas for each is key for safety and keeping it tidy. Creating zones for purposeful play makes the space really work for you and the little ones as does clearly designated areas for specific types of activities.
Pro tip: Ikea cubbies or low cabinets can act as room dividers and storage
Typical zones we set up:
- reading nook
- pretend play (play kitchens, tool benches, dollhouse)
- dress up
- legos or other manipulative toys
- active play (tumbling mats, ballet bar, ball pit)
- arts & crafts
- sensory play (water table, kinetic sand, etc)
- calm down corner or quiet time space (hanging chair, tent)
Pro tip: these zones can be multi-functional like a craft table that doubles as a train table or a quiet time teepee that doubles as a reading nook
Organizing the room
Storage solutions for the playroom
- clear bins are your friends so you can see what you've got in each - we aren't big fans of lots of colors going on because kids toys are pretty chaotic!
- wall mounted art wire and floating shelves are great for displaying treasures & art - and creating memory bins for the remainder is super helpful.
- make sure your storage containers fit properly in the space - measure before purchasing!
- stacking drawers are great for maximizing vertical space in closets or cabinets.
- avoid large toy chests - these are clutter magnets.
- have a dedicated storage spot for both overflow and rotation - this can be a closet, cubbies, or cabinet.
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3 tier carts are perfect for all the parts that go with pretend play or crafts.
Check out our favorite playroom products below --->
The overall key to organizing a playroom is to keep in mind that it is ever changing and needs regular maintenance. Setting it up properly with functional infrastructure is critical to making the space work – and it doesn’t need to be overly fancy or expensive. But it does need to work for how you use the space so focusing on straightforward, uncomplicated systems that can grow with your kids means it will sustain you for years to come. Keeping the influx of new toys to a minimum really helps as kids play more when they have less. Rotating toys in and out can be really successful as long as you’ve got an easily accessible storage zone for them and don’t forget they are there!
Organize The Playroom
An organized playroom is a thing of beauty and makes your life so much easier! Need some help getting your playroom in shape? Drop us a line – we are here to help!
