Toy clutter – it's a problem all parents face! From the toddler years, when blocks, push toys, and board books seem to be scattered down the hallway, to the school-age years, where kids collect tiny plastic blocks, Matchbox cars, and dolls, clutter remains an ongoing issue. A toy rotation is one way to fight this problem.
Step 1: Gather
In the main play area, gather all the toys in the centre of the room. You are making a bigger mess at first, but this will help you get organized in the long run. “It may be best to start this process when the kids are in bed or out of the house,” says mom Kara Thomas. The process may go more quickly and smoothly without children home. However, if that isn’t an option, get the kids involved and have them help.
Step 2: Reduce
Go through the pile you have gathered and throw away broken toys and items that have missing pieces. Take out any toys that are no longer age-appropriate. Lastly, pick out toys that the children don’t play with. Jill Miller, mom of two, says, “We purge things every year for the annual neighborhood garage sale. It also gives us a little cash boost.” If your family isn’t up for the work that goes into selling items, consider donating them to a local charity or passing them along to a friend.
Step 3: Sort
Once you have reduced the number of toys, you should be left with age-appropriate toys that your children enjoy. Now, divide the toys into three categories: thinking toys (puzzles, board games, and shape sorters), pretend play (play food, dolls, and blocks) and toys that encourage gross motor play (balls, push toys, and cars). When you have the items sorted, there should be three piles, one for each category.
Step 4: Divide
Divide toys into three to four groups. Each group should have an equal number of toys from the categories of thinking toys, pretend play, and gross motor toys. Place each group of toys into a large box and label it. Plastic tubs work well and can double as a toy box.
Step 5: Store
Once the toys are sorted and separated into three to four boxes, keep one out and put the remaining boxes in storage. Make sure you have easy access to the stored boxes so you can rotate them frequently.
Step 6: Rotate
Decide how long to keep a box out for play. Some families switch weekly, while others switch every two to three weeks, and some may switch every month or longer. Choose a time that works for your family. When each box is out, take note of which toys are most popular and which items get ignored. As you are packing up the box, remove the items that didn’t get played with and consider donating or selling them.
By implementing a toy rotation system, you will be able to cut down on toy clutter in your living space because three-quarters of the toys will be in storage at any given time. In addition to a tidier home, there will also be less mess for kids to clean up and a better chance for all toys to be played with!
Sarah is a freelance writer and stay-at-home mom of six children, including triplets.
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