56 Smart Playroom Organization Ideas for Clutter
Anyone else just close the door on the playroom because it is a nightmare to look at? Once I had to begin doing that, I knew I had to do something about the mess. I figured out how to organize my toddlers playroom after much trial and error, but thankfully there are so many playroom organization ideas out there to try that I was able to find what worked for us.
Here you will find a great big list of smart ideas for organizing your playroom once and for all that actually work and don’t create eye-sores.
Keep reading for 56 smart playroom organization ideas!
Need some ideas of what toys to have on hand? Here are some of my favorite beach toys for toddlers and some of our favorite books for toddlers.
Smart Organization Ideas for Playrooms
Organizing the playroom is a breeze thanks to the following ideas!
Here are 56 awesome playroom organization ideas that are useful:
Use wall-mounted shelves to maximize storage space.
Utilize hanging organizers for board games and craft supplies.
Opt for storage ottomans or benches to save floor space and store miscellaneous items.
Invest in clear storage bins for easy access to kids' toys without having to throw things around.
Implement a rotation system for toy clutter (more on this in a bit).
Label storage bins with pictures or words for different types of toys. Awesome idea for the younger toddlers!
Keep small toys organized in zipper pouches. Toss the pouches in bins.
Dedicate a special place for children's books with a bookshelf or reading nook. Add a bean bag chair to make it cozy!
Consider using functional systems like pegboards for easy toy access to art supplies.
Consistently review collections for broken toys and dispose of them or fix them if you can.
Encourage fewer toys by decluttering. Major stress reliever and a way to minimize the mess easily,
Group toys by type to streamline cleanup.
Use plastic bins with lids for long-term storage of less frequently used toys. Store these in the closet.
Create a functional playroom layout with designated zones for different activities. This makes cleaning up a breeze as well!
Arrange toys in open bins for little kids to easily see and reach. This works out nicely for Barbies.
Implement a "one in, one out" rule for new toys. Start them young!
Utilize under-the-bed storage for extra toy bins.
Designate a specific area for each type of toy to maintain organization.
Install hooks or pegs for hanging storage of dress-up costumes.
Consider a toy rotation system based on seasons or holidays.
Store craft supplies in stackable containers to save space.
Utilize over-the-door organizers for additional storage options.
Allocate a specific area for building and construction toys and so on.
Use a hanging shoe organizer for storing small toys or art supplies.
Incorporate toy bins with different sizes to accommodate various items.
Opt for furniture with built-in storage or that serve as multi-functional pieces.
Implement a system for donating or recycling toys regularly.
Keep floor space clear for active play by utilizing vertical storage options. I love the IKEA storage solutions!
Use hanging baskets or nets for storing plush toys or balls.
Assign each child their own storage bin for personal belongings.
Install hooks or racks for storing bicycles or ride-on toys if those are stored in the playroom.
Incorporate toy bins with dividers to keep items separated and organized.
Utilize clear plastic shoe boxes for storing small figurines or accessories. Works well for Hot Wheels and other small toys.
Designate a craft corner with a table or desk and organize supplies.
Use drawer organizers for sorting and storing art supplies.
Incorporate toy bins with wheels for easy mobility. This is a great idea if you plan to bring toys out around the house.
Dedicate a section of the playroom for each type of activity. A crafting section, for example, will majorly decrease the mess!
Utilize stackable storage cubes to minimize the space storage takes up.
Put together a labeling system for easy identification of toy bins.
Utilize underutilized spaces like closet shelves or high cabinets for storage of items that aren’t used regularly.
Designate a specific area for outdoor toys and equipment.
Utilize wall-mounted baskets for storing balls or stuffed animals.
Implement a daily cleanup routine to maintain organization.
Use furniture with built-in storage, such as toy cubbies or bookshelves.
Store craft supplies up high to avoid big messes.
Store all items in clear containers for ease of use.
Store books at eye level for the little toddlers to grab as they please.
Utilize hanging organizers for storing art paper or coloring books.
Store specialty toys, like puzzles or building sets, in separate bins.
Dedicate a wall for displaying artwork or completed craft projects.
Utilize adjustable shelving units to accommodate toys of different sizes.
Install hooks or pegs for hanging storage of backpacks or dress-up costumes.
Utilize storage baskets or bins for quick cleanup of small toys.
Use a big bin to collect toys throughout the week (or day) and then put them away all at once to avoid the constant need to clean up.
Utilize over-the-door shoe organizers for storing action figures or dolls.
Dedicate a specific area for electronic toys with charging stations.
How to Keep the Playroom Organized
Purge monthly.
I go through once a month and try to remove the toys Connor has outgrown developmentally. This creates more space for him to play with new ones, results in longer independent play, and of course frees up physical space.
Only put out what you have space for.
The clutter can be so chaotic for parents, I personally hate looking at physical mess, but what I dislike more than that is having to clean up every night mass amounts of little toys that have no designated spot. So I’ve decided, only put out what you have space for. This really forces you to edit and niche down the quality toys from the junk.
Categorizing helps a lot.
I use toy bins for this. Art supplies in one bin, small dinosaurs in another. Big dinosaurs in the storage baskets and Cars in the other. Little rocks, seashells, etc go in a tackle box where we can see them. This system really helps me visually.
Donate around special holidays.
Every time a birthday rolls around or Christmas is near, I do a lot of editing and purging to donation centers. It’s a good time of year to get organized before more come through the door.
Toy swaps.
Look on Facebook to see if there is a toy swap group or a toy library. My neighborhood has a wonderful one and this is also how I’ve been able to keep things interesting for Connor while keeping toys out of landfills. It’s a brilliant way to save money and keep things fresh.
Get a toy rotation system going.
I love a good toy rotation. As someone who doesn’t have a whole lot of space for toys, a rotation system keeps things tidy and organized easily.
What is Toy Rotation?
Taming the overwhelming mess of too many toys out at one time is really what the goal is for parents, but it’s also to create quality playtime for your child.
Toy rotation is a planned-out approach to managing children's toys by periodically rotating a certain selection in and out of play. This could be weekly, monthly, or seasonally.
This method helps lessen overstimulation by providing children with a more manageable number of toys to engage with at any given time and leads to, surprisingly, more play! The best part of this system is that you don’t have to purge everything. You just break it down into a few groups and store them away for later use.
By limiting access to a portion of the toys and periodically reintroducing them, toy rotation encourages imaginative exploration and problem-solving while reducing clutter and making cleanup easier for everyone involved.
How to Rotate Toys
Rotating toys is simple. Here is a guide to get you started:
Assess toys: Sort through your child's toys and decide which ones to rotate.
Choose rotation frequency: Decide how often you'll rotate toys (weekly, bi-weekly, etc.).
Store unused toys: Keep unused toys in labeled bins or containers.
Introduce new toys: Gradually introduce new toys into rotation.
Rotate toys: Swap out current toys with stored ones according to your schedule.
Involve your child: Let your child help choose toys for rotation.
Monitor and adjust: Pay attention to your child's reactions and adjust rotation as needed.
I hope you found some great tips inside of this post to help you keep that playroom organized once and for all!
