Going to try a bit of a theme this month for the blog which I’ve never done before, focusing on one room. Starting with the kids shared room and toy organization. Up next will be finding and installing the play gym so stay close…

It always helps me to remember that everything is a season with kids. I remember when the kids were younger and it was easier to keep their toys to a minimum and have a say on what they played with. With a 5 year old and an 8 year old those days are long gone. They now have influences from school and learn about toys or games that they wouldn’t have on their own. So while previously a couple of bins of toys was enough we are now dealing with plenty of tiny bright toys.

Crates + Containers

I have found it is better to have separate toy storage for each kid as their preferences are very different now. This also helps with the responsibility of keeping their area tidy. We currently have 2 Ikea PS cabinets (discontinued, we found them secondhand), one for each kid to hold the majority of their toys. And then inside the cabinets, small bins to hold alike items. For example, Mae has a bin for dolls, a bin for doll clothes and a bin for ponies and a separate bin for pokemon cards. Theo has a bin for nerf guns, pokemon cards etc. Slightly embarrassed their toys are so gendered but they like what they like! I still find the most played with toys are creative open-ended shared toys like Lego, building a fort and the play gym. Bins pictured are Aykasa crates from Bureaux and Hay. But you could use baskets or bins you already have. In the past we have used Ikea Kuggis and Pehr bins as well as felt baskets. Currently we have repurposed them in different areas of the home.

Editing Toys

I still involve the kids in the editing, handing-down, and donating process as we’ve done since they are little, though I don’t find it’s getting easier as they get older. There is a fine balance of knowing that they don’t need many toys to be happy while also honouring their voice and independence. I often hear from them, things like, “you want to give away all my things!!” “mom’s going to throw away everything!!” . I hope we lead by example by showing them that less is truly more and that things don’t make us fulfilled. I also point out to them that when their room is clean and they know where their toys are they are more likely to play with them. It’s also been proven time and again that the fewer things they have the longer and more focused they play.

The best line of defence is to not let excess into the home but over the past couple years we allowed too much in and we are now slowly clawing our way back. It’s a process! They did fill a bag the other day without much of a fight so hanging on to those little wins.