If you have children, you know how quickly toys can take over every room. What starts as a few teddy bears and puzzles can soon turn into boxes of plastic pieces, missing lids, and Lego underfoot.
Keeping toys organised isn’t about being perfectly tidy — it’s about creating a system that’s easy to maintain, even on busy days. With the right approach and a bit of clever storage, you can take control of the chaos and reclaim your home.
Here’s how to organise your kids’ toys without losing your mind.
Step 1: Start with a Declutter
Before you can organise, you need to know what you actually have. Begin by going through every box, drawer, and basket.
Sort toys into three piles:
- Keep: Anything your child plays with regularly
- Donate: Toys in good condition that are no longer used
- Store: Seasonal or sentimental toys you want to keep for later
If you’re short on space, store the third pile in a secure storage unit. This keeps your home clutter-free while saving those special items for the future.
You can also check out our Decluttering guide for more practical tips on reducing household clutter.
Step 2: Group Toys by Type or Use
Once you’ve decluttered, group similar toys together. It’s much easier for kids to find what they want — and to put things away — when everything has a clear place.
Ideas for toy categories:
- Building blocks and construction sets
- Art and craft supplies
- Dolls and soft toys
- Outdoor and sports toys
- Puzzles and games
- Vehicles and action figures
Keep each group in a separate container or drawer. Label everything clearly so older children can take responsibility for tidying up.
Step 3: Choose Practical Storage Solutions
You don’t need to spend a fortune on fancy organisers. Focus on practical, accessible solutions that work for your space and your child’s age.
Storage ideas that work:
- Clear plastic boxes so kids can see what’s inside
- Open baskets for quick tidy-ups
- Wall-mounted shelves for books or display toys
- Fabric bins for soft toys
- Drawer dividers for small parts like Lego or Playmobil
- Under-bed storage for large items
Rotate toys every few weeks to keep things fresh and reduce clutter. Pack away half the toys in storage and swap them out regularly — it feels like a new collection every time.
If you’re running out of space at home, our home storage units are perfect for toys, baby gear, and children’s furniture you don’t use daily.
Step 4: Create Toy Zones
Toy storage works best when it fits around your home and lifestyle. Instead of one big play area that spreads across the house, create small, defined toy zones.
For example:
- A reading corner in the living room
- A craft table in the kitchen
- A play mat in your child’s bedroom
- A shared storage shelf for games in a hallway cupboard
This keeps toys easy to find and stops them from spreading everywhere. Use baskets or small crates in each zone so tidying up becomes quick and simple.
Step 5: Involve Your Children
Organisation works best when everyone helps. Encourage your children to take part in sorting, labelling, and tidying. When they feel involved, they’re more likely to keep things in order.
Simple habits to teach:
- One toy out at a time
- Tidy before meals or bedtime
- Label storage bins with pictures for younger children
- Make it fun by turning tidying into a short game or challenge
A consistent routine keeps your home tidy without endless reminders.
Step 6: Store or Rotate Toys Seasonally
Not every toy needs to stay out all year. Seasonal storage helps reduce clutter and keeps your child’s playtime varied.
Ideas for seasonal rotation:
- Pack away summer outdoor toys in winter
- Store bulky items like playhouses or scooters off-season
- Swap puzzles or games every few months
You can use our secure storage to keep toys clean, dry, and ready for the next season. It’s especially useful for larger families or shared homes.
Step 7: Keep Sentimental Toys Safe
Some toys carry special memories — maybe a favourite teddy, a first Christmas gift, or a handmade toy from a grandparent. You don’t want to part with them, but you also don’t want them taking up valuable space.
Store these keepsakes properly:
- Clean them before storage
- Use airtight boxes or vacuum bags
- Add silica gel packs to prevent moisture damage
- Label them clearly for easy access later
Our safe and secure storage units are ideal for sentimental items you want to preserve long-term.
Final Thoughts
Organising toys doesn’t have to feel impossible. With a few smart systems, a bit of storage space, and help from the kids, you can keep your home neat without sacrificing playtime.
If your toy storage is overflowing, Cheap Storage Manchester offers affordable and flexible options for families across the city.
Visit our Prices page or Contact us to find the right storage solution for your family’s needs.
