organization

Hi,
I am in desperate need of some organizational help. My kids have way too much of everything. How do you organize toys, books, art supplies, ect so the kids can play with them and reduce clutter? I am so overwhelmed. Thanks in advance.....

 

How about organizing it into tubs, and putting some of it away? Having too much is overwhelming for kids as well, and they tend to just keep moving to different activities, instead of really playing, if that makes sense!!?? Every once in awhile bring out a new tub, and put some of the current toys away. They will think they have new toys!! Good luck, I know the toy situation can be overwhelming! :wacko:

 

I also use clear plastic tubs. I have seperate tubs for : puzzles, little people, train tracks, dress up clothes, and a book bin. These are all kept in our room and pulled out every once in a while. I also have four small tubs with different conglomeration of toys (play food in one, cars in another, aquadoodle in another, ect), these get pulled out on occasion too. In the living room I have a bin with books and a laundry basket full of toys. I switch out the toys every 4-5 days. The book bin in my room I switch out with the one in the LR every month or so. THe LR and our bedrooms are upstairs. The main level doesn't really have toys (dining room, kitchen, entry way and laundry room). The only toys they have there are their brooms and mops that are in the front closet. The lower level has the family room, extra bedroom (their playroom), office and bathroom. Their playroom has all their big toys - kitchen, work bench, picnic table, toy box, bb hoop, ect. In that closet I have about 4 big bins of toys that I rotate out, along with some toys that aren't in bins.

It seems like we have a lot of toys, and really we do. However, they get bored so quickly that I can't seem to ever have enough toys. But by rotating their toys and putting them away they seem like new toys when I take them out. I think the best way is just lots and lots of bins . . . this is what works for us. Good luck finding a system that works for you!

 

QUOTE(Amy A @ Jun 8 2007, 01:04 AM) [snapback]283888[/snapback]
I also use clear plastic tubs. I have seperate tubs for : puzzles, little people, train tracks, dress up clothes, and a book bin. These are all kept in our room and pulled out every once in a while. I also have four small tubs with different conglomeration of toys (play food in one, cars in another, aquadoodle in another, ect), these get pulled out on occasion too. In the living room I have a bin with books and a laundry basket full of toys. I switch out the toys every 4-5 days. The book bin in my room I switch out with the one in the LR every month or so. THe LR and our bedrooms are upstairs. The main level doesn't really have toys (dining room, kitchen, entry way and laundry room). The only toys they have there are their brooms and mops that are in the front closet. The lower level has the family room, extra bedroom (their playroom), office and bathroom. Their playroom has all their big toys - kitchen, work bench, picnic table, toy box, bb hoop, ect. In that closet I have about 4 big bins of toys that I rotate out, along with some toys that aren't in bins.

It seems like we have a lot of toys, and really we do. However, they get bored so quickly that I can't seem to ever have enough toys. But by rotating their toys and putting them away they seem like new toys when I take them out. I think the best way is just lots and lots of bins . . . this is what works for us. Good luck finding a system that works for you!

 

everything is labelled. it all fits in a closet under the stairs or under their beds. the only things that aren't in 1 of those 2 locations is the play kitchen, dishes and food. little kitchen pieces are all inside the fridge, cupboard, and stove. We also have a trunk/toy box for dress up items. If you want me to take pics of how things are organized, then let me know. PM me with your email address and I will email them to you.

 

I got something similar to this http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?p...rentPage=search Mine has three book shelve things on top though. It works really well for organizing and the kids can still see everything. However, mine love to empty everything and put the bins on their heads!

 

we do the clear bins.. the bin shelf, and stations.. we have stations.. so that when they aredone at a station.. we clean up and go to another station..

kitchen stuff in the kitchen station..

train stuff in the train station.. and so on..

dress up stuff..

books on a shelf beside the bed..

and im working really hard to get rid of the stuff they dont play with..
aka college fund

 

And by all means, get your tubs at the dollar store!!!

We have tubs for art supplies, different types of toys, stuffed animals, we have that shelf (which I find way too small), it's still not enough. I so need to redesign our closets!

 

And by all means, get your tubs at the dollar store!!!

you go girl..

 

QUOTE(p31heather @ Jun 7 2007, 09:11 PM) [snapback]284009[/snapback]
everything is labelled. it all fits in a closet under the stairs or under their beds. the only things that aren't in 1 of those 2 locations is the play kitchen, dishes and food. little kitchen pieces are all inside the fridge, cupboard, and stove. We also have a trunk/toy box for dress up items. If you want me to take pics of how things are organized, then let me know. PM me with your email address and I will email them to you.



Heather, I'm interested in seeing what you set up. I just sent you a pm. Thanks~
Cindy