Tips for Storing Children's Toys and Keeping the House Neat

One of the most common problems that parents struggle with in raising children of all ages is in keeping the house picked up. Trying to get them to pick up and put away their toys can be a real battle. The problem is often made worse because there simply is no where to store them in many cases. So, how do you keep your home looking clean while at the same time be able to have easy access to the kid's toys? Here are some good tips to give you some help.

1. Go through the toys

The first step is arguably the most difficult. You will need to get with the kids and go through all of the toys. Which toys do they actually play with? Sepaate out the ones they use with the ones they no longer play with. You can even turn this exercise into a teaching experience about giving. Ask them which toys they would like to give away to other kids who have no toys to play with. Collect the ones that are still in good condition and take them to a local charity to be distributed out.

If you are so inclined, consider having a garage sale and letting your children take part by helping put prices on the items and actually sitting in on the garage sale. Let them keep the money from the sale. This helps them some valuable lessons that will stick with them, and it is a lot of fun.

Other ideas can include giving toys that they have outgrown to other kids in the neighborhood who are younger and might enjoy them. I have known other people to hold a toy trading day where kids will bring their unwanted toys and trade them with other kid's toys.

2. Storing toys

Now that you have gone through and eliminated the toys the kids no longer play with, it is time to figure out how to store the ones that are left. While this may seem a bit challenging at first, it really isn't once you know how to do it.

-Bedroom
Of course, the most obvious storage area here is in the closet. The key is to utilize as much of the lower space that is within their reach as possible. You can add stackable interlocking storage cubes that you stack sideways so the opening faces out. Each little cubby can contain various toys, stuffed animals, etc. You can also use wire baskets that come in various colors or even laundry baskets. For those with a higher budget you can find complete closet systems that you can install. The key here is to be sure and involve the kids in setting it up. If they are involved in the process they will most likely keep using the storage bins.

Another good storage area is under the bed. You can store out of season clothing small boxes of toys under the bed with ease. You may also consider adding a trunk that can be placed at the end of the bed. You can find an inexpensive chest at any of the bigger retail stores like Walmart or Target.

-Family Room
The key with keeping the family room looking clean and neat is to not allow too many toys in it. You can add a nice looking chest in here that can store their toys.

-Bathroom
The bathroom is another area that collects a good many toys. Many times they are spread out in the tub, on the floor, and just about anywhere else you can think of. Well, one of the best options here is to store them in a bigger plastic bucket next to the bathtub. Many people will also store them in a small bin in the cabinet under the sink.

Using some of these simple tips can go a long way in helping to keep your house looking neater as well as preventing you from continuing to pull your hair out from having toys spread out all over the house.