I’m a mom and so when I say I understand the toy multiplying effect, I mean I understand the toy multiplying effect.

And if you’re like many other parents out there, then you try your best to contain them all but some of the containers and bins just don’t match up to the high hopes you had for them when you were at Target or on Amazon and initially purchased them. And that’s the hardest part of it all, isn’t it? You bought the bins. You thought it was a good system (and it probably was pretty good) but the toys continue to multiply.

So what do you do? (Bookmark this one for later!)

First:

Pull out all of the toys. Yep, it might be a lot. Take a look at each and every toy (with your kids if they’re at the age where they care and can weigh in on what stays and goes). Make piles for the broken, the unloved and loved. Don’t forget to turn some music on (make this as pleasant of an experience as possible and it’s always fun for the kids to hear their favorite tunes, too). Set the tone that organizing can be fun!

Second:

Begin sorting into the piles. Talk through which toys are most loved and which ones aren’t. Those toys that don’t get use but that are still in good condition are the perfect candidates to re-home (aka donate to a friend or second-hand shop or other donation center). Recycle or toss anything broken.

Third:

Of the toys that are left, determine what containers are best for storing them. Got tiny LEGOs? Consider bins with lids so those tiny pieces don’t go flying across the room if the bin gets spilled. Got dolls and stuffed animals? Consider larger rope baskets or fabric bins so little ones can take them out and put them back.

At the end, it’s about creating an efficient system - one that works for your family and it’s about repetition. When kids see where their toys go and they can expect those zones, then it becomes easier to put the toys away. And as for you - enjoy your hard work. As you all practice putting things away in their respective bins you’ll start making helpful habits that will last a lifetime!

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