Keeping toys organized can feel like an endless battle, especially with active kids who love to play. Toy bins offer a simple and effective way to tame the chaos and restore order to your home. Here’s how bin storage can help you win the war against toy clutter.
The Benefits of Bin Storage for Toys
Using bins to organize toys comes with many advantages:
- Easy access: Bins allow kids to easily see and grab the toys they want to play with, without digging through piles. This encourages independent cleanup.
- Designated spots: Each bin has a designated spot, so it’s simple for kids to put toys away. No more guessing where things go!
- Containment: Bins corral toys in one spot, preventing them from spreading all over. This instantly declutters living spaces.
- Portability: Lightweight bins can move from room to room so toys stay close at hand but out of the way.
- Versatility: Bins suit almost any space. Use them on shelves, in closets, in cubbies—wherever toys need containing.
- Affordability: Inexpensive plastic bins get the job done on any budget. Go with colorful or clear bins to see contents easily.
- Expandability: Add more bins as needed to accommodate growing toy collections. Mix sizes to fit small and large toys.
With so many upsides, it’s easy to see why bins are the go-to storage solution for taming toy chaos.
Setting Up Toy Bin Storage
When setting up a new toy bin system, follow these tips for success:
- Categorize toys. Group toys into bins by type, such as blocks, dolls, cars, puzzles, etc. You can also separate by age range.
- Label bins. Use words or pictures to clearly identify bin contents. This helps kids put toys where they belong.
- Limit bin contents. Overstuffed bins are frustrating. Keeping bins half-full makes cleanup easier.
- Place bins conveniently. Set bins on low shelves for easy access. For small spaces, consider wall-mounted bins or hanging storage.
- Include small parts bins. Use smaller bins for tiny toys like Legos and toy food to avoid lost pieces.
- Try open bins. Seeing inside makes it simpler for kids to grab what they want. Some toys can stay organized in bins without lids.
- Involve kids. Let them categorize and decorate bins to build investment in keeping toys organized.
With strategic setup, bins can make tidying up after playtime a breeze for kids.
Creative Toy Bin Ideas
Plain plastic tubs get the job done, but you can also have fun with toy bin storage. Here are some creative twists:
- Decorate inexpensive canvas bins with your kids’ artwork using fabric paint or iron-on vinyl designs.
- Spray paint solid-colored bins in bright, bold hues to coordinate with your kids’ room décor.
- Use labeled photo storage boxes to easily identify contents. Kids can decorate the labels.
- Upcycle wooden crates, baskets, buckets or barrels as toy bins. Add cute names or images to personalize.
- Sort small toys in sectioned tackle boxes, jewelry boxes or compartment containers to prevent jumbling.
- For dress-up clothes, use lidded bins to keep costumes tidy and a hanging shoe organizer inside the closet door.
- Repurpose a bookcase by placing bins on the shelves. Use bookends to keep bins upright.
With a little creativity, functional toy storage can also be fun and stylish. The options are endless for personalizing bins to suit your space.
Keeping Toy Clutter at Bay
Maintaining organization is key to keeping your toy bin system running smoothly long-term. Try these habits:
- Set limits on how many toys can be out at once before pickup is required. Too many equals overload.
- Schedule daily or weekly “reset” times when everyone cleans up toys together. Make it fun with music or timers.
- Link tidy up time to an activity kids enjoy, like reading books or having a snack.
- Lead by example. Kids notice when parents keep spaces orderly and put things away in designated spots.
- Give specific, easy instructions for cleanup like “please put the blocks in the red bin and cars in the blue tub.”
- Offer rewards like stickers or playtime extensions for consistently putting toys away without being asked.
- Check that bins contain correct categories every so often and weed out toys they’ve outgrown.
- Reassess bin placements if certain spots become toy drop zones. Move bins to where toys land.
With consistent habits, your organized toy storage system will maintain its magic for decluttering your home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Toy Bin Storage
How many toy bins should I have?
This depends on the number and type of toys your kids have. Start with broader categories like cars, dolls, blocks. As their collection grows, add more bins for sub-categories, like race cars and construction vehicles within the cars bin.
Where is the best place to store toy bins?
For young kids, keep bins in the main living area where they play. For school-agers, bins can go in their bedroom closets and be brought out as needed. Mounted shelves or cubbies work great for displaying bins.
What size bins are best?
Use larger bins for bigger toys like play kitchens or plush animals. Medium bins store small sets like legos or train tracks. Go with small bins for loose parts like cars or figurines. Mix sizes to fit your toys.
Should I label the bins?
Yes, labels are extremely helpful, especially for young kids and pre-readers. Use text and/or colorful pictures to indicate bin contents. Let kids help make the labels!
How can I get my kids to use the bins consistently?
Make cleaning up together a routine activity, like before meals or bedtime. Give specific instructions on what goes where. Offer rewards for putting toys away properly. Lead by example and return toys to bins in front of your kids.
In Conclusion
By investing in an organized toy bin setup, you can win the battle against toy clutter in your home. Categorizing toys into bins makes it obvious where everything belongs, so cleanup is a breeze. Let your kids get involved by decorating and labeling bins to build enthusiasm. Maintain order by making tidying up a consistent habit. With the right bins and habits, you can tame toy chaos for good. Those mess monsters don’t stand a chance!
