It’s a scenario many of us know well: when the kids’ rooms or play corners are overflowing with toys, games and craft, it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to taming the clutter. A spring-inspired reset is the perfect time to delve into a declutter and introduce practical storage systems that will transform a kids’ space into an inspiring, well-organised play zone. To step you through the process, we spoke to the experts, who shared their toy storage ideas and advice on decluttering and categorising that can be used in other corners of your home, too.

Declutter and Donate‍

To represent a toy storage idea, a kids’ table with two built-in storage tubs sits in a corner of a playroom. The tubs are filled with markers, paints and others art supplies.

The first step in creating a more functional space is to reduce clutter, says Amy Kennedy, professional home organiser and declutter coach at The Organising Bee. Rather than a ruthless clear-out, Amy recommends taking a sensitive approach and talking to your children about their space and belongings, as you work together to sort what to keep and what to let go of. “Involving children in the decluttering and organising process gives them greater autonomy and increases the likelihood they’ll want to and be able to maintain their own spaces,” she says. “Additionally, it’s an opportunity to teach them valuable life lessons about donating to those less fortunate.” You can even look together for a charity, such as Treasure Boxes, that will benefit from your donations. 

Set aside time to do a thorough toy audit together. Consider sorting toys into piles – a keep pile, donation pile for items they’ve outgrown or lost interest in, and a bin pile for broken or incomplete toys and games. For baby toys and soft toys that may hold sentimental value, Eve Mizzi, professional organiser from Ducks In A Row Home Organisation, suggests taking photos of the items before parting with them. “This is a great way to keep the memory without taking up valuable storage space and you can create a photo book of the items to look at whenever you wish.”

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Sort and Categorise 

A wooden shelf unit with six plastic slide-out tubs for a toy storage idea. A label maker, butcher’s paper pad and craft caddy sit on top of the unit.

Once you’ve refined what to keep, Mel Barry, professional organiser and founder of House of Calm, suggests sorting, categorising and creating a designated home for the items. “When every item has its own home, it becomes much easier to find things and put them away,” says Mel, who recommends sorting and grouping by type such as blocks, dolls, cars, costumes and sensory play.

Understanding how your children play can also be helpful in creating storage systems that are effective, recommends Eve. “Some kids play with one type of toy at a time, whereas others like playing with a mix of things like train sets and figurines. For kids who often play with a bit of everything, it’s great to have a tub with their favourite mix, which can be pulled out easily and tipped back into.” 

“Tiered pull-out storage tubs are also great for younger kids, as it’s easier for them to see the toys and can be a great way to teach them how to sort and categorise,” says Mel.

To prevent toys and games with a multitude of small pieces from getting lost, experts recommend using a clear small container placed inside a larger storage container that holds bigger items in the theme. 

Hot Tip: “Schedule a 10-minute tidy at the end of each day so it becomes a part of your children’s daily routine – like brushing their teeth,” says Mel. “But make sure it involves singing and dancing!” 

Add Labels

Simply adding labels to storage containers helps guide the family where to retrieve and return items. “Labels suited to the child’s age is my number one top tip,” says Eve. “Whether it’s images of items stored in the container or large text, labels help develop an understanding of storage systems and assist in maintaining it.”

What to Try

Create Easy Access

A close-up of two shelves of a bookcase, which has an assortment of toys on it as an example of a toy storage idea. Toys include things like stackable wooden toys and kids’ clay.

Storage that is accessible and simple for children to use is ideal as it enables them to independently find what they’re after and makes packing up easier. If you’re looking to streamline your setup, Amy suggests taking inspiration from preschools. “Storing similar toys together in small clear containers or baskets on open shelves is one of the simplest and most practical ways to store toys and belongings.”

Similarly, Mel suggests open shelves, which encourage kids to be proactive and confident in choosing their play and learning activities. “The versatility makes them great for storing books, toys and crafts in kids’ bedrooms and playrooms,” says Mel. For storing arts and crafts, as well as games and puzzles, Mel recommends using the Studymate A3 Mesh Pencil Case Clear, which can be stored vertically or horizontally. “They’re a great way to see and contain lots of bits and bobs.”

What to try

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Match Storage With Habits

To identify where and how to organise belongings, Amy recommends observing family habits. “I always suggest storing items as close to where they’re used, so they’re convenient to grab.” For example, if your child plays with their toys in their room but prefers to draw at the kitchen table, you could separate out the craft supplies and store them closer to your table for easy access. “There’s always a functional way to organise these items to match your decor,” says Amy. “The same approach can be taken for school bags, homework, board games and shoes.”

One option is to create a drop zone by the front door, says Mel. “It can be as simple as a bench seat with baskets underneath for shoes and a couple of wall hooks for bags. This helps maintain order, create a routine and reduce chaos in the morning.”

Hot Tip: “It’s all about systems! Having access to items within arm’s reach in a designated area makes it much easier to maintain an organised space and also makes cleaning up much easier when everything has a home,” says Mel.

Functional Updates

A large portrait-oriented cork board hangs on a peach-coloured wall. Three drawings are pinned to the board and some multicoloured bunting hangs alongside it.

A well-organised kids’ zone doesn’t mean all the fun stuff is hidden from sight. Instead look to organise and display kids’ toys, materials and books in ways that are practical and inspiring. “A tiered bookcase and beanbag can work together to create a reading nook, and I love putting a couple of cork boards on walls to pin kids’ artwork and keep everything contained,” says Mel. 

For a craft corner, Eve suggests adding a foldable easel or trolley. Alternatively, add a small table with drawers where stationery and art supplies can be kept. “Once the room is organised, bringing in a colourful rug, wall art or decals can be a great finishing touch to pull the room together,” she says.

What to Try

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