Decluttering and streamlining your children’s toys is a great way to get your children’s spaces ready in advance of the very busy Christmas period and of course before the arrival of more gifts from Santa!
My wonderful client, Jen at 12 Degrees Event Management and Super Lux Travel, invited me into her home to help her declutter and organise her twin’s playroom.
The playroom, was full of lots of wonderful toys, games and books, but the twins had either outgrown or no longer played with some of them. Plus, Jen wanted to streamline all the items in the playroom, so that they were all visible, create more space and become a place where her children would hang out with their friends.
The playroom has a large built-in unit, perfect for storing books, games and crafts but the space needed some additional storage for toy sets. At our in-home consultation, prior to our session, I recommended that Jen invest in some IKEA Trofast Units, to really maximise storage but also keep the room looking neat and streamlined too!
The Process
In our 7-hour session, Jen and I sorted, decluttered, and processed all the toys, games and craft sets. These were categorised and stored back on the large built-in-unit. With separate labelled containers for stationery and the craft/ creative items.
The twin’s had an unused activity cart, so we placed all their sticker/activity books into the slanted shelves. Rather than packing the books away, they’re now clearly visible so that the twins can get creative!
We placed all the newly categorised toys into individual labelled tubs in the IKEA Trofast Units: https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/cat/trofast-combinations-700557/
Jen purchased from IKEA the SPORTSLIG, a Ball Storage unit. It’s great for storing loose sports equipment, and it could also be used for storing seasonal costumes/dressing-up accessories: https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/sportslig-ball-storage-goal-30504235/
The large play table in the middle of the room is being removed and donated. Jen has purchased a large rug and will repurpose her twin’s bean bags and place them in the centre of the playroom, to create a comfy hangout space.
Everything now in the playroom has a home and there’s lots more space!
đ Pre-Christmas Playroom Decluttering Checklist đ
Get your childrenâs spaces organised and ready for the holidays!
Step 1: Plan Ahead
- Schedule a Decluttering Session: Set aside uninterrupted time to tackle the playroom.
- Gather Supplies: Boxes/bags for donations, trash bags, labels, and storage bins.
- Evaluate Storage Needs: Assess if additional storage units or organisers are required.
Step 2: Declutter with Purpose
- Sort Through Toys:
- Keep: Loved and used regularly.
- Donate: Outgrown but still usable.
- Recycle/Discard: Broken or incomplete items.
- Involve Older children (5 plus): Let them help decide what stays, especially with sentimental toys.
Step 3: Organise Smartly
- Use Clear Categories: Group similar items (e.g., puzzles, crafts, action figures, books).
- Add Labels: Use stickers, tags, or printed labels for each container or shelf.
- Maximise Visibility:
- Use open shelving or slanted organisers for books and activity sets.
- Transparent bins help kids find toys quickly.
- Repurpose Creatively:
- Use sports storage for dress-up clothes or large toys.
- Utilise underused furniture like carts or cubbies.
Step 4: Enhance Storage
- Built-in Units: Dedicate sections for books, crafts, and board games.
- IKEA Trofast Units: Perfect for toysâcompact, stackable, and customisable.
- Specialty Storage: Consider solutions like ball organisers or hanging baskets for bulkier items.
Step 5: Celebrate the Results!
- Everything in Its Place: Ensure each toy and item has a designated “home.”
- More Play Space: Enjoy the cleaner, more inviting playroom.
BONUS TIP: Start fresh by involving the children in pre-Christmas organisation for new toys!
Get in touch!
I’ve been running my professional home organising business for nearly 4 years and I’ve helped and supported many clients to declutter & organise their homes & lives!
If you need my help with decluttering and organising your home, please contact me for a FREE 30-minute consultation on 07533330115 or click here on the Contact Form to get in touch!
I canât wait to hear from you, Elizabeth đ¸
Let’s Get Organised Together!