*Collaborative post
The festive season is a time of joy, laughter, and a lot of new toys. If you’re a parent, the excitement of seeing your child’s face light up when they open a gift is one of the best parts of Christmas. But once the wrapping paper settles, you may be left wondering: Where am I going to put all of this?
The sheer volume of toys can quickly overwhelm a home, especially if you don’t have enough space to store them all. Luckily, there are plenty of strategies you can use to keep toys organised, even if you’re dealing with an overflowing toy collection. One solution that might not immediately come to mind, but is a lifesaver for many families, is self storage. Now Self Storage in Reading provides flexible and affordable storage units, perfect for storing an overflow of toys.
In this blog, we’ll explore not only how to keep toys organised within the home but also how self storage can play a part in managing that growing mountain of playthings.
1. Start with a Pre-Christmas Declutter
Before Christmas arrives, it’s helpful to do a toy purge. Go through your child’s existing collection and set aside items that are no longer used, broken, or outgrown. This helps you create space for new gifts and ensures that only the toys your child truly loves and plays with are taking up valuable space.
If you have limited space at home, and are hesitant to part with toys (or don’t want to get rid of them just yet), consider using self storage as an option. Self storage allows you to keep toys that might be too advanced, seasonal, or currently out of use until your child is ready for them again.
2. Invest in Functional Storage Solutions
When it comes to toy organisation, it’s important to make use of practical and accessible storage solutions. Whether it’s bins, shelves, or multi-functional furniture, there’s no shortage of stylish and practical ways to store toys. Some great ideas include:
- Storage Bins & Baskets: Perfect for smaller toys like action figures, dolls, or stuffed animals. Clear bins or labelled baskets make it easy for children to find and put away toys.
- Toy Chests or Wooden Boxes: Ideal for larger toys such as building blocks or board games. A toy chest also doubles as extra seating or a decorative piece in your living space.
- Rolling Carts & Shelving Units: Rolling carts can store arts and crafts supplies, while shelves can hold books, games, or action figures.
These are great for toys used frequently, but what about the ones that don’t get played with every day? This is where self storage can be a useful tool.
3. Self Storage: A Seasonal Toy Solution
When toys accumulate faster than your storage space can handle, it might be time to consider self storage as an option. Self storage units offer a convenient way to store seasonal, special occasions, or excess toys while keeping them safe and organised. For example:
- Seasonal Toys: Some toys, like outdoor play equipment or Christmas-specific items (e.g., Christmas or Easter-themed toys), may not be used year-round. These can be boxed up and stored in a self storage unit to free up space in your home.
- Overflowing Toy Collections: If you’re struggling to fit all the toys into your home, renting a small self storage unit can be an effective solution. This allows you to keep less frequently used items out of sight but still easily accessible when your child wants to play with them.
- Rotating Toys: If you have a wide variety of toys, self storage is a great way to rotate them. By keeping some toys in storage and swapping them out every few months, you can keep your child’s interest high while reducing the amount of clutter at home.
Many self storage facilities offer climate-controlled units, which is a bonus if you have sensitive items like electronic toys or plush toys that may need extra care.
4. Make Toy Storage Easy to Use
The key to a successful toy storage system is accessibility. Make sure that your storage options are user-friendly so your child can easily put toys away and retrieve them when needed. Here are a few tips:
- Low Shelves & Easy Access: Place toys on shelves, in bins, or on storage units that are at your child’s height. This encourages independence and makes tidying up easier.
- Use Labels: Label shelves, bins, and boxes with pictures or words to help your child know exactly where each toy belongs. For example, label bins for dolls, action figures, cars, and books.
- Keep Storage Close to Play Areas: Store toys near where they are usually played with to make it easier to keep things tidy. For example, a toy box or basket in the living room is an easy solution for daily-use items.
5. Create Specific Play Zones
If you have space for it, try dividing the play area into specific zones for different types of play. This not only helps keep things organised but also fosters creativity in your child. For example:
- Building Zone: For Legos, blocks, and construction sets.
- Art & Craft Zone: For drawing, painting, and craft supplies.
- Reading & Educational Zone: For books, puzzles, and learning toys.
For toys that don’t fit into any particular zone, consider storing them in a self storage unit until they are needed. This helps to keep your home from becoming overwhelmed with miscellaneous toys.
6. Teach Kids the Importance of Tidy-Up Time
Teaching children to tidy up after themselves is one of the most important steps in maintaining an organised home. Make clean-up time a regular part of the routine and turn it into a fun activity. Here are some ideas to get kids involved:
- Cleanup Games: Set a timer and challenge your child to put away as many toys as they can before the buzzer rings.
- Reward Systems: Offer incentives like extra playtime or a sticker chart to motivate your child to tidy up.
- Sing Cleanup Songs: Turning cleanup into a musical activity can make it fun and engaging for younger kids.
The more kids are involved in the process, the more likely they are to keep their space tidy.
7. Self Storage for Special Keepsakes
Some toys are more than just playthings; they hold sentimental value. Instead of cluttering up your home with toys your child has outgrown but still loves, consider storing them in a self storage unit. This gives you the space to keep those precious toys without sacrificing room in your home for the newer items. Plus, it’s a great way to preserve memories for the future!
8. Involve Your Children in the Organisation Process
Letting children have a say in where their toys go and how things are organised is a great way to make the process fun and teach them valuable life skills. By having your child help you sort toys, choose storage solutions, and decide what goes in self storage, you give them a sense of ownership and responsibility over their space.
The festive season is all about creating memories and enjoying time with your family, but it doesn’t have to be synonymous with chaos and clutter. By being intentional about how you store and organise toys, you can avoid feeling overwhelmed by the inevitable toy overload that comes with Christmas.
Incorporating storage solutions at home, teaching your kids about responsibility, and utilising self storage for overflow or seasonal toys can help keep your home organised and your child’s playtime stress-free.
This Christmas, keep the magic of toys alive without drowning in the mess! Happy organising, and here’s to a clutter-free and joyful Christmas! moment of indulgence amidst daily responsibilities. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what makes you feel confident and beautiful. Here’s to nurturing healthy nails and celebrating your unique style every day!