Parenthood comes with many unexpected joys, like watching your child grasp a new concept for the first time or that feeling when your toddler reaches out to hold your hand, but it also comes with its fair share of unexpected pains in your backside—like all those dang toys everywhere.
They cover your floors, they spill over into your vehicle, and they’re even in your bathtub! Then there’s the hassle of tidying them up. As soon as you put one away, it’s like two more pop up in its place.
As a mom of two, I understand the overwhelm that comes with toy clutter and the never-ending pursuit of keeping it under control. But as a Professional Home Organizer, I also know it’s possible to create an organized play space that your littles love—and that keeps their toys from invading other areas of your home.
And the best part? A dedicated, functional space for indoor play supports child development, contributing to their cognitive, emotional, physical, and social well-being.
Now that’s a win/win!
Keep scrolling to learn more about the power of playroom organization and my top tips for conquering the chaos.
What are the Benefits of an Organized Playroom?
1. Enhanced Focus and Concentration
A clutter-free environment reduces distractions, allowing your child(ren) to focus better on the task or learning activity they’re engaged in. This is especially important if your kids will be doing their homework in their play space, or if your child has a hobby that requires skill development (like learning to play an instrument, building model cars, etc).
Busy environments create busy minds, making it challenging for children to give their full attention to one thing. This can eventually lead to tantrums, mental fatigue, or complete avoidance of the cluttered area.
2. More Creative Stimulation
It’s a common misconception that mess is a byproduct of creativity. Yes, it’s good for your children to let loose and create a little chaos sometimes. But too much clutter can actually deplete the mental space needed for creativity, making it hard to stay in that state of flow where ideas come naturally and effortlessly.
A neat and organized space, however, serves as a blank canvas that inspires new ideas, free from the constraints of clutter.
3. Reduced Feelings of Anxiety
When thinking about the question “Is an organized playroom better for kids?”, we also need to consider the child’s emotional wellbeing. Kids are very susceptible to feelings of overwhelm and also lack the cognitive skills or maturity to process these emotions effectively.
A clean and organized space creates a sense of calm and order, eliminating potential overwhelm. This is particularly important for neurodiverse children who benefit greatly from a consistent, predictable, and controlled play-based learning environment. It’s easier for these children to maintain their routine in a neat space with minimal sensory triggers.
4. Improved Safety and Accessibility
Our little ones are clever and resourceful, which is typically a good thing, but it can also be dangerous under the wrong circumstances. Your child may try to stand on furniture to reach toys on a shelf, for example, or try to wedge themselves into narrow spaces to retrieve a ball.
As we all know, it only takes a couple of seconds for trouble to happen, and it’s always best to be extra precautious.
Playroom organization is critical for preventing situations like these. It allows you to strategically place items where they’re easily accessible, so your children can navigate their play area without any risk of harm.
5. Increased Self-Esteem and Confidence
Keeping a tidy space can really help children feel in control of their surroundings. When they organize their belongings and keep things in order, they learn how to manage their space well. This sense of responsibility and mastery makes them feel more confident in themselves. Plus, they get to enjoy the instant gratification that comes with accomplishing a goal.
5 Playroom Organization Tips for a Happier Home and Healthier Kids
Now that we’ve covered the benefits of an organized playroom, let’s talk about how to create and maintain one. Here are my top tips:
1. Install Wall-Mounted Baskets
Need a place to store stuffed animals, action figures, puzzles, or other toys that quickly clutter up your child’s play area? Wall-mounted baskets are one of my favorite storage ideas for this! They’re affordable, they’re multifunctional, and they can easily be installed at any height—ensuring your children can reach them.
The entire basket can also be removed from the hook, making it easy to take your child’s toys to another room or even on the road!
2. Create Themed Play Areas
Dedicating specific areas of your playroom for themed play transforms the space into a magical and functional environment for your little ones. You can place a child-sized table with art supplies in one corner of the room, for example, and a bookshelf with a comfy chair in another to create a reading nook.
This setup not only keeps the room tidy but also helps children develop organizational skills and a sense of independence as they learn to put things back in their designated spot.
3. Hang a Visual Tidying Schedule
In need of decluttering tips? I’ve got you covered. Create a tidying schedule and use visual indicators, like stickers or illustrations, to make it more engaging for children. Then hang it near the entrance of the play areas, introduce your kiddos to the schedule, and set clear expectations.
You can set a daily bedtime tidy session and afternoon tidy session, for example, and allow your children to choose if they want to be on bedtime or afternoon duty. Or you can break it down into specific tasks (sort legos into bins, put books on shelves, etc) and ask your child(ren) which tasks they want to be responsible for.
4. Invest in Multipurpose Furniture
Multipurpose furniture will make your life easier and your child’s playtime more enjoyable. Whether it’s storage benches, convertible tables, or a daybed with drawers, these pieces provide hidden storage for board games, building blocks, play sets, etc. Plus, they’re versatile and can be repurposed as your child gets older!
5. Store Small Items in Zipper Pouches
Is there anything worse than tiny toy pieces being scattered across your carpet? I’ve got a clever hack for avoiding these stepping hazards—zipper pouches! Legos, puzzle pieces, crafting beads, and other small items can be organized by type and quickly stored for safe-keeping. Plus, there are clear pouches that let you see what’s inside, saving time when you’re looking for a specific toy.
Planning a family road trip? These pouches will come in handy when packing, too. Simply grab and go!
CLICK HERE to check out ALL of my Playroom Organizing Faves!
Reclaim Your Space and Simplify Your Life
We support busy parents like you by creating a functional, organized environment that makes daily routines smoother and more enjoyable. From systemizing playrooms to overseeing the purging process, we tailor our approach to fit your family’s unique needs.
You deserve a space where everything has a place—let us help you get there!