| If you have kids in your home, organizing | | | | Nets that stretch over corners can work well |
| toys is something you think about daily. And | | | | to hold lots of stuffed animals. If you'd |
| if your house is anything like mine, toys | | | | rather display the stuffed animals so that |
| tend to take over almost every room in your | | | | you can see them, shelves are good way to go. |
| home. At some point during the day, there are | | | | Shelves also work well for putting away all |
| usually toys in the kitchen, family room and | | | | of those containers you have of all the |
| TV room all at the same time. Such is life | | | | smaller toys. It also works well for those |
| with kids. So when it's time to clean up, I | | | | medium sized toys that are too small for the |
| make sure that every one of those toys has a | | | | floor but too big to go much of anywhere |
| home to go to. All it takes is a little | | | | else. Adjustable shelving (the kind that has |
| organization. Here are a few ideas to help | | | | brackets that screw into the wall) that can |
| you keep those toys organized in your home. | | | | grow and change as your child grows and |
| | | | changes is the best investment. Many |
| Contain the smaller items. | | | | adjustable shelving units can be changed and |
| | | | modified into a computer desk for older |
| Action figures, small toy cars, dress-up | | | | children. |
| jewelry, and Barbie dolls and accessories are | | | | |
| just some of the things that can be put in | | | | Getting rid of the old stuff. |
| containers for easy small toy organization. | | | | |
| If you can, stackable is the way to go here. | | | | Because your child is sure to get more toys |
| Stackable containers give you more space and | | | | on his/her birthday and at special holidays, |
| are easier to organize. Shoe boxes (plastic | | | | make sure that you schedule time to get rid |
| or cardboard) work well for these smaller | | | | of the old toys. Ideally, you want to get rid |
| items. You can even get the kids more | | | | of toys that your child no longer plays with |
| interested in using the boxes if you let them | | | | and has outgrown. If your child is old |
| personalize them. Get a sheet of stickers and | | | | enough, have them participate in helping you |
| let them go crazy on the box. Using different | | | | get rid of the toys. If you will be donating |
| colored labels for the different boxes that | | | | the old toys, go through the toys with your |
| the items go into can help kids who can't | | | | child and explain that you are giving away |
| read yet put the right item in the right box. | | | | his/her old toys so that a child that doesn't |
| | | | have toys can enjoy them. Also explaining |
| Nets and shelves. | | | | that he/she will be getting new toys shortly |
| | | | can help ease the blow too. |