A cluttered playroom can feel overwhelming, making it harder for kids to find and enjoy their toys—and even harder for parents to keep things tidy. If you’re drowning in a sea of stuffed animals, building blocks, and art supplies, it’s time for a reset. Clearing the clutter from a playroom doesn’t have to be a battle. With a little strategy and some creative solutions, you can create a functional, organized, and inviting space for your child to play and learn.
Step 1: Start with a Decluttering Session
Before organizing, decluttering is key. Follow these steps to streamline your child’s playroom:
Sort and Categorise
• Keep – Favorite toys, age-appropriate items, and things that get regular use.
• Donate – Gently used toys your child has outgrown or lost interest in.
• Bin or Recycle – Broken toys, puzzles with missing pieces, or anything beyond repair.
Tip: If your child struggles to part with items, create a “maybe box.” Store undecided toys out of sight for a month. If they aren’t missed, donate them! I always do this with my kids and its very rare that they mention the things that are out of sight. 'Out of sight, out of mind' is true in this case!
Involve Your Child
If your children are old enough, let them help make decisions. This teaches them responsibility and encourages them to appreciate what they keep. Turn it into a fun game by setting a timer and challenging them to sort as quickly as possible! My children are 6 and 10. My 6 year old is getting good at this now but in my experience, kids any younger than this will likely struggle. It's ok not to involve them if it will make the process too stressful!
Step 2: Create a Smart Storage System
Once you’ve decluttered, organize what remains with functional storage solutions.
Use Clear Containers and Labels
• Transparent containers make it easy to see what’s inside. Try iDesign containers from The Home Edit at John Lewis https://www.johnlewis.com/the-home-edit-idesign-all-purpose-storage-basket/p4797181
• Labels (or pictures for younger kids) help them know where things go. Dymo label machines are my go to for quick, easy labels. https://www.dymo-express.co.uk/dymo-label-makers/dymo-letratag-lt100h-label-maker-starter-pack.html
Utilize Vertical Space
• Wall-mounted shelves keep books and smaller toys accessible.
• Hanging organizers work well for art supplies, stuffed animals, or dress-up clothes. IKEA Skadis peg boards are superb for storing pens, paints, rubbers, glue etc https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/skadis-pegboard-white-10321618/
Rotate Toys
Too many options can be overwhelming. Store some toys away and rotate them every few weeks to keep things fresh and exciting.
Create Play Zones
Designate specific areas for different activities:
• A reading nook with books and comfy pillows.
• An arts and crafts station with easy-to-reach supplies.
• A building area for blocks and puzzles.
Step 3: Make Cleanup Easy
A playroom should be fun, not a source of stress! Simplify cleanup with these tips:
Keep It Simple
Fewer toys mean easier clean-up. Encourage kids to put one toy away before taking out another.
Make It a Game
Turn tidying up into a fun challenge:
• Race against a timer.
• Use a cleanup song.
• Offer small rewards for completing tasks.
Establish a Routine
Daily five-minute tidy-up sessions prevent messes from becoming overwhelming.
Step 4: Maintain the Space
Even a well-organized playroom can become cluttered again. Keep it manageable with these habits:
• Regularly declutter – Do a quick purge every few months.
• Encourage responsibility – Teach kids that tidying up is part of playtime.
• Reassess storage needs – Adjust your system as your child grows.
A Clutter-Free Playroom = More Fun and Less Stress
An organized playroom isn’t just about cleanliness—it’s about creating a space where your child can explore, imagine, and learn without distraction. By decluttering, implementing smart storage, and maintaining a cleanup routine, you’ll create a play area that’s both functional and enjoyable.
Ready to tackle the clutter? Fresh starts begin here! If you need my help please get in touch. I love sorting mess!
Looks like a great idea!
I will show my wife!
Regards,
Mike
Great inspiration! Thanks for sharing!