Toy Organization Boot Camp Prep Work
Toy Organization will be much quicker if you follow the outlined preparation steps. It would be best if you planned for the Toy Organization Boot Camp. The more prepared you are, the easier the process will be. Yes, I am saying that you need to get organized before you attempt toy organization.
Get in the Right Mindset
Organization does not have to be a frantic, stressful mess. I find the act of organizing to be quite the opposite. There is no rush if you set aside the proper amount of time. There is no hustle to it. You can sit down, take a deep breath, and tackle the chaos. Grab your headphones, get a coffee, and get your toys back in shape!
Decide if Going Solo
To have the kids at home or not to have the kids at home, that is the question. I recommend not having them there, especially if they are on the younger side. I work best when I can just focus on the task at hand. My advice is to clear the house of all children.
Yes, I would plan to have the kids at the grandparents so you can get these toys in order. No, I am not taking a date weekend from you – I am encouraging you to invest in yourself so those dates aren't as stressful. I could not agree more with Benjamin Franklin; the time you spend organizing will be given back!
For every minute spent organizing, an hour is earned.
Benjamin Franklin
Pick a Start Date for Toy Organizing
In order to have the house to yourself, you’ll need to set a firm start date so that you have access to childcare. It is not the end all be all if you cannot get a day or two away from the kids. If this is the case, try splitting this up over the times that you have accessible. Naptime, nighttime, and school will work!
Possible Toy Purge
If the children will be home, I suggest adding a Toy Purge prior to starting the boot camp. To implement this, work while your children are playing. Keep an eye out for any broken toys or items you know are missing parts. Clearing these items before starting will help streamline the boot camp.
Gather Supplies for Toy Organization
I am not a big fan of pushing organizational items for people to buy. My organizational boot camps focus on organizing, not home décor. Use my methods to get organized, and then you can add all of the pretty bins and baskets you want to.
However, I do have some go-to tools that I always have ready when I’m starting a toy boot camp:
- Trash bags
- Empty Plastic Containers
- I intentionally save plastic storage containers when I can.
- If purchasing, I love the Sterilite bins with lids from Walmart. They are offered in various sizes and are cheap.
- Cardboard Boxes
- Ziploc bags – all sizes
- Rubber bands
- Sharpie
- Notepad (a note on your phone will work too)
Identify Potential Storage Places
Get familiar with the area you will be organizing. Some people have toys in their child's bedroom, others in their living room, and others still might have a playroom or play floor. I'm not there to see what you have, so I recommend taking an inventory of any and all potential storage places.
What do I mean?
Check the attic and the garage. Do you have old furniture that could potentially store toys? Do you have shelves that would work? You may look around your house and find items that you could move to organize your toy space better.
Check for options and make a note of them. Again, preparation is critical! I recommend doing all of your toy organization in 1-2 days tops. This might seem aggressive, but if you have prepared yourself and are ready to do the work, it'll be a piece of cake (well, not really, but it will be rewarding!)
Now it's Toy Organization Time!
Once you’ve completed your prep work, put on some stretchy pants, pull your hair up, and let’s get to work! You are ready to begin the Toy Organization Boot Camp!
