For me having different aged sibs adds to the number of toys, and I am just now starting to try to pare down and age out some of the toys (and get rid of the annoying ones). I love some of the Montessori ideas and would like to learn more about how to adapt that in our home as well!
.-= Kristin Hutchinson´s last blog ..Day Out with Mama =-.

We are lucky that we have a play room. I have that set up to have most of the toys put away. I have a low dresser that I use to store puzzles, dressup items, etc. Anything that adds to the cluttered look and has small pieces. I also puchased plastic, stackable, drawers. I took photos of the contents and posted them on the front of the drawers so that the kids know what goes where for cleanup.

Our family room is the main room you see when you walk in our front door (and where the kids play the most for now). Most of our cabinet storage, in this room, is for toys and books … we can shove everything in there quickly so that the room appears to be neat. Then we added a storage ottoman from Target for some larger items that I don’t want out but can’t fit in the cupboards.

One thing I’ve noticed is that a lot of the big toys are going away now that the kids are getting older. They are doing more puzzles, drawing, games, riding bikes outside … I’m hoping this translates to less “stuff”.

We rotated toys in a similar fashion when they were smaller … but again, now that they are older, they seem to do a good job at this themselves.

This post inspired me to get rid of some outgrown toys, too. I’m keeping a few for sentimental value (we aren’t having any more kids), but otherwise I can be quite ruthless.

Thanks for all the pics! Your house is so cheerful and clean… can I send my twins over?

My babies are 6 months old now but already I have very firm ideas on what happens with toys – I don’t buy a lot and what we do have is contained in storage baskets in the lounge (I think you guys call it a living room) and their bedroom.

I’m also a professional organiser and I actually got a GREAT tip from one of my clients while we were doing her office – she removes ALL but about 3 toys per child after Christmas and birthdays and then miraculously one new toy appears every month or when the child needs distraction. She brought out a new toy when we were working on her office to keep the child busy
.-= Leigh from 123 blog´s last blog ..Question time – how many blogs do you read? =-.

Unfortunately, because our house is very small and only has two closets, we keep a lot of stuff in storage bins that are tucked in corners throughout the house. The kids know there are toys in there, but as long as we put things away and take things out when they are sleeping, they don’t bother us to get things out for them.

As for cleaning up, you’re right about repetition and habits. At nearly 22 month, my guys are fairly good about helping with the process. If it’s just putting toys in a toy box, they do great. If it’s getting a toy into it’s rightful place in the room, well, that something we’re still working on.

Great post!
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