All about playroom organization + 29 must-see real-life examples!
You know what’s the absolute worst? Losing your kid’s favorite toy, only to find it after a frantic hours-long search tucked under a pile of blankets or in the back of the closet.
It can be like searching for a needle in a haystack. And when you find it, there are usually other toys that have been forgotten all over again. Ugh!
My personal feelings (and failings) on the subject of toy organization lead me to compile these 29 playroom organization ideas.
These tips will help you clear up clutter, make sure everything gets played with, and keep your kids happy- not to mention make cleaning up way easier on yourself!
Even better? You may not even have to clean at all! Simple organizational changes will make it easy for little ones to clean up their own space.
Are you chomping at the bit yet? Let’s get started! Enjoy these ideas and tips about how to organize the playroom!
Want a cleaner, clutter-free home? Get going even if you feel pinched for time! This free list of 60 places you can declutter at home in as little as 5-minutes at a time!
Here’s what we’ll be covering into this playroom organization article today…
5 Playroom Organization Tips to Get You Started
1. Throw away broken toys.
Take a trash bag to the playroom and do a quick garbage collection – any trash or broken toys will go in here.
2. Choose items to donate.
Purge the excess. If your child doesn’t care for the toy or if the toy is a duplicate, donate it! Use a black trash bag to collect the items for donations. It is easier if no one can see what’s in the bag – if the bag is “see-through,” then a kiddo (or parent) might be tempted to swipe an item back!
3. Create a toy rotation.
Get a couple of plastic totes or those huge IKEA bags and collect a selection of toys to be put out of reach for a few weeks. Periodically change out the toys. There will be less cleaning up, and kids find it easier to play with fewer choices. More room for the imagination!
4. Reduce the amount of new toys.
Considering tactfully asking for “experience” gifts or consumable gifts before the next holiday or birthday comes around. Reducing the number of toys coming into the house will help keep your newly organized playroom in order.
5. Keep organizing the playroom positive.
Tidying up the playroom doesn’t have to be a chore! Put on some fun music, bust out some dance moves, and show your children how a spoonful of sugar CAN make the medicine go down! Who says you can’t clean AND dance at the same time?
29 Playroom Organization Ideas
Now, here are some inspiring images and projects for all of you who believe in a world where a playroom can be fun AND functional.
If you could use some more organizing and less clutter in your life, you’ve come to the right place! Grab a free copy of “60 5-minute decluttering ideas” and get on the road to a calmer, more restful home life in as little as 5-minutes at a time!
1. Make an Accent Wall-o-Art | Heathered Nest
Struggling to find a good spot for all their masterpieces? A playroom art wall is a great idea, and doesn’t require a hefty budget.
Create a simple wood frame, then inset with a starched fabric wall treatment to create an inexpensive, but noteworthy spot to feature your little artist in residence.
The one we created in our home is in our kitchen, but it’s PERFECT for a playroom!
2. Color Code Your Bookshelf | Harmony Organized
Color coding a bookshelf is easy on the eyes. Plus, it’s a fun project to do with the kiddos! They’ll enjoy sorting their books by color.
3. Cube Shelf with Baskets Playroom Organization | R&R at Home
These sturdy and low shelves from IKEA make it easy for kids to reach all the toys safely! The baskets corral all the toy chaos – making everything look tidy, too.
Side note: I love the whimsy of wooden blocks inside the vintage yellow gumball machine!
4. Under Table Storage | R&R at Home
A simple plastic “under the bed” storage box works really well under a train table. All the excess train pieces can stay together until their next big railway adventure! Choo-choo!
5. Chalkboard the walls | Heathered Nest
What kid doesn’t love the idea of drawing on the walls? Chalkboard paint isn’t only fun, it’s easy to install (literally, you open a can of paint, and slather it on), and it isn’t super pricey. It’s a trifecta of playroom fun.
6. Puzzle Organization Bins | Recess to Rose
Every few months, Michael’s runs a sale on these awesome photo boxes! I love this idea from Recess to Rose using the boxes for small puzzles instead – super smart since their boxes are always coming apart.
These boxes make puzzles easy to travel with, too…in case you want to take one to a restaurant to keep the little one busy!
7. Tiered Shelves For Play Kitchen | Hello Baby Brown
What a great idea to use the stacking tiered baskets (designed for adult kitchens!) adjacent to the play kitchen.
There are so many fun accessories for play kitchens, and now they have a place to call home. Plus, the playroom stays organized and functional!
8. Hanging Organizer For Board Games | Joyful Home Making
If you have more games than space, then go vertical! Hanging closet storage is a simple idea that is EASY to implement for more playroom organization.
9. DIY Play tent | Heathered Nest
Rainy day? Winter doldrums? Bring the outside in with a simple and fun DIY play tent!
10. Toy Chain for Stuffed Animals | Rain on a Tin Roof
Here’s a fun DIY project that you can tackle with your stuffed-animal loving kiddo. Check out the post for a quick how-to, and then head to your local home improvement store with your kiddo for some creative time together.
You’re going to get the playroom organized while also creating a lasting memory – go you!
11. Hanging Pockets Barbie Storage | A Girl and a Glue Gun
Got a little one that loves their Barbies? If you’re familiar with a sewing machine, you could tackle this DIY project for a custom look in the playroom. I love how the bottom pockets keep the little pieces organized!
12. Rolling Cart for Craft Supplies | The Best Ideas for Kids
Seriously, rolling storage is amazing!!! Keep this craft station in the playroom. If it’s a messy project, just roll it to the kitchen (or outside!)
13. Lego Minifigure Craft Box | Joy in the Works
Looking for lego storage ideas for your playroom? Check out this creative way to store all the minifig pieces. You could use a craft box like this or utilize a (clean) fishing tackle box!
13. Toy Storage Wheels for the Win | Heathered Nest
Adding wheels to storage bins in the playroom prevents “whoopsie” scratches, dents and dings on your flooring, and makes it easier for your littles to cart their treasures from point A to B.
Add wheels in minutes with this simple DIY project (no power tools or measuring tapes required 😉)!
14. DIY Book Bin | Les Petits Gazette
Do you have little books that don’t quite fit on a bookshelf? Check out this adorable three-sectioned book box of cheer!
If you aren’t into the DIY scene, you could scour garage sales and thrift stores for something similar to perk up with some paint or wallpaper.
Storage like this is a great method or playroom organization – because it helps give everything a place to call home (even those tiny books!)
15. Magnetic Strips for Toy Cars | Keeping up with the Souths
This is such a clever use of metal knife bars! If your kid’s cars don’t have a metal bottom (the newer cars are sometimes made out of plastic), you can secure magnets to the underside of the cars with super glue.
16. Wall Hooks for Dress Up Organization | Rambling Renovators
I love how the “play” items have become the decoration focal point! If the little princesses can hang the dresses back up after play, the playroom can stay clean and organized and ready for the next big play day!
17. Coffee Pod Carousel Playdough Storage | Extreme Couponing
Caution: do not attempt to make play-doh coffee in your Keurig no matter how caffeine-deprived you are. But, seriously – what a fun use of a coffee carousel!
18. Playroom Organization for Small Toys in Clear Bins | The Sunny Side Up
For all those little pieces, clear boxes are really the way to go! And don’t forget to label the boxes, too. Let the little ones help you “label” and take ownership in the initial sorting.
You’ll be well on your way to happier, more organized playroom days!
19. Nerf Gun Storage | She’s Crafty Crafty
Hanging s-hooks from the bar gives the kiddos an easy place to hang all kinds of toys like Nerf guns. Teaching the kids to hang up their toys when finished will help keep your playroom organized for sure.
20. Magazine Holder Coloring Book Storage | Organized with Kids
It’s easy to see how many coloring books you have when you use magazine files! Using white files and a white caddy keeps it classy and modern, too!
21. Action Figure Wall Display | Oh Lovely Day
I love how the action figures are all lined up, ready to protect/save the world! This bookshelf idea is dual-purpose too. It’s a great storage solution as well as a fun way to display your kiddo’s collection!
22. Line of Twine Artwork Organization | Design Improvised
After art enjoys its time in the spotlight, rotate it out for new pieces!
With this twine and clothespin display, your playroom will stay organized. And, it will inspire your little ones to continue to create!
23. Mesh Bags Card Storage | Mika Perry
These inexpensive see-through bags are perfect for storing card games. After you transfer the game to a bag, be sure to label it and then corral all of the bags inside of a basket.
Boom. Your playroom stays organized.
Plus, you can simply grab a game the next time you head out somewhere for some 1:1 time with your kiddo.
24. Hanging Baskets for Magnets | Life on Beacon
Check out the farmhouse-industrial vibe! If your child enjoys magnetic letters (and chalk) – then having nearby storage (like these hanging metal baskets) is a great method for playroom organization.
25. Stacked Wooden Crate Storage | Maison de Pax
Create a custom look with these stackable wooden boxes! You can stain them, paint them, or keep them natural.
Be sure to attach them to the wall, so little ones don’t get hurt if they try to climb! I love the stair step look – and how the box’s interior becomes a little home for its belongings.
I didn’t realize Elmo was such a bookworm! 😉
26. Labels for Playroom Organization | The Homes I Have Made
White and black keeps things classy! Labels help the kiddos know what box to grab for playtime, too!
It’s such a smart idea to label the bins with pictures instead of words – especially for littles who can’t read yet!
27. DIY Open Shelving for Toys | Delightfully Noted Blog
Keep toys off the floor – and the playroom clean – with these DIY shelves.
If you are a bit timid when it comes to projects, this is a great starting point. I like how the height is perfect for the little ones!
28. Toy Organizer with Bins | Kendall Rayburn
These open bins make it easy to grab just the right toys for the day! Yes, that’s right. No more digging around in huge baskets, creating a massive mess.
Having a home for everything is really the best way to keep the playroom organized!
29. Give them the World | Heathered Nest
Literally! Stick a map on the playroom wall. Not only will it be great for those teachable moments, “Mom where exactly is Wakanda?” (OK, not the best example…make something up if this question arises during your Marvel marathon).
Maps can be super inexpensive to buy (here are some great options for under $40). Ours isn’t framed, it’s just laminated, and can be written on (and erased) with a dry eraser!
Hope you’ve enjoyed these ideas about how to bring fun and organization to the playroom! Which idea will you tackle first?
On the hunt for even more home organizing ideas? We’ve got you covered:
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- 29 Unbelievably Useful Camper and RV Storage Ideas
Pin these playroom ideas for later! And if you decide to use any, leave a comment on the pin! That helps others know whether they want to them, too!
Ready to get control of the clutter and chaos at home? Here are 60 places you can declutter in just 5-minutes at a time. Grab your free copy now by clicking here or on the picture below:
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