Running The POD – our nursery and preschool - we know organisation isn’t just about finding a place for everything; it’s about making tidying fun, functional, and - most importantly - getting the kids to do their fair share. Let’s dive into how you can make it happen without losing your mind (or stepping on a rogue piece of Lego).

 

Step 1: The Great Toy Declutter (a.k.a. Bye-Bye, Dusty Toys)

Before you start rearranging, it’s time for a toy purge. Now, we’re not suggesting you toss out their beloved teddy (even if it is missing an eye). Instead, involve your child and make it a fun adventure: “Which toys have earned their wings and are ready to fly to a new home?”

Create three piles - Keep, Donate, and Repurpose. Let them take charge of the decision-making (with some gentle guidance from you). You can even tell stories about what adventures await your donated toys!

Pro tip: To keep things positive, focus on sharing joy rather than “getting rid of” toys. Kids love the idea of their old treasures making someone else happy.

 

Step 2: Zones, Glorious Zones

Kids love structure (even if they claim otherwise), and creating toy zones is a game-changer. Think of it like a mini toy city with neighbourhoods for “Building Blocks,” “Dressing Up,” and “Soft and Snuggly.”

Use clear containers with labels or even photos of the toys for pre-readers. That way, they’ll know exactly where everything lives - and where it needs to go when you burst into your best tidy-up-time song.

At POD, we’ve found that when kids know the system, they love showing off their “grown-up” skills. You might even catch them bragging about how they “organised the dinosaurs all by themselves.”

 

Step 3: Turn Tidy-Up Time into Playtime

Want to avoid the groans and the “not me!” chorus when it’s time to clean up? Make it a game!

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• The Timer Challenge: “Let’s see if we can tidy the whole room before this song finishes!”


• Treasure Hunt: “Find 10 toys that belong in the blue box - ready, set, go!”


• Mystery Box: Any toys left out at the end of the day go into the box. They can earn them back with good behaviour.

It’s amazing how competitive (and helpful) kids become when tidying feels like play.

 

Step 4: Storage They Can Actually Use

Let’s face it - if your toy storage involves balancing acts or requires a ladder, your kids won’t touch it. Keep everything low, open, and easy to access. Baskets, cubbies, and clear bins are your new best friends.

At POD, we’ve nailed this with child-height shelves and big, bright labels. When kids know exactly where everything goes, tidying becomes less of a chore and more of a routine.

 

Step 5: Rotate for the Win

Ever notice how kids get bored of the same toys? A toy rotation system keeps things fresh. Pack away half their toys and swap them out every few weeks. Suddenly, those old toys feel brand-new and your floors are a little less cluttered.

 

Step 6: Let Them Personalise the Process

Kids love ownership, so let them put their stamp on their toy storage. Whether it’s decorating boxes with stickers, choosing their favourite colours for bins, or turning a basket into a “pirate treasure chest,” the more involved they are, the more likely they’ll use it.

And who doesn’t love a glitter-covered label?

 

Step 7: It’s a Team Effort (No Excuses!)

Here’s the secret to lasting success: Everyone pitches in. Even toddlers can help when you keep it simple and fun. The golden rule? If they can get it out, they can put it back.

At POD, we’ve seen how much pride kids take in being part of the process - especially when there’s a big cheer (and maybe a sticker) at the end of tidy-up time.

 

Step 8: Reset, Recharge, Repeat

Organisation isn’t a one-off event unfortunately! It’s a system to make life easier and playtime more enjoyable. So embrace the mess (temporarily), get the kids involved, and let the chaos turn into calm, one tidy-up song at a time.

 

We hope this helps you find a system that works for everyone. For more parent-friendly tips and tricks make sure you sign up to our newsletter.