Kids seem to have tons of stuff. It seems like you just get their toys cleaned up and, in a matter of minutes, it doesn't look like you've cleaned it in a week! That's probably a good sign that you need to make it easier to put things away. It's also a good time to get the kids involved with the clean up, too. You'll be teaching them valuable lessons that they will need through life including responsibility, respect and caring/sharing and they will feel a sense of pride and accomplishment.
1. Sort toys into groups, ie. dolls, trucks, books, etc.
Toy Bins Organizer
2. Throw out anything that is broken right away.
3. Have your kids help decide what to donate. By giving them the option to choose, you are showing respect for their opinion. And, though it may be hard for them to let go of some things even though they don't use them anymore, you'll be helping them to become thoughtful sharers.
4. Group toys in bins that are easily accessible. Once what's being kept has been decided, try to make toys as easy as possible to put away.
5. Label the bins. For little ones who can't read, take a picture of the contents of a bin so they can easily learn where their toys go. For older kids, use words.
6. Reward kids for helping and for giving their unused toys to someone who will appreciate them.
7. Keep a basket in various rooms of the house where your kids play so that at the end of the day, they can easily be carried back where they belong.
8. Use the "one thing in, one thing out" rule. Whenever they get a new toy, they should try to get rid of one they don't use anymore.
9. Repeat this process before celebrations where the kids will receive loads of gifts, such as birthdays or Christmas.