So, how did your week of organizing go? Did you get all those toys tidied up?
It took me a few hours, but I finally got down and dirty with all of the toys that Elliott had.
Take a look at the overflowing storage bins:
I know it doesn’t look too bad, everything is off the floor, so that’s good – but those baskets… they were driving me absolutely bonkers! I’m a bit OCD when it comes to organizing and I like everything to have a place. Seeing those toys all mixed together gave me a headache, so I had to do something about it.
This is what his cube storage shelf looked like:
Again, not too bad, but I felt like I was wasting the space. I just crammed stuff in there to get it off the floor. If you had asked me to go in there to find a particular item, it would probably take me awhile to find it.
I was ruthless when it came time to say goodbye to things. If it was something that Elliott didn’t play with very much, or something that we didn’t like, or feel was needed – out it went.
Here’s the pile of stuff that is going to be sold and donated (not including a massive pile of books that were hidden in his closet and not found until 2 days later):
There was only a small amount of trash.
Poor Kermit.
I also set aside a bunch of toys that Elliott no longer plays with, but I still love. We are saving these for when baby #2 comes along (not any time soon!). That little piano is one of my favourite toys!
Here’s what his little cube shelf looks like now:
Nice and organized. The toys that aren’t played with often, but he still likes, go up at the top. When he wants to play with them he will start to whine and point. Haha. The books are on the bottom for easy access. My little man loves reading now. It’s way too adorable to see him sitting there with a book open, speaking jibberish.
His storage bins now look like this:
Ahhhh, that’s better. My label maker saves the day!
I separated all his toys and put labels on them. Now when we are cleaning up, we know where things go. The only thing that Elliott actually putsin the right spot is the foam letters. And look – we have room to grow! 3 bins at the top are empty. It’s lovely. His birthday is coming up, and he always seems to get a pile of toys as gifts, so now we have some place to put them when they arrive.
Here’s a close-up of the bins:
Am I the only person that gets extra excited when they see labels on bins… even if they aren’t straight? Ha!
Did you organize your toy collection this week? If so, please share your results!
Stop by tomorrow to get ready for the De-Clutter Your Home challenge #2!
More from this series:
- De-Clutter Your Toys (Challenge Complete)
- De-Clutter Your Books (Challenge Complete)
- De-Clutter Your Recipes (Challenge Complete)
- De-Clutter A Cabinet (Challenge Complete)
- De-Clutter Your Coupons (Challenge Complete)
- De-Clutter Your Email
Patricia – Congrats on your sucess! Thanks for sharing. Getting even a little bit done makes us feel so good.
Kaisha – I got them from Walmart. I believe they were… $80 – But don’t quote me on that! It was awhile ago, so the price may have changed.
I was wondering where you bought your cube storage shelves? I am looking for some at a good price
Great job!! I used to have a really hard time getting rid of ANYTHING the kids owned…I think I wanted to save it for my ownself…I guess to remember when they were little. I am getting better at that now and this week I took your challenge. I only got one room done, but it looks so much better! I threw out a bunch of broken stuff (a garbage bag full!!) and took out a bunch of baby toys (My youngest is 3 1/2) that I am stashing in the attic. My brother has a little one on the way and I will see if they want some of the stuff after the baby gets here. If not it is off to the Salvation Army Store! I still have my oldest sons room to do (he’s 9) and the playroom (shudder!!) but getting that one room done feels so good!
Linda S – Oh, I totally know whay you mean about the infant toys. I was so happy the day I could pack away the little jumper that Elliott used. That thing is massive!
Oh, I had no problem getting rid of my books. I only kept the one that I will read Again and again. lol I’m know that I will get rid of the cardboard books in a year or so, once I know my little girl (21.5 months) won’t rip the regular page book. They both love to “read” books, just like their maman. That probably why I have such a hard time getting rid of it.
I can’t wait to get rid of all the baby/infant toys. Those takes so much space on the floor. I’m very tempted to do so right now, but then I have to tell myself that Audrey is only 21months old. SHe is already growing too fast, as she plays a lot with Valerie’s (4.5 yo) toys.
teachermum – Yes, I love the photo idea, but unfortunetely the fronts of his storage bins aren’t that large. We may change up his storage pieces at some point so that we can do this.
Joanne – Sorry you could find anything.
Kelly – Sounds like we both have lots to donate this coming week!
Linda S – See, I can get rid of books no problem, it’s the hubby that has issues with that.
Well.. his books anyway. He can easily get rid of Elliott’s books (or mine – ha!).
Labelers…the best things ever! I love mine. You could always take a picture of each bin and stick it on the front so Elliot can “read” them himself. I did that for the kitchen food the kids had-they hated not being able to find what they wanted and it worked very well.
Susan
I saw Kermit…………yeah……good way to organize, on another note, our Walmart in Kingston Ontario has not had those zip lock baggies in stock for the past two days:( what a bummer…….we also do not have the Nexxus hair stuff……again bummer…………Happy early mother’s day though and hope all is well with hubby being out of work.
Joanne
Excellent! I love those cube shelves, I just bought some more today do their closets, my closet and the hall closet. I love them for toys, especially with the bins, it is so easy to get a system and keep it that way, and for the kids to do it!
Good purge of toys. I just filled 4 bags/boxes with toys for the second hand store, and will drop off on Monday.
We have that cube unit for the girls. I had bought cubes cloths baskets to but in. Love it!! and look so much cleaner too. I have kept 3 squares open for those toys that just won’t fit in cubes.
One thing, we have tons of books, that have their own shelves. DH told me that when you can’t fit one more book in, it should be a sign to stop buying any hihi. I guess I should get rid of some, but books is sometime hard for me to get rid of. hihi