A Toy Box is Everyone’s Best Friend!

Kids love a good toy box. Parents, caregivers and teachers love them too. It's great to watch kids play, but there comes a time when things just need to be put away. Toy boxes help kids clean up all on their own. A toy chest also helps children find their stuff when they need it. Give a kid a good place to keep their stuff. Expect the reward of a more organized play space. Someone might even say "thank you!"

Maybe you think I'm misguided? If you're child's play area is in upheaval it's probably hard for you to imagine kids cleaning up with enthusiasm. Getting thanked for supplying some toy chests might seem like a long shot too. When I first started considering toy storage I was pretty discouraged myself. I organized and hosted play groups and my basement often looked like a bomb had exploded within it by the time the dates had ended. When the children cleaned up the room, they would chuck everything into the nearest receptacle. Afterwards, I was stuck resorting the toys so my kids could find their stuff. The idea of an organized play space seemed like an impossibility.

In desperation, I decided to revisit some of the things I had learned in the field of education. In undergraduate and graduate school, an organized classroom was considered a must. My professors spent time providing suggestions for organizing children and their play space for optimal learning. When I began teaching I put a lot of thought into ways to apply what I had learned in school. I wanted my students to take care of their own stuff so I could be freed up to teach. Years later I'm out of the classroom, but my goal is still pretty much the same when it comes to organization. I want my kids to take care of their own stuff so I can be freed up to care for them. I didn't become a mother to spend all my time resorting toys. I'd rather be enjoying my kids.

The way I organized my classroom worked pretty well. I had lots of containers. Each container was clearly labeled with an index card that told my students what should go inside it. I also put a picture of the contents on the box for younger children who couldn't read yet. This was a great organizational strategy since it got kids cleaning and reading at the same time. I spent very little time picking up after my students. I had a system that worked.

I've decided that a basement full of preschoolers is not that different than a classroom full of them. That's why I'm glad I took the time to remember what I have done and learned that worked well for organizing kids. Today I have lots of containers in my basement. I've upscaled from the plastic containers I used in my classroom. Our basement is part of our living space so I like it looking nice. That's why toy boxes are one of my favorite organizational investments. There are awesome, kid appealing storage solutions that are available. Toy chests come in a variety of themes including the fire truck, school bus, train, celestial, sport, flower power and basketball themes. Beautiful timeless styles are available as well, making the toy chest a purchase that becomes a family heirloom. Just like I did in my classroom, I've put a note card and a picture on the front of each toy box. I've got a toy box for blocks, trucks, action figures, sporting equipment, plastic play food and kids tools. Everything gets put back where it belongs when the fun is done. I don't have to lift a finger.

I love a good toy box. It's my best friend when it comes to kid clean up. Consider investing in organization. A toy chest awaits that just right for you and your little one too! Enjoy the wonderful, child friendly selections for toy storage. Enjoy a more organized tomorrow. Even your kids will thank you!