How to Organize the Playroom?

Updated on September 17, 2008
A.S. asks from Webster, NY
7 answers

Hi,
I just got my basement finished and intend to use it as a playroom for my two girls: 1 and 3 years old.
I'd like to hear your ideas on how to best organize stuff! I am thinking of a bookshelf with storage bins...but would like to hear any other tips!
Thanks!

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C.R.

answers from Syracuse on

I agree with the bins...I would suggest canvas...not plastic(they crack)...but I would also suggest if you have part of your basement that they can't get into keeping bins of toys in there and rotating them every month or so...this help on 2 levels...clean up isn't so overwhelming because there is less to clean up and it keeps things new...I noticed when my kids had everything at their reach they made a huge mess but never really played with anything...now that I rotate toys, it's like Christmas for them every other month and they play better with each other and the toys...they will ask for the rescue heroes, so then we clean up all the trains and match box cars and replace them with the rescue heroes...and so on....there are a couple of things like the "kitchen" that you may not be able to move but you can pack up the food and dishes and put them away...I would keep toys at their level, but all games, puzzles, and thing with small pieces where they have to ask for them(top shelf of a closet)...again easier to clean up and keep all pieces together. Have fun!

ps...chalk board paint would be cool for a wall or a door...it's cheap and then they can draw on the walls!(this would also depend on the ages and supervision)

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K.B.

answers from Albany on

i agree with everyone else.... bins and baskets even making stations in the room ex... kitchen area, block area(floor toys) art station and dont forget the big soft comfy area with books and pillows. set it up similar to preschool classrooms .
you can get good ideas on a few websites... pottery barn, ikea, they show storage units but you can get good ideas from them i know i have for our play room...
i suggest a section fo the wall in chalkboard paint or even a door... also... i have seen where you can make and easel on the wall also instead of buying one to take up floor space in the room....
have fun organizing.... and playing

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K.E.

answers from Buffalo on

I would use shelves and bins, but if you are like me and want everything in its place get a picture of the toys and tape it to its place ( in the shelve or on the bin) so you children can put everything in its place.

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A.M.

answers from Rochester on

Shelves with bins are nice because you can label the fronts with pictures. I like them especially well for storing books. The kids can just grab a tub of books and take them to their favorite reading place- cushions, beanbag etc. I am a big fan of those plastic stacking baskets that are open on the front for things like wooden train tracks, cars and trucks, blocks and little people because it is so easy for the kids to see where everything goes and to toss it in the correct place at cleanup time. Plus they can be stacked to various heights as the kids grow. Toddler toys on the bottom and little things like hot wheels out of reach in the higher baskets.

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A.J.

answers from Albany on

I love organizing playrooms! Shelves with bins at kid heights are best. Make sure shelves are secured so they do not tip onto you kids.

You can label the bins with pictures so they know where stuff goes.

Also find a large, safe toy box for those little toys that never seem to have a place.

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L.M.

answers from New York on

Shelves with bins sound like the best option. I found that with the traditional toy boxes they just get overstuffed with junk. I used alot of plastic baskets. Color coding works well. They can learn that doll clothes/accessories go in red, art supplies go in blue, etc. A picture on the bin also helps.

At some point your older daughter will be able to play with more advanced toys that would not be practical for your youngest (I'm basically thinking small parts). Make sure you have some higher shelves for those special toys that will require adult supervision.

You'll also need a table. Make sure you can comfortably sit with them for tea parties, art projects, and puzzles.

Also don't bother doing anything special on the walls. This will make a great area to display their special drawings and paintings - or possibly hang up educational posters (abc's, numbers, maps).

Maybe a cozy corner for reading.

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K.D.

answers from Albany on

Shelves with bins - and if you use lids, make sure your older child can easily open them. Personally, I like plastic, because kids can see what's inside, and they don't collapse or bow while a child is hauling them. My daughter likes that she can put her stickers all over her plastic bins. Also, plastic bins can be pushed across a carpet much easier than canvas. And crayon and marker come off a lot easier. Canvas are good for lighter items, though, and stuffed animals seem to fit better in the deeper canvas boxes.

Also consider a really big tote or toy chest for all their dressup stuff. That's probably the only thing that toy chests are perfect for.

Table and chairs are great for playdough, coloring, tea parties, the occasional snack or special meal. Older kids use their tables for activity books, light-bright, craft projects, pretend play (hair salon, restaurant, etc.). Try to keep the table further away from the shelves, though, because the floor by the shelves will be covered with toys all day.

If you have an easle, put a vinyl cloth in a corner, with the easle on top - chalk, markers, crayons in the trays. Tack a string from 1 corner to another, and use clothspins to hang artwork.

Have fun! A playroom is a great space!

-K.

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