Top Mistakes Parents Make When Organizing a Playroom
School’s out, the kids are home—and if it’s been anything like our summer, it’s been rainy, too. Toys are everywhere, and keeping things tidy feels like a losing battle.
As professional organizers, we’ve truly seen it all, and playrooms are one area that tends to trip parents up time and time again. Here are the most common mistakes we see and what we recommend instead:
Mistake #1: Creating a Playroom in the Basement for Very Young Kids
It might sound like a great idea: out of sight, out of mind. But unless you plan to spend lots of time down there, little ones often won’t want to play alone in a basement. They’d much rather be near you (which is actually kind of sweet—and fleeting!).
Our Solution:
Create a small play zone off the kitchen or family room where your child can be near you without needing constant interaction. We love recommending this piece from Ikea —it’s sleek, comes in different sizes, and holds a surprising amount of toys while still looking neat and stylish.
Mistake #2: Using Oversized Baskets to Store Everything
Big baskets make for a quick cleanup, but they’re a black hole for small toys. Once something goes in, it may never come out again. Out of sight, out of mind—literally!
Our Solution:
Clear bins with lids (like these from The Container Store) are a game changer. Sort similar items together—farm animals in one bin, LEGOs in another—and use containers that fit the volume of each category. Add labels so everything has a home. For toddlers, use picture labels instead of words to help them learn where things go.
Bonus tip: These bins fit perfectly inside IKEA Kallax shelves!
Mistake #3: Too Many Toys!
This one might top the list. When kids are surrounded by too many choices, they often default to a few favorites—and the rest just adds to the mess. Too much stuff leads to overwhelm for both kids and parents.
Our Solution:
Edit ruthlessly. Only keep what fits comfortably in the space you’ve allocated. Turn it into a teachable moment by involving your kids—explain that the toys they no longer use can bring joy to children who don’t have as much.
Feeling overwhelmed by playroom clutter? We’re here to help! Reach out and let us turn your playroom into an organized, joyful space your kids will love spending time in.