I have a 4 year old with 4 years of toys to prove it! And they all seem to land in our living room. One of the ways we’ve hidden those toys is with the extra storage we created using storage ottomans in our coffee table:
But within those ottomans was a mess. So I got my organizing hat on and got down to work!
Step #1 – Clear it All Out and Categorize!
The first step to any organization project is clearing out the mess first and assessing what you have. Next up is to categorize what is staying and then shop for storage solutions that work for your space. (Side note, that’s my favourite part) 🙂
I had bought a bunch of these containers for the kitchen but they worked so well for our toy issue!
I also used clear glass vases to hold artwork and extra paper supplies by simply rolling them all up and inserting them inside the vase.
Step #2 – Label, Label, Label!
Labeling is THE most important thing to do when organizing. And with my daughter already doing a little bit of reading, I’m teaching her where everything goes without having to use picture labels:
I took one extra step with puzzles. I sorted out all of the pieces to each puzzle we have and then stored each puzzle in a sandwich bag. This was a game changer for us as there were never any missing pieces to find and each puzzle was neatly contained!
Step #3 – Put Everything Back!
This was probably the most satisfying part – putting everything back together! Six containers plus one glass vase fit into each ottoman.
And with that, my sanity was restored!
While the tops of the tables aren’t styled for design photos, they are styled for our reality 🙂 They are used as art tables, lego central, adventures and whatever else my daughter imagines up. And we’re loving that all of her activities and playsets now have a home that is neat, organized and out of sight if needed.
Well, except for her stuffies 😉
Jenn says
Love the ideas for toys! Keep ’em coming!
Lidia says
Thanks chérie!! I keep tweaking and trying to find ways to keep our space sane! LOL!!
Jessica says
Love the puzzle in a bag idea! Those boxes can take up so much room
Lidia says
Right?! I find sometimes the packaging is waaaaay larger than the actual toy they’re housing!
ashish bist says
This is the very useful article, especially for parents who like hoarding toys. I loved the fact that storage pieces themselves are a good addition to the overall decor of the place.
ashish bist recently posted…45+ Interactive Toys For kids from varying age groups!
Lidia says
Thank you so much!!
Beth Bishop says
Great share. The way you are trying to store these legos simply brilliant.your approach is space saving.
Lidia says
Thank you!!!
Danny Boice says
Love the idea. Wonderful way to organize the living room
Lidia says
Thanks you!!
Building Blocks says
I like the idea. Interesting ways to organize in the living room.
Lidia says
Thank you so much!
Rashel Ahmed says
Lovely article I Really like your article.
Lidia says
Thank you!
Jamie says
Love your ideas! I wish my living room was half organized as yours! Will try out your tips this weekend. In addition, my approach is always floating shelves for creating the much-needed storage space when your apartment can’t otherwise afford it. Great post! Thanks for sharing.
Jamie recently posted…Best Toilet Bowl Cleaner For Calcium Deposits 2020
Lidia says
Thanks so much! 🙂