Using the KonMari Method for Tidying Toys

We take a look at the four key points of the KonMari method for tidying  toys, helping both parents and kids keep their home tidy, comfortable and enjoyable to be in.

Marie Kondo is a household name thanks to her belief and teachings regarding the organisation of a home, known as the KonMari method. It makes sense then, that there is a KonMari method for toys and other children’s belongings. Toy organisation sounds incredibly appealing to most parents, but they struggle with kids who mess things up as soon as the toys have been put away! We’re happy to be able to say though, that the KonMari method for toys looks to be both easy to implement and effective at keeping things clean.

There is also research which says that children with fewer toys to choose from often play more creativity and with greater focus. Note though that this doesn’t mean kids should have fewer toys, but rather that they only have a selection to choose from at a time. The others are stored away in cupboards, on shelves or in toy boxes.

What is the KonMari Method for Toys?

The KonMari method is about keeping the things that give you joy and decluttering those that don’t. When it comes to toys, if you ask the kids, they’ll say they love them all. Therefore, as a parent, you will need to draw upon your previous knowledge and observations in regards to which toys are kept and which are resold or given away.

When it comes to the ones that will be kept, the KonMari method for toys and tidying consists of four things:

1. Give everything a home – have a set location for every toy, as well as a place in the house for where the toys are kept. By ensuring that your children know both of these, you are more likely to have toys staying in the right place.
2. Talk when tidying – kids learn by doing, but they also learn by watching and listening. Talk about what you are doing as your tidy up, and explain that it is something we do to have a comfortable home to live in.
3. Link playing and tidying together – keep reinforcing that tidying and playing go together. This means that once a child has played with a toy, they need to put it back where it lives.
4. Be aware of space limitations – you’ve already got a dedicated space for your child’s toys. Knowing this, you can be mindful of the space you have available for adding new toys or choosing which toys to donate to others.

Being organised and having a tidy home is wonderful, but it’s not the be all and end all. If your child has fun playing with their toys, is learning and engaged, but find it’s hard to keep them tidy, it’s okay. Just keep persevering with teaching them to pack up once they have finished playing. One day (when they are an adult too), they’ll know you were right!