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Your child has more toys than you ever dreamed of having as a child.  What do you do with all of them?  How can you organize a play space -- either in a bedroom or a play room?

First, separate everything into categories such as:  building blocks, tools, dolls, reading materials, action figures, cooking items, musical toys, art supplies, etc.  Make a list of all your categories.

Next, decide the best way to hold each category.  This can include any type of cabinet, container or basket.  You'll need a bookcase or basket for the books, a plastic storage container for blocks, etc.

Then measure.  For example, stack all the building blocks.  Take a measuring tape and measure length times width times height.  Write it down.  Go shopping or look around the house for appropriate containers.  Many people go out and buy storage containers without knowing exactly how they will use them.  Measure first and buy wisely.

Finally, set up everything.  Every toy should be categorized and should have a home.  This makes clean up quicker and easier.  Most days, a child can clean his or her room (with your help) in about five minutes.  If children know where to put things they are more likely to put them away.  This is also a great time to start teaching them to put away one set of toys before getting out another.

Tip:  Go through toys periodically and remove the ones which are not being used.  You can store or donate them. 

You might also want to rotate some toys --that's when you put them away for a month or two so they will seem like new toys when you bring them back out.  By rotating year-round, you'll save money and time.

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Copyright 2002-06 Barbara Myers. All Rights Reserved.