Christmas around here still includes toys. Ahhhh, I’m both thrilled and stressed over the idea of more toys showing up. Good thing Santa knows I’m a professional organizer…he’s so thoughtful with his giving. hehe!
I’m in the habit of purging and re-organizing our playroom about every 3-4 months. That makes sense for most of us because it’s around a seasonal change. Whether it’s spring cleaning, summer vacation time or getting ready for a holiday or birthday…it’s generally a good idea to hit up this hot spot a few times a year. Don’t let it creep up on you – playrooms tend to get a little out of control!
My youngest is 5 and a girl so the toys aren’t stopping anytime soon. I keep a pretty good hold on the toy situation by rotating them in and out of the house. Some are in bins in the garage and others are up high in a closet. And we rotate when I see she is losing interest, not playing as much in this room or not helping me clean up. So for the most part, the toys actually *in* the playroom stay pretty well organized because the inventory stays low. But this wall system has been key to keeping the toys that are in the playroom totally under control, while keeping the house looking pretty to my eyeballs. I’ve talked about our playroom before, but it’s right in the middle of the house. So if it’s a mess, it bothers me. We tidy up every day. But sometimes it needs a focused purge. Today was the day! And while they were in school, of course – because mama had already planned a serious throw down on the toys…a solid 3 trash bags are heading to our local donation center. #yas!
This wall was a blank slate when we moved in, so a system was necessary – at a minimum to give them a spot to watch tv. But the storage provided in this media console can’t be beat for a playroom. It’s the Logan Media Suite from Pottery Barn and it was love at first sight….still head over heels for it today!…
The 10 baskets contain categorized items like cars, tea set pieces, small dolls, toy animals, nerf guns and action figures…
I made those chalkboard labels a couple years ago – love them! You can find the tutorial here. The baskets have been helpful with our one-in-one-out rule, but the hidden storage has been the life-saver…
The bottom is a pull out drawer, with dividers. On this side of the console, I’ve organized the boy’s Wii components, games and other small gaming systems we have – like the old Leapster…
The shelf above is deep to give us space for games. I contain games with smaller pieces (like green army men) in clear shoe-box sized containers – no label required!…
On the other side of the console I set up a space for my daughter’s art supplies. Previously they were set up like this, but with the tree showing up there wasn’t going to be enough room. She churns out art like no one’s business so I had to contain it somehow, yet keep it accessible for her…
This console cleans up well too, so I’m not worried about crayons or pencils accidentally leaving a mark. Cleaning this lower drawer is simple too because the dividers are removable…
The 2 small cabinets under the tv contain puzzles and games…
When I work with clients, we talk a lot about systems. I encourage my clients to invest wisely…just as I do in my own home. I can’t even begin to detail out the number of homes I’ve worked in where a system was purchased that simply isn’t working. Sometimes it’s a system that costs thousands or one found at a steeply discounted price. Whatever the case, the system must work for you or it isn’t going to help control the clutter. This system or others similar to it pack a serious storage space punch while also looking nice. I like both of those features – the storage AND the appearance. And I obviously enjoy decorating it during the holidays since we spend a lot of time in the playroom. The garland is from Home Goods and the wreaths are from Pottery Barn (both super old and very loved)…
The noel sign is new this year from Target…
It’s a good time to sort through that playroom before the gift-receiving weeks ahead!
I feel 10 pounds lighter after cleaning up this console today…can’t say the same for their bedrooms. All in time, right?
Hope you’re enjoying the first week of December everyone!
We’re so on the same page! I did a big cleaning/weeding out in our family room today. I still have a train table to work with (huge space taker-upper!) but my boys and I worked hard and decorated it with lights. I’m taking notes and taking my organizing to the next level in the morning… solo during preschool!! Feels good is right!
Btw, loving Kayla Itsines – thanks to you! 🙂
Ahhhh, I love Kayla! You’re so welcome – it’s the best workout program ever. SO doable and easy to fold into someone’s busy schedule. It has totally changed my life. So glad you’re enjoying it!
Yes, great minds – our playroom needed it. Desperately. So glad you had the time to tackle yours as well!!
xo,
Sam
This is so nice! I am getting this next week 🙂 Where did you get the baskets?