When a young mom of two reaches out needing help to make sense of the toy chaos that has taken over for her infant and 2 year old, I couldn't wait to get started. This is a space where it always gets worse before it gets better, because you have to make even more of a mess as you sort everything into categories. Toys always creep in that aren’t favorites of your kids and easily edited out once you see everything in categories.

We cleared out the home decor and added bins for smaller items like building toys and art supplies, and larger bins with “safe” toys for the littlest one within reach. A few items were moved to the 3rd floor or kids bedrooms, to space out play opportunities.

Before

After

Adding labeled bins is easier on the eye and provides limits on how much can be stored. A toy rotation bin was recommended which helps to keep toys novel and less overwhelming.

Personalizing the space was my favorite part - adding family photos, local artwork by Suzanne Vinson of SilverTree Art, a globe for world exploration, plus a hand-lettered Einstein quote by yours truly.