If your backyard is overflowing with kids’ toys, tools, and other outdoor accessories, you’ve likely felt the frustration of finding a place to store them all. But if you take some time to plan an effective organization system for your outdoor gear, not only will everything have its own spot – but it will also be much easier for your family (or visitors) to find what they need when they head outside!
Read on to learn creative solutions on how to organize outdoor toys and create a neat storage solution that fits perfectly into your yard.
Why is It Difficult to Keep Outdoor Toys Organized?
Outdoor toys and accessories take up a lot of space. Plus, depending on where you live, they can be exposed to the elements (like rain or intense sun). This means that finding an adequate storage area for them is essential – not to mention finding one that will last. It will also be important to look for solutions that are easy to access and provide some level of protection from the elements.
Things to Consider Before Organizing Toys
Before investing in storage solutions, make sure to consider the following factors:
- How much space do you have available?
- How many outdoor toys will you be storing?
- Will these items need to be moved around frequently?
- Do any of the toys require special protection from the elements (e.g., sun, rain)?
- How quickly do you need access to the items?
These questions will help you determine which type of storage solution is best for your backyard.
Items Required for Organizing Outdoor Toys
Before you start organizing outdoor toys, it’s important to have the right supplies and materials. Here are some of the items you might need:
- Garage hooks
- Bungee cords
- Outdoor shelving units
- Large bins or buckets
- Plastic storage containers
- Rope or string
10 Instructions on How to Organize Outdoor Toys
1. Categorise
Group toys according to type. Sort outdoor toys into groups, such as balls, bicycles, scooters, and more. This will make it easier to find the right item when they’re needed. Sort within each category to make the process even simpler.
2. Assign a Space
Choose a spot in your backyard where you can easily store all of the toys and items. This could be an area near the back door or a corner of the yard that is sheltered from the elements. It will be the main storage area for all of your outdoor toys.
3. Hang Items Up
Use garage hooks, bungee cords, or rope to hang items like bicycles, scooters, and gardening tools from the ceiling or wall. This will free up space in the storage area and make it easier to grab what you need quickly.
4. Use Shelving Units
Utilise outdoor shelving units, plastic storage containers, and large bins or buckets to store items like balls, garden tools, and small toys. This will help keep the area tidy and organized. Shelving units can also be used to store items that need to be moved around frequently, like beach toys.
5. Designate a Spot for Outdoor Games
Choose an area in your yard where outdoor games, such as cornhole or badminton sets, are easy to access and play with. This could be near the main storage area or even near the patio.
6. Place Outdoor Furniture
Designate a spot for outdoor furniture, such as chairs, benches, and tables. This should be an area that is sheltered from both sun and rain to ensure that your furniture lasts longer. Furniture should also be easy to access in case you need to move it around.
7. Label Everything
Label each container or bin with a description of what is inside. This will make it easier for everyone to find what they’re looking for quickly and easily – even if the contents change over time. Labeling will also help to keep your storage area neat and organized.
8. Organise Toys by Age
If you have children of varying ages, consider organizing toys according to age. This will help keep the younger children safe from playing with toys that are too advanced for them. It will also ensure that each child has access to the right toy at the right time.
9. Store Away Seasonal Items
Organise items that are only used seasonally, such as sleds or snow boots. Place these in a storage container and store them away during warmer months to make sure they last longer. This will also help to keep your yard organized and clutter-free.
10. Keep It Neat
Finally, make sure to keep the area tidy and organized at all times. Put away any outdoor toys after they’re used, and do a quick sweep of the area every once in a while to make sure it stays neat and clutter-free. This will help ensure that your outdoor toys stay organized for years to come.
Organizing outdoor toys can be a daunting task, but with the right supplies and some patience, you can easily transform your yard into a safe and organized space. Follow these steps to keep your backyard looking neat and tidy all year round.
8 Tips to Keep the Outdoor Toys Organized
- Have a designated outdoor play area. Make sure to keep all toys in this area. This will help you know where all of the toys are, and it’ll be easier for children to clean up after playing. The designation also helps to keep the toys away from other areas, like driveways and gardens.
- Use bins, baskets, or buckets to organize the toys according to type. This will help children quickly find what they’re looking for and put them back when they are done playing with them. All these bins can then be stored in the designated area.
- Label the bins or baskets to make it easier for children to find what they need and put them back where they belong. This will help keep the toys organized when they are playing with them, as well as when they are putting them away.
- Create a routine with your children for cleaning up their toys. This will help to establish a sense of responsibility and pride in helping to keep the play area clean and organized. A routine also helps to avoid disputes over who is responsible for cleaning up.
- Invest in a sturdy toy box with lids that can be used to store toys when they are not being used. This will help keep the play area clean and organized during family gatherings or events since the toys can simply be put away into the box until they are needed again.
- Try to limit the number of toys that are being kept in the play area. This will help maintain an organized area and make it easier for children to find what they need when playing with their toys.
- Schedule regular clean-up times throughout the week for your children to help keep the outdoor play area organized. This could be done daily or once a week, depending on how much the area is being used and how often it needs to be cleaned up.
- Have fun with your children while organizing their outdoor toys! This will help make the task of organizing more enjoyable for everyone involved, as well as teach them important life skills such as tidiness and organization.
Organizing outdoor toys doesn’t have to be tedious or overwhelming. By following these tips, you can ensure that the play area is kept clean and organized for your children to enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to Store if There is No Garage?
If you do not have a garage, there are still ways to store your outdoor toys. Consider investing in waterproof storage containers to keep your items safe and dry. If you want an even more creative solution, consider storing items under the deck or on shelves in the shed. Additionally, you could use the space underneath a swing set or trampoline to store larger items.
How to Discourage Theft?
Protect your outdoor toys from theft by storing them in a secure shed or garage with a lockable door. If possible, choose an area that is out of sight of the street and not easily accessible to strangers. Additionally, you may want to invest in security cameras for extra protection. Finally, always remember to lock up your toys when you’re not using them.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to organize outdoor toys, making your backyard a play paradise doesn’t have to be a daunting task! Allow yourself plenty of time and work within your budget as you create an inviting play space for everyone. The methods of organizing we discussed above are easy and will help turn chaos into order. Additionally, make sure to assign designated storage spaces for each toy in order to maximize space and ensure each toy is easily accessible when needed.
Organizing toys is an excellent opportunity to get children involved in tidying up their own stuff. Taking the time to utilize proper storage solutions—baskets, shelves, bins, and over-door organizers—not only creates aesthetically pleasing visual order but also helps encourage independence and responsibility among young ones. So get out there, spruce up your outdoor area, and let the games begin!
