Spring Cleaning: Tips on How to Clean and Maintain Your Kids Play Area

Spring is here and you know what that means… SPRING CLEANING!

I think a year ago when the pandemic started, spring cleaning was the last thing on my mind. Now, I’m ready to clean my entire home!

What is the one room in your house that is the hardest one to stay clean and organized? 

I’ll go first. The PLAYROOM! There are times where I just want to light a match, let it burn and start over.

My daughter was the only child and grand-child for 6 years, so she has her fair share of toys and other “crap” that she doesn’t need.

I’ve re-arranged and organized this room so many times, I’ve actually lost count. The problem isn’t just the amount of toys, it’s how to maximize the space without it looking so crowded. I despise a cluttered space and I was determined to not only de-clutter it, but refresh the space, and teach my kid how to maintain it.

This time, I think I nailed it. But there’s no guarantee that I will not try to organize or rearrange it again in about 6 months.

Before we get into how to successfully organize the playroom, I want to share some helpful tips that made this process a little easier.

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1. Have trash bags available– I had one for donation and one for trash. I eventually had to get more trash bags as I started cleaning and going through things.
2. Baskets/Bins are easy organization hacks– I just love baskets and bins. Baskets and bins will help you separate toys and organize how you want. If they don’t have a bin or a basket, then maybe it’s time to donate it, and that’s my philosophy.
3. Start in one corner and work your way around the room– By doing this, I was able to stay focused! The room already gives me anxiety, so working in sections allowed me to focus on one part before I move on to the next. It was also a sigh of relief when I finished. It also helps ease the stress and anxiety.
4. Vacuum/sweep as you go– Working from one corner of the room to the other, having the vacuum close helps to get underneath things and in the corners. This way you don’t have to go back and do it when you’re finished. Remember we’re tackling this in parts!
5. Labels. Labels. Labels!– Labeling just makes any space more organized, but labeling kids spaces not only helps them read, but teaches them how to organize and maintain the chaos…I mean toys. This is the last thing that I will do once I make sure everything has a home. I still need to go through and label every single bin, basket or drawer.

And an honorable mention- 

6. Have your kid help!- If they are at the stage and can help of course. After all it is their room you’re cleaning. Have them do simple tasks like put the toys in the correct bin, or help throw trash away. Sometimes, they end up in the way, but I’ve learned to get them involved so they know where things are. I also like to ask my daughter, what would you like to keep or donate? The bribe is, you can’t get new toys for this holiday and that, if you keep everything. Not joking, her response one day was to donate everything in the room and start over. So, sometimes it works, but it does help teach them the spirit of giving and teaching about entitlement. 

Ok now that’s out the way, ready. Set. CLEAN!

Let’s start with the my daughter’s favorite and most used section- The Crafts Section

I brought these clear plastic organizers some time ago and I love how clean they make this space look! Shop this section below-

• White Supply Caddy Organizer – I love that this is removable for easy sharing and cleaning.
• Stackable Clear Organizer Drawer – I originally purchased this for construction/drawing paper, but it didn’t fit. But it is perfect for glue and extra materials.
• Candy Glass Jar with Lid- 1Gallon – These are also really good for storing snacks for the pantry!
• Acrylic Drawer Organizer and Storage – This thing is my favorite! I have the 4 drawer storage but they have a few different options depending on how you want to store your things.
• Clear Plastic Apothecary Jar – The easiest way to store pens, markers, crayons, paint, and anything else you want to store with a lid.
• Plastic File Folder Bin – The one pictured is discontinued, however they do have them in different colors. I like that they have a 2 pack so I could use one for coloring books, and the other for sketch book, coloring books, construction/drawing paper, and even workbooks.

Baby Toys– Since we had Addy, my almost 8 month old, I wanted to have a section for her toys. Now we’re teaching her older sister how to make sure she cleans up her toys properly, so that her sister does not choke or harm herself while playing. This is where bins and labeling comes in handy. There’s no excuse!

I originally purchased this 4 cube organizer from Target, and had it in her room, however I thought it made more sense to put in the playroom so they could play in the same room…together. I mean that is the point of a PLAY room.

So I created Addy’s Korner. This corner is specifically just for her toys and everything around it, is also baby safe and approved. 

There are so many ways to store and organize toys, but I like being practical and a little cute. This metal hanging basket is my favorite little storage piece for storing the food items for their play kitchen. It can however be used for almost anything, but I like that it gives a mini market feel to the area. You can find one like it here.

LEGOS! I have a love/hate relationship with them. While my daughter loves enjoying the smaller Legos, I have those tucked away in a storage closet, but with the bigger blocks, I have them stored in a simple crate box. It’s simple and holds a lot. You can find it here!

The Closet of Wonder– At least this is what I like to call it. We have a closet in the room, where I put this bin organizer, you can find it here. It is also labeled and has all of the really small and “annoying” toys all stored and neatly organized. Once I start baby proofing, I will make sure that I put a safety proof door knob cover on the handle.

I think it’s this closet and the things in it that bring me the most anxiety! 

If you don’t have a closet, a storage cube organizer with cube organizers or baskets/bins with lids will do the trick.

Now to clean and MAINTAIN!

• Teach your kid how to read the labels and put the toys in the correct bins. Hold them accountable mama.
• Make it so fun and easy for them to clean!
• Donate toys often. Don’t wait til the next Spring Cleaning anxiety session. I’ll probably go in and purge every 3 months, especially really good before Christmas.

 And THAT’s IT!

Happy Spring Cleaning!