Marie Kondo reveals the simple solution to keeping children's toys in order
Even the famous organizer struggles to keep toys tidy – this is the solution she uses in her home
Globally-celebrated organizer Marie Kondo is renowned for her minimalist KonMari tidying method.
With a selection of best-selling books and two Netflix series to her name, Ms. Kondo has reshaped storage ideas in every room of the home – but even the guru herself has a hard time keeping her children's toys organized.
Yes, Marie Kondo, like all parents and caregivers worldwide, regards toys as the biggest challenge to a tidy scheme. However, she has toy storage ideas that will make the process simpler.
In her discussion of living room storage ideas with H&G, Marie Kondo revealed the method she uses in her own home.
Marie Kondo's secret to keeping toys tidy
'With three young kids, it can be tough to keep the entire home tidy 24/7,' Marie begins. 'My children's toys seem to quickly become scattered throughout the whole house on a daily basis.' So what does the expert suggest?
Designate a home for each toy
The key to keeping your home tidy, Marie suggests, is to have a home for each toy – but this trick works with everything beyond toys too.
'I like to have a designated location for each of these toys, and I make sure my children are aware of where their toys belong,' she says. 'This way, they can help put away their own toys after playtime too.'
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
Invest in a KonMari-approved organizer
Designating a home for each toy is even easier with assistance from a specially designed organizer. Marie recommends picking up this Canvas Half-Wall Komono Organizer that she uses to revolutionize her bedroom storage ideas in her home.
'This [organizer] is one that I love for my children's bedroom because it is a simple storage solution for small toys and komono (miscellaneous items),' Marie says. 'You can adjust the height as children grow for storing accessories, electronics, or art supplies.'
It's true; you don't need to tackle toys to make the most of Marie's favorite organizer. Instead, you can follow the organizer's lead and fill its pockets with anything from home office supplies to electrical items. Plus, Marie Kondo's home office tidying tips will give you even more inspiration for keeping this space tidy.
Joy at Work | £14.99 at Waterstones
For even more advice, you can discover more of Marie's teaching in her new book, written in collaboration with Scott Sonenshein. Meanwhile, US readers can find an edition on Amazon or shop for the best deals below.
Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.
-
My freshly washed socks dropped off the airer constantly until I tried the space and time-saving $10 Joseph Joseph Petal hanger
It surprised me in its usefulness and has turned out to be an unexpected laundry hero
By Punteha van Terheyden Published
-
Can't figure out why your plant's leaves are turning red and brown? Experts warn it could be a phosphorus deficiency
There are a few tell-tale signs that your plant isn't receiving enough of this essential nutrient
By Tenielle Jordison Published
-
How do I keep my house from getting messy? 5 Marie Kondo-approved tips to follow
Wondering how to overcome a disorganized scheme for good? This Platinum KonMari Consultant has the solutions
By Megan Slack Published
-
Closet organization ideas – 21 tricks to keep clothes neat, tidy and ordered
These clever ideas for closet organization will help you keep yours well-ordered, effortlessly
By Pippa Blenkinsop Last updated
-
Organizing clothes – 10 ways to refine your style
Organizing clothes can transform the way you start your day – these efficient ideas will ensure it’s for the better
By Tara King Last updated
-
Marie Kondo lives by this closet rule – to stay organized through all seasons
Marie Kondo's closet tip for resetting your closet habits in the New Year is refreshingly simple
By Megan Slack Published
-
Marie Kondo's top 3 Christmas decoration tips – for an organized festive season
This is how to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, according to the tidying guru
By Megan Slack Published
-
Exclusive: Marie Kondo reveals how to organize sentimental items – without the guilt
The tidying expert reveals the pieces you should save – and what you should do with the rest
By Marc Lupo Published
-
Marie Kondo reveals the one thing she tells her clients to never throw away
Marie Kondo has one important exception to her decluttering rules
By Rebecca Knight Published
-
Marie Kondo shares 3 steps to an organized home office – to stay tidy for good
From an exclusive excerpt of her book, Ms. Kondo shares her secrets to an eternally organized working space
By Megan Slack Published