School’s out. The sun’s (hopefully) shining. And suddenly the whole house, plus the garden, has become home to a mess of toys. Sound familiar?
While it’s nice to see kids making the most of summer, a bit of smart storage can go a long way in keeping the chaos manageable without spoiling the fun. We’ve got a few tips that will help you keep your house in order all whilst the kids are running riot.
1. Use Open-Top Baskets for Quick Tidy-Ups
When toys are coming out every hour, the last thing you need is fiddly storage. Large, open baskets made from wicker or seagrass make tidying easy. No lids, no fuss - just a quick chuck-in-and-go system that little ones can manage themselves.
2. Separate Indoor & Outdoor Toys
Here’s an easy way to stop outdoor toys from creeping into the house. Store any outdoor toys like bubble kits, paddling pool bits or garden games in baskets near the back door or in a utility area. That way, they’re easy to grab and just as easy to put back.
Our baskets with washable liners are a great choice for this. They look lovely indoors but hold up well in covered outdoor spots too.
3. Give Each Child Their Own Basket
Now this might not be a miracle fix, but giving each child their own basket adds a bit of personal responsibility to the mix. A simple “your toys, your basket” rule can make end-of-day tidying much more manageable for mum and dad.
Neutral-toned baskets that come in sets of 2 or 3 are a great option for this.
4. Label or Tag Baskets for Zones
Craft bits here, garden games there, water play somewhere else. Labelling baskets helps everyone know what goes where and yet again, adds that bit of personal responsibility for the kids. Chalkboard tags, card and string, or simple colour-coded ribbons all do the job.
Summer should feel carefree, even if the toy situation gets a bit out of hand. With the right baskets in the right places, it’s easier than you think to stay on top of the mess without putting a stop to the fun. A few smart habits, some well-placed labels, and storage that actually works for your space can make all the difference. And when it looks good too? That’s a win for everyone.
