Toy Rotation: Getting Started

I have wanted to develop a toy rotation system for our toys for some time but just haven't known where to start. When this happens I find it helpful to break the task down into smaller steps.

I have decided that the first step is probably to do a 'toy stocktake'. So I spent today assessing what toys we have and listing them on a piece of paper. I soon realised that I would have to tackle the three main toy congregation areas: patio, lounge room and bedroom. I had a sheet a paper for each area.

I spent the next hour making piles of like toys and determining what area they belong to. I then listed the group name for the toy and found a container to store them in.

I discovered that the first step and the second step have to be done at the same time, otherwise you've got toy chaos! The next step is to look at storage solutions. If your doing a toy rotation the point is to have some toys out of play circulation, so these will need to be stored somewhere, somehow. The toys that are out to be played with will also need homes.

I tried to store everything in the Trofast storage shelves out in the patio but I had no way of limiting access to the toys that are out of rotation. I have used the storage containers and I have put the out of rotation toys in the shed. In the picture you can see the toys that are in the first rotation.

I think it will be very useful to make labels for the containers and I will do that soon.

Already I have seen the benefits of reducing the amount of toys. The play has been more focused. Pack away time is quick and easy (labels will be an extra bonus!) Toys aren't strewn about and getting trampled on or run over with wheels.

My biggest challenge is ensuring there is enough toys for three children that they are all playing happily. In the patio area it seems to be working well. The children have a choice at the moment of wheeled toys, Pretend houses, Little People Train set, sand pit and wooden vehicles.

I am going to tackle inside next. Wish me luck! What have you found that works with toy rotation inside? Where do you store the out of play toys? How do you keep track of it all? Comment below if you have some tips to help me along!

Sharing the Sanity with: