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What does a good play space look like to you? Maybe it’s somewhere your child can move between activities on their own while you’re close by, or a room that still feels calm when guests drop in. Whatever you picture, it likely includes more focus and less clutter. Fellow interiors addicts may feel guilty if their kids’ spaces look too good, as if we’re spoiling the fun in favour of our grown up aesthetics, but do you know what? You can have both!
Achieving the kind of play space that looks good, feels calm and stays clutter-free, usually comes down to being thoughtful about what you bring home and how you arrange it. Many families find their way to Montessori toys for kids because they’re made for hands-on play and look nice enough to leave sitting out. Perfect!
With a few practical changes, you can create a clutter-free play space that you and your kids will love. Here’s where to start:
Clear the space before setting anything up
Instead of organising around what’s already there, take everything out first. An empty floor or shelf gives you a clearer sense of how much space you actually have. And it feels good to give everything a dust or a wipe with a non-toxic gorgeous-smelling cleaning spray.
As you go through kids’ toys, notice which ones still get used and which ones are rarely touched. If it hasn’t been played with in a while, store it away and rotate it back later if needed. The concept of ‘toy rotation’ has been growing in popularity for some time now.
Keep only a few favourites out at a time. A stacking puzzle or a set of building blocks is usually enough to hold attention. When fewer toys are out, children settle into play more naturally, and the room stays calmer without constant tidying. Sounds good to this busy mum!
Create zones based on how kids play
Group toys by how they’re used. Keep puzzles on their own tray so your child can take one out without tipping an entire bin onto the floor. You can also pop building blocks on a low shelf where they’re easy to reach and just as simple to put back.
If your child loves pretend play, gather toys for imaginative play rather than storing them in different spots. You don’t need a huge space to make this work. Even one shelf divided into clear sections gives the room some structure.
Set up storage that makes sense to kids
Choose storage furniture for kids that’s easy to access and simple to use. This means the way you set things up should feel intuitive to your child, not just convenient for you.
A bookshelf within easy reach works perfectly for puzzles and picture books. If you have a toy box, tuck it into a corner for bulkier items like building blocks or dress-ups. This keeps them accessible without letting them take over the middle of the room.
Wall shelves let you keep toys up high while leaving the lower shelves for items your child needs to reach. You could even use a bedside table next to their reading spot for whatever book or toy they’re currently obsessed with.
Choose toys that fit your space and your child’s play
A clutter-free play area doesn’t mean less fun for your child. It just means being more selective about what stays in your home. With toys that actually get used and furniture designed for kids, you can create a space they enjoy, and you’re more than happy having on display.
To create a calmer spot without compromising on quality or style, HipKids, Australia’s favourite store for kids’ toys, furniture and accessories, offers a range of toys and storage furniture that suit both your child and your space. Shop the collection today.
