4 minute read
Home
RIGHT AT HOME
CAN'T BELIVE IT'S NOT CLUTTERED
Advertisement
Kids’ play areas are one of the most challenging places to keep organised, but it’s well worth doing: a neat and tidy space can help your children feel calm and secure. We speak to Nassim Secci of The Happy Space Co, a home organisation company, for her tips on how to create a clutter-free play room.
Tell us your overarching design philosophy when it comes to organising children's bedrooms and play areas.
Our philosophy is to create environments that empower children and nurture their development, foster independence and help them thrive. To achieve this, we design spaces that are uncluttered, accessible, beautiful and calming.
Why is it important to have a well-organised space for toys and play?
Children have a natural desire for order. When they know where their belongings are, it increases their sense of security, boosts their confidence, and promotes independence. Overcrowded spaces and excessive toys tend to overwhelm and overstimulate children. When you eliminate the visual clutter, as well as the physical clutter, you invoke a sense of calm and beauty.
What is parents' main frustration when it comes to playrooms?
Too many toys and not enough space! That’s the number one reason parents reach out to us for help. They are overwhelmed by the amount of stuff and they don’t know where to begin. They want to use their space more effectively and have run out of ideas on how to do so.
What are some common mistakes that you see when it comes to kids' storage?
These are the four most common storage mistakes that I encounter: 1. Trying to store too much. Not purging
consistently to get rid of the little random toys that kids tend to accumulate, or that no longer suit them developmentally. 2. Using the wrong containers. For example, narrow and deep containers don't work well for smaller toy pieces, like Lego. For those, wide and shallow works better. 3. Not having a designated place for each category of toys. Without this, it is difficult to know where to put things, so they get mixed up with everything else.
Labels are key here. 4. Having everything accessible. Having all the toys available can make for a lot of clutter. It's okay to put some away to reduce the number of choices available.
How does a child's storage and display needs change as they grow?
As children grow, they become more capable of accessing different spaces. Therefore, you won’t need to keep as many toys out on display. Their interests also change, which might mean you need to reconsider the storage solution you're using. If they loved pretend play when younger, you might have had a station with accessories and costumes in baskets. But if they have grown up to become diligent Lego-lovers, then you might need transparent drawers to store pieces by type. We like to use storage systems that are versatile, especially in homes with multiple children, but adjustments do need to be made as they grow.
Teddies are one of the biggest storage bugbears. What are your tips for effective plush toy storage?
There are lots of great storage solutions for teddy bears and other stuffed animals: baskets, small “hammocks” in the top corners of the room, storage bean bags, back of the door shoe organisers, benches or ottomans with storage.
But be sure to think about whether you need all the stuffed animals. Kids tend to accumulate a lot of these - as gifts and souvenirs - but they might not play with them much. They also tend to gather a lot of dust. Try to purge the ones that are never played with. For the ones that you keep, be sure to clean them often using the vacuum cleaner.
What about tiny toys, or toys that come with a million tiny parts? How do you store those?
Mesh zipper pouches (also known as document holders) are a lifesaver. They save so much space because you can ditch the boxes the toys come in. They are fantastic for puzzles, activity sets and games. You can get them in A3, A4 and A5 sizes. Toys with tiny pieces can be put in the smaller bags. If it comes with larger pieces, you can store the small bag of pieces in a larger bag with the rest of the toy. Don’t forget to cut out the name and picture of the toy from the box, for the pouch's label.
Can you share your three most useful storage hacks or solutions when it comes to children's spaces?
1. Edit by pulling everything out. It will feel overwhelming and maybe unnecessary, but by holding everything in your hands, it will be easier to decide if you need to keep it. Remember, your kids need less than you think. 2. Decant activity sets, puzzles, games and anything else being stored in bulky boxes. You will be surprised how much space you can save this way. 3. If your space is limited, go vertical. Add storage solutions that go up on the walls and be sure to keep items that are out of rotation up there. Keep the daily use items down low for easy access.
What toys do kids need, and what toys can they do without?
Kids need more open-ended toys, the ones that don’t “do” much. These toys stimulate creativity, promote development, and last the longest. They also save you space because they are multi-use. Toys with staying power include Lego, blocks, and dolls.
Kids need fewer toys that can be used only in one way - the ones with lights and sounds, for example. They get bored of their limited use and they break more easily.
