10 Creative Tips for Tidying with Toddlers

Keeping a home tidy with toddlers can feel like an endless challenge. Toys scattered everywhere, little hands pulling things out faster than you can put them away, and the constant need to clean up can quickly become overwhelming. But what if tidying up could become a fun, manageable part of your daily routine? With the right system, you can keep your home decluttered while engaging your toddler in the process. Here are 10 creative tips from my own experience with twin toddlers to help you create an easy, age-appropriate tidying routine that works for your family.

1. Create an Easy System That Toddlers Can Understand

Toddlers respond well to simple, clear systems. Use low shelves, open bins, and clear labels with pictures or colors to help your child know where each toy belongs. Avoid complicated storage solutions that require adult help. The goal is to make tidying up as independent as possible.

For example, use a bin with a picture of blocks for all building toys, and a basket with a stuffed animal icon for plush toys. This visual guidance helps toddlers learn sorting and organizing skills early.

My kids are just 18 months old so I have adapted this to only have open top bins and being super flexible. As you can imagine, as a professional organizer, I originally had everything categorized by type with many bins. Through experience with my family, I have reduced it down to one book shelf, one bin for stuffed animals, one for building blocks, one for magnetic tiles and two for absolutely anything else. This is easy for my kids to help and easy for me to put away at the end of the day.

2. Keep It Decluttered by Limiting Toys

Too many toys can overwhelm both you and your toddler. Keep only a small selection of toys accessible at any time. This reduces mess and makes cleanup faster. Try keeping only 5 to 10 toys in the play area and store the rest away. This keeps the environment fresh and manageable.

Personally, I lean towards a lot of books and just a few types of toys for my twins. As they play with toys and receive new ones, we declutter the ones they do not use and donate to Family Place along with books, clothes, or supplies we are no longer using. Family Place is an amazing program that redistributes donations to families in need throughout the Powell River area. You can find them at #101 – 4871 Joyce Avenue behind quality foods.

3. Rotate Toys to Maintain Interest and Reduce Mess

Rotating toys not only keeps your toddler engaged but also helps maintain a tidy space. When toys are rotated, your child is less likely to scatter everything at once because they focus on a smaller set.

Store unused toys in a box out of sight. Every 2 to 3 weeks, swap some toys in and out. This simple trick can cut down on clutter and make tidying less daunting.

This is also great when you receive toys that may not be age appropriate yet. I have toys stored for the next few months as the kids grow and learn.

4. Make Tidying Age Adaptable

Toddlers develop new skills quickly. Adapt your tidying system as your child grows. For younger toddlers, focus on putting toys into large bins. For older toddlers, encourage sorting by type or size.

Use simple instructions like “Put the cars in the red bin” or “Let’s put the books on the shelf.” As your child’s abilities improve, increase the complexity of the tasks.

I have already adapted my storage solutions to make it easier for my kids, and then been able to make it a bit more challenging. Originally, I had too many bins, then we adjusted to "just put it in any bin" and now we are at a few specific building bins and a few anything bins. Just watch and learn what your children understand and they will show you what they can do.

5. Engage Toddlers in the Cleaning Process

Toddlers love to imitate adults. Turn tidying into a shared activity. Instead of cleaning up alone, invite your child to help. Use encouraging language like “Let’s put the blocks away together” or “Can you help me find all the cars?”

Involving them at an early age in tidying, cleaning, food prep, or any other task makes the process easier to understand as they grow and less of a fight in the future as it will be the norm. This involvement builds responsibility and makes tidying less of a chore. and also strengthens your bond through teamwork.

6. Make Tidying Fun with Games and Music

Turn cleanup time into a game or dance party. Play upbeat music and challenge your toddler to put away toys before the song ends. Use timers or sing cleanup songs to make the process lively.

For example, say “Let’s see how fast you can put all the animals back in their basket!” This approach motivates toddlers and turns tidying into play. This tip is especially important when you start involving the kids to help with the tidying so that the task seems interesting right from the start.

7. Clean Once at the End of the Day

Instead of tidying multiple times throughout the day, save cleanup for a single session in the evening. This creates a predictable routine and reduces constant interruptions. Even more so, it saves you time throughout the day to focus on the kids, chores, or work without the guilt of "I should be......" as you already have a plan.

Set a specific time, like right before dinner or bedtime, for tidying. This helps your toddler understand when it’s time to clean and when they can freely play.

8. Use Clear Storage Containers to Show Contents

Clear bins or containers let toddlers see what’s inside without opening everything. This reduces mess and helps them find toys easily. For instance, use transparent boxes for puzzles or art supplies. Label each container with a picture and word to reinforce learning.

This is a great tip for a bit older child. At 18 months old everything gets dumped, just take a breath and let it be. You can survive till the end of the day and then have your relaxing evening with a clutter free space.

9. Limit Storage Areas to Keep It Manageable

Having too many places to put toys can confuse toddlers. Limit storage to a few key spots like a toy shelf, a basket, and a small drawer. This keeps tidying focused and less overwhelming. When your child knows exactly where to put things, cleanup becomes faster and less frustrating.

A smaller area to put things away also makes it easier for you! In my house, we store books, and toys in the living room on the bookcase and in the coffee table, that's it. It means I can put everything in a pile, sit down and sort it without moving making it way more efficient. Usually I can have the whole living area clean in about 20 minutes max.

10. Praise and Reward Efforts to Build Good Habits

Positive reinforcement encourages toddlers to keep tidying up. Praise their efforts with specific comments like “You did a great job putting the blocks away!” or “Thank you for helping clean up so quickly.”

Occasional small rewards, like stickers or extra story time, can motivate toddlers to participate eagerly. One of my favorite things is when my kids tidy something up and then just giggle and clap at themselves, it really makes it worth it.

Keeping Tidy

I know that it can seem overwhelming keeping your house standing upright, let alone tidy, during the toddler years but I know you can do it! Getting your systems in place and keeping your child engaged will make every day a bit easier.

If you need help getting your house Toddler Tidy, Book a consultation today!