How to neatly store toys in an open toy cupboard

Did you know that the way you present toys can influence your child's play behavior? The Montessori method recommends offering toys in an open shelving system. Why? Let me explain the benefits and how it can contribute to a more organized, inviting, and less cluttered play area.

First of all: what is Montessori?

The Montessori method, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, focuses on encouraging children's natural curiosity and independence. By creating a structured and inviting environment, children can learn and develop at their own pace. Offering toys in an open shelving system fits perfectly with this philosophy, as it helps children independently retrieve toys and explore their play environment.

I prefer to display them as toys rather than putting them away. I want to make them so inviting that my children will want to play with them right away.

An open toy cupboard is well-organized

An open shelving unit keeps all toys visible at a glance. This makes it much easier for your child to see what's available to play with. No more messy bins where toys get lost or forgotten. Your child can reach toys independently, making it easier to start playing.

Why I don't choose a toy box

Unlike an open shelving unit, a toy chest can often create more chaos than you'd like. A toy chest tends to quickly become cluttered and unorganized. Everything is jumbled, and when you tidy up, you're likely to "throw" everything back in the chest.
It's a bit like a junk drawer. It's a horrible thing to search through and tidy up. This also applies to your child and their toy box.

An open cupboard is inviting

Toys that are neatly and attractively displayed automatically invite play. Imagine your child coming downstairs in the morning (or after a nap) and seeing colorful beanbags , pretty wooden blocks, and cute animals to play with. They'll be more inclined to grab something than if it were out of sight. This encourages independent play.

You need less toys

An open shelving unit (usually) holds fewer toys than a toy box. An open shelving unit therefore helps you make more conscious choices about which toys to offer. The result? Fewer toys and a tidy play area. This aligns perfectly with the Montessori philosophy, which emphasizes simplicity and order. Fewer toys also means fewer distractions, so your child will experience less stress about making choices and can focus on simply playing.

Added bonus: because you're putting out fewer toys, you can change them regularly. This makes them feel like new again!

It encourages your child to clean up after themselves

One of the core principles of Montessori is that everything has its place. An open toy cupboard helps your child understand where each toy belongs. This makes tidying up easier and more fun. After playing, your child can easily find everything and put it back in its proper place. You'll be amazed that children are truly capable of tidying up on their own.

Tips to try out whether an open toy cupboard suits you

Do you have a closed toy cupboard? Then take off the doors and see what happens. If there are too many toys (which is likely the case), choose 5-8 toys and display them in the toy cupboard. You can also use baskets or trays to keep smaller items together.

Are you using a toy chest? Then grab a few baskets and put the toy chest aside. In the spot where the chest used to be, place a few baskets, each containing a different toy. For example, a selection of Duplo toys in one basket, the animals in another, and the blue beanbags in yet another. Make sure the toy chest is completely empty or out of reach.