Summer Toy Overhaul: How to Declutter and Store Outdoor Toys

Midway through summer, it’s easy for outdoor toys to take over your yard, porch, or garage. Between beach days, sprinkler runs, and backyard playdates, things can get messy—fast. But now is the perfect time to hit pause, take stock, and do a quick mid-season reset. A little mid-summer maintenance will make the rest of the season more enjoyable and give you a head start on end-of-summer cleanup.

Here’s how to tackle an outdoor toy overhaul while summer fun is still going strong:

1. Pull Everything Out

Gather all the outdoor toys into one spot—whether it's your driveway, backyard, or garage floor. Seeing everything together helps you get a clear picture of what’s being used and what’s just taking up space.

Sort into four simple categories:

• Keep in Rotation – Being used and loved

• Set Aside for Later – Still useful but not needed right now

• Donate – In good shape but no longer used

• Toss/Recycle – Broken, moldy, or missing parts
  

2. Declutter What You Can

Ask yourself:

• Has this been used in the past few weeks?

• Is it still age-appropriate?

• Do we have multiples of the same thing?

Don’t feel guilty about letting go of toys that no longer work for your kids or your space. There’s still plenty of summer left to enjoy the ones that do.

3. Do a Quick Clean-Up

Before putting anything back:

• Wipe down plastic toys with warm, soapy water

• Hose off balls, buckets, and ride-ons

• Dump any bins that have collected water, sand, or bugs

Keeping toys clean mid-season prevents bigger messes (and unpleasant surprises!) later on.

4. Set Up Smart Storage Solutions

Now’s the time to create simple, kid-friendly systems that keep clutter at bay and toys accessible:

• Open bins or baskets for water toys, chalk, or sports gear

• Hooks or shelves for bikes and helmets

• Pop-up mesh hampers for quick cleanups on the porch or in the garage

Label bins if needed, or use picture labels for younger kids so they can help keep things tidy.

5. Rotate Toys for Fresh Fun

Tuck away a few items your kids haven’t touched lately and swap them back in later this summer to spark renewed interest. It’s a great way to cut down on clutter and extend the life of your toy collection without buying anything new.

6. Take Notes for End-of-Season Storage

As you go, make mental (or real!) notes about what’s worth storing for next year and what might not make the cut. Doing a bit of that thinking now makes your fall transition much smoother.

Final Thoughts

Taking a few minutes to declutter and organize outdoor toys mid-summer can make a big difference in how your home feels and how easily your kids can access (and clean up) their gear. It’s all about creating more space for fun—without the mess.

Feeling overwhelmed by outdoor clutter? Sunny Spaces Organizing can help you get back on track with personalized organizing solutions for families. Reach out today and let’s bring calm to the chaos—so you can enjoy the rest of your summer stress-free.