The Case of the Wandering Magnets

I love a good children’s magnet set. Letter magnets, animal magnets, puzzle magnets—you name it, we probably have it. They’re fun, educational, and keep little hands busy while I’m in the kitchen. But there’s just one tiny problem: They have a way of migrating. One minute they’re neatly arranged on the fridge, and the next, I’m stepping on a rogue letter ‘Q’ in the living room. If you’ve ever found a missing magnet under your couch a month later, you know exactly what I mean.

The goal? To keep children’s magnets organized, easy to access, and—most importantly—contained. In this third installment of my “How Do You Organize” series, I’m sharing my simple, low-maintenance system for magnet organization that keeps the chaos under control.

Why Bother Organizing Children’s Magnets?

Before we get into the how, let’s talk about the why.

1. They multiply fast. One set of letter magnets quickly turns into three when you add number magnets, shape magnets, and whatever themed set your kids fell in love with last week. Without a system, they take over.
2. They get lost easily. Magnets are small, which means they roll under appliances, get stuck to random metal objects, and disappear into the void.
3. They’re a pain to clean up. Ever tried picking up 50 magnets off the floor at the end of the day? Not my idea of fun.

A simple system keeps children’s spaces tidier, makes it easier for kids to help clean up, and ensures magnets actually get used instead of scattered everywhere.

How to Organize Children’s Magnets

After testing a few methods (including a brief and regrettable attempt at keeping them in a plastic bin), I landed on a system that works. Here’s what I use to organize magnets in our home.

1. Magnetic Wire Mesh Storage Baskets

These are my go-to. I sort the magnets into small baskets and stick them right on the side of the fridge. Letter magnets go in one, number magnets in another, and themed magnets in their own. This keeps them off the floor but still within reach.

2. Sorting by Type

Instead of one jumbled pile of magnets, sorting by type makes it easier for kids to find what they’re looking for. Plus, when everything has a designated spot, cleanup is much faster.

3. Setting Limits

Not every magnet set needs to be out at once. If we’re using letter magnets for spelling practice, the animal magnets can take a little break. This helps prevent magnet overload and keeps play more intentional.

4. A No-Floor Rule

If the magnets come off the fridge, they go in the basket—not the floor, not the cabinets, and definitely not under the fridge. A simple rule, but one that makes a big difference in keeping them organized.

Keeping the System Simple and Sustainable

Like with any home organization system, the key to success is making it easy enough to maintain long-term.

• Teach kids where the magnets belong. If your system requires you to be the only one maintaining it, it won’t last. Show your kids how to use the baskets so they can help clean up.
• Declutter when needed. If a magnet set is missing half its pieces or is no longer being used, it might be time to say goodbye. Less clutter = easier organization.
• Adjust as your child grows. What works for toddlers might not work for older kids who want to use their magnets differently. Be flexible and tweak the system as needed.

Final Thoughts: Magnet Organization for a Calmer Home

Organizing children’s magnets doesn’t have to be complicated. A simple storage solution, a little sorting, and a plan for keeping them contained can make all the difference. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s creating a system that keeps the chaos under control while still making play easy and fun.

If you missed the first two parts of this series, check out how to organize children’s books and how to organize children’s toys for more simple, stress-free organizing ideas. And stay tuned for the next installment in our “How Do You Organize” series!