My friend Judi didn't have that problem. Her kids got out one toy at a time - even when company was over - and put up that toy before getting out next. When it was time to leave their house, it was a snap to clean up with just one toy per child.

She had all these little boxes and containers for their toys with little pieces, so I thought that maybe that was secret.

On my next trip to Walmart, I bought some containers to hold toys; and a big box that held some community toys.

Unfortunately all that changed was that I now had empty containers in kids room with toys on floor.

So, one day, I finally asked Judi, "How do you get your kids to keep their toys picked up?"

"Well, you know," she said, "I used to go crazy with all toys everywhere that never got put up - hurting my feet from stepping on them...until we started to use 'Saturday box'."

"What's a Saturday box?" I asked.

"It's just a container that we have, and every time a toy is left out, it goes into Saturday box. Then they have to wait until Saturday to get their toys back."

"Ohhhh..." I said. A new concept that hadn't occurred to me before!

"And, great thing about it," Judi continued, "is that they can still see toys all week. That way they know what they're missing - that solved our 'out-of-sight-out-of-mind' problem."

I just nodded with agreement and understanding - I was totally following her.

So, back to Walmart. :-)

I got each kid a container with three drawers to keep their small toys. I explained to each of them that they could only play with one toy or set at a time. I made it very clear that if anything was left out, it would go into Saturday box.

Their eyes were wide with amazement.

They knew Mommy was serious.

So, first day went without incident. Then, on 2nd, there was first infraction.

"Maegan," I told her, "you left out a Polly Pockets. It needs to go into Saturday box."

Now, she is only three years old; but she understood. We put toy in Saturday box - a clear plastic container on kitchen counter.

EVERY day she was asking me if it was "Saturday". Fortunately for her, we had started mid-week so she only had 2 days to wait.

The boys ended up with a few toys in there too.

It's amazing how a simple box called a "Saturday box" can solve a lot of problems and teach "appreciation" at same time!

If you still have problems with toys being scattered everyone and nothing has worked for you, give "Saturday Box" a try today!

- Set up your sale area use tables to lay items out, display clothing hung up; you want to create an area so people can browse and shop in comfort - Get checkout area ready have plenty of change; spare bags; calculator; newspaper (to wrap fragile items); paper & pens Night before sale

- Put up signs - Make some refreshments and have a radio ready to play some soft background music Morning of sale

- Make sure your house is locked up and fully secure don't want to give buyers opportunity to snoop around - Open gates/door to your sale greet all customers with a freindly smile and "hello!"; be prepared to bargain with buyers Right after sale

- Take signs down not only is this courteous to environment, but you might incur a fine or penalty if you don't - Count your money and rejoice!