While it’s undeniable that children bring immense joy to our lives, their toys can quickly turn a tidy home into a chaotic mess. The frustration of tripping over scattered playthings is all too familiar. However, with some clever toy storage ideas, you can reclaim your space and teach your little ones valuable organization skills.
Not only do I have 27 practical solutions to share with you, but I’ll also show you how to involve your children in the process, empowering them to take ownership of their belongings and develop a sense of responsibility. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or a fresh start, these ideas will help transform your home into a peaceful oasis once more.
Toy Cubbies
These versatile toy cubbies offer a smart solution for keeping toys organized and out of the way. By installing them against a wall, you can create separate storage spaces for each child, eliminating the need to constantly referee disputes over whose turn it is to play with which toy. The open design allows kids to easily access and store their belongings, making it easy to switch between activities or tidy up after playtime.
Older children can use the cubbies to store school supplies and favorite books, games, or accessories. Additionally, the sturdy construction ensures that the cubbies won’t topple over, providing a safe and secure place for kids to keep their treasured items – from sentimental photos and cuddly toys to unusual collections of rocks, insects, or other knick-knacks.
Labelled Toy Bins
Introduce young children to the concept of organization by utilizing bold stick-on labels. These versatile labels can be applied to various containers, such as plastic bins, wooden boxes, cardboard storage units, or woven baskets. One excellent option is the waterproof and dishwasher-safe Toy Bin Labels set, which includes 64 pre-printed labels featuring everyday names like ‘Action Figures’, ‘Cars’, and ‘Dinosaurs’.
Additionally, this set provides eight blank labels, allowing children to unleash their creativity and customize their storage solutions.
Plastic Toy Shelf
When it comes to storing toys, plastic toy shelves offer a practical and budget-friendly solution. One of their greatest advantages is their portability – they’re lightweight and easy to relocate, making them perfect for playrooms that need to be rearranged or for taking on-the-go storage needs. The open design of these shelves also makes it simple for kids to retrieve and return their favorite toys, promoting a sense of independence and responsibility.
In addition, the plastic material is low-maintenance and splinter-free, eliminating worries about cleaning up spills or wiping down surfaces. For extra organization, you can stack wire boxes or woven baskets on top of the shelves, providing ample storage space for all sorts of toys and playthings.
Fabric Storage Bins
These vibrant fabric storage bins are a delight! Not only do they offer a range of playful designs with adorable illustrations on the exterior and colorful linings inside, but they’re also incredibly soft to the touch. Unlike other storage solutions, these bags don’t feature harsh edges or sharp corners that could potentially harm little ones. One of the most impressive aspects of these bins is their ease of cleaning. Simply toss them in the washing machine, let them air-dry, and voilà!
Your toy storage is spotless once more. For those who prefer a more understated approach, Amazon offers a range of stylish Gray 22 Quart Fabric Bins that are sure to keep your belongings organized with a touch of sophistication.
Plastic Containers
One of my favorite ways to store toys is by using stackable plastic containers. This not only saves space, but it also makes the toys easily visible, reducing the chaos that can come with kids searching through wooden or cardboard boxes for a specific toy. Plus, cleaning up is a breeze thanks to the ease of wiping down plastic surfaces. Another advantage is the ability to label each container, making it simple for little ones (and adults!) to quickly identify what’s inside.
If you’re looking for inspiration, be sure to check out our Labelled Toy Bins post for some great ideas. I recently discovered a fantastic set of six 13-quart stackable plastic storage bins with lids that are not only budget-friendly but also made from BPA-free plastic, which is a huge plus in my book. Why not give your kids a bunch of plastic containers and let them get sorting? It’s a great way to encourage responsibility and organization!
DIY Toy Box
If you’re the handy type, building your own DIY toy box can be a rewarding experience. Not only will you end up with a functional piece of furniture, but you’ll also have the opportunity to spend quality time with your kids if they’re old enough to lend a hand. With a range of shapes and sizes to choose from, including pre-made kits and online instructions, you can tailor this DIY project to fit your skills and style.
Once assembled, take it to the next level by decorating it with paint, pictures, and personalized touches that will make it truly special – a unique treasure that your kids will cherish for years to come.
Wire Baskets
When space is limited and safety is a concern, wire baskets prove to be a versatile solution. Unlike traditional drawers that pose a risk to curious toddlers, these wire storage solutions are lightweight, easy to maneuver, and can add a touch of style to any room.
Their adaptability makes them perfect for storing a wide range of items, from soft toys and wooden blocks to books, puzzles, action figures, arts and crafts supplies, and even clothing and footwear.
The open design allows for airflow, keeping stored items fresh and clean.
These stackable wire baskets come equipped with handles and a label slot, making it easy to identify the contents of each basket. Plus, they’re available in a range of colors to match your home’s decor theme.
Stackable Bins
The allure of stackable bins is undeniable – their durability, lightweight nature, ease of movement, and effortless cleanliness make them a treasure trove for any home organization enthusiast. Furthermore, these versatile storage containers are designed to rotate effortlessly, allowing even the most neglected toys at the back to regain popularity. In my experience, I’ve found that certain sets of stackable bins stand out from the rest – Amazon’s selection being one such example.
Specifically, I appreciate the thoughtful design of their built-in handles which don’t protrude and thus save valuable space.
Closet Storage
Maximizing closet space doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style or functionality. By thinking outside the box (pun intended), you can turn a cluttered closet into a tidy oasis. One of the most effective ways to do this is by incorporating creative storage solutions that make the most of every available inch. Start by selecting versatile plastic containers for bulkier items like toys, stuffed animals, and wooden blocks.
For smaller treasures like beads, Lego pieces, or crayons, consider repurposing empty plastic bottles or wooden boxes with compartments. And don’t forget to stand books upright on shelves to free up floor space. By stacking storage containers in an organized manner, you can create a neat and efficient closet that’s both functional and visually appealing.
Woven Baskets
The rustic charm of woven baskets can instantly bring a touch of nature indoors. A great choice for kid’s rooms, they offer a soft and gentle alternative to traditional storage solutions, perfect for little ones who may accidentally bump into sharp edges. These versatile baskets excel at keeping toys organized, making it easy to separate items like stuffed animals, blocks, action figures, dolls, and building sets.
Their lightweight design and open structure also make them ideal for tiny hands, allowing even the smallest toddlers to access their favorite playthings with ease.
Shelves
As you explore the often-overlooked spaces in your home, consider elevating the most underutilized area – empty walls. With the right shelving solution, any blank canvas can be transformed into a stunning display feature that will spark conversation and admiration from family and friends.
As children grow and their interests evolve, they naturally accumulate treasured possessions that hold sentimental value.
These might include meticulously curated collections of cars, dinosaurs, artwork, action figures, shells, or dolls.
By installing a set of slim display shelves mounted on a wall, you can empower kids to unleash their creativity and take pride in showcasing their unique treasures. This thoughtful touch can help foster a sense of ownership, responsibility, and self-expression – all while adding visual interest and warmth to the space.
Mesh Bags
Mesh bags offer a simple yet effective solution for decluttering and streamlining toy storage. Those bulky boxes that often accompany new toys and games can take up a surprising amount of space, making it difficult to keep your playroom or living area tidy. By transferring the contents into slim mesh bags, you’ll be amazed at how much more efficient your storage setup becomes.
Not only do these bags provide ample room for storing small items, but they’re also semi-transparent, allowing kids to quickly locate their favorite toys and games. For added convenience, consider stacking the mesh bags in baskets or plastic containers, creating a visually appealing and easily accessible storage solution.
Toy Corner
Imagine transforming an ordinary corner into a fantastical haven where children’s creativity can flourish. One way to achieve this is by incorporating V-shaped shelves that seamlessly integrate with the surrounding architecture. By doing so, you’re essentially creating a treasure trove for kids to store their beloved toys, games, books, and artistic supplies. To take it up a notch, consider utilizing plastic bins or woven baskets to keep the space organized and clutter-free.
And why not add some tactile appeal? A plush area rug and inviting cushions in front of the toy corner can instantly create a cozy atmosphere that invites exploration and play.
Transparent/Irredescent Bags
Imagine the delight on a little girl’s face when she discovers her toy closet or shelves filled with sparkling, transparent iridescent bags. These shimmering treasures are perfect for storing her favorite Barbie dolls, clothes, jewelry, beads, and makeup kits – in short, all things girly. And the best part? You can grab these snazzy clear holographic tote bags with handles on Amazon, with an impressive 20-piece deal that’s sure to bring a smile to any little girl’s face.
Door Hanging Storage
Transform a door into a functional storage solution without damaging the walls or requiring extensive DIY skills. This clever hack enables you to turn any door into a versatile storage space, perfect for storing plush toys, linens, or other household items. With no drilling or hammering necessary, this simple installation process allows you to easily hang pouches on your door, keeping items organized and out of the way while maintaining easy accessibility.
Toy Hammocks
Transforming unused corners into functional storage spaces is a clever way to keep toys off the floor. By mounting hammocks from the ceiling, you can create ample room for storing lightweight stuffed animals and plush toys. The colorful and patterned designs of these hammocks are sure to bring joy to kids. What’s more, some hammocks even feature LED lights that can turn a bedroom into an enchanting space at night, making bedtime routines a truly magical experience.
Wooden Crates
Wooden crates evoke memories of childhood wonder, yet they continue to be a staple for toy storage even today. Their versatility is undeniable, as they come in various sizes and can be easily found. Some wooden crates have an added bonus – wheels that make moving them around effortless. For those with a creative streak, consider purchasing blank wooden crates and letting the kids unleash their imagination.
With paint, pictures, glitter, beads, and ribbons, they can turn each crate into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Adding a personal touch with stenciled names only adds to their unique charm.
Seasonal Storage Ideas
In our household, the pre-holiday chaos was a real challenge. We’d often find ourselves scrambling to locate last year’s decorations, costumes, and gift wrap for occasions like Christmas, Halloween, Easter, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day. The solution? A simple yet effective organizational system. By storing seasonal items in labeled plastic containers, we’ve streamlined our approach to holiday planning.
Now, when a new occasion arises, we can easily retrieve the relevant materials and make an informed decision about whether to reuse them, purchase more, recycle, or donate items that have outlived their purpose.
IKEA Kallax
IKEA’s Kallax units are a staple when it comes to discussing creative storage solutions. These cube-shaped shelving units offer unparalleled versatility, making them a must-have for any space. Not only can you place them on the floor, but you can also mount them on a wall or even use them as a desk. For those with ample space, standing them horizontally next to each other is a great way to maximize storage. Alternatively, stacking them vertically is ideal for smaller spaces.
To further customize and organize your toys, consider adding wire baskets, woven baskets, plastic boxes, or wooden boxes to the cubes, allowing you to tailor the setup to your specific needs.
Toy Rolling Cart
Imagine a world where toy cleanup is a breeze, thanks to the ingenious Toy Rolling Cart. This game-changer lets kids take charge of their playtime, effortlessly rolling their favorite toys around the house with ease. And when it’s time to put away the toys, the cart’s lightweight design and easy-clean plastic make packing up a snap. Parents, rejoice! No more wrestling with tiny humans over toy tidying.
The carts are also designed with safety in mind, ensuring they won’t topple over and cause harm. Just remember to roll them out on even surfaces, avoiding any potentially hazardous areas like stairs.
Storage with a Seat
While playing with kids on the floor can be a joyful experience, it’s not always easy as we age. The struggle to get back up from a playful session is all too real! However, I’ve discovered a clever solution that not only eliminates the need for multiple trips to fetch toys but also provides ample storage and a comfortable seating area. This fantastic find features a plush cushioned seat in the center, surrounded by numerous bins for storing and organizing toys.
Kids can easily access their favorite playthings with ease. To make this cozy setup truly irresistible, simply add a soft, fluffy mat underneath the padded cushion. With this clever hack, rainy days just got a whole lot brighter!
Bench with Storage
Discover another creative way to repurpose IKEA Kallax shelves. By cleverly stacking them one layer deep along the floor, you can craft a functional bench perfect for lounging or even reading bedtime stories to your little ones. Take it to the next level by adding matching woven baskets filled with plush cushions and cozy blankets in a harmonious color scheme.
Personalized Toy Chest
Give your child the ultimate sense of ownership and pride with a one-of-a-kind personalized toy chest featuring their name prominently displayed on the front. This thoughtful hack transforms a simple play area into a special haven that they’ll cherish for years to come. Crafted from solid wood, these heirloom-quality chests boast elegant, engraved lettering options that add an air of sophistication and timelessness.
Imagine generations of children playing with this very toy chest, creating lasting memories and making it a treasured family keepsake.
Toy Buckets
While plastic buckets are often associated with beach trips, their uses extend far beyond the shoreline. In fact, they can be a valuable tool for organizing toys and keeping playtime clutter-free. Lightweight and easy to transport, these buckets allow kids to carry their favorite toys and games wherever they want to play – whether that’s in the backyard or into the living room.
I’ve discovered affordable, multi-purpose white buckets that are perfect for customization with fun designs and personalized names, making them a unique and special addition to any play area.
IKEA Trofast Storage
IKEA’s Trofast toy storage solution is a game-changer for parents everywhere. This versatile system allows you to create customized storage spaces that adapt seamlessly to any room, whether it’s a small corner or a sprawling play area. By combining the frames and removable boxes, you can design a storage solution that grows with your children – transforming from a toy haven to a repository for school supplies, CDs, computer games, or even hobby materials as they mature.
The long-lasting cubes become an integral part of daily life, providing a sense of stability and organization for years to come.
Storage Bins
When it comes to toy storage bins, versatility is key. For those lucky enough to have a spacious playroom, large plastic containers offer endless possibilities. Simply label each bin in bold lettering to indicate its contents – perfect for storing soft toys, action figures, games, blocks, dolls, dress-up costumes, and unique treasures. To add an extra layer of practicality, look for bins with cut-out handles that save space while making it easier to pack and carry.
Just be mindful not to overload the bins and place them in a location where little ones can access them with ease.
Under-stairs storage system
Often overlooked in the grand scheme of home organization are the humble spaces beneath stairs. It’s surprising how much potential lies hidden beneath our feet. Just as walls and doors can be repurposed, so too can this forgotten nook. Take, for instance, the IKEA Kallax cubes or plastic stackable bins that can breathe new life into this dusty area. Alternatively, you might opt for soft woven baskets or wooden boxes to add a touch of rustic charm.
Whatever your choice, the end result will be a storage solution that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing. And if you’re looking for more inspiration on maximizing under-stair storage, be sure to check out some of our other innovative IKEA hacks.