Toys are a great way to keep children entertained, promote healthy cognitive development, boost self-confidence, and enhance language skills. The number of toys a child has typically increases as they age, often causing clutter or chaos in your living space.
But with the right storage system, you can create a practical system that keeps your home tidy and teaches your child about organization. Explore our toy storage ideas to declutter and prevent a messy home.
Use Repurpose Existing Furniture
Several creative toy storage options can be created with what you already have in your home. You can create a storage solution from several household items by modifying, repainting, or rearranging.
- Trundle or under-bed drawers: These bed storage drawers are a great place to keep items so they can be easily accessed when needed. Typically reserved for clothes, they also provide a convenient way to store games, puzzles, or oversized items like train tracks that might not fit in typical toy storage boxes.
- Hanging shoe organizer: Hanging shoe organizers come with multiple pockets that are the perfect space for toys like figurines, hot wheels, small puzzles, dress-up accessories, or play kitchen items. They can be hung from a door or wall to free up floor space and keep toys organized and accessible. Place the most-played-with items at the bottom for easy access.
- Storage ottoman: A storage ottoman offers space for kids’ toys without sacrificing your home’s design aesthetic. When playtime is over, the ottoman blends seamlessly into your decor, helping you feel like your home hasn’t been overrun with toys.
- Built-in bookshelf with baskets: Placing baskets in a bookshelf can help you store balls, cars, dolls, or puzzles in a more organized way than just placing them on the shelves. For more efficiency, label each basket and teach your kids to put everything in the designated basket after playtime.
Categorize with Baskets and Bins
One of the best ways for storing your kid’s toys is by organizing them with categorized bins and baskets. Organizing like-items together ensures nothing is misplaced, kids can access all toys, and it creates a better system for cleanup time.
Using color-coded bins creates an aesthetically pleasing and organized look that helps younger ones who can’t yet read bin labels keep organized while tidying up. Some storage options include:
- Wicker or wire baskets: Baskets are perfect for storing toy cars and other small toys. Wire mesh allows visibility and longevity, while wicker is durable and blends in with your home’s decor. You can choose multiple-sized baskets to hold various items. For smaller toys, even with a large quantity, multiple small baskets may be better than one large one.
- Plastic file or magazine holders: Plastic file and magazine holders create ideal space for wooden puzzles or activity books. They keep your kid’s play area tidy and make finding toys handy. Plus, these holders are durable and stackable, so you can freely add more as your child’s collection grows.
- Stacking bins: Stacking bins come in various sizes and can be stacked on top of each other, making them perfect for small spaces. They are also clear, so it’s easy to see which toy is inside. And when the number of toys starts to dwindle, remove a bin or two until they’re needed again.
- Collapsible laundry bag: Collapsible laundry bags are typically made of durable fabric and can be easily folded up when not in use. They can be easily transported from one room to another and are perfect for bigger dolls and play figures, as well as stuffed toys and dress-up clothes.
Save Space with Shelves and Cabinets
Storing items off the floor in shelves and cabinets can help to protect belongings from damage and create a less cluttered look. Shelves can be beneficial in smaller homes and apartments where every square foot counts, and clutter can easily overwhelm the space. A few shelving options to choose from are:
- Cubby shelving: Cubby shelving units come in various sizes, so you can choose one that fits the available space in your home. It helps to keep the toys organized. Cubbies often have doors or bins that can be used to cover up the stored items, keeping the room looking tidy.
- Modular closet shelving: Modular closet shelves can be configured to fit any space and let you make the most of the available storage space in your home. You can easily add or remove shelves as needed, making it easy to adjust the shelving to accommodate new toys or a changing collection.
- Low cabinet: When choosing a low cabinet for toy storage, consider the type of toys you’ll be storing. Deep shelves are suitable for large, bulky toys, whereas shallow drawers are suitable for smaller items.
- Spice racks and picture ledges: Picture ledges and spice racks are a great way to display your child’s favorite items, such as books, craft supplies, and stacking toys. Both can be wall mounted or placed on a shelf, making them accessible.
- Rolling trolley: A rolling trolley is easy to move around and can be used in various ways. For example, you can use one to store craft items such as play dough, colors, ribbons, and yarns.
Learn More Storage Tips for a Clutter-Free Kids’ Room
A decluttered room can help you and your kids focus better and feel relaxed. Organizational systems can teach kids good habits that will last a lifetime. Learn more great tips on home organization and cleaning from HomesNGardens.
