While it’s impossible to deny the joy of having kids, let’s be real – tripping over their scattered toys can be a major stress. The usual method of nagging them to pick up doesn’t always yield the desired results. That’s why I’ve compiled 27 clever toy storage ideas that not only keep your home tidy but also encourage your little ones to develop good habits.
These simple yet effective solutions will transform your space back into the peaceful oasis you once knew, and who knows – maybe even inspire some Instagram-worthy moments along the way!
Toy Cubbies
Versatile toy storage solutions start with these wall-mounted cubbies, boasting multiple compartments for each child to call their own, eliminating conflicts over shared space. The open design ensures effortless access to toys, making it simple for little ones to grab what they need and tidy up afterwards. As kids grow, the storage can adapt to accommodate school supplies, computer games, and other essentials.
What’s more, these kid-friendly cubbies are designed with safety in mind, ensuring they won’t topple over or pose a hazard. The top shelf is perfect for displaying treasured mementos like sentimental photos, cuddly toys, or even unusual items that hold special meaning to your child, such as rocks, insects, or other knick-knacks.
Labelled Toy Bins
Get your little ones started on the path to organization by introducing bold stick-on labels at a young age. These versatile labels can be stuck onto plastic bins, wooden boxes, cardboard containers, or even woven baskets. For a convenient and mess-free solution, consider waterproof and dishwasher-safe toy bin labels like those found in this fantastic 64-piece set.
The pre-printed labels feature everyday names such as ‘Action Figures’, ‘Cars’, and ‘Dinosaurs’, while the included eight blank labels invite kids to unleash their creativity and personalize their storage with one-of-a-kind treasures.
Plastic Toy Shelf
Offering a unique blend of convenience and affordability, plastic toy shelves are an excellent storage solution for kids’ playthings. Their lightweight nature makes them easy to move around the room, while their open design enables children to effortlessly access and reorganize their favorite toys. What’s more, the plastic construction ensures a stress-free cleaning experience, eliminating the risk of splinters or scratches associated with wooden alternatives.
To further enhance organization, you can combine these shelves with wire boxes or woven baskets for a clutter-free play area.
Fabric Storage Bins
I’m absolutely thrilled with these fabric storage bins! They’re not only vibrant and playful, but also boast a wide range of designs featuring endearing illustrations on the exterior and a pop of color on the interior. What’s more, the bags themselves are remarkably soft to the touch, free from harsh edges or spiky corners that could potentially cause harm to tiny hands. Perhaps the most impressive feature, however, is their ease of cleaning.
A simple trip to the washing machine, followed by a gentle air-dry, leaves these bins looking and feeling like new again. No more tedious scrubbing or worrying about stubborn stains! For those who prefer a more understated approach, Amazon offers an excellent selection of stylish gray 22-quart fabric storage bins that are sure to blend seamlessly into any room’s décor.
Plastic Containers
I’m a big fan of utilizing plastic storage containers to keep toys organized, and I’ve found that stacking them is an effective way to maximize space. This approach not only keeps the play area tidy but also makes it easy for kids to find what they’re looking for without having to rummage through cluttered boxes. Another benefit of using plastic containers is their ease of cleaning and labeling, which can help keep your toy collection organized and visually appealing.
If you’re interested in learning more about implementing labeled storage solutions, be sure to check out our previous post on Labelled Toy Bins for inspiration. After doing some research, I came across an affordable set of six 13 Quart Stackable Plastic Storage Bins with Lids that are made from BPA-free plastic, making them a great option for parents looking for a safe and practical solution.
By providing your kids with a variety of plastic containers and encouraging them to sort and categorize their toys, you can help foster important skills like organization and responsibility.
DIY Toy Box
If you’re feeling handy and have some basic DIY skills, building a toy box can be a rewarding experience. And the best part? It’s an opportunity to spend quality time with your kids! If they’re old enough, get them involved in the process and create memories that will last a lifetime. With DIY boxes available in a variety of shapes and sizes, you can choose one that fits your needs or download instructions online to customize it to your liking.
Once assembled, take things to the next level by decorating the box with paint, pictures, and personalized touches – such as kids’ names or favorite characters. The end result will be a unique and special storage solution that your little ones will cherish for years to come.
Wire Baskets
When searching for storage solutions that prioritize safety and style, wire baskets are an excellent option. Unlike traditional drawers, these versatile containers can be easily moved around to accommodate the needs of growing children. Their lightweight design makes them perfect for storing a wide range of items such as soft toys, building blocks, books, puzzles, action figures, arts and crafts supplies, clothing, and shoes.
The open design allows for excellent airflow, helping to keep stored items fresh and clean. Available in a variety of colors to match your home’s décor theme, these stackable wire storage baskets feature convenient handles and a dedicated space for labeling. Their versatility, durability, and aesthetic appeal make them an ideal solution for any household.
Stackable Bins
There’s something about stackable bins that has me hooked – their rugged durability, effortless portability, and effortless cleaning are just a few of the reasons why I’m obsessed. But what really sets them apart is how easy it is to get everything organized and easily accessible. With these bins, you can rotate your stored items with ease, making it simple to rediscover hidden gems that might have been collecting dust at the back of the pile.
I’ve found a great set on Amazon that features clever built-in handles that don’t protrude and take up extra space, leaving more room for everything else.
Closet Storage
While closets may offer the illusion of a tidy space behind a closed door, the reality is that maximizing storage can make all the difference. By incorporating creative storage solutions, you can turn every inch of your closet into usable space. Consider using stackable plastic containers for larger items like toys, stuffed animals, and building blocks. For smaller items like beads, Lego pieces, or small art supplies, repurposed plastic bottles can be a clever alternative.
When it comes to books, stand them upright to save floor space and add some wooden crates to store crayons, pencils, and paintbrushes in an organized manner.
Woven Baskets
Woven baskets add a touch of organic charm to any room, making them an excellent choice for nurseries and kids’ play areas. The soft, natural material eliminates the risk of sharp edges or harm from fragile objects. These charming containers are perfect for categorizing toys, such as stuffed animals, building blocks, action figures, dolls, and more, keeping everything tidy and within reach.
Furthermore, their lightweight design and lack of lids ensure that even tiny tots can easily access their favorite playthings.
Shelves
Transform the often-overlooked space on your home’s walls into a stunning focal point that showcases your family’s unique treasures. As children grow and collect special items, such as toy cars, dinosaurs, artwork, action figures, shells, or dolls, a set of narrow display shelves mounted on a wall can foster creativity and pride in displaying their personal collections.
Mesh Bags
Mesh bags provide a clever solution to toy and game storage woes. The bulky boxes that often accompany new playthings can quickly take up more space than the toys themselves, making it essential to find an alternative. One simple yet effective hack is to transfer your toys and games into slim mesh bags, freeing up valuable storage space in the process.
Not only do these bags help declutter your shelves or baskets, but they also offer a level of transparency that makes it easy for kids to locate their favorite items. By stacking the mesh bags in containers or baskets, you can create a visually appealing and functional storage system that will keep your child’s playthings organized and within reach.
Toy Corner
Transforming an ordinary corner into a whimsical wonderland for kids is as simple as incorporating a few clever design elements. One effective way to do this is by installing V-shaped shelves, which can convert an otherwise unused area into a treasure trove for storing favorite toys, games, books, and creative supplies.
To optimize the space, consider using plastic bins or woven baskets to corral the toys, adding a touch of warmth with a plush rug and inviting cushions in front of the toy corner. This cozy combination invites kids to linger and play, their imaginations sparked by the welcoming atmosphere.
Transparent/Irredescent Bags
Add a touch of whimsy to any little girl’s play space with these mesmerizing transparent iridescent bags! Perfect for storing and displaying her treasured Barbie dolls, outfits, accessories, and makeup kits. Imagine the excitement on her face when she discovers a sparkly treasure trove filled with holographic goodies. And the best part? You can get 20 of these fabulous bags on Amazon at an unbeatable price.
Door Hanging Storage
Transform a door into a practical storage solution with this ingenious hack. By leveraging the space behind a door, you can effortlessly keep toys, books, or any other items organized without taking up valuable floor or shelf space. The best part? Installation is a breeze, requiring no drilling or hammering whatsoever. Simply hang the storage pouches and voilà! Your child’s belongings will be neatly stored and easily accessible, freeing up more room for playtime.
Toy Hammocks
By utilizing ceiling-mounted hammocks in unused corners, you can effortlessly clear cluttered floors of toys. The storage space created is ideal for storing lightweight stuffed animals and teddy bears. With a variety of fun colors and patterns to choose from, you’re sure to find designs that bring joy to the kids. Moreover, some affordable hammock options come equipped with LED lights, transforming bedrooms into whimsical spaces at night – a wonderful way to add a touch of magic to bedtime.
Wooden Crates
Wooden crates evoke a sense of nostalgia, yet they continue to be a popular choice for toy storage, transcending generations. Their versatility is undeniable, with various sizes available to suit any need. Some models even boast wheels, making them effortlessly portable. For the creatively inclined, consider sourcing blank wooden crates and empowering kids to unleash their artistic flair.
With paint, pictures, glitter, beads, and ribbons at their disposal, they can transform their storage containers into one-of-a-kind masterpieces. A stencil can be used to add a personal touch, making each crate a unique reflection of its owner’s personality.
Seasonal Storage Ideas
In my household, the pre-holiday scramble was a familiar ritual – rummaging through storage spaces in search of decorations from previous years’ celebrations. From Christmas lights to Easter baskets, it seemed like an endless treasure hunt just to get our seasonal decor in order.
Enter a simple yet effective solution: categorizing and labeling plastic containers filled with holiday-specific items.
This approach has streamlined the process for us, allowing us to effortlessly retrieve what we need when the time comes.
With our storage system in place, we’re able to thoughtfully evaluate each item as we take it out of its container – deciding whether to reuse, repurchase, recycle, or donate items that no longer serve a purpose.
IKEA Kallax
IKEA’s Kallax units are a staple in many homes, and for good reason. Their cube-shaped design makes them incredibly versatile. Not only can you place them on the floor or mount them on a wall, but they can also double as desks. When it comes to arranging these shelves, the possibilities are endless. You can create a visually appealing display by standing multiple units horizontally next to each other, or optimize your space by stacking them vertically.
To take customization to the next level, consider adding wire baskets, woven baskets, plastic boxes, or even wooden boxes to further organize and add a personal touch to your Kallax setup.
Toy Rolling Cart
Transforming chaos into calm with a clever solution – introducing the Toy Rolling Cart! Who hasn’t experienced the frustration of toy-filled mayhem, courtesy of our tiny tots? This genius contraption not only encourages kids to engage in creative play but also makes tidy-up time a breeze. As an added bonus, the carts themselves are lightweight, easy to clean, and constructed from durable plastic, ensuring they won’t topple over and cause harm.
Simply ensure that little ones navigate these wheeled wonders on even surfaces, steering clear of stairs for safety’s sake.
Storage with a Seat
Who hasn’t experienced the thrill of playing with kids on the floor, only to realize that getting back up again is no longer as effortless as it used to be? For me, this was a turning point. I started searching for solutions and stumbled upon a fantastic hack that combines toy storage with back pain prevention – a game-changer! The design features a cozy central seat, accompanied by ample bins for storing toys, making it incredibly easy for kids to find the playthings they’re after.
To take it to the next level, consider adding a plush mat and cushion to make the sitting experience ultra-comfortable. And just like that, you’ve got a foolproof plan for a rainy day play-date.
Bench with Storage
Elevate your living space with another innovative hack using IKEA Kallax shelves. By cleverly stacking them one layer deep along the floor, you can craft an extended seating area perfect for reading bedtime stories to kids or simply relaxing together as a family. To complete this look, consider pairing the shelves with matching woven baskets and coordinating colored cushions and blankets, ultimately creating a harmonious décor theme that’s both functional and inviting.
Personalized Toy Chest
Give your child the gift of exclusivity with a custom-made Toy Chest that bears their name. This unique hack is sure to instill a sense of pride and ownership in their special sanctuary. Unlike mass-produced toys, a one-of-a-kind Personalized Toy Chest made from solid wood will withstand the test of time, becoming a cherished family heirloom for years to come. To make it truly unforgettable, opt for ornate, engraved lettering that adds an air of sophistication and elegance.
This timeless design ensures your child’s name is showcased in bold, beautiful style.
Toy Buckets
Beyond the beach, plastic buckets prove to be a versatile tool for keeping toys organized. Their lightweight nature makes them easy for kids to carry around, whether it’s outside or indoors – eliminating tripping hazards in the process! I discovered some fantastic value-for-money multi-purpose white buckets that can be transformed into unique keepsakes by adding fun designs and personalized names, giving them an extra-special touch.
IKEA Trofast Storage
I’m obsessed with IKEA’s Trofast toy storage solution – it’s every parent’s dream come true! The best part? It’s highly adaptable. You can mix and match the frames and removable boxes to fit any size space, from a tiny corner to a sprawling toy collection. As your little ones grow up, the Trofast combinations can be re-purposed as storage for school supplies, CDs, computer games, or even hobby materials. The durable cubes will become an integral part of their daily lives for years to come.
Storage Bins
When it comes to toy storage, versatility is key. For larger playrooms, a set of big plastic bins can be a lifesaver. Simply label each bin in bold lettering so kids (and adults!) know exactly what’s inside. These bins are perfect for storing soft toys, action figures, games, blocks, dolls, dress-up costumes, and all those special treasures they find around the house.
When shopping for bins, look for ones with cut-out handles – not only do they save space, but they also make it easy to pack up and carry toys around. Just be sure to avoid overloading the bins and place them in a location where little ones can easily access them.
Under-stairs storage system
As I delve into my latest hack, I’m reminded of another often-overlooked storage opportunity that lies hidden in plain sight – the area under the stairs. It’s a space that’s just begging to be utilized, much like the walls and doors that we so frequently overlook. A simple solution can breathe new life into this forgotten zone: merely place IKEA Kallax cubes, plastic stackable bins, soft woven baskets, or wooden boxes in strategic locations to maximize storage potential.
This unassuming area is ripe for a makeover, and with a little creativity, it can become a valuable asset in your home. For more inspiration on how to unlock the full storage potential of IKEA hacks, be sure to check out some of my other favorite ideas!
