Keeping toys organized can be a challenge, especially if you have young children at home. Toys easily accumulate and take over living spaces when not properly stored. Finding creative and functional storage solutions is key to maintaining a tidy home with kids. We’ve gathered 34 of the best toy storage ideas to help you corral the clutter. With a mix of products, DIY projects, and organizational tips, you’ll find great inspiration to whip your toy collection into shape.
Clever Toy Storage Furniture
Dedicated toy storage furniture is a space-saving way to neatly stow toys. Here are some of our favorite picks for toy storage furniture that looks great and keeps playthings off the floor.
1. Toy Storage Bench
A storage bench is a classic solution for entryways and playrooms. Look for one with lift-up hinged seats to easily throw toys inside. Bins inside corral smaller items. Bench seats provide convenient extra seating for putting on shoes.
2. Bookcases
Bookcases do double duty storing books and toys. The cubbies and shelves corral toys by type or category. Many bookcases include built-in bins. Choose a bookcase with adjustable shelves to accommodate larger toys.
3. Toy Chests
Toy chests have been popular for generations because they effectively hide mess. A toy chest is a great catch-all for stuffed animals, balls, games and more. Look for one with safety hinges to prevent smashed fingers. Add cushions on top to create extra seating.
4. Storage Cubes
Storage cubes are extremely versatile for toy storage. Arrange them horizontally like bookshelves or stack them vertically to make a room divider. Use fabric bins to corral smaller toys. Storage cubes work well in closets too.
5. Toy Organizers
Toy organizers have built-in storage features to help tidy toys. Some have bins, shelves and compartments. Others include hooks for hanging toy bags. Open organizers allow air circulation so toys can dry out. Rolling organizers can easily move room to room.
6. Toy Kitchens
Kids love pretend play, so consider a play kitchen as toy storage. The cabinets, oven, sink and refrigerator hold kitchen accessories while doubling as a fun toy. Many toy kitchens include hooks and bins for additional storage.
Clever Toy Storage Solutions Around the House
Take advantage of the furniture and spaces you already have at home. A bit of creativity can transform household items into functional toy storage.
7. Under Bed Storage
The space under beds makes an ideal toy storage spot. Clear plastic binsallow you to easily see contents. Add labels to keep bins organized. For extra large toy collections, use under-bed drawers on rollers.
8. Closet Organization
Inside closets are great toy storage real estate. Install shelves at kid height for easy access. Use hanging canvas bins to corral smaller toys. A closet rod with hooks can hold toy bags. Rotate seasonally used toys in and out of closet storage.
9. Drawer Organization
Dresser drawers are perfect for containing small toys like cars and dolls. Use drawer dividers, bins and trays to keep toys sorted. Label drawers by category like “art supplies” or “games.” Only allow access to one or two drawers at a time to limit the mess.
10. Cabinet Storage
Kitchen and bathroom cabinets make handy toy storage that’s out of sight. Install child safety locks to keep cabinets securely closed. Use turntables in corner cabinets to easily access stored toys. Try roll-out trays, racks and bins designed for kitchens.
11. Repurposed Furniture
Give old furniture new life as toy storage. An old desk or dresser becomes a playworkstation. A bookcase turned on its back with bins works as a room divider. An armoire morphs into a play kitchen. Check second-hand stores for budget-friendly repurposing finds.
12. Wall Storage
Take toy storage off the floor and onto walls. Floating wall shelves corral toys while keeping them within kids’ reach. Mount a pegboard and use colorful bins to sort toy types. Store stuffed animals in hammocks hung from ceiling hooks.
13. Entertainment Centers
Entertainment center cubbies are handy homes for toys, especially those tied to screen time like video games. Use trays and bins to divide video game cartridges, controllers and accessories. Store DVDs alongside toys based on favorite movie characters.
Fun & Functional Toy Storage Ideas
The best toy storage does more than just tidy up. Look for solutions that also create a fun space for imaginative play and display favorite toys.
14. Play Tables
Play tables serve up storage and play space. Look for tables with shelving underneath to hold art supplies, games and more. Some play tables include built-in bins. Top with train sets, LEGOs, Play-Doh and more for easy access to favorite activities.
15. High Shelves
Provide open, visible storage to highlight prized toys. High floating shelves create a ledge for displaying collectibles. Mount shelves just below the ceiling to showcase toys without impeding play space. Use high shelves in combination with lower toy storage.
16. Window Seat Storage
Bay windows and nooks make cozy toy storage spots. Flank window seats with bins and baskets to contain toys. Built-in storage underneath window seats is perfect for larger toys. Add a comfy cushion on top for kids to curl up with toys.
17. House-Shaped Storage
Encourage pretend play by opting for toy storage designed like a playhouse. Mini versions shaped like cottages and barns store toys inside. Hang colorful curtains to create a fun backdrop for make-believe.
18. Tree-Shaped Storage
Tree-shaped storage organizers add a whimsical touch. The “branches” provide hooks to hang toy bags, hats and more. Bins nestle between the branches to hold smaller toys. These organizers bring function and playfulness to toy storage.
19. Wall Displays
Showcase favorite toys and make them easily accessible. Mount slatwall panels or pegboard on walls and use brackets to display toys. Cubbies built into walls store larger toys while putting them on display. Rotating displays allows you to spotlight different toys.
20. Chalkboard Paint
Add chalkboard paint to walls or storage furniture to amplify the play factor. Kids can doodle and leave notes on chalkboard surfaces. Use chalk to label bins and baskets. Chalkboard paint also allows for versatile decorating ‒ easily change up walls with new chalk art.
Easy Toy Storage Hacks & DIY Projects
You don’t have to spend a fortune on toy storage solutions. Try these simple DIY ideas and organizational hacks using household items.
21. Plastic Bins and Baskets
Inexpensive plastic bins are a workhorse of toy organization. Use different sizes and colors to sort toys or designate locations. Add labels so kids can easily put toys where they belong. Nesting bins save space. Hang wall-mounted bins for a clutter-free look.
22. Fabric Bins
Soft storage bins made of canvas, nylon or felt keep toys tidy and looking good. Use colorful fabric bins to bring style to open shelving. These lightweight bins are perfect for storing stuffed animals and dress-up clothes.
23. Bucket and Caddies
Plastic buckets, crates and caddies repurpose common household items for toy storage. Sturdy buckets corral blocks and other backyard toys when not in use. Hang crates or caddies on the wall to contain art supplies. These inexpensive solutions work almost anywhere.
24. Cardboard Boxes
Plain cardboard boxes are a no-cost storage solution for playrooms and closets. Let kids decorate boxes to store special collections or favorite toys. Add labels to help keep everything organized as boxes accumulate.
25. Rods and Rails
Install rods or rails on walls to hang toy storage. Cut pool noodles over rods to hold action figures and dolls. Use tension rods in closets for hanging toy bags and baskets. Shower curtain hooks work on rods too.
26. Magnetic Boards
Make instant toy storage on metal surfaces using magnetic boards. Position metal baking sheets inside cabinets or on the fridge. Add adhesive magnetic strips and hooks. Magnetic toys easily stick for display. Use magnetic boards to hang toy bags, art and more.
27. Pegboards
Pegboards create custom toy storage anywhere. Hang one on the wall and add hooks and bins to hold toys. Use pegboards inside closets too. Paint a design on the pegboard and trace the outline with hooks to highlight special toys.
28. Wood Crates
Crates lend a vintage vibe to toy storage. Wood apple crates fit cube organizers perfectly. Drill holes in larger crates to mount shelves inside. Stack crates and secure together to create organizers. Leave crates unfinished, paint them bright colors, or decouage toy imagery on the exterior.
29. Picture Ledges
Picture ledges sold for displaying photos and art also work for toy storage. Mount ledges on the wall at kid height. Use them to hold books upright or divide compartments for small toys. Arrange multiple ledges in pleasing designs for open toy display.
Toy Storage Tips and Tricks
Get the most from your toy storage with these helpful tips for keeping playrooms and toy spaces organized.
30. Categorize Toys
Group toys into categories when organizing. Like toys belong together ‒ for example, collect all the building toys or art supplies in one area. Kids can find what they need in their designated spot. Categorize toys by age and interest too.
31. Limit Toy Quantities
Only keep a reasonable amount of toys accessible at one time. Store excess toys out of reach, like in closets or basement storage. Rotating toys keeps play fresh and uncluttered. Donate toys no longer used to make space for newer playthings.
32. Use Baskets for Transport
Designate a basket for each room to easily transport toys. Kids can tote toys from their storage spot to play areas in a basket. Have them return toys to baskets in designated areas when they are done playing.
33. Assign Spaces
Give each child their own toy storage space. Use bins or baskets labeled with names. Let kids decorate their storage spots. Having an assigned space teaches responsibility for keeping toys tidy.
34. Make Cleaning Up Easy
Set kids up for success by making end-of-play cleanup simple. Make sure bins and storage spots are labeled. Play clean-up songs for a quick tidy. Offer rewards like stickers for putting toys away properly.
Keep Toys Tidy
A thoughtful toy storage strategy makes it easy to keep playrooms, bedrooms and living spaces organized. With a combination of furniture, household storage spots and DIY solutions, you can effectively tame toy clutter. Finding the right home for each toy type will lead to tidy playtime fun.
34 Best Toy Storage Ideas: Frequently Asked Questions
Toy storage organization can seem tricky but these common questions provide helpful answers.
What are the best storage bins for organizing toys?
Plastic bins, fabric bins, cardboard boxes and woven baskets all work well for toy storage. Opt for clear bins so kids can easily see contents. Bins with handles make them easy for little hands to tote. Labels allow kids to put toys in their proper homes.
How do you organize a playroom?
Group toys in categories to organize playrooms. Shelve or bin toys like games, puzzles, arts & crafts, building toys, vehicles, dolls, stuffed animals, dress-up clothes, screens/electronics and sports equipment. Store like toys together. Leave open bins and shelves for display.
Where should I put toy storage in a small house?
Look for underused spaces to place toy storage in a small home. Under beds, in closets, under windows, inside furniture and cabinets are all great options. Be creative and multifunctional, using storage benches, bookcases and Cubbie units.
How do you organize toys without a playroom?
If you don’t have a dedicated playroom, get clever with toy storage around the house. Use closet organization systems, install shelves, use under bed storage, repurpose furniture and add wall storage. Set bins in each room kids use for play.
What is the best way to store stuffed animals?
Use fabric bins on shelves and in closets to corral stuffed animals. Store extra stuffed animals in under bed containers. For display, hang wall-mounted stuffed animal hammocks and wire baskets. Arrange favorites on open shelving at kid height.
How do you hide toy clutter?
Keep fewer toys in rotation and store excess toys out of sight in closets, cabinets and under beds. Closed storage like toy chests, benches and ottomans conceal mess. For a streamlined look, opt for enclosed organizational furniture like cabinets and shelves with doors.
What is the best way to store Legos?
Look for stackable plastic bins and organizers designed especially for Lego bricks. Clear bins allow kids to identify parts. Shallow bins are great for sorting. Store playsets assembled in bins. Use wall-mounted racks and ledges to display Lego creations.
How do you keep toys organized after you organize them?
After organizing toys, maintain order by putting toys back where they belong each night. Have kids sort toys into bins and shelves labeled with words or pictures. Offer rewards for cleaning up properly. Rotate toys to keep selections fresh and clutter-free.
Where should I put extra toys?
Find additional storage spots to tidy toy overflow. Use closet organization systems like shelves and hanging bins. Place an extra storage cube or shelving unit in a closet. Store less used toys under beds in large plastic containers. Add wall-mounted racks for extra storage.
What is the best toy storage for small spaces?
Multifunctional furniture maximizes storage in small spaces. Look for storage ottomans, benches and trunks that hold toys and provide seating. Wall-mounted shelving, racks and pegboards keep toys off floors. Folding storage cubes and fabric bins fit in tight spots.
Conclusion
Keeping an abundance of children’s toys organized while still making them easily accessible can seem like a challenge. However, with storage furniture designed for corralling toys, repurposed household items adapted to stash toys, and simple DIY projects, you can tackle toy clutter in any home. Get creative with your space by dedicating specific zones for different toy types. Teach kids the organization system and reward them for putting toys in their designated homes. With the right storage setup, you can maintain a tidy home that encourages hours of playtime fun.
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