When left unchecked, kids’ toys and board games tend to turn up all over the house. To keep towers of toys contained, try these toy storage ideas to stash their playthings in an organized, accessible place. These solutions will help contain the clutter in your child’s room and throughout the rest of your home.
Back-of-the-Door Toy Storage Idea
One of the most underused spaces in most homes is the inside of doors. If you’re cramped for space, utilize the back of a closet or bedroom door. Consider adding a sturdy organizer as a toy storage idea in a playroom or bedroom closet. Tuck books into baskets or hang dress-up costumes from hooks on a pegboard. These racks are entirely customizable so that they can grow with your child and their stuff over time.
Mix-and-Match Storage Containers
Not every bin and basket has to be the same for an organized playroom. Corral a handful of containers from around the house and arrange similar ones together on the same shelves. Open baskets with handles work well for larger toys like stuffed animals and trucks. Lidded bins that stack are suitable for smaller items like dinosaurs and race car tracks. While they might not match exactly, it’s a budget-friendly way to still look coordinated and keep toys tidy.
Simple Solutions for Kids’ Toys
Baskets are one of the easiest ways to clean up after a long day of play. While they’re not space-saving, a few baskets strategically scattered around a play area, kid’s bedroom, or den will make tidying up a breeze. Toss soft items such as stuffed animals, dolls, and balls into wide, open baskets and clear the floors in seconds. If you’re using baskets in a communal area, such as the living room, choose ones that match the aesthetic and have a lid so they blend into the decor.
Kids’ Storage Shelves
Take advantage of every inch of available space for book and toy storage ideas in a bedroom or playroom by outfitting corners or narrow stretches of wall with built-in shelving. The shelves of this niche offer storage space for books, with most within kids’ reach. This trick is convenient when configuring toy storage ideas for small spaces.
Kids’ Toy Organization
Food storage containers are a smart, space-saving toy storage idea. These clear containers with snap-on lids provide designated places for toy cars, character figurines, crayons, and more. Stack them up inside large baskets for easy portability.
Under-Stairs Toy Storage Idea
An awkward space below the stairs can provide much-needed storage. Whether it’s already built out or you’re handy and want to DIY under-the-stairs shelving, this area can serve as the perfect hidden toy storage. Longer shelves work well for containers and baskets for small items like cars and blocks. Shorter, staggered shelves display favorite figurines, souvenirs from vacation, artwork, and the latest Lego creations. If the kids are old enough, include a step stool to reach the top shelves.
Kid-Friendly Storage Labels
Kids of varying ages might not be on the same reading level. While labeling is always a good idea to keep things better organized, it might be difficult for young children to read them. Consider combining words with photos of the type of toy on the same label to help everyone find and put away toys. This toy storage idea can also benefit those beginning to read as they associate the words with a visual of the item.
Built-In Kids’ Storage
Utilize built-in cabinetry to hide kids’ toy storage in plain sight. Among this bank of cabinets, one is used for storing art supplies, books, puzzles, and other playthings. A pull-out shelf keeps supplies in easy reach, while bins offer stow-away space for loose items like building blocks.
Coffee Table Toy Storage
Family rooms are often multipurpose spaces used for play and hosting guests. A quick and easy way to put toys away when needed (especially for those last-minute pop-ins) can help keep your room tidy. A coffee table with storage is a simple solution. Find one with cabinets that close and hide clutter. Board games and puzzles stack well inside, while the surface makes the perfect place to play games or put together the puzzles on family game night.
Toy Storage Baskets
Baskets can provide simple storage for children’s toys. This colorful assortment provides lightweight storage for books, art supplies, plush toys, and other small items in a playroom. Color-code the bins for specific purposes, or label the front of each to make cleanup time a breeze for little hands.
Kid-Friendly Open Shelving
Use low, open shelves for a toy storage idea that makes it easy for kids to grab their favorite toys and put them away when playtime is over. Use baskets, canisters, or desktop organizers to sort and store loose items for a clean look. Soft-sided bins with handles provide convenient access for little hands.
Color-Coordinated Toy Storage Idea
Kids love colors, so use that for a toy storage idea in their play area that everyone can appreciate. Whether it’s books or blocks, sorting things by hue lets kids easily find and put back their playthings and can help them learn their colors. Easily categorize Lego bricks by their bold colors, and use a separate drawer or bin for red, green, blue, yellow, and so on. Use labels (in the same color, of course!) so kids can quickly identify the pieces they need for their newest creation.
Kids’ Storage Furniture
Bring in stand-alone furniture pieces to boost storage and display space in a child’s bedroom. Here, a tall bookshelf that holds books, craft supplies, and collectibles pairs with a simple bench to create a colorful reading nook. Open storage below the bench seat offers a spot to store board games and small playthings.
Decorative Toy Storage
Turn playthings into works of art with this toy storage idea. Acrylic display boxes mounted to the wall create a place of honor for kids’ creations or favorite playthings. Display items inside and on top to decorate your child’s room with their handiwork.
Kids’ Book Storage
Utilizing books as part of the room’s decor adds design and encourages reading. Shallow floating shelves prop up a colorful collection of kids’ books next to a cozy reading chair. A raised front edge keeps the books from sliding off the shelf.
Under-Bed Kids’ Storage
Utilize toy storage ideas high and low in kids’ rooms. These matching twin beds boast handy under-bed drawers, which offer a terrific spot to stash specialty items such as out-of-season clothing or bulky sports equipment. A dresser between the beds can hold smaller items, such as school supplies and books.
Repurposed Shoe Organizer
Over-the-door shoe organizers are versatile and work in many areas of the house. Use them for toiletries in the bathroom and winter gear storage in a coat closet. You can also use them to store toys, specifically Barbies or other dolls, that easily nestle into labeled slots. Consider storing doll accessories, such as clothing and shoes, together in some pockets. If placing this toy storage over the door makes it too high for kids to reach, remove the hooks and use adhesive ones to hang it lower on the wall.
Toy Storage Cubbies
A set of freestanding bookcases or a cubby system is a toy storage idea with style. The versatile toy organizer allows mixing and matching baskets or bins for both open and concealed storage. Here, handled baskets hold plush toys, art supplies, and other small playthings, while open cubbies display colorful books. The top of the unit offers display space for artwork and collectibles.
Window Seat Toy Storage
Create the look of a built-in window seat without the expense. This freestanding bench fits perfectly beneath a window, offering comfy seating that doubles as toy storage. Three cubbies below the seat cushion are easy for kids to access and provide plenty of space to store games, books, and plush toys. Canvas bins, like the blue ones shown here, feature durable material and soft-sided edges, making them ideal for little ones.
Window Nook Storage
Window seats are the perfect place for reading and daydreaming. A thick upholstered cushion and plenty of pillows make them comfy for adults and children. Drawers below the window seat serve as toy storage for games and room for extra blankets.
Built-In Kids’ Desk
Built-in desks can be a worthwhile investment that adapts to different uses as your child grows. Closed drawers provide space to store items that tend to clutter the desktop, such as paper and pencils. A tall bookcase showcases books and stuffed animals now but can be used to display big kid items later on.
Repurposed Toy Storage Idea
This armoire has been repurposed into handy toy storage for a child. The interior shelves are outfitted with storage bins and canisters that house a variety of toys and games. The metal doors offer display space for family photos, dry-erase boards, and kids’ artwork attached with magnets.
Mobile Toy Storage Idea
Organizing small items such as toy cars and blocks is essential in keeping your child’s room or playroom neat and clutter-free. A handy storage unit offers space for up to 12 plastic bins that can be easily carried around the room when it’s time to play and quickly replaced when it’s time to clean up. The angled design lets kids easily see what’s inside each bin.
Multifunctional Furniture
Storage ottomans are an excellent solution for toy storage ideas in the living room. They come in many colors, shapes, and sizes, doubling as seating or a place to prop up your feet. This toy storage idea can be tucked into corners, under console tables, or placed in front of the sofa. The best part is that most are soft-sided, making them even more kid-friendly.
Storage Sideboard
A sideboard or a set of cabinets can also be relied upon for tucked-away toy storage. They offer an attractive look yet boast all sorts of storage for games and bulky toys. Available in many colors and styles, they can be used in almost any room in the home.
How to Organize Your Kid’s Room
Once you’ve added toy storage ideas, you may want to start organizing other areas of your kids’ rooms. If their closet is a confusing jumble of shoes, clothes, and laundry, spend an afternoon sorting it out using our tips. These ideas are an excellent way to make the most of cabinets and dressers in your child’s bedroom. If clutter is taking over, try one of these strategies and if you have the room. a designated play space may help confine the chaos. Keeping a kid’s bathroom tidy is another challenge that becomes easier with a little planning.