Finally, a way to contain the madness
Stuffed animals falling off shelves, superheroes poking you behind pillows, and LEGO bricks underfoot (ouch!). If your house is anything like ours, it’s total toy chaos. But rather than resign yourself to a house of disorder, we’ve rounded up the best, most clever toy storage ideas that all but guarantee to work organizational wonders for the toys and gear growing like gremlins. So whether your house is being overtaken by art supplies or a precarious stack of board games, we have a solution for you!
Best Toy Storage Solution for Stuffies
Problem: A hoard of stuffed animals is crowding your kid out of their bed.
Solution: Stuffed animals have a tendency to multiply faster than rabbits. Take advantage of an unused corner by storing toys in a hanging hammock. Now your little one will have a space on the bed to put their second, third, and fourth-best lovey.
To buy: LittleWoodPiece via Etsy, $43
Best Toy Storage Solution for Jumbled Messes
Problem: The toys are jumbled together in one bin and no one can find the item they want.
Solution: Snag storage containers with individual bins, like IKEA’s Trofast system, but take it to the next level by labeling each one so there’s no confusion as to where each toy goes when playtime is over—making it super easy to find the toy they really want when it’s time to play again. Snag a custom set of vinyl labels from Made by Sunni—they’re not only well-made, but the pictures also make it easy for pre-readers to know what goes where.
To buy: IKEA, $35 & up
Best Toy Storage Solution for LEGO
Problem: Too many LEGO sets, not enough time to sort them all.
Solution: We know that even the best laid-out LEGO storage system is no match for a kid who is asked to put their LEGO away. It's hard to keep bricks color-coded or grouped by type—eventually—everything winds up mixed all together. Make it easy on yourself (and your kids) by ordering a few Swoop Bags. These bags have a six-inch edge to help contain small pieces, come in small, medium, or large (they're big enough to play with those LEGO inside the bag), and you can choose between all sorts of fun colors. It's a storage and carryall solution (thanks to the handy pull-cord that doubles as a carrying strap) in one!
To buy: Swoop Bags, $54 & up
Best Toy Storage Solution for the Recycler
Problem: You don't want to buy yet another storage container.
Solution: Make your own toy storage out of paper bags. We love this cute DIY storage bag from Hello Wonderful because it's easy to make, practically free and it makes a one-stop spot for loose toys. All you need is a few paper bags and paint.
Best Toy Storage Solution for Artists
Problem: Your Picasso-in-training can't find their favorite colored pencil when they need it.
Solution: Pencils and markers rolling all over the place? Set up an artist station with a lazy Susan carousel. This one comes with removable storage spots (art on the go!) that can also pull double duty as craft central: think puff balls, paint brushes, and paints. There's (finally) a home for every sharpened pencil, animal-shaped eraser, gel and glitter marker set, and more.
To buy: Amazon, $30
Best Toy Storage Solution for (Outgrown) Stuffed Animals
Problem: Your kid has outgrown their loveys on display but isn't ready to donate them.
Solution: All those stuffed animals are turning into monster-sized dust bunnies and while your kid is old enough to not (really) need them, they're too young to want to get rid of them. To make everyone happy, fill this storage-cum-bean bag by Posh Creations for an extra cuddly (and dust-free) spot to sit.
To buy: Amazon, $24
Best Toy Storage Solutions for Board Games
Problem: Flimsy cardboard puzzle boxes lead to lost and mismatched pieces while stacks of board games stuffed in a cupboard end up never being used.
Solution: Enlist the help of mesh bags and a storage bin. Not only will they be easily accessible, but the storage bin will up the design factor in your family room and free up closet space.
To buy: 24-count mesh bags on Amazon, $19, storage bins on Amazon, $38
Best Toy Storage Solution for Bunk Beds & Cramped Bed Space
Problem: Bedtime buddies and books don’t have any place to go when it's time to sleep.
Solution: You know better than to suggest your little ones drop extra loveys and books onto the floor to make some space to sleep which is why this solution is what you both need—easy-to-access pockets to stuff those stuffies and books while making room for a full night's sleep (finger's crossed!). This genius storage solution is especially clutch when you have an awesome bunk bed or loft bed situation.
To buy: Walmart, $11
Best Toy Storage Solution for Figurines
Problem: Barbie, Ken, and their friends are all looking for a place to crash.
Solution: Your kid will be able to locate Black Panther, Ironman, or Barbie and friends in no time thanks to this toy storage idea that uses an over-the-door shoe organizer. Best part? When you want to keep the toys out of sight, just shut the door.
To buy: Amazon, $26
Best Toy Storage Solution for Awkward Spaces
Problem: Your home has an awkward nook, cranny, or closet and it's hampering any creative toy storage solutions.
Solution: Lean into the awkward spot and use it to your advantage. Build out the space and turn that sore spot into an extra special space with a built-in play house (that can also house those stacks of toys behind closed doors).
For the indoor playhouse how-to: chrislovesjulia.com
Best Toy Storage Solution for Book Fanatics
Problem: Your kid’s reading obsession (while great) is bordering on book hoarding.
Solution: Take advantage of walls by installing an open-faced bookshelf so your little bibliophile will have access to all their favorites. If there are too many books in your collection, do a monthly rotation so they all get some love.
To buy: joykids.com, $250
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