Store your kids’ toys easily and effectively with these genius solutions
The idea of keeping a house in order takes on a whole new meaning if you have kids. If you don’t have adequate toy solutions in place, it won’t be long before playthings, sports equipment, school bags and Lego are taking over the entire house.
Whether you have a dedicated kids’ play room, or a small living area that desperately needs to be reclaimed, these storage solutions will keep the toy clutter at bay (at least for a little while) yet keep them within easy reach for your little ones when it’s time to play.
To help you stay on top of the inevitable chaos, we share nine of our favourite genius toy storage ideas every parent needs.
1. LEGO BASKET
For a kids storage solution that’s as pretty as it is practical, store your kids’ Lego in a transparent plastic vase or jar (preferably one that’s wide, rather than tall). Kids can easily pop the Lego back in when they’re done playing.
2. UNDER THE BED
An often under-utilised space that can store a myriad of odds and ends, pick a tub or trundle that slides in and out easily to avoid strain, or, choose a bed base that incorporates drawers into the design.
This low-lying option is best for holding heavier items that pose a risk – both to furniture and your back – when stored up high.
3. PEGBOARD
Don’t confine this style-meets-utility storage hack to the shed – pegboards are perfect for holding stationery, toiletries and baskets and other small accessories in kids’ rooms. They also make a great art display board.
4. PUZZLE PIECE POUCH
Puzzle pieces are notorious for getting lost, so pop each puzzle into a zippered pouch that you can pack away. Pencil cases work really well here.
5. OPEN-SHELVING
Maximise wall space with mounted floating shelving.
A great way to display treasured books and photographs, palettes and spice racks are a thrifty DIY option – just remember to keep them low enough for little people to reach their favourite read.
6. OVER-THE-DOOR ORGANISATION
Shoe organisers that hang over the door are great for stashing away craft accessories, soft toys and more, while hook racks can keep bags, hats and miscellaneous items.
7. HANGING BASKETS
As with all storage solutions, the key in kids’ bedrooms is to get stuff off the floor. Hanging planters can hold stuffed toys and a wall-mounted trellis can be used to hang dress-ups.
8. UPSIZE
When it comes to kids’ storage, we’re all for more. So skip the “kid-size” wardrobes and shelves, and just buy adult furniture for them. They’ll grow into it, and you’ll have more storage space.
Also, as much as possible, try to invest in double-duty furniture that acts as storage too. Beds with drawers underneath, desks with drawers and stools with storage compartments are all excellent choices.
9. DRESS-UP BOX
Repeat after us: toy boxes are not storage solutions. Actually, they’re kind of storage nightmares. Usually toy boxes are deep, so it’s hard to organise within them, and generally everything gets dumped in… and is rarely played with.
So rethink the dress-up box, or toy box, with old suitcases. Easily opened and not too deep, they’re much better solutions. For safety, remove any locks, just in case you have curious little ones who like the idea of climbing inside…
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