Let’s face it: keeping your home neat and organized 24/7 when you’ve got kids can be a challenging, if not impossible, task. If your once-tidy space has been taken over by toys, we’ve got some simple, inexpensive ideas to help you keep that clutter contained.
1. Baskets, Baskets, and More Baskets
photo: Take the Side Street
It sounds simple, because it is! A few well-placed baskets will go a long way in taming toy clutter in any room. A large woven basket makes a great toy-box alternative while smaller baskets on open shelves are as decorative as they are practical. You can also tuck a few low baskets or boxes under your couch or coffee table to keep toys out of sight when playtime is over.
Worried about scratching shelves? Anna at Take the Side Street had the genius idea to add a layer of felt to the bottom of each basket.
2. Stackable Tote Boxes and Bins
photo: Tot Tutors Primary Colors organizer (Amazon.ca)
Similar to baskets, stackable tote boxes and bins are a no-brainer when it comes to keeping toys tidy. This works particularly well for things like LEGO or Barbie dolls and their many accessories. To make life easier for your little ones, opt for clear bins or tape a picture of the box’s contents right on the front so your child knows what’s inside.
3. Repurposed Shoe Organizer
photo: Mommo Design
Those over-the-door shoe organizers aren’t just for storing your pumps and flats anymore! Hang one in your child’s room to corral dolls, action figures, matchbox cars, and other small toys. In the bathroom, opt for a clear plastic organizer for those oodles of tub toys.
4. Spice Rack Bookshelf
photo: Bekväm spice rack IKEA
Thank you, IKEA, for your Bekväm spice racks. At $7 each, these simple wooden racks are a budget-friendly way to add some extra book storage to your child’s room without taking up extra floor space. Bonus: you can paint them any colour you choose.
5. Wall-Mounted Book Slings
photo: Penny Carnival
Feeling crafty? A great book storage option is this DIY book sling from Megan at Penny Carnival. Get the tutorial on her website.
6. Tub Toy Tamer
photo: Heather Drive
Keeping bath toys organized is easier than you might think! With some help from a curtain rod, a few plastic baskets and some shower curtain hooks, you can create a storage solution that not only keeps tub toys organized, but also allows toys to drain and dry between baths. Brilliant!
7. Puzzle Pockets
photo: Cluck Cluck Sew
Those classic chunky wooden puzzles are great, but awkward to store—not to mention the frustration of losing half of the pieces to the abyss that is the bottom of the toy box or finding them scattered throughout your living room. We love this solution from Allison Harris of Cluck Cluck Sew: DIY puzzle pockets right on the back of each puzzle. With a little fabric, hot glue and Velcro, you’ll be well on your way to keeping puzzle pieces where they belong.
8. Stuffed Animal Zoo
photo: LumberJocks
If your kids have been collecting stuffed animals since the day they were born, your house may be starting to feel a little like a zoo. Organizing stuffies can be tricky; a hammock is great, but can put toys far out of your child’s reach.
As an alternative, build a stuffed animal zoo. We like this solution because it allows easy access to toys for your little zookeeper, but also provides a place for stuffies to stay put at the end of the day. You can find free building plans online to make your own stuffed animal zoo, like this one from Matt at LumberJocks.
Bonus: use a similar structure in your garage to store balls for various sports.
9. Easy Art Supply Tray
photo: Spoonful
Pencil crayons, markers and glue sticks, oh my! You might love the masterpieces that your budding artist creates, but you could probably do without the mess. One quick and easy trick for keeping those supplies contained is to create a portable art tray using a muffin tin and some inexpensive plastic cups, like this one over at Spoonful. Fill the cups with paintbrushes, crayons, pom poms—whatever you like!
10. Outdoor Storage
photo: Our Wonderfilled Life
If your toy clutter has spilled over into the great outdoors, a deck box can do double duty as an outdoor toy box and extra seating space. You can also turn your fence into vertical storage space with a few sturdy hooks and plastic buckets, as demonstrated by Michelle over at Our Wonderful Life. We love this idea for keeping sand toys and other small outdoor items organized (and away from the lawn mower!).
11. When in Doubt, Clear It Out
If the toy clutter in your home is getting out of hand, consider passing along some of those items to a local charity or an annual toy drive. In addition to bringing some order back to your living space, you can help teach your kids about the importance of giving to others.
Find more! Check out Toy Storage Solutions on our Pinterest page.
