Toy storage ideas: Colourful solutions for a playful haven

Toy storage systems

As a parent, there are various aspects that come with the territory – such as early mornings, saying no to extra sweet treats, crayons on your walls, and toys littering your floors. It’s par for the course of having children, which is why we’re thankful they enrich us in other ways!

That said, when you find yourself constantly cleaning up after every playtime session, it can get a little tedious. That’s why introducing a structure or system early on will save you a headache further down the line.

Make it fun

It might sound counter-intuitive, but if you make tidying up a fun and easy activity, you’re more likely to encourage a clutter-free haven. (Remember – the one you had pre-sprogs?) For example, instead of saying, ‘tidy up or I won’t let you play tomorrow,’ try, ‘help me tidy your toys away so the pirates or clutter-faires don’t find them.’ (We know which one is more likely to motivate us!)

In terms of ease, consider large boxes, trunks or storage containers. These items make tidying simple, as your children just have to put their toys in whatever receptacle works best. The quicker and easier it is, the more likely they are to stay on top of it.

Recycle and repurpose

Although it’s tempting to keep all your children’s toys – be it for nostalgia or to give them options – that’s how the descent into messiness starts. Think about limiting the type of toys to one or two each, and routinely recycle or repurpose old items where you can. For example, if a toy has been forgotten in a cupboard for two months, your child probably won’t miss it when it’s rehomed.

Benefits of kids toy storage ideas

Mess is inevitable, but setting a precedent for a no-fuss, no muss playroom is essential for your child’s health and development.

Toy storage benefits include:

• Reduced hazards (such as tripping or stepping on small pieces)
• Ensuring toy parts stay together
• Increased toy longevity
• Teaching children the importance of accountability
• Helping decision making skills and reducing overwhelm
• Encouraging organisation skills
• Enhancing toy rotation and helping you note which toys to recycle or give away
• A playroom that’s easier to clean

Why not hire a professional to build a bespoke design that fits your every need?

Different types of toy storage ideas

One of the greatest things about having children is the excuse to get creative. Whether it’s toy storage ideas for small spaces or toy storage ideas for various shapes, types and sizes, there’s plenty you can do to add style, fun and accessibility to your playroom.

Repurpose shoe tidies

Shoe holders are great for storing smaller toys. They’re also an inexpensive option, which makes them perfect for hanging in your wardrobe or on the back of a door. And, because they have lots of pockets, they’re ideal for tidying away several mismatched items at once.

Cabinets hide mess

With a myriad of bright and fun cabinets on the market, why not pick one to help store your children’s toys in style?

If nothing online tickles your fancy, then you can always hire a carpenter to build a bespoke design for you. Check out our carpentry prices guide for more information.

Consider see-through toy organisers

There are several toy organisers on the market that look great, yet make finding toys hard work. To avoid kids pulling out all their toys as they try to find the one they want, designers came up with a brilliant plan: clear plastic units. See-through storage boxes, drawer units and stacks are now readily available on the market, making playtime easier and more accessible.

Introduce shelves and storage boxes

Floating shelves are great for smaller rooms that require more floor space. By building upwards, you’re able to store toys in stylish boxes and containers, keeping the floor clutter-free and available for playtime.

Looking for help? Check out our guide for more information on the cost of custom built-in shelves.

Add a pegboard or rail

Great for those coats, hats and costumes that inevitably litter the floor or bottom of a wardrobe, pegboards or rails are ideal for hanging items your children like to dress up in.

Buy end-of-bed storage pockets

Useful for all the ‘bitty’ items that don’t have an allocated home, storage pockets are perfect for keeping your kids’ favourite toys and items safe.

Consider storage footstools

Our large toy storage ideas include footstools, pouffes and laundry bins. We consider them ‘storage items in disguise,’ which is why they work perfectly for larger items that need some extra space. For even bigger items, we recommend storing them in a wardrobe or cabinet.

Tipis are a great soft toy storage solution

If you’re looking for soft toy/cuddly toy storage ideas, then shelves, end-of-bed pockets and tipis are wonderful options. We particularly like tipis because they’re such versatile items – and children love them! Great for reading, playing, storing soft toys and enhancing the aesthetic of a playroom, we highly recommend incorporating one into your storage ideas.