You don’t need to spend a lot to keep your kids’ toys in order. With some imagination and practicality, you can turn mess into neatness without emptying your wallet.
1. Basket Tower
Stack baskets in a tower for easy access and storage. I use this idea in our playroom to store toys that are used often.
2. Wall-Set Baskets
Put baskets on walls to store toys and keep the floor clear. I did this in the hallway for quick and easy access to favorite toys.
3. Do-It-Yourself Toy Moving System
Move toys around to keep playtime new and arranged. Every few weeks, I switch out toys to keep my children interested.
4. Shoe Boxes Given New Life
Decorate shoe boxes for a fun and cheap storage idea. We use them for art supplies and small toys in our art area.
5. Use Space Under the Bed
Slide thin boxes under beds to store extra toys. This has helped me save space in my kids’ small rooms.
6. Give Old Furniture a New Purpose
Convert an old bookcase or chest of drawers into a place for toys. In my case, an antique wooden cabinet has become the ideal spot for storing puzzles and art supplies.
7. Tag with Affection
Tagging bins and boxes might seem basic, but it really changes things. My kids like to help with this, using stickers and drawings.
8. Use Upright Space
Put up shelves to use wall space that isn’t being used. Our narrow wall now stores books and small toy bins well.
9. Use See-Through Plastic Holders
Clear holders let kids see what they have, which makes tidying up easier and faster. I’ve noticed it helps my kids pick out and put away their toys on their own.
10. Do-It-Yourself Hanging Storage
Use material and a little sewing to make hanging storage bags. I made some for my daughter’s room, and they hang perfectly in her closet.
11. Give Old Drawers a New Purpose
Old drawers can be painted and used as trays for under-bed storage. We painted a set in happy colors for my daughter’s room.
12. Color-Sorted Systems
Use colors to sort different types of toys for easy arranging. At my house, blue bins are for blocks and red ones are for puzzles.
13. Make a Toy Library
Set aside a small area as a ‘toy library’ where toys can be ‘taken out’. This helps kids learn to be responsible and keeps the play area arranged.
14. Magnetic Strips for Metal Toys
Put magnetic strips on walls to store metal cars and figures. My kids find this fun and like to play with it.
15. Custom Closet Ideas
Change your child’s closet with shelves that can be moved. This has saved me a lot when it comes to arranging clothes and extra toys.
16. Over-the-Door Organizers
These organizers are great for small toys and things. I use them in my son’s room for figures and small cars.
17. Stacking Crates
Crates stacked up give great storage and can be moved around as needed. We use wooden crates for books and games.
18. Use of Pegboards
Pegboards are great for hanging light toys and tools. In our playroom, they hold art scissors and ribbons.