(Photography: Louise Roche | Styling: Kylie Jackes)
One of the many unspoken roles you take on as a parent of young children is something I call ‘toy inventory manager.’ It basically involves overseeing (with wide-eyed horror) all of the toys coming into your storage-lacking home, keeping track of current stock and devising toy storage solutions to prevent it all from avalanching out of cupboards at any given moment. I’m told the role will eventually come to a natural close, culminating in the sigh of relief (and a few tears) as old, forgotten and outgrown toys are boxed up and marched out the door in search of a new loving home.
But if, like me, you’re in the thick of your ‘toys are everywhere’ era and haven’t been able to see the actual carpet beneath the carpet of toys that gobbled up your home some time ago, it could be time to brainstorm some kids’ toy storage ideas that will help you reclaim a sense of order. It can be an overwhelming task, but we’re here to help!
Whether you’re clawing back your living room or looking for playroom storage ideas that actually keep the room tidy, we’ve got you covered!
1. It doesn’t really matter if toys are everywhere
Let’s normalise toys being everywhere in a happy home filled with little rascals. This is a statement you may not see scrolling through social media, so I say it now in case you feel like your home isn’t up to scratch just because not every cupboard in your home is organised within an inch of its life.
To be frank, I ask myself daily whether waging a war against all of the toys in my home is even worth it. The truth of the matter is that your house is lived in and an oversupply of toys is a privileged problem to have. If you’re fine with toys being out and about, don’t change a thing! For some reason, I can’t relax when there are things all over the floor and the robotic vacuum mop I rely on to keep my floors tidy can’t handle lots of little obstacles – so these two factors are enough to motivate me to pick up stray toys where I can.
2. Part ways with outgrown items
The first step to getting kids’s toys to a manageable level is to say goodbye to items your kids no longer play with or that they’ve simply outgrown. Involve your kids in this process, if you can. Learning to let go of possessions is a valuable life lesson, but that it doesn’t make the task any easier, especially if your child is attached or unwilling to say goodbye.
Writing for The Conversation, psychology lecturers Shane Rogers and Natalie Gately of Edith Cowan University give the following tips for helping your child navigate the process:
How to help your child let go
- Model the behaviour yourself by showing them how you part with your own possessions.
- If a toy feels like their friend, encourage them to concentrate on other toys that are also special. Let them know that relationships can end, and that’s okay.
- If a toy has sentimental value, remind them that the memories attached to that item will always stay with them.
- If a child insists that they might need the item later, reassure them that you can always replace it if needed. But, it probably won’t happen.
If you’re wondering what to do with the toys you no longer need, consider donating them to charity or selling items in good condition on Facebook Marketplace.
3. Get a chuck-it bucket
Breathe a sigh of relief because the hard part is over. Now it’s time to create systems that help you stay on top of the toys worth keeping. Picture this: it’s the end of the day, you’ve battled the kids into bed and now it’s time to get yourself into bed … but wait, toys all over the living room is not the first thing you want to see in the morning. So what do you do? Arm yourself with a chuck-it bucket.
A chuck-it bucket can be a lightweight bucket, laundry hamper, woven basket or eve large canvas sack and the beauty of it is that all you need to do is grab it and start chucking any visible toys into it. It’s low-effort way to clear a room of toys quickly without having to muster up the energy to put everything back in its designated place. Devote one evening a week to putting all of the accumulated toys back where they belong, or, even better, delegate this job to the kids!
Toy storage baskets to shop
01
Loire round basket, Freedom
$71.95
If your child’s main play area also happens to be the living room, splurge on toy storage solutions that blend into your existing decor. A woven basket is a great option for traditional, coastal or Hamptons style homes, and this structured design from Freedom has two sturdy handles which make it great for tossing toys into at the end of the day.
02
Amalfi laundry basket, Gorman
$71.20
A cute laundry hamper with a colourful print will help contain toys, brighten a corner of your child’s play space and encourage them to dive in and see what items they can find. This hamper is great because it has a cotton cover with a drawstring fastening so you can securely hide things away when playtime is over. It’s also great for packing toys for a holiday – simply toss toys inside, fasten up the drawstring and pop it in the boot of the car.
03
Openook natural water hyacinth basket in natural/black, Big W
$25
Woven baskets can cost a pretty penny so, if you’re on a budget, head over to Big W. This design is made from natural materials and has a wonderful contrast black detailing around the rim for added interest and is only $25! It’s a steal if you need to purchase multiple baskets to contain toy chaos across several rooms in the house.
4. Work with what you’ve got
Before rushing out to buy cult kids toy storage furniture unit (I’m talking about IKEA’s Kallax and Trofast units; if you know you know) see whether you can save cash by freeing up storage space in furniture pieces you already own.
This could involve donating the pile of DVDs taking up valuable real estate in the TV unit or stacking books slightly differently so you can turn one row of your bookshelf into a toy zone. Is there room under your sofa or under your child’s bed that could accommodate a slimline toy storage crate? Could you clear a shelf in a console or credenza for stashing away toys? Can you sacrifice one kitchen drawer for accommodating your child’s playthings?
Look for storage opportunities in unexpected places, too. Is there a corner of the garage you could use for keeping excess toys at bay? Is there a spot in the backyard you can set up a small store-out shed? If outdoor space is limited, a weather-proof outdoor storage box could also be a good option.
5. Toy storage furniture
If investing in toy storage furniture is a must, look for pieces that are easy for your child to open and close, have ample storage for both large and smaller items, can be reconfigured and repurposed as your child grows and suits the look and feel of your home. Multi-purpose toy storage furniture – think a desk with a hutch, or a table with hidden lego storage can also help prevent your home feeling cluttered.
Two of the most popular pieces of furniture in the kids toy storage category are IKEA’s Trofast and Kallax units – beloved worldwide for their affordability, customisability and versatility. But they’re not the only players!
Kids toy storage furniture to shop
04
Boori Tidy toy cabinet in barley white, Temple & Webster
$299
Boori’s Tidy Toy Cabinet is sturdy, modular, aesthetically pleasing and constructed from sustainable solid wood. It also goes with the entire Tidy range, which includes everything from bookshelves to desks, which is great if you’re going for a consistent look. Also available in blueberry and cherry.
05
Rangoon storage unit with 6 drawers, Freedom
$115
This sturdy storage unit comes complete with water hyacinth woven baskets for keeping all manner of toys organised and out of sight. The baskets are easy enough for your kids to slide out and play with and will add warmth to your home. An excellent choice for coastal style homes. Also available in a two drawer and three drawer version.
06
Scallop bookshelf, J&Furniture
$700
Sydney-based furniture-makers Jay and Sue of J&Furniture create gorgeous custom furniture pieces, and this scalloped bookshelf is no exception. These shelves are made to order, and while the standard size is 100cm (w), 30cm (d) and 75cm (h), you can customise the unit’s dimensions and colours to suit your home. Colour samples are available upon request.
07
Willow Toy Box in sandstone by Tasman Eco, The Memo
$399.99
Toyboxes are fantastic for storing medium to large-sized toys. The features that set this toybox apart are: well-crafted, made completely from pine timber and comes with a 2-year warranty. It can also serve as extra seating, which is great if you’re planning to pop it in your child’s bedroom or in the living room.
08
Theo Kids bookshelf and toy drawer organiser, Mocka
$199.99
Need a storage unit that can do it all? This versatile piece is a bookshelf, an open display shelf and has two bottom drawers on castors your kids can move around as required. It is crafted in a matte finish to give a touch of sophistication to any child’s bedroom or playroom.
09
Paddington bed frame with gas lift storage in cement, Snooze
$959 (King single)
One way to increase the storage in your home is to invest in furniture pieces with hidden storage. This padded bed frame has a gas strut lift base which is perfect for hiding away toys as well as extra linen or winter blankets. Made from sustainably sourced timber and available in a range of colours including: ivory, grey and anthracite.
10
KidKraft building bricks play n store table, Amazon
$211
Tired of sustaining painful foot injuries as a result of rogue Lego pieces roaming the house? You need this table. Not only is it the perfect base for Lego creations, it’s also got hidden storage your children can easily access for playtime and pack up time. It’s also a pinch-free design which keeps little fingers safe when opening and closing the table. Compatible with Lego, Duplo and many other major building brick brands.
11
Garden locker shed in off-white, EasyShed
$635
If you’ve exhausted all indoor storage options, the only way to go is … out! Compact garden sheds can help boost your home’s storage potential and keep bulky toys like bikes, scooters and cars out of the weather and out of your home when they’re not being used. This compact shed measures 2.08m x 0.97m and is available in zinc, off white, smooth cream, mist green, slate grey and monument.
6. Keep small toys together
Now it’s just a matter of keeping all of the little bits and bobs together and organised. Small storage baskets or stackable bamboo trays can help keep cupboards in order. Don’t limit yourself to the storage section when coming up with your plan of attack.
Clear makeup bags with zips, for example, are great for keeping smaller items like Lego, small dolls, dollhouse furniture, puzzle pieces and more organised yet visible when your kids go looking for them. Fishing tackle boxes can work as craft stations for beading projects, craft supplies, play makeup and Lego organisers (plus the handle is great for pulling them in and out of cupboards).
Toy organisation ideas to shop
12
Clear organiser by Anko, Target
$15
Clear, zip-up bags are a game-changer when it comes to keeping like items together. Just place them in the bag, zip it up and put it in the cupboard. Your children will be able to see exactly what they’re looking for and grab it without disturbing the remaining contents of the cabinet.
13
Move trio cosmetic bag set in clear/silver, Target
$20
Puzzle pieces, play makeup, doll clothing and accessories, Lego pieces – this set of three clear bags is great for keeping all manner of toy flotsam and jetsam together.
14
Plano 6102 two-tray tackle box, BCF
$39.99
Many childhood hobbies like making friendship bracelets, beading jewellery, making origami or scrapbooking require small bits and pieces that need to be stored thoughtfully for the activity to run smoothly. A fishing tackle box with lots of little compartments and an expanding tray is a great way to keep these items organised and accessible. When your child outgrows their hobby, simply repurpose as a toolbox or … a fishing tackle box!
15
The Cooks Collective stackable 2-piece set in bamboo, Myer
$49.95
The pantry organisation section is another great place to search for creative toy storage ideas. This stackable bamboo set is durable, aesthetically pleasing and easy for little ones to stick their hands into and get what they need.
16
Stuffed animal toy storage bag in grey and white, Little Nation
$59.95
Soft toys are a tough one to deal with. They burst out of toyboxes and can make your home look like a set in the film Toy Story. Your child can either display them out and proud (macrame soft toy hammocks and wall-mounted baskets are a great option) or you can find genius ways to hide them and turn them into something useful. I love the idea of turning soft toys into the filling of a bean bag, and this bag from Little Nation is made exactly for this purpose. You can also use it to stash extra blankets, cushions and more!
17
Play&Go toy storage bag, The Memo
$69.95
Are you the kind of parent who takes toys wherever you go? Then you’ll love this toy storage idea. It’s a toy storage bag that opens out entirely flat, becoming an on-the-go playmat. It’s great for toys like building blocks or magnetic tiles, because once your kids have finished with them, you simply pull on the rope and whoosh, everything is packed away and in a handy carry bag you can throw into the car or cupboard.
7. How to stay on top of toy clutter
Now that everything is in it’s place and you’ve showed all those toys who’s boss, it’s time to think about ways to slow the flow of toys that come into your home and maintain order.
Here are all the things I’m trying to implement:
- Be purposeful with the toys you buy and encourage kids to record items they want on a wishlist that they can pull out for their birthday or Christmas.
- Rather than buying new toys, consider hosting a ‘toy swap’ amongst close friends or family so items can be shared between cousins, friends and so forth.
- Join a toy library and borrow toys, rather than buying them.
- If you’re lucky enough to have really generous family and friends who make it their mission to spoil your kids, consider creating a gift registry using a platform like MyRegistry.com so they can clearly see exactly which items your child really wants and needs.
- Set up a savings or investment account for your child and encourage family and friends to contribute to that rather than buying physical possessions.
- Encourage your kids to take part in an annual toy declutter.
