Sometime around January, we are all looking for toy storage solutions. New toys come in after the holidays, and the clutter consumes our thinking. As a mom of three, I feel this every year. But good news. I have found promising toy storage solutions to help our house function. In this post, you will learn great ways to declutter unused kids’ toys and easily contain puzzle pieces, Legos, and that toy car you just tripped over in your living room. Small spaces will appreciate how we contain board games, and young artists will swoon over the art cart to store their favorite craft supplies.
Eek! This is one of my favorite topics of the year. Let’s dive in. I separated each category so you can easily find what you are looking for. Use the Table of Contents to get to your toy storage solution.
RELATED: Looking to craft that perfect playspace? We don’t have a big home, but we claimed a room as an opportunity for a kid’s workspace to grow over the years. Here is how we organized the space to grow over the years.
How to Declutter Toys
I am going to be upfront and call it how it is. Decluttering Day isn’t my favorite. It takes momentum and time to sort and transfer unused items to a new home. However, finding the perfect space for all the parts and pieces is like a breath of fresh air. And since I don’t have the luxury of calling in a professional organizer, I am here, too, heating my tea for the second time today and cheering us on. Let’s do this.
- Remove – First, take everything out of the room.
- Sort – As you remove a toy, sort them into categories. Use laundry bins or a large table to help you sort.
- Donate – Next, add a box or bag for donations. I like to put toy donations directly into my car to eliminate them from the new organization. Donation ideas are children’s hospitals, schools, churches, daycare, schools, and new families in your neighborhood.
- Don’t Linger – Do not spend too much time on each toy. Ask yourself if it gets played with and if it encourages open-ended play. Here’s a great article explaining why fewer toys are better to help you to let go!
- Find the Right Container – Once everything is sorted, place it into its contained place. (The best storage ideas are listed below.)
- Create Play Zones– Create zones within your home, playroom, or toy area. This will create a flow to smooth out playtime.
RELATED: I wrote about setting up a quiet time for kids to use as a guide to encourage more independent play at home and a midday break.
How to store a lot of toys
Clear bins, storage spaces, and shelves are a great way to simplify toy storage solutions. The clear containers all have tight lids that are tricky for most toddlers to get into to help with small pieces.
Remember, children do not need many toys. Fewer toys allow more time to focus and play without distractions. Use open shelving when you can so your child knows what is available.
On the other hand, I loathe open bins that act like a catch-all. Sorted toys get played with more often. Do not let the clutter of your children’s toys get the best of you. Here are solutions that work.
PRO TIP: If your child cannot reach a toy, they will not play with it. Keep toys at eye level and easy to get to.
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Puzzles and Game Boards
The best way to store puzzle pieces and games that need a new home is in this thin, stackable, portable case I found on Amazon. These bins are a great place to keep puzzles and games so the boys can take them out and put them away independently.
Games I have fit in these storage containers:
- Don’t Break the Ice
- Laser Maze
- Memory Match
- Sequence for Kids
- Ticket to Ride Kids
- Trouble
When storing puzzles, I like to cut the picture off the box tops and place the puzzle or game pieces into the storage bag. You can also use these storage bags (shown below) to stand upright for easy access. We used these before discovering the thin clear bins.
Find our favorite family games in this list of beginner board games for kids and my favorite puzzles for toddlers, preschoolers, and big kids in this puzzle list.
RELATED: Get the full instructions on organizing puzzles with this Genius Hack for Puzzle Storage.
Puzzles and Game Boards Organization
Have you seen these thin stacking containers that help with puzzle pieces and games your family enjoys? I am so excited to share these with you!
Puzzles and Game Boards Organization
This 12-pack is another way to get your organizing party started.
Lego storage
Do Legos need to be sorted by color? Nope. Color sorting didn’t stand a chance during the pandemic. However, selecting a storage location that allows Legos and other supplies to be put away has been the answer we needed to keep everything in one place. Some families like to sort by color, type, sets, or nothing at all to have a large collection of random pieces to shift through.
RELATED: Lego storage needed an entire post. Here is everything you need to know about Lego storage.
Lego Storage Bins
When you are just starting out, these bins are a good idea for color sorting all that LEGO, so you don’t end up stepping on them.
Lego Storage
If you have the space, the IKEA Trofoast is the perfect place to store Legos. We recently transitioned to this, and the boys built on the floor space or on top of the shelf.
Small toy storage
Calling all small parts and pieces toy clutter! This is your solution for all the little things. Both of the options below stack with the other clear storage boxes, making the most efficient use of your space.
Suggestions for the small toy organizer:
- Action figures
- Craft supplies
- Counting bears (IYKYK)
- Toy cars
- Tiny toys
Small Toy Organization
These bins (shown above) from The Container Store are what we used when I needed to make sure the lid was on tight. Most little kids need assistance with opening, which helps offer another layer of protection for multiple ages and stages at home.
Small Toy Organization
These clear containers are new to us for 2024. Use them to contain card games, crayons, dice, and other small parts and pieces you cannot find a home for.
A little larger toy storage
This shoe box is a lot like the accessory box, only a rectangle with the dimensions 13″ x 7-1/2″ x 4-1/4″ h. You can securely stack the boxes for efficiency and still easily access toys. There is a discount on case-quantity purchases.
Use this size storage container for:
- Alphabet letters
- Markers
- Pipe cleaners
- Stamps
A little larger storage 1
This is the storage container I found at the Container Store with a secure lid. This is a great option if you have young children.
A little larger storage 2
I found these storage bins this year on Amazon. They fit in the art cart and are great for containing markers, pipe cleaners, paint brushes, and watercolors.
Magnetic tiles organization
Magnetic tiles are another toy with two solutions offering a dedicated space. The first option is in this bin. Keeping magnetic tiles in a bin with a lid helps grab them to take on the go for your next road trip with kids.
Magnetic tile storage cart
This rolling cart is my favorite way to store magnetic tiles. It allows an extensive collection of tiles to be stored and rolls from room to room if needed. This is a functional system for small spaces.
Large bulky items
Do you have large bulky items like Duplos, train tracks, and HotWheels? This deep bin is a great size to contain them and bring them into another room if you need a little distraction as you cook. This bin also comes with a lid that closes tightly.
Transportation Toys
In addition to trucks and Paw Patrol vehicles, we have a few planes and trains. I scoop them all up to store in a giant metal container from Home Depot. Once set up, I add a transportation label to the front of the bin. I found this large bin at Home Depot in the gardening section.
Other toy storage solutions for train tracks and Hot Wheels are laundry baskets without holes. Laundry baskets are helpful because you can pick them up and bring them to the room your child would like to create. My toddler and preschooler played with these toys a lot in the kitchen and family room, and the laundry bins help keep cleanup more manageable.
RELATED: Here are our favorite lists for open-ended toys.
Art storage
Love to create? Here is how we store art supplies for kids. Having a place for the boys to design has been so important for us to include independent play into our day. We keep most of our art supplies in here except paint. (I mean, obviously, right?) Here are 50+ art activities for kids to spark ideas.
RELATED: Here are five ways to display kid’s artwork.
Art cart
This art cart is one of my favorite things I set up for the boys when they were younger. They turned to art and crafting on most days when we were bored and stuck inside.
Soft toys and stuffed animals
Soft toys and stuffed animals mean a lot to children. They provide security and a comfy hug. After many attempts to contain and organize, this over-the-door organizer is our favorite toy storage solution for soft toys.
Soft toys
This art cart is one of my favorite things I set up for the boys when they were younger. They turned to art and crafting on most days when we were bored and stuck inside.
3 Goals for Toy Storage
1. Try not to overthink how to store toys in your home.
Years ago, my toy storage solution was beautiful baskets. Beautiful baskets looked beautiful until they got crushed. – Real-life with kids. I now understand that a couple of baskets here and there add character, but the everyday storage needs to stay in a transparent container with a lid.
Toy storage should be:
- Findable – Easy to locate.
- Fitting – Properly fit what is being stored.
- Reachable – Have a designated spot your child can reach in the room.
If we keep these key tips in mind, we can properly store our toys and allow play to be more accessible to our children.
2. Think about what needs to be contained first.
Next, think about what is not working.
- Do the Legos need a new home?
- How about games and puzzles?
- Maybe it is the art supplies?
Start with what seems to be spilling out everywhere and taking up the most space instead of trying to do everything at once and getting overwhelmed.
3. Don’t purchase it all on day one.
That’s right! To think I could walk into a store and purchase everything I need for our playspace is an expensive thought!
Instead, I start small and look at online selling groups to see if someone has what I am searching for. Often, someone is ready to donate or sell what I desire for a fraction of the price.
Take a close look at our storage solutions and make a small purchase at a time. Once the first category is organized, continue to build on it.
RELATED: What toys last? Take a peek at our favorite forever toys!
What to Put in Baskets
I know – I said I used to have all my toys stored in baskets. But the truth is I love baskets! Sprinkling storage baskets around add comfort to your play space.
Do you know the BEST place to find great baskets? Goodwill. Every. Single. Time. Stop in, and you will be amazed at what they have.
Toys we store in baskets:
- Baby toys
- Foam blocks
- Lacing beads
- Paper tubes
- Recycled art supplies
- Wooden colored blocks
Start Slow When Organizing Your Toys
Think about what absolutely needs to be contained, then begin to find a few storage boxes within your budget and build on your collection over time. Which toys will you find a storage solution for first?
A BUNDLE OF OUR BEST RESOURCES
it’s like Mary Poppin’s bag – full of great ideas to inspire you and your kids with play!
You get an amazing bundle including:
- The Starter Guide to press restart on your days.
- 2 Sets of Activity Cards for activities when you need them.
- The WONDER Course: More Play, Less Stress for You and Your Child.
Looking for New Toys?
Frequently Asked Questions
Remove: Take everything out of your room.
Sort: As you remove a toy, sort them into categories.
Donate: Add a box or bag for donations. I like to put donations directly into my car to eliminate them from the new organization.
Don’t Linger: Do not spend too much time on each toy. Ask yourself if it gets played with and if it encourages open-ended play. If yes, place it into a category. If no, place it directly into the donation bin.
Find the Right Container: Once everything is sorted, place it into its contained place. Container ideas are below!
Zoning: Create zones within your playroom or toy area. This will create a flow to smooth out playtime.
Store toys in a transparent bin or open shelf that is easy for a child to reach. Store small toys in a transparent container with a lid to keep them enclosed.
Hi, I love this idea! I was wondering, though, how secure the lids are. I have an almost 2-year old & I’d rather her not be able to open some of them. 🙂 What would you think? Thanks!
Hey Rebekah!
Yes, these lids are super tight! My guess is your two-year-old will need some help because my 3.5 still needs a little assistance opening them. 🙂
I would love to know where the storage cabinet in this photo comes from. I love how it has doors that hide stuff on the bottom and the open shelves on top. Thank you!
Hi! I had the cabinet custom built by a builder in the area. It has been life-changing to keep everything in one place.