Part 1
Finding an appropriate way to store your child's toys seems like a never-ending problem. You might spend an afternoon piling everything into a toy box, only to come back 20 minutes later and find that your children have emptied it all over again, in search of something all the way at the bottom.
So, are you doomed to live in a cluttered and disorganized space simply because there are children (and their toys) in the house? Or could there be a better way?
I went out to some of my trusty mommy blogs and DIY pages in search of clever, unexpected, and really stylish toy storage solutions, and boy are there some real winners out there!
I've assembled all of my favorites, and I'm so excited to share them with you. Indoor toys, outdoor toys, tub toys, magnetic toys... There is a solution to anything and everything.
You're guaranteed to get some good ideas from this list. Happy planning!
Stylish Under-the-Bed Train Table
f you have a child going through a train phase, you already understand the headaches associated with storing all those wooden tracks and rail cars.
This family built a genius under-bed pull-out train table and storage drawer. Visit source...
Source: babyology.com.au
Kiddie Car Parking Garage
Outdoor toys are an excellent way to encourage exercise, but storing outdoor play equipment poses a unique problem.
This family built a covered parking garage for all those toy cars and tricycles that otherwise end up left on the lawn. Visit source...
Source: momendeavors.com
Dress Up Headquarters
his adorable setup was constructed by a clever mom looking for a way to keep all those dress-up clothes and accessories organized.
She built a miniature wardrobe to house her daughter's princess gown collection. Visit source...
Source: aturtleslifeforme.com
Barbie Organizer
Once your child is into dolls, you can expect the collection to grow exponentially. It can be a real challenge keeping the dolls organized, or easily within reach.
This blogger used an over-the-door shoe storage solution. Easy, inexpensive, and highly practical. Visit source...
Source: agirlandagluegun.com
Rolling Toy Storage
Toy cars and trucks have a way of, well, rolling out of sight. This blog shows you how to construct a rolling cart which can be loaded up with cars and trucks, then slid under your child's bed.
No more nighttime hallway trip hazards! Visit source...
Source: lizoncall.com
DIY Creative Bookshelves
This family created low-profile corner bookshelves by cleverly using rain gutters.
This way, books can be easily reachable, and prominently displayed without taking up any floor space. Visit source...
Organized Playroom Storage
This family demonstrates the complete playroom makeover. This is definitely a larger scale construction project, but just take a look at the pictures. Clearly all that work paid off. Visit source...
Source: thesunnysideupblog.com
Matchbox Car Garage
Matchbox cars are exactly the kind of toy that gets lost or forgotten due to its small size, and ability to roll away.
This clever mom constructed a wall-mounted matchbox car garage. Look how neat and color coded the whole thing is! Visit source...
Source: aloandbeholdlife.com
Nerf Storage Ideas
This blog offers up several different solutions for storing Nerf guns. Everything from a wall-mounted rack, to a miniature gun cabinet are among the choices.
There's going to be one that works for your home! Visit source...
Source: agirlandagluegun.com
Bath Toys Organizer
Bath toys can be a real challenge: they need to be kept dry and organized, but that's hard to do when they're in a tub all day.
By using a tension rod and some plastic baskets, this family solved the problem nicely! Visit source...
Source: cleverlysimple.com
Hanging Bed Organizer
If you're handy with a sewing machine, check this project out! This is a bed organizer with pockets which disappear underneath the comforter.
A great way to keep favorite toys and books close by without cluttering a nightstand. Visit source...
Source: sewmamasew.com
Game Board Storage Art
This is brilliant! Board games can take up a lot of space, but not if you turn them into wall art.
By framing the game board and attaching a bag with the game pieces to the back of the frame, you can store all your games and their pieces as art displays. Visit source...
Source: infarrantlycreative.net
DIY Functional Storage Idea
This blog is offering up plans for a DIY storage shelf made from a wood frame, and plastic bins which can slide out like drawers.
The possibilities are endless, and this would work in any kids room. Visit source...
Source: shanty-2-chic.com
Organizing Outside Toys
Outdoor toys are especially susceptible to getting lost, broken, or just terribly disorganized.
This mom used a wire rack and several shiny metal buckets (with lids!) As a way to organize chalk, bubbles, jump ropes, sand toys, and everything else for the backyard. Visit source...
Source: domesticcharm.blogspot.com
”Peek-A-Boo” Toy Sacks
Believe me, there are days where I want to just shove all the toys into bags and call it a day, but then the kids can never find anything.
This mom came up with "peekaboo bags" with clear panels so kids can see what's inside. Problem solved! Visit source...
Source: makeitperfect.com.au
IKEA Toy Storage
Attention IKEA lovers! This blogger made great use of some modular shelving to create a toy storage cabinet that looks like custom built-ins.
You can follow along with how she did it on her blog. Visit source...
Source: hometalk.com
Shelves Toys Storage
Those who are looking to do a complete room overhaul can get a lot of inspiration from this blog.
This mom's decorating and organizational skills are quite enviable, and she takes us on a virtual tour of her beautiful playroom. Visit source...
Source: hellobabybrown.com
Wood Bins Toys Storage
Target hack! This family found a way to slide affordable wooden storage bins from Target into a small bookshelf, and in doing so created highly organized toy storage. Visit source...
Source: farmfreshtherapy.com
Cube Toys Organizer
Here's an example of a mom keeping it real. We don't all have playrooms, so how do you keep toys organized when they are spread out among your living room, and the kids' room?
There are some great ideas here. Visit source...
Source: makinghomebase.com
Organized Playroom
Full playroom storage plan. Devoting an entire room in your house just to toys and play can be setting yourself up for a real mess.
However, if you start out with an organized space like this, there will be far fewer headaches . Visit source...
Source: clutterbug.me
Bookcase with Toy Storage
Ready to show off those carpentry skills? This is a DIY guide to building a bookshelf with handy toy storage compartments along the bottom.
I love furniture with more than one function, and this is a great example. Visit source...
Source: rogueengineer.com
Rustic Toy Storage
Those who enjoy a more rustic or country look will absolutely love this DIY tutorial. Step by step, you will be walked through how to build this storage shelf with roll-out toy bins. Visit source...
Source: housefulofhandmade.com
Train Table with Storage
Some of these IKEA hacks are so clever. This family figured out how to take a piece of storage furniture, and turn it into a train table with toy storage bins beneath. Visit source...
Source: thecrazycraftlady.com
Drawer To Under Bed Toy Box On Wheels
Another genius under bed storage IKEA hack. This tutorial walks you through how to construct a large wooden IKEA Ben, place it on casters, and paint it up to match your child's room theme . Visit source...
Source: grillo-designs.com
Lego Minifigure Display And Storage
Is there anything more inherently lose-able then Legos? This family has a brilliant workaround for that.
By using an IKEA frame, and clever placement of Lego bricks, they have created wall-mounted Lego mini figure storage. You have to see this one! Visit source...
Source: frugalfun4boys.com
Teddy Cubby and Reading Corner
Here's another bit of furniture pulling double duty. On one hand, this square stool makes a comfy corner reading spot, but remove the upholstered lid, and you'll find four storage bins located inside. Visit source...
Source: ikeahackers.net
Matchbox Hotwheels Storage
This is definitely one of those "Why didn't I think of that?" projects.
This family simply attached multiple magnetic strips to their child's playroom wall, and now they can easily store everything from matchbox cars to small metal action figures. So simple, so smart. Visit source...
Source: keepingupwiththesouths.com
DIY Dress-Up Closet
An IKEA bookshelf converted into a pint-size dress-up closet complete with a mirror. This is a really cute idea, and actually helps enhance imaginative play. There's even a little spot for headbands. Visit source...
Source: rainonatinroof.com
Big Toys Storage Solution
Tackling the problem of big toys that won't necessarily fit in a toy box, this family has come up with a shelving solution which keeps everything organized and well within reach. Especially helpful for toy trucks. Visit source...
Source: justagirlandherblog.com
Bath Tub Toy Storage
A great solution for bath toy storage which keeps everything organized, dry, but still well within safe reaching distance when your little ones are ready to play in the tub.
Just a minimal bit of DIY and you're all set. Visit source...
Source: blueistyleblog.com
Bunk Bed Stairs with Storage
Talk about thinking outside the box! This family uses a series of storage cabinets which ascend in height to create a staircase for the upper bunk bed.
Now, their kids have a safer way to get up and down, and a whole lot of storage space. Visit source...
Source: ikeahackers.net
DIY Doll House Book Case
This family participated in a DIY bookcase challenge and brought a lot of creativity to the table. By making just a few strategic changes, they made their bookcase look like a dollhouse. Really cool! Visit source...
Source: thediyvillage.com
Car Storage Ideas
If you have a fan of miniature cars in your life, I'm guessing you also have several dozen of those cars all over your house.
This blog has compiled a list of ideas for DIY car storage. Check them out, and see what you find. Visit source...
Source: agirlandagluegun.com
Doll Storage
Doll storage can get a bit tricky, especially since dolls come in all shapes and sizes.
This blog will take you through how to construct an under bed storage container which is large enough to accommodate your little one's growing doll collection. Visit source...
Source: iheartmygluegun.com
Wire Ball Bins
If you're not exactly the DIY type, never fear. You can just as easily point, click, and shop for attractive toy organization solutions like these antique style wire baskets. Visit source...
Source: crateandbarrel.com
Toy Storage System Hack
Another family getting super creative with IKEA hacking, this blog will show you how to create a multipurpose toy storage shelving unit out of things readily available through IKEA.
Keep your hex wrench handy, and get ready to build. Visit source...
Source: ikeahackers.net
DIY Recycled Toy Storage Bin
Looking for something that is both budget and earth friendly? You won't do much better than this: recycle your sturdy paper shopping bags into toy storage bins.
Maybe just a little bit of paint and paste to spruce them up, and you're good to go. Visit source...
Source: hellowonderful.co
Sports Gear Box
If you find yourself constantly picking up sports gear that was left lying just inside your front door, this mom feels your pain, and has a tutorial for how to build the perfect storage box for all those bats, hockey sticks, ice skates, and football pads. Visit source...
Source: pennypinchinmom.com
Fabric Storage Basket
This mom made great use of oversized, hinge top jars to store all those little toys like blocks or Legos.
Clear see-through jars mean easy access for kids, and easy cleanup. Visit source...
Source: makeit-loveit.com
Painted Toy Jars
If you're the crafty type, this blog will teach you how to create sturdy and durable fabric storage bins which can be placed anywhere and everywhere they are needed.
There are great way to keep things up off the floor. Visit source...
Source: anightowlblog.com
DIY Pallet Board Pool Toy Storage
Pool toys are made to be used and abused, but they can still benefit from proper storage. Those with carpentry skills can build a storage rack from old wood pallets.
Eco-friendly, and keeps your backyard organized. Visit source...
Source: smartypantsmama.com
DIY Matchbox Car Storage
Those familiar with PVC pipe can make a really clever storage solution for matchbox cars. Each "cell" holds one car, keeping them within easy reach, and also turning them into wall decor. Visit source...
Source: thegraciouswife.com
Toy Shelves from a Used Tire
Your little fan of cars and trucks will love this thematic toy shelf. By affixing the shelves inside a tire, this mom made it perfectly on-point car storage space for her son's room. Visit source...
Source: spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com
DIY Repurposed Can Lego Head
Love this! By repurposing a large empty jar of cornstarch, this mom turned it into a Lego head. Now there is a fun and friendly place to keep all of those tiny blocks. Visit source...
Source: organized31.com