84 Practical Toy Storage Ideas that Actually Work Big Time

Written by Lee Orlian
Interior designer & co-founder of Teepee Joy.

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

If 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

This 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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

 

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…

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…

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…

”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…

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…

 

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…

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…

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…

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…

 

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

 

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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

Hanging Storage Bins

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…

Toy Box with Casters

This DIY toy box tutorial will show you how to make a movable, rolling toy storage bin with a soft bench top. This will go great in any kid’s room, and can easily be moved around. Visit source…

A Collector’s Shelf

Cardboard wall-mounted toy shelves for the little collector in your life. Those not comfortable working with PVC piping can achieve the same result by working with sturdy cardboard tubing.

Check out the results on this blog. Visit source…

Source: pysselbolaget.se

Puzzle Organization

Puzzles can get lost and disorganized very quickly. This blogger shows you a great way to jump on it early, by using plastic containers for each individual puzzle.

Simply cut out the picture on the lid and attach it to the front of each container. Visit source…

Crap Buckets

Gotta love the name of this project: “crap buckets.” In other words, brightly colored and clearly labeled buckets arranged along the stairs where parents can place all the things their kids leave around, and kids can then pick up their bucket and put everything where it belongs. Visit source…

Metal Hanging Fruit Basket

As part of an overall bathroom renovation, these parents came up with the idea to use a hanging wire fruit basket as a clever form of bath toy storage.

The water can easily drain out, and the toys have a chance to dry between play times. Visit source…

Source: 8footsix.com

Wall Clipboards

Not necessarily toy storage, but still a necessary storage solution when you have kids around: papers.

This mom attached several clipboards to a wall in her home, and each one can be used to display important school information, calendars, etc. Much better than trying to stick them all to the fridge. Visit source…

Smart Storage for Small Toys

Small toy storage can be particularly challenging. This blog will show you a clever use of mesh bags to keep everything organized. I like this because you can still see what’s inside the bags while keeping everything contained. Visit source…

Arts and Crafts Supplies Organizer

Art supplies! If you’re not careful, they can take over your entire house. This blogger had the great idea to use an over-door shoe storage hanger as a way to keep all those markers, paints, colored pencils, and everything else in its own place. Visit source…

Creative Toy Storage Ideas

This family is working with a shared space. There is no playroom per se, it’s more like a corner of the living room.

So, to keep everything organized, they had to get creative. You can see all the cool tips and tricks here. Visit source…

Hidden Storage and Train Table

A coffee table that converts into a train table, Lego table, playspace, etc. This is another great solution for families that need to blend playspace with living space.

No need for a separate room, just so long as you have a place to put the toys. Visit source…

Source: thekimsixfix.com

Hanging Rack for Play Clothes

Storage for dress up clothes! This blog will walk you through how to build your own hanging rack for play clothes, with a wide base for storing all those little odds and ends. Visit source…

Source: ana-white.com

Wood Crate Toy Storage

Learn how to construct a shelf using readily available wooden crates. By attaching them altogether, you get extra space for books, stuffed animals, action figures, or anything else cluttering up the floor in your children’s bedrooms. Visit source…

Bath Toy Organization

A tension rod, colorful plastic baskets, and a few clever clips are all you need to create this DIY bath toy storage solution. This is a very cute idea for addressing the bath toy storage conundrum. Visit source…

Clear Toy Storage Bags

Sometimes, bags really are the easiest and most convenient way to store toys. This mom came up with a way to make clear bags with drawstring closures so that kids and parents can still see what’s on the inside.

Sewing directions on the blog. Visit source…

Portable Kids Bookshelf

No DIY required. This lightweight, portable shelf is available from Amazon and can be shipped right to your door. We don’t always have the time or technical know-how to build things from scratch.

This is a great alternative. Visit source…

Source: amazon.com

KidSpace Toy Organizer

Here’s another ready-made solution. This rolling toy bin is large enough to accommodate some of those extra fluffy stuffed animals, but super easy to maneuver thanks to the casters on the bottom. Visit source…

Source: wayfair.com

Westcote Blue Toy Box

This is really beautiful – it looks like an heirloom piece. This ready-made toybox is available through this website and makes a quick, easy, and very attractive toy storage solution. Visit source…

Source: cotswoldco.com

Fabric Storage Cube

Those fabric storage cubes are so handy for so many things, but you can be somewhat limited in colors and patterns. Unless of course you make your own. Here’s a tutorial on how to do exactly that. Visit source…

Source: hometalk.com

Realistic Playroom Organization

I love this! This family is taking a realistic, whole room approach to organization. They don’t expect you to be a genius with sewing, carpentry, or anything else.

These are just good solid tips for how to get organized. Visit source…

Green X-Large Lego Storage Drawer

Got a Lego fan in your life? They’ll absolutely love this giant green Lego brick storage drawer. Of course, you’re welcome to store anything in it, but I tend to think it’s perfect for Legos. Visit source…

Unicorn Shaped Wicker Storage

Pottery Barn always comes up with the most creative stuff! This beautiful wicker basket is shaped like a unicorn, and has a perfectly neutral color theme. It will really work well in any room. Visit source…

DIY Peek-A-Boo Toy Storage Bags

A sewing tutorial for how to create fabric bags with clear plastic panels so you can easily see what’s inside.

Pair these with a few colorful wall hooks, and boom! Everything’s up off the floor! Visit source…

Source: heytherehome.com

DIY Wooden Toy Crate

Step-by-step instructions for how to make a DIY wooden toy crate. You can make this look as rustic or as refined as you want. A good beginning carpentry project, as there aren’t too many tricky details here. Visit source…

Reading Nook with Storage Bins

This is amazing! A seldom used closet has been turned into a reading nook, complete with comfy bench and plenty of books storage. There is even space for toy storage bins along the bottom. Visit source…

Multitier Wooden Storage Shelf

Here’s a good weekend project to help get a bedroom organized. This blog will take you through this DIY how-to guide on building your own multitier wooden storage shelf.

Plenty of room for books, toys, and everything else. Visit source…

Fabric Storage Bucket

These freestanding round toy storage buckets can be easily sewn at home. I do love these storage solutions with the clear plastic panels, so kids (and you) can easily see what’s inside. Great for quick easy organization. Visit source…

Source: mellysews.com

Under Bed Storage Box

This DIY guide will show you how to create an under bed storage box with a hinged top. A bit of carpentry know-how is required, but even if you are a novice, I think this guide does a very good job of taking you through step-by-step. Visit source…

Easy, Affordable Uniform Storage

Follow along with this family as they completely redo their child’s room. They are addressing every aspect of a room renovation, including toy storage. Some really clever ideas here. Visit source…

Suitcase Kids Toy Storage Idea

Too cute! Older style (read: flat) suitcases are painted up and converted into under bed toy storage. Super easy project, and very easy for kids to access. Plus, it adds a ton of personality to the room. Visit source…

Stylish DIY Toy Storage Ideas

For those who need to store toys in the living room, or anywhere else they will be on prominent display, this blog has you covered with a selection of modern and stylish toy storage solutions. Visit source…

Source: hometalk.com

Playroom Benches with Storage

This family had two challenges to address: playroom seating, and extra storage. Their solution was to build a long corner bench with individual storage compartments underneath. Best of both worlds! Visit source…

DIY Toy Chest That Doubles As A Toy

I love it when toy storage can double as a toy itself. This DIY guide will instruct you on how to build a toybox that also serves as a city skyline backdrop for superhero missions, busy cars, or metropolitan tea parties. Visit source…

Source: shelterness.com

Flip Down Wall Art Desk

Floor space is at a premium in many homes, so I absolutely love this idea of a flip down desk, complete with space for art supply storage. It provides a nice neat workspace, without crowding the room. Visit source…

Source: ana-white.com

DIY LEGO Storage

If your child is into Legos at all, I’m willing to bet you have thousands and thousands of them in the house. This family address the problem with a really cool use of hanging buckets and a specialized play table. Visit source…

Hoopla

If you’re good with a sewing machine, this project might be a godsend. By combining a sturdy hoop with a sewn fabric bag, you’ve now created a clever toy storage solution which can hang right on the back of a door. Visit source…

The Matchbox Organizer

This hanging car display has plenty of room for your little ones favorite vehicles, and can easily be hung over the back of the door, or on a wall. Just a little bit of sewing required to make this super adorable addition. Visit source…

Magnetic Toy Storage with Pizza Pans

So many toys are magnetic, and it can be challenging finding a safe place for them to be stored.

This mom came up with the genius idea of simply attaching a few metal pizza pans to the wall, and letting her kids stick the magnets all over them. Amazingly easy! Visit source…

I am always so impressed by the clever and creative ways people are able to bring both order and fun to their kids’ playrooms.

Hopefully, somewhere in and among these dozens of excellent ideas, you found something that will work for your home.

If something on this list inspired you, please be sure to tell me about it in the comments. I can’t wait to hear about your next project.