How To Create Order From Chaos In Your Kid's Bedroom
I have to confess at the outset that, despite having several toy storage boxes, shelves and such like, my daughter's bedroom has a tendency to look like a complete mess. I live in hope though, that one day she'll suddenly get the tidy bug and reform. Mind you, it's taken me over 40 years to get to that point, so I'm not optimistic.
There are times, however, that the toy storage units do get used and the room looks great. Having enough places to store toys is a perennial problem for parents, so this lens is designed to offer practical solutions. What it won't do is tell you how to get the kids to pick up the toys and tidy them away. That problem is yours to solve!
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Toy Storage - What Type? Part 1
How to decide
Once you know what you can afford, how do you choose what to buy?
Please scroll down for part two.
Wooden Toy Boxes And Chests
Child's Wooden Toy Box Chest - Pecan Finish
Great for safety, with ventilation holes and hinges that let the lid down gently.
Amazon Price: $99.99 (as of 07/10/2009) 
KidKraft Limited Edition Toy Box - White
A beautiful toy box which doubles as a seat for little ones.
Amazon Price: $141.97 (as of 07/10/2009)
Toy Treasure Chest - Honey
Gorgeous rubberwood chest in a warm shade.
Amazon Price: $179.99 (as of 07/10/2009)
Guidecraft 1st Impressions Toy Box
Pretty pastel colors, non toxic and perfect for the nursery.
Amazon Price: $160.00 (as of 07/10/2009)
Lipper International 598 Toy Chest
Toy chest and bench in one, in a natural color to suit any room.
Amazon Price: $137.66 (as of 07/10/2009)
Canvas & Fabric Toy Storage
LifeStyle Soft & Sturdy Toy Box
Soft, durable, lightweight and roomy, this innovative design has a fabric container with plastic sides and lid.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009)
Whitney Design Big Kids Cotton Canvas Storage Cube
A simple storage cube in bright primary colors.
Amazon Price: $12.99 (as of 07/10/2009)
Boon Green Oval Animal Bag
A large plush bag with windows, perfect for storing soft toys. Doubles as as seat and is washable.
Amazon Price: $39.99 (as of 07/10/2009)
Sassy Soft Sided Toy Organizer
A surprise with this toy organizer - the front opens out to reveal an activity mat.
Amazon Price: $34.98 (as of 07/10/2009)
Toy Storage - What Type? Part 2
Taking the child and safety into account
If you have older kids who are boisterous then pop-up bins or plastic boxes are unlikely to survive for long; however it could be argued that it's cheaper to replace them than a quality piece of furniture that the kids have wrecked.
Please scroll down for part 3.
Toy Organizers With Removable Bins
Children Multi Color Crayon Style Wooden Shelf with 5 boxes
Fun and colorful crayon design with five removable boxes.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009)
Storage Shelf with Solid Bins
Wth this useful organizer, kids can easily see what is stored in the toy bins
Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009)
Whitmor 6437-1523-DS 12-Bin Organizer, Pastel Colors
Pretty pastel colors for this easy-to-assemble organizer.
Amazon Price: $82.33 (as of 07/10/2009)
Toy Storage - What Type? Part 3
Matching toys to types of storage units
Large toys are easy to get at if they are in a big open toy box, although this can also mean they get dusty.
For small toys, small boxes are best, otherwise it's almost impossible for the child to find what they're looking for. Plus the toys at the bottom simply won't get played with.
If the toy boxes need to be moved regularly, get ones with wheels to make it easier.
Please scroll down for part 4.
Just For Girls
Disney Princess Toy Box
A delightful toy box featuring some of Disney's most memorable princess characters.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009)
Glamour Girl Toy Box Couch
A dramatic toy box/couch for your little star in the making.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009)
Little Mermaid Toy Organizer with 9 Bins
Your little girl will love to sort her toys into this pretty blue unit.
Amazon Price: $69.98 (as of 07/10/2009)
KidKraft Nantucket Toybox w/pink cushion
Sweet and girly pink and white storage bench.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009)
KidKraft Hello Kitty Storage Stool
Pretty toy storage box combined with a useful step.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009)
Great Toy Storage For Boys
Levels of Discovery All Star Sports Toy Box Bench
Featuring a real chalkboard, this toy box bench is a must for sports fans.
Amazon Price: $135.95 (as of 07/10/2009)
Blue/Yellow Toy Box
The sturdy, chunky design of this chest will appeal to your little boy.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009)
BATMAN TOY BOX
Caped Crusader box for your wannabe superhero.
Amazon Price: $89.99 (as of 07/10/2009)
Levels of Discovery Firefighter Toy Box Bench
This fabulous toy box features a large sliding door and tiny characters on fire poles.
Amazon Price: $152.95 (as of 07/10/2009)
Toy Storage - What Type? Part 4
Making good use of space
If you think you will require more storage in the future then look for a modular system that can be added to.
Wall shelves, while they have less capacity, are good for displaying favorite toys or trinkets.
And don't forget that must have storage item that most children need - a bookcase.
Take your time and do some research before you buy and you'll be able to decide what type of toy storage is right for you, and how much of it you need.
Pop-Up & Collapsible Toy Storage
Baby Boom Backyardigans Pop Up Storage Chest
Bright and appealing design for little kids.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009)
Kangaroom CTC01096BLKRLG Collapsible Toy Chest, Blue, Large
Innovative large soft collapsible chest with lots of room. Also comes in pink.
Amazon Price: $45.00 (as of 07/10/2009)
Frog Toy Chest Hamper, Cube and Waste Basket set
Toys and more can be stored in this fun set.
Amazon Price: $34.99 (as of 07/10/2009)
Sassy Flower Pop Up Organizer
Flower power rules! Brighten up a bedroom with this colorful pop-up.
Amazon Price: $19.99 (as of 07/10/2009)
Hanging Toy Storage
Kids Soft Side 15 Pocket Organizer
Space-saving design which can be hung over a bedroom or closet door.
Amazon Price: $19.99 (as of 07/10/2009)
Learning Resources CD Storage Pocket Chart
A cool way to store cds.
Amazon Price: $13.95 (as of 07/10/2009)
Jokari Kids' Stuff Weekly Hanging Organizer
Designed to help kids get organized every day, this can double as a storage are for plush toys.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009)
Toy Storage - What I Use
And it's proved a worthwhile investment. My daughter has one of those beds on high legs so it fits neatly underneath. As she outgrows her toys I plan to replace the plastic boxes with baskets, more suitable for a teenager. It's well constructed so I'm sure it will last for years to come.
In addition, she has a small shelving unit in one corner of the room, used to display ornaments, a bookcase, a pop-up bin and a couple of plastic boxes on wheels. It's more toys and so storage units than I would prefer, but it will change with time (I hope).
Miscellaneous Toy Storage
Xtra-Large LEGO Storage Bin w/ Lid - Yellow
A must for construction toys that come in small pieces.
Amazon Price: $15.95 (as of 07/10/2009)
Safari Toy Chest
Stunning handcrafted and hand painted chest which has casters and internal dividers for ease of use.
Amazon Price: $200.00 (as of 07/10/2009)
KidKraft Puzzle Book Shelf - Primary
Fun bookcase in primary colors that will brighten up any kid's bedroom.
Amazon Price: $92.58 (as of 07/10/2009)
Useful Links
- Family Den - Where Families Matter
- Informative articles on home and family life.
- Build a Toy Box
- Full instructions on how to make a toy box.
- HomeEnvy - Faux-finish toy chest
- Give your toy box a unique decorative finish.
- Remodeling : Installation / Building : Toy Box and Seating Bench : Home & Garden Television
- Pat Simpson and Jodi Marks build a combination toy box and seating bench.
- Parenting Toolbox
- Regain control of your home and your family life. Join the exclusive membership club of the ParentingToolbox.
Leave a Message - I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Arcade-Games wrote...
My wife and I love the Boon Animal bag. It is a great way to hid the tons fo stuffed animals my boys had on their bed. And now we have a chair.
Posted April 09, 2009
a_willow wrote...
Great lens! And I gonna lensroll it right away on three of my toy lenses: '0-12 Monts: Top 10 Educational Toys', '1st Birthday Gifts List' and '2nd birthday Gifts List'!
Posted August 17, 2008
jennyaglow wrote...
Check out these real wood storage cubes at www.viatoybox.com. Talk about one handed clean up! Plus, organize behind colors and shapes.
Posted July 29, 2008
lisadh wrote...
Great selection. Now if I could just get my kids to pick up their toys...
Posted January 23, 2008
by LynnM
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