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Toy Storage Ideas

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic (by 14 people)   Your rating: 1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic

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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

There are many different toy storage items out there; toy boxes and chests; pop-up bins; cabinets and benches; shelving units and more. They can be made from wood, plastic, canvas and other fabrics. They can have fixed shelves, removable bins or be modular. They can take up lots of room, be placed on a wall or be tucked into a corner. They can be economical, expensive or somewhere in between.

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 10/08/2008)

KidKraft Limited Edition Toy Box - White

A beautiful toy box which doubles as a seat for little ones.

Amazon Price: $118.59 (as of 10/08/2008)

Toy Treasure Chest- Honey

Gorgeous rubberwood chest in a warm shade.

Amazon Price: $168.00 (as of 10/08/2008)

Guidecraft 1st Impressions Toy Box

Pretty pastel colors, non toxic and perfect for the nursery.

Amazon Price: $160.00 (as of 10/08/2008)

Lipper International 598 Toy Chest

Toy chest and bench in one, in a natural color to suit any room.

Amazon Price: $125.00 (as of 10/08/2008)

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: $47.16 (as of 10/08/2008)

Whitney Design Big Kids Cotton Canvas Storage Cube

A simple storage cube in bright primary colors.

Amazon Price: $12.99 (as of 10/08/2008)

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: $59.99 (as of 10/08/2008)

Sassy Soft Sided Toy Organizer

A surprise with this toy organizer - the front opens out to reveal an activity mat.

Amazon Price: $37.41 (as of 10/08/2008)

Toy Storage - What Type? Part 2 

Taking the child and safety into account

First of all think of the age and temperament of your child, plus any safety issues. Personally, for a toddler's bedroom I wouldn't use anything that hangs, such as a soft toy hammock. I'd be worried they got hold of it - rope or string can be dangerous to a young child. A wooden toy box may not be ideal at this age either if it has a heavy lid - think trapped fingers. Ouch. So make sure it has a slow-closing hinge or a light lid. A light lid also makes it easy for a child to escape if they have gone into the box and the lid has closed on them.

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 10/08/2008)

3 Bin Wood Rack

A great space-saving, neat toy organizer.

Amazon Price: $34.74 (as of 10/08/2008)

Whitmor Kids’ 12-Bin Organizer - Pastel

Pretty pastel colors for this easy-to-assemble organizer.

Amazon Price: $69.99 (as of 10/08/2008)

Tilt Bin Storage Unit

Nine bins with lids to prevent spillage, yet clear to see what's inside, plus an optional safety wall attachment.

Amazon Price: $256.05 (as of 10/08/2008)

Toy Storage - What Type? Part 3 

Matching toys to types of storage units

Next, match the storage you need to the toys you have. A pop-up storage bin won't be much use for toys with edges; soft toys are a better option for that type of unit.
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 10/08/2008)

Levels of Discovery A Star Is Born Toy Box Couch- Pink/ Black/ White

A dramatic toy box/couch for your little star in the making.

Amazon Price: (as of 10/08/2008)

Disney Little Mermaid Toy Box / Organizer

Your little girl will love to sort her toys into this pretty blue unit.

Amazon Price: (as of 10/08/2008)

KidKraft Nantucket Toybox w/pink cushion

Sweet and girly pink and white storage bench.

Amazon Price: $66.09 (as of 10/08/2008)

KidKraft Hello Kitty Storage Stool

Pretty toy storage box combined with a useful step.

Amazon Price: (as of 10/08/2008)

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: $127.28 (as of 10/08/2008)

Train Toy Box

Your little boy can pretend he's an engine driver with this cleverly-designed toy box.

Amazon Price: $126.00 (as of 10/08/2008)

Little Tikes Sort and Store Toy Chest

The sturdy, chunky design of this chest will appeal to your little boy.

Amazon Price: $86.99 (as of 10/08/2008)

BATMAN TOY BOX

Caped Crusader box for your wannabe superhero.

Amazon Price: $89.99 (as of 10/08/2008)

Levels of Discovery Firefighter Toy Box Bench

This fabulous toy box features a large sliding door and tiny characters on fire poles.

Amazon Price: $127.89 (as of 10/08/2008)

Toy Storage - What Type? Part 4 

Making good use of space

Lastly, take into account the existing room space. There's little point in buying a large toy storage unit if it takes away a chunk of the play area. Corner units are useful if you lack space, as are hanging shelves that can go into a closet or onto the back of a door. Another way to use space wisely is to combine the furniture you need with storage.
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 10/08/2008)

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 10/08/2008)

Frog Toy Chest Hamper, Cube and Waste Basket set

Toys and more can be stored in this fun set.

Amazon Price: $27.99 (as of 10/08/2008)

Sassy Flower Pop Up

Flower power rules! Brighten up a bedroom with this colorful pop-up.

Amazon Price: $17.99 (as of 10/08/2008)

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 10/08/2008)

Learning Resources CD Storage Pocket Chart

A cool way to store cds.

Amazon Price: $12.17 (as of 10/08/2008)

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 10/08/2008)

Toy Storage - What I Use 

Over the years I've used mainly plastic storage boxes and pop-up bins for my daughter's toys. I found though, that they quickly became damaged. So, I decided to invest in a pine storage unit on wheels which holds six removable colored toy boxes.

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 10/08/2008)

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 10/08/2008)

KidKraft Puzzle Book Shelf - Primary

Fun bookcase in primary colors that will brighten up any kid's bedroom.

Amazon Price: $48.37 (as of 10/08/2008)

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. 

a_willow

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

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

Great selection. Now if I could just get my kids to pick up their toys...

Posted January 23, 2008

cityslickermom

love your lense, really deep thinking and fresh idea. Are those idea could be implemented to the educational toy? many thanks.

Posted December 10, 2007

sara08852

Great ideas. Lensrolled you on my baby bedding lens.
Sara

Posted September 08, 2007

 
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LynnM

About LynnM

Hello! My name is Lynn, I live on the east coast of Scotland, I'm a parent and work from home.
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