If you’ve read the previous toy storage post, you now have an understanding of some basics. But what about the playroom? Or the limited space of an apartment or child’s bedroom? It is time to take a closer look at toy storage for the home.
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Small Spaces
Having a smaller space means everyone can quickly become overwhelmed with toys.
Don’t be afraid to put some playthings in long term storage and rotate them out every so often. This will eliminate the amount of everyday toys that will need to be stored and keep toys fresh and interesting for children.
Utilizing every inch of available space is key for small spaces.
Under the bed boxes work well under most sofas as well as the bed. And three to four will fit under a twin sized bed. These can be catch all for toys or serve as flat shelves.
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$9.28
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Description: 39 1/2" x 20 1/4" x 7" |
Description: 24" x 16" x 7" |
Shoe boxes or bins can fit inside the larger totes to separate and organize toys. Board books store nicely in smaller, flat boxes and can make it easier for little ones to see covers in order to choose the book they like. This beats having all the books pulled off the shelves either for fun or since toddlers can’t read spine titles.
Consider the closet as part of the floor plan.
Most have a depth of at least 24 inches, which is enough for a single square shelf. Take advantage of this space, though. If the closet is wider and can accommodate a bigger shelving unit, go for it in order to save space. As a bonus, closet storage (read: toy mess) can be hidden with a close of a door.
Avoid placing toys on high shelves. This makes them enticing for little ones and will encourage climbing in an unsafe way.
Playrooms
If you are lucky enough to have a designated playroom for your kiddos and their toys, you know that this space can be overwhelming as well. It can easily become a pit of playthings if there isn’t adequate storage.
A common mistake people make is they buy shelving units first, then try to make what they have fit.
Parents usually then find out they needed more bin storage instead of flat space – or vice versa.
Alternatively, take inventory of the toys first. Decide what will be stored together and if they require bins or a flat shelf. Based on those needs, choose the best storage system for that space. As mentioned in Toy Storage for Children Under Five, KidKraft, Trofast, and cube storage are my go-tos.
Kitchen Area
A play kitchen can take up a significant footprint in the playroom.
Most don’t have suitable storage for all the accessories that go along with playing chef.
For this, a smaller shelf like this Trofast from IKEA works great. We keep a large bin for food, one for pots and pans, and two smaller bins for utensils and oven mitts or other accessories. Shopping baskets, cash registers, or small appliances store on top.
Play Table
Most playrooms include some sort of table. If yours doesn’t, consider these:
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$93.90
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$89.99
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Whether it doubles as a train or block table or it is a simple table and chair set, figuring out its placement can be challenging. If your table includes storage space for tracks or blocks, that gives you a leg up on stowing those pieces. Otherwise, consider bins nearby.
Art supplies are also a good idea to keep near the play table. Coloring books, crayons, and paper work well placed on flat shelves. Keep crayons in a pencil box or Lock N Lock for easy access and to avoid ripped boxes. Depending on the type and quantity of art supplies you feel comfortable providing, another Trofast type shelf can work here.
Use large bins for tracks or blocks and shelf inserts for the art.
Books
Creating a corner that is just for reading, being cozy, or taking a break from play can easily become a favorite space.
Use a beanbag shell stuffed with blankets and/or stuffed animals to provide a comfy place to read, but also a way to keep stuffies from taking over.
Keep books in soft baskets on the floor to allow children to easily choose a book and put it away. Older toddlers may enjoy having pop-its or other quiet sensory toys in this space as well.
A loft for this area can create more floor space for play.
Other Toys
There are a variety of toys on the market of varying shapes, sizes, uses, and interests. It would be impossible for me to be able to store all of them in one single post.
However, when you think about the toys you own, it should become clear which type of storage you will need. Parents of younger children will benefit from customizable storage that will change as the toys change.
Final Space
Children need space to play. Having a place to store toys not in use makes sure children aren’t overwhelmed and over-stimulated. Creating a home for toys will eliminate stress for parents as well.
Having trouble with a specific space that I didn’t cover? Leave a comment or send me a message!
Teachers stay tuned for classroom storage!
