The endless chaos of scooping up games, books, toys, and stuffed animals from the floor is just part of the job for most parents. Kids' toys can be a challenge to organize and store. Some are large, unwieldy, and hard to hide. Others have a million tiny pieces and accessories that need to stay together. Fortunately, there are lots of great toy storage ideas that can get your kids' toys off the floor and into their proper places. From specially designed toy storage options to repurposing other household items for DIY toy storage ideas, these storage solutions will inspire you to get organized.

Toy Storage and Organization: Getting Started

Round up everything you have in front of you and begin sorting. Place toys into separate categories, such as “toys they actually play with,” “toys they’ve outgrown,” or “toys that drive you bananas.” Decide what needs to stay and what needs to go. Place broken toys in a separate pile. Place toys that are missing pieces in another pile (if you can’t find the missing parts by the time you’re done sorting, consider letting them go).

Gather plenty of boxes. Place items to be donated to charity, friends, or relatives in a box. Set aside another box for items you want to keep but your child has outgrown. Have a third and fourth box for trash and recycling. After this, only the toys you want or need should remain in the space.

If you have a separate playroom or play area in your home, consider dividing the space into dedicated activity zones, such as a craft spot or a reading area. This can help bring a sense of order to the chaos. It also makes it simpler to return toys to their proper places.

Our Favorite Toy Storage Ideas

Take a look at some of our favorite kids' toy storage ideas to keep all your little one’s playthings organized and hidden.

1. Collapsible bins

Though shelving can be a great option for storage in a small space, shelves are a commitment. Consider the advantages of portable bins that can be completely removed from a room—if, for example, you’re hosting a party or you just want to have your kids play in a different space. Collapsible bins save space when they’re not in use by folding flat for easy storage under the bed, behind a door, or on a shelf. 

The Diono Pop-Up Trash Bin is one of our favorite living room toy storage ideas – simple, yet effective. This versatile, multi-use storage container is the perfect toy storage solution for any room in the house. Thoughtfully constructed to be compact and flat-collapsing, the drawstring top keeps belongings secure from falling out. It’s also water-resistant to prevent leaks and spills (in case you ever want to use it for a trash or laundry bin).

2. Clear food storage containers

Need kids toy storage ideas for tiny parts? Small toys (like those teeny tiny Lego pieces, Barbie accessories, action figures, or small matchbox cars) can be exceptionally challenging to keep organized. We like using clear see-through containers with lids. Use a dry-erase marker to label the front of the box with what’s inside. For kids who can’t read yet, include an image with the label. These OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Set Slim Rectangle POP Containers are airtight, stackable, and space-efficient…and they aren’t just for kitchens! They’re the perfect size for organizing all those tiny pieces you don’t want to lose. They’re also dishwasher safe which makes them great for storing art supplies, as well!

3. Drawer dividers

Drawer dividers are fantastic for organizing playroom drawers or bins. If you’re on a tight budget, you can even use the top and bottom of a smartphone or laptop box as a drawer divider. The OXO Good Grips Expandable Dresser Drawer Dividers are some of our favorites. They slide from 11-inches to 17-inches to fit most drawers front to back or side to side and have a unique mechanism that allows for tool-free installation. Simply push down on the gray handle to lock the 4-inch-tall divider in place. A perfect hidden toy storage idea!

4. Toy hammocks

If you live in an apartment, don’t have a dedicated playroom, or are otherwise short on toy storage space, don’t worry. You can utilize vertical storage solutions, like a toy hammock! These are perfect for keeping toys off the floor and helping to maximize the space you do have. The Prince Lionheart Jumbo Toy Hammock is particularly great for getting kids to take the clean-up initiative and toss their toys into the hammock (instead of under the bed).

5. Car seat organizers

Toys and books are helpful to keep kids occupied when you’re driving.  A middle-seat toy organizer offers lots of storage space, but back-of-the-seat organizers may be more useful in smaller cars or when the kids are closer to the seat in front of them. 

We like the Prince Lionheart Backseat Organizer. It’s a convenient place to store all the "stuff" a family needs while on the go. Well-made and durable, it has a top storage pocket for books, toys, wipes, and more, along with three additional top pockets for various storage. It also features two bottle holders, two carabiners for attaching toys, three CD/movie slots, and a large pocket to hold additional movies!

6. Draining bins

If you’re stepping on bath toys every time you try to take a shower, it’s time to get a bath toy storage system in place. Make sure the container you choose has drainage holes of some sort so water doesn’t collect at the bottom. It also needs to be large enough to allow the toys to completely dry between uses (so they don’t get moldy). The OXO Tot Stand-Up Bath Toy Bin has a 7.1-liter capacity and can handle everything from rubber duckies to toy boats. Plus, its carefully sized hole pattern will dry them quickly. Soft, comfy handles make scooping up toys a cinch, and the elevated tray will catch any drips while drying. The bin has a non-slip base for sturdy, upright storage. Bin and base separate for thorough cleaning–just toss it in the dishwasher.

The Takeaway

Just like anything else with parenting, your toy storage solutions don’t have to be perfect. It just has to work for your family’s needs and help you maintain a reasonable level of sanity (so you don’t go bananas trying to wade through the chaos or scream in pain stepping on a Lego or Barbie shoe in the middle of the night). Coming up with great DIY toy storage ideas can and should be an activity that includes the kids – that way everyone can participate in keeping the play space clean.

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