Kids' Storage
From LoveToKnow Kids
Walk into your child’s bedroom, the basement or playroom and you might find toys strewn all over the floor calling out for kids’ storage help.
Steps Towards Kids’ Storage
Take some time to go through your child's toys before storing them.
Sort
Some of the items taking up space are either broken or no longer played with. By sorting through the toys, you gain a more manageable selection to store.
Start with tackling the never-ending pile of toys. Create “groups” for:
- Donating to your favorite charity
- Storing for a future child
- Tossing in the garbage
- Keeping
Toys to Store
If you plan to have another child, purchase storage bins at Target or Wal-Mart and label them:
- Crib toys
- Toys age 1
- Toys age 2
- Toys age 3
Only keep the toys in good condition that your children played with often. Have a bin for each age group so as your next child grows you can find the age appropriate toys.
Toys to Toss
Sort through all the broken toys and throw them away. Don’t look back. If toys are in bad condition and your children no longer play with them, add them to this pile.
Missing Parts
While sorting, start another pile with missing pieces so you can find the toys they go with. Use empty baskets to keep small parts in.
Look at the brands of toys which are incomplete. Some companies allow you to purchase individual parts. If it was a good toy that you want to keep, call the manufacturer and see if you can get replacement parts. If you no longer want the toy and choose to donate it, attach a note that says “missing pieces available by calling: 555-555-5555.”
Donations
Put your give-away pile straight into a large box. Toys your child stopped playing with make great donations. Other children will appreciate your gift. If your kids are older, involve them in the process to show them the benefits of volunteering.
Kids’ Storage
Now that you have thinned out your pile of toys, it is time to find each toy a home. Divide the toys into categories, such as puzzles, tools, blocks, games, ride-on toys, play food, balls, and so on. Keep similar toys together.
Closet
If you have an extra closet, look at creating a “toy closet” to keep all your child’s playthings. Home Depot has closet organizing furniture to utilize your space.
If you do not have a closet or need more room, shelves work great. If you need to hide the toys, think of purchasing a wardrobe to place in the corner of the room.
Pottery Barn offers some great ideas on kids’ storage.
Toy Boxes
Toy boxes work well for hiding toys. However, it is easy to mix all the toys together, and the toys at the bottom can get lost or broken. If you use a toy box, sort through it monthly to rotate the toys.
Baskets
Baskets have multiple uses. Use them to store and organize toys. Use a basket for each of the following categories:
You can place baskets on shelves in a corner or under a side table, or you can move them from room to room.
Bookshelves
Bookshelves are great for storing board games and larger toys. If you have room, use the bottom shelf for toys with small parts or similar items that you keep in baskets.
Wire Cubes
Wire cubes which you assemble are perfect for a tight budget. Assign each toy its own “cube”. Baskets work great with this storage unit as well.
Storage Containers
Target and Walmart often run specials on their storage containers. They come in a variety of sizes and are great for sorting toys and stacking. Purchase the clear containers so your child can see what is inside.
Under the Bed Storage
Make use of the space under the bed with long, thin storage containers. Three or four should fit under the bed. If you know a carpenter, create a bed frame with storage underneath including toy cabinets, shelves and drawers.
Don't spend hours sorting and storing toys only to start over the next week. Labeling shelves, baskets and containers helps your children know where each item belongs. If they are not reading, print out pictures of the toys and tape or glue them to the containers.
To keep your toy room uncluttered, put toys away before bedtime each night. Involve the children by choosing a “clean-up” song and taking three to five minutes every night to tidy up.
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