The good news is that there are solutions for you as well! I’m here to give you some hope!
We’ve all seen pictures of those perfectly organized playroom closets with matching bins and labels. But what happens when you’re one of those “lucky” people who live in a home that doesn’t have a designated playroom with closets and like most of us, you have a lot of toys?
Here are some considerations to think about in order for you to decide what solution will work for your situation:
- Budget. Are you on a tight budget? Is this a temporary solution so you don’t want to spend?
- Built in cabinets or closets vs freestanding units. Is there an option to build real closets or custom built-ins? Obviously built-ins will be more costly but they maximize space better and often are more aesthetically pleasing.
- Be creative. Is there a random closet nearby that can be converted to a toy closet?
- Doors or no doors? Do you need something with doors that you can lock or open storage is fine? Open storage is generally cheaper but harder to maintain. Doors can always be closed and locked.
- Placement. Where is this storage unit going to be placed? Where do the kids play?
- Size. How big does it have to be to fit your toys?
- Large toys: Most of these units aren’t big enough to fit tons of large toys. If you have a lot of large toys consider cutting down on some. Tons of large toys can totally invade a room! Another option is to keep just a few favorites neatly on the side and keep the rest in storage.
- Aesthetics . How decorative do you want it to be? Do you want to hide the toys inside pretty baskets or keep them more exposed? You might not want your family room or living room looking like a kindergarten classroom!
Below are some options that I have used in the past that might work for you. Make sure you measure your space.
Pro tip: Put smaller items in shoe boxes and place shoe boxes vertically inside the cube storage. 3 shoe boxes fit inside 13” cube bins.
Although you don’t have the perfect playroom, there are solutions that will help you organize the toys even when you don’t have a playroom. There are a lot of considerations but once you figure out what’s best for you, the rest should be easy!
Thank you for this post, very helpful! Are those clear plastic containers the ones you recommend in general for toys? Thank you again.
Yes! I love them in general for toys. They come in various sizes, are sleek and durable.
Thanks for sharing this helpful post! Just ordered these containers for our kallax!
Thanks for your ideas! If I use the shoe box size containers for the Kallax unit, there is unused 5.5” on the side of the containers. Which containers should I put there? Thanks!
Great post! I’m moving soon to a new home and I’d love to have a post with links to bins for kitchen pantry and playroom closets!
I have these containers for toys for years! They’re excellent and durable and come in so many sizes…
What about ikea trofast? Im debating buying. Does anyone have experience
I have it and I love it!
Thanks for the ideas! @shulamis how can we follow you on WhatsApp status?
I havea few configurations of the Kallax and love it! We’ve used it for so many things over the years. You can also buy door and drawer inserts if you want to convert it for kids clothes down the line. They can also be laid on the floor and used with cushions on top (books beneath) for a reading nook. We’ve also removed all the inserts and used the frame for a centerpiece at Simchos…
The link for the 13″ storage bins is not working…
It is working on our end. Here it is again.
What a great post! Thank you,
Is there any way to share a link to these adorable apples featured on the shelves?
Thank you!