Do your kids leave their toys all over the house? Or are you stepping on Lego bricks in the middle of the night? With toys of all shapes and sizes, it’s easy for the living room to transform into a cluttered mess, and constantly buying storage bins can cost a lot over time. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered—here are 15 thrifty toy storage ideas that will help you maintain a clutter-free space without breaking the bank.
1. Hanging Shoe Organizers
Maximize your room’s vertical space by using a hanging shoe organizer on the back of doors or inside closets. This affordable organizer is perfect for storing smaller toys, action figures, or art supplies. It also keeps them off the floor while being within easy reach for the kids.
2. DIY Repurposed Crates
Head to your local farmer’s market or craft store and grab a few wooden crates for an affordable storage idea. With a fresh coat of paint and a few decorations, you can turn them into charming storage bins for larger toys. You can also stack them and put labels on them to create a more organized storage unit.
3. Magnetic Knife Bar Toy Car Display
If your child has a collection of metal toy cars or other metallic toys, using a magnetic knife bar can be a creative way to store them. With just a few affordable materials, you can make a simple, but elegant toy car storage display in just 20 minutes!
4. Toy Rotation System
Instead of buying new storage bins, try implementing a toy rotation system. Keep only a portion of the toys accessible at any given time, while you store the rest in bins or closets. Then, you can rotate the toys periodically to keep things fresh and exciting. It’s a budget-friendly approach that keeps a clutter-free space while ensuring that the toys remain engaging for your child. And, the toys seem new again whenever you bring them out!
5. Old Bookshelves
Find old bookshelves at thrift shops or flea markets and repurpose them into fabulous toy storage units. You can paint them in vibrant colors and adjust the shelves to accommodate both big and small toys.
6. DIY Bungee Cord Stuffed Animal Zoo
Tame your child’s stuffed animals with a creative and thrifty bungee cord stuffed animal zoo. By attaching bungee cords to a wooden frame, you can create an open-air zoo where your child can easily access their stuffed friends. It’s an entertaining storage solution that doesn’t sacrifice floor space.
7. DIY Fabric Storage Bags
Sew or recycle old fabric in your home to create DIY fabric storage bags. They are perfect for storing soft toys, blankets, or items with irregular shapes. You can also customize the bags with your child’s favorite patterns to make them feel more personal.
8. Multi-Purpose Furniture
Investing in multi-functional furniture can be a game-changer. Not only does it save floor space, but it also eliminates extra costs from buying toy storage. Try to look for ottomans or coffee tables with hidden storage compartments for a stylish solution to hide toys in plain sight.
9. Reusable Grocery Bags on Hooks
Create an instant and inexpensive storage solution by hanging reusable grocery bags on hooks. These bags are perfect for sorting toys by type or category and can easily be removed and transported for playtime.
10. Tackle Box
Efficiently organize your child’s art supplies with fishing tackle boxes. These portable containers are perfect for storing crayons, markers, and other small art materials. Plus, they can be easily tucked away in a cabinet or on a shelf because of their small size.
11. Pegboard Toy Storage
Turn an empty wall into a pegboard toy storage by using hooks and pegs to hang baskets or shelves. It’s a versatile storage idea that can be fully customized depending on what toys you need to store.
12. Old Dresser Drawers
Repurpose an old dresser into a dedicated toy storage unit for a thrifty solution. Use the drawer dividers to create sections for different types of toys, ensuring a neat and organized space.
13. Mason Jars
For smaller toys like puzzle pieces or tiny figurines, mason jars can be used for easy and budget-friendly storage. Decorate them with paint and stickers for a personalized touch or label each jar for easy recognition.
14. Recycled Plastic Bottle Organizers
Collect empty plastic bottles and use them to store and organize small toys and art supplies. Just cut off the top of the bottle, put some decorations, and you have yourself a recycled organizer.
15. Mesh Laundry Bag Wall Storage
Attach hooks to your wall and hang mesh laundry bags for an easy toy storage idea. You can use it to store stuffed animals or other small to medium-sized toys. It helps keep the stuffed toys off the floor and also creates a fun display.
Maintaining an organized play space for your kids doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With a bit of creativity and DIY spirit, you can create an organized space using everyday items and thrifty storage solutions.
