Keeping kids’ toys in order can be a real challenge . . . but with these DIY playroom storage ideas, you’ll have them organized in no time! If you like organizing toys on a budget, check out these projects below.
I know that keeping kids’ toys in order can be a full-time job. I grew up with four brothers . . . and even though we didn’t have a ton of toys, it was still hard to keep everything together. And, as kids, we could never find anything! I can’t imagine how my parents felt.
Playroom Storage
Since I know that so many of you have playroom storage and toy organization woes, I pulled together a collection of 25 playroom storage ideas that will help you pull it all together.
All of these ideas for getting organized are budget friendly and most only take a few minutes to make. But first you’re going to need to know where to start!
Getting Started
Before you know what you need to buy or make, you’re going to need to know what you have. Sort everything into four piles: Keep, Donate, Trash, or Put Away. This is also your chance to remove broken toys and clean up the board games. Make sure the games have all the pieces!
Once everything makes it into piles, you’re going to sort the “Keep” pile into categories as well. Put all the games together, Legos, dolls, cards, etc. This will help you visually assess what size storage bins you need for each category.
Where to Shop for Toy Storage
The best places to shop for playroom storage on a budget are IKEA, Dollar Tree, and the thrift store. IKEA has a lot of bins and baskets that are easily modified to fit your toy room.
Dollar Tree has buckets, plastic containers, plant hangers, over-the-door shoe holders, and other items that have a different original purpose than storing toys . . . but it’s very easy to make them work to fit your needs (and it’s cheap!)
The thrift store is perfect for finding jars, baskets, filing cabinets, and old dressers that you can give a new life with a little bit of paint, Mod Podge, or washi tape. Keep your mind open as you shop the thrift store. If it’s an item that can hold something, how can you modify it to fit your needs?
When all else fails, Amazon, WalMart, and Target are my go-to places for toy storage. You’ll end up paying a bit more money, but sometimes that’s necessary, especially when you’re storing items of an unusual size. Just keep your eyes open for sales!
Are you ready to see some DIY playroom storage ideas? Scroll down and let me know which is your favorite. If you have other brilliant tips for playroom storage, don’t forget to let me know in the comments!
Playroom Storage Ideas
Keeping kids' toys in order can be a real challenge . . . but with these DIY playroom storage ideas, you'll have them organized in no time!
Sewn and Stenciled Canvas Bins
Sew these easy canvas bins and add designs of your choice using a freezer paper stencil and fabric paint. OR you can buy the canvas bins and still add the designs to indicate what toys go in which bins.
Magnetic Rack Toy Car Storage
Use a magnetic kitchen rack from IKEA (like one used to hold knives) for cars and other metal items.
Superhero Mason Jars
Angie took regular mason jars and made them 100% more fun with plastic characters and spray paint. These are a great way to store smaller toys and pieces or parts to games, characters, etc.
Decoupage and Painted Wood Storage Bin
Add fun, bright colors and patterns to a plain wood storage bin to make it fun for the playroom. You could put books in it or corral some small toys.
Stuffed Animal Corner Cage
Have a stuffed animal population problem in your house? Make this adorable stuffed animal corner cage to make storage fun and easy.
You don’t need to be a skilled carpenter to make this either! Stuffed animals can easily be played with in this storage solution as well, which makes justifying keeping all of them much easier!
Vintage Chifferobe Turned Toy Storage
Kristen rescued this vintage piece and completely made it over for toy storage. It's great for kids' costumes and other dress up items.
Recycled Bin LEGO Storage
Have you ever stepped on a LEGO? Then you've experienced the ultimate in pain. Keep them wrangled by turning plastic food bins into unique containers for your LEGOs. All you need is a little bit of paint!
Storage Bins on Wheels
Carolina made over these storage bins and added wheels – with the added benefit of cushion seats. This crates can be purchased from the craft store, and you'll be shocked at how much they hold.
Kid's Table and Chair Set with Storage
Learn how to make this cute table and chairs for your kid's playroom. The top of the table slides open to reveal storage for some of those itty bitty toys.
Stuffed Animal Storage Pouf
Make a canvas storage pouf that you can fill with soft toys like stuffed animals. This photo shows it in a family room, but your kids could use it to lean on when playing or reading a book in the playroom!
Kid Kitchen with Spice Racks
Ashley organized her daughter’s play kitchen using spice racks and kitchen organizers. Play kitchens are hard to keep organized, and these items really help so the goodies don't get out of control.
DIY Kids Book Storage Bin
Get an easy tutorial to make your own DIY kids book storage bin to add a new dimension to your playroom. FREE cut guide provided.
Upcycled Comic Book Action Figure Storage
Give all of those action figures a home of their own. Upcycle a tin and decoupage it with comic book pages!
Stuffed Animal Storage from a Plant Hanger
This upcycled storage idea from Dinah is brilliant! She used an old plant basket and painted it to store stuffed animals.
Chalkboard Crates for Toy Storage
Add wheels and chalkboard paint to wood crates for some easy-to-identify (and mobile) storage. You can write whatever should be in the crates on the front so kids can help easily put away.
Shoe Organizer Toy Storage
Leanne is brilliant – she used a shoe organizer to capture small toys and items. Plus it's nice and out of the way on the back of a door (think closet!).
Book Storage
Earlier you saw a vintage chifferobe remade into toy storage. You can really do with with any piece of furniture. This book storage used to be a TV stand in another life!
Cardboard Bookcase
Reuse boxes as bookshelves! You have to see how Kristen turned some boxes into these sturdy bookshelves that hold a lot of kid's books.
Peek-A-Boo Storage Bags
Sew these storage bags with clear vinyl panels so that you can see what’s inside. These are perfect for games with larger pieces that you can easily hang out of the way.
Playroom Update with Storage Benches
Abby made these toy storage benches to line the playroom – not only do they provide storage, but also seating!
Play Food and Kitchen Supply Rolling Storage
Every play kitchen has TONS of toy foods and supplies. Gather them all in a DIY rolling wire bin (no tools needed). I like that you can see into the bin so it might be easier to find items you want!
Card Storage from Plastic Containers
Use travel soap containers for small items such as cards and crayons. Because we all know that the original boxes to the cards get torn up and thrown away!
LEGO Wall Storage with Buckets
Krissy used this pail system to organize LEGOs, but you could use it for a variety of things. Makes it really easy for kids to help clean up.
What are your best playroom storage ideas? Let me know in the comments! Are you ready for some additional posts about organizing? Check these out below:
Cord Organizers • Craft Supplies • Desk Organizers • Dorm Room • Jewelry • Kitchen Storage • Pantry Organization • Organizing Jewelry Supplies
Kristen | A Thrifter in Disguise
Monday 24th of February 2014
Thanks, Amy! Our chifferobe looks so cute over here at DIY Candy! :)
Marni @ Haberdashery Fun
Thursday 16th of January 2014
Hi - Thanks for the feature on my canvas toy bin!! Love your blog.