If you’ve ever stepped on a Lego barefoot, you know the struggle of toy clutter. From tiny figurines to large stuffed animals, kids’ toys have a way of spilling into every corner of the house, under couches, behind curtains, and even in the car.
But keeping toys under control isn’t just about tidiness, it’s about creating a calm, safe, and functional space where your kids can play, learn, and grow. When toys have a proper home, children are less overwhelmed, more focused during play, and more likely to tidy up themselves.
The secret? Smart toy storage. With the right products, you can not only keep clutter at bay but also encourage your children to tidy up themselves. The trick is making storage accessible, easy-to-use, and kid-friendly. Below, we’ll dive into the 10 best toy storage products, plus practical tips on how to make each one work beautifully in your home.
1. Clear Plastic Bins with Labels
Image source: Amazon
Why they work:
Clear bins are a favourite among professional organisers for one reason: visibility. Kids (and parents!) can instantly see what’s inside, reducing the chances of toys being dumped everywhere during a frantic search. Labels make it even easier by giving each toy a designated “home”.
How to use them effectively:
- Choose lightweight bins that are safe for little hands.
- Use picture labels for younger children who can’t yet read, for example, a block image for Lego or a car for toy vehicles.
- Store bins on low shelving to encourage independence.
- Avoid oversized tubs, as kids may struggle to lift or tip them over.
Best for: Lego, building blocks, cars, and puzzle sets.
Extra tip: Keep a “miscellaneous” bin for those random little toys that don’t belong anywhere else, it helps cut down stress when kids don’t know where to put something.
2. Open Storage Baskets
Image source: Ikea
Why they work:
Open baskets make tidying up a breeze. There are no lids, clips, or complicated systems, just a quick toss-in-and-go solution. This “low-barrier” approach is especially effective for toddlers who are still learning routines.
How to use them effectively:
- Use soft fabric baskets for safety in playrooms and bedrooms.
- Keep baskets in corners or under benches for easy access.
- Assign each basket a toy type: dolls in one, stuffed animals in another.
- For style-conscious parents, woven baskets blend beautifully with home décor.
Best for: Plush toys, dress-up costumes, and bulky items.
Extra tip: Rotate baskets in common areas like the living room, it helps keep shared spaces clear without constant clean-up battles.
3. Toy Storage Cubbies and Cube Organisers
Image source: Temple & Webster
Why they work:
Cubbies create clear divisions for toy categories, teaching children the basics of sorting and organisation. They also allow for flexibility, as bins can be swapped, colour-coded, or labelled as your child’s toy collection evolves.
How to use them effectively:
- Use removable bins inside cubbies to make clean-up easier.
- Assign one cubby per toy type, for example, puzzles, playdough, or craft supplies.
- Colour-code bins for visual learners.
- Anchor taller cubby systems to the wall for safety.
Best for: Families with multiple toy categories and shared play spaces.
4. Rolling Toy Carts
Image source: Big W
Why they work:
Rolling carts are perfect for families short on space. They allow you to keep toys mobile, kids can bring them into the living room for play and wheel them away when done. It keeps clutter centralised and contained.
How to use them effectively:
- Assign each tier to a specific toy type: Lego on top, colouring supplies in the middle, craft items at the bottom.
- Use labels for clarity and consistency.
- Store in a closet, laundry, or corner of the living room when not in use.
Best for: Craft supplies, Lego collections, and art materials.
Extra tip: Rolling carts also work beautifully for homework or art stations, creating a portable “zone” for creativity.
5. Under-Bed Storage Boxes
Why they work:
Beds often take up the largest footprint in a child’s room, yet the space underneath goes unused. Flat storage boxes make it possible to store toys neatly while keeping the room clutter-free.
How to use them effectively:
- Choose clear containers with lids to keep toys dust-free.
- Label bins clearly, board games in one, blocks in another.
- Reserve under-bed storage for items not used every day, such as seasonal toys or puzzles.
- Ensure bins slide out easily so kids don’t avoid using them.
Best for: Board games, bulky Lego sets, seasonal or lesser-used toys.
Check out this 40L Underbed Storage Tub on Wheels from Kmart
6. Over-the-Door Organisers
Image source: Amazon
Why they work:
These clever organisers transform vertical space into practical storage. Clear plastic pockets allow kids to instantly spot what they need without digging through bins or drawers.
How to use them effectively:
- Hang on playroom, bedroom, or closet doors.
- Dedicate each pocket to a small toy type: cars, figurines, action figures, or craft items.
- Use at kid-height so they can access toys without climbing.
Best for: Small toys that easily scatter, like Hot Wheels, Barbie accessories, or art supplies.
7. Toy Chests with Safety Hinges
Image source: Target
Why they work:
The classic toy chest is timeless. It’s a catch-all solution for larger toys that don’t fit neatly elsewhere. With modern safety hinges, you don’t have to worry about little fingers getting caught.
How to use them effectively:
- Use a toy chest only for large toys, as smaller ones get buried and forgotten.
- Combine with smaller bins inside the chest to provide structure.
- Choose styles that double as benches for extra seating in a playroom.
Best for: Bulky toys, ride-on vehicles, and playsets.
8. Bookshelves for Toys and Books
Image source: Fantastic Furniture
Why they work:
Bookshelves aren’t just for books, they’re great for displaying toys in a way that’s accessible yet organised. Open shelving helps kids see everything clearly, which cuts down on mess caused by rummaging.
How to use them effectively:
- Dedicate lower shelves to everyday toys for independent access.
- Reserve upper shelves for toys requiring supervision (like messy craft kits).
- Add baskets or bins to shelves for grouping small toys.
- Rotate toys on display to prevent overwhelm.
Best for: A mix of toys and books, especially in shared family spaces.
9. Rotating Toy Storage Systems
Why they work:
When kids have too many toys available, it can overwhelm them and reduce their interest in play. A rotation system keeps only a portion of toys out at a time, helping them appreciate what’s available and making clean-up easier.
How to use them effectively:
- Divide toys into categories and store extra sets in tubs in a closet or garage.
- Rotate toys every few weeks for a “new” playtime experience.
- Use this system to reduce clutter stress while keeping play fresh.
Best for: Families with limited space or kids with large toy collections.
10. Personalised Storage Solutions
Why they work:
Personalised bins or baskets give kids a sense of ownership and responsibility. When they see their name or colour-coded bin, it becomes clear where their toys belong. This works especially well in households with multiple children.
How to use them effectively:
- Assign one bin per child and label it with their name or photo.
- Use colour-coding (e.g. blue bins for one child, green for another).
- Encourage kids to tidy “their own bin” at the end of the day.
Best for: Shared playrooms or families with multiple children.
Tips for Making Toy Storage Stick
- Keep it simple: The fewer steps, the better. Kids are more likely to use easy systems.
- Declutter regularly: Donate or rotate toys your child has outgrown.
- Routine matters: Make clean-up part of bedtime or pre-dinner routines.
- Model the behaviour: Kids learn best by watching you put things back in place. When you tidy, they’ll follow.
Toy clutter doesn’t have to overwhelm your home. With the right mix of storage solutions, you can create a play environment that’s functional, stylish, and, stress free, while encouraging your kids to tidy up independently.
Remember, toy organisation isn’t about having a “perfect” playroom. It’s about setting up systems that make life easier, reduce stress, and help your children build lifelong habits of order and responsibility.
Ready to turn toy chaos into calm?
Book your free consultation with Ducks in a Row Home Organisation and let’s create a toy storage system that keeps your home tidy and your kids happy.
