We’ve all been there: that sharp, pain-inducing crunch of a LEGO brick underfoot at 2:00 AM. As much as we love seeing our kids dive into creative play, the “toy-nado” that follows can make even the most organised home feel cramped.
Whether you’re drowning in half-finished masterpieces or tripping over bulky play kitchens, the secret isn’t just cleaning up; it’s about creating a system that works for your family’s rhythm. Here are our favourite toy storage ideas to help you reclaim your floor space.
Storage bins, boxes & labels
The biggest mistake in toy organisation? Using deep, opaque chests where toys go to die. If kids can’t see it, they won’t play with it, or worse, they’ll dump the whole bin out just to find one specific dinosaur.
So, to try and make your life easier, and tidying up at the end of the day quicker, why not invest in some clear stackable boxes? The transparent sides will let your kids see exactly what is in each box and will help you see what should go in what box when cleaning up. Also, get boxes that aren’t too deep, otherwise they’ll still try to empty the whole thing for their favourite toy.
When you’ve chosen your boxes, consider how best to label them. For older children, written name tags should suffice, but for younger kids who can’t read yet, we recommend using picture labels instead. Simply tape a photo of the toy to the front of the storage tub so they can identify its contents easily. For all those many LEGO sets, why not cut out the front of the box or tape the assembly instructions to the box instead? That way, they’ll know exactly what goes where.
For small toys, look at getting boxes with pre-built dividers in them, or make some DIY ones from cardboard, so everything has its place. You can even get dedicated Lego storage sorters for all of those tiny accessories that usually get lost under the sofa.
If you’re looking to store things away, check out our Box Shop for heavy-duty boxes and labelling kits that survive even the most energetic toddlers.
Rotation systems that work
If your little ones seem bored with playing with their toys, you don’t need more toys; you need fewer toys available at once. Toy rotation reduces “choice paralysis” and makes old toys feel brand new again.
One way to rotate your toys is with a weekly swap. Mix up your little ones’ toys and separate them into 4 piles before storing them in 4 different bins. Then, keep 25% of the toys out and the rest tucked away out of sight, like in a cupboard, loft or garage. Every Sunday (or whatever day works for you!), simply swap out the bins for a new one, rotating the different boxes every week.
You can also consider seasonal swaps, which are especially helpful for larger toys. Look at storing outdoor toys like water trays and paddling pools, as well as bulky sports gear, that are mainly used in the summer. It’ll help keep your house and garden feeling tidy during colder months, and bring the novelty back when you get them back out again. Storing them in your garage or a storage unit will also keep them protected and in good condition for when the sun comes back out.
Display vs store
For the LEGO enthusiasts, the struggle is real: do you break the set down or display it?
For displaying your, or your kids’, LEGO… consider a glass-fronted unit or floating shelves with clear cloches for your favourite completed sets. This keeps them not only in perfect condition and on display but also safe from younger siblings’ stray hands and from dust.
If you’d rather break down each set so it can be re-built, or for all the bricks to be mixed together, there are a few ways to store your LEGO. One option is to just have one big box that your little ones can delve into to find the perfect piece. Or you could sort and store the LEGO pieces by colour, which would make it easier to find, but also could be more time-consuming to tidy at the end of the day. Or, look at using a play mat that cinches into a storage bag, so once your children have finished play, pull the drawstring to clean up in a second.
Other smart storage options
The issue with LEGO and other toys is that they can take up so much space. So, if you’re tight on square footage, look at the dead zones in your home – spots that you wouldn’t think to use for storage. For example, under the bed, there could be loads of room that is just ready for some slim rolling bins, ideal for children’s book storage and flat board games. Alternatively, look at over-the-door storage such as clear shoe organisers. These are a genius and easy way to store toys like dolls, action figures or craft supplies, as they not only keep the floor clear but also use up vertical space.
When to use a storage unit
Sometimes, no amount of decluttering or clever storage ideas can fix a lack of square footage. If your guest room has become a toy graveyard or you’re tripping over a massive dollhouse that your child isn’t quite ready to part with, a small self-storage unit is a game-changer.
When talking about seasonal swaps, a storage unit is perfect for bulky outdoor toys. Think trampolines, bikes, sledges and even ski equipment; any seasonal items that take up precious space in your home and garden. A storage unit would allow you to keep them dry and protected, as well as stored out of sight but easy to access.
If you already have children and might have another, you probably have all their baby things stored in the attic or in your wardrobe, ready to be reused. But, it could be a while before you need them again, so why not use a storage unit instead? You can choose the size that works for you and store everything from clothes and toys to prams and cots, ready for them to be used when the time comes, or even sold in good condition if you change your mind.
You might be thinking of moving house, and a storage unit can be the biggest help. Not only could you use it to store your belongings during house viewings so your house looks pristine, but it also makes the house move easier. You can store the less important items before the move so you have less to move, and then slowly bring out a few boxes at a time to sort and store in your new home.
FAQs
How to keep LEGO sets together?
At home, you can store the set in a small plastic bag, like a food bag, or a small plastic tub with all the bricks and the instruction manual. Or, when using a storage unit, store the instruction manual and specific bricks in a heavy-duty Ziploc bag before placing them in a storage box with other sets. Both of these options prevent “set drift”, where pieces end up in the general brick bin.
What size unit for bulky toys?
For most families, a 9sq. ft. or 15sq. ft. unit (about the size of a large cupboard) is plenty for seasonal gear, a few bikes, and several large bins of toys. To get a better understanding of what size unit would work for you, use our simple size estimator tool.
Tips for shared rooms?
Colour-code! Assign blue bins to one child and red bins to the other. This can also work for hangers, drawers and bedding! It helps define boundaries and makes clean-up time a personal responsibility.
Ready to clear the clutter?
Stop moving the mess from one corner to the other. Try a small, flexible storage unit to act as your home’s “overflow” cupboard. It’s affordable, secure and -best of all- out of sight.
