Creating Storage in Your Kids Space
Sneaky ways to store stuff
By Angela Gibson
Smart moms know that the difference between a well-organized, “pottery barn” perfect playroom and a disaster area scattered with all sorts of kiddie clutter hinges on on thing: storage and plenty of it!
The majority of playrooms today just are not equipped with the necessary storage to create order from chaos and to make it easy for our kids to keep it that way. Most of us are resigned to a couple of floor baskets, a top shelf in the closet, and an occasional, modestly-sized bookcase for storing our children’s collections. Both you and I know, that’s just not going to cut it! So how do we reorganize and provide a place for everything in an attractive yet budget-wise manner?
Getting Started
First of all, you must UP the quantity of storage receptacles. The best way to streamline clutter is to have a designated (labeled) storage container for each grouping of toys. And lots of toys require lots of containers. Most people choose to include some sort of wall storage system within the playroom, and, for this, there are several ways to go. If you can afford them, the modular storage systems sold by Pottery Barn, Company Kids, Land of Nod and other retailers are fantastic and stylish options. But you can easily create your own attractive and functional storage area without spending a bundle.
Customize
There are so many options when it comes to kids’ storage that you can even customize the look based upon the decorative style you prefer. Stackable wire or plastic crates might work well for a contemporary/modern dcor, while painted/stained cabinetry or bookcases with fabric, metal, or plastic storage bins might appeal to those with a more traditional decorating style. You can find bins with built-in labeling solutions: attached mini-chalkboards, clear plastic openings for paper card inserts, or smooth plastic areas just waiting for your black sharpie!
Depending on the level of quality and amount of money you wish to spend, you can find wooden bookcases or stackable wooden cubes at unfinished furniture marts, hardware stores, or discount retailers, like Walmart or Target. Don’t forget about resale options: consignment stores, Ebay, craig’s list, or your neighborhood yard sale! Used items can be repainted to match the color scheme you’ve chosen.
Organization
Group your bookcases together to form one wall unit, or let them flank another large item within the room, such as low television console. Your child’s most popular toys should occupy these prime storage spots, placed neatly within a cube or on a shelf, or tucked away within a colorful storage bin with other like items. Again, the items your child plays with most often should be housed in these highly accessible locations. But all other toys need homes, too. Just lining up rows and stacks of toys against the walls occupies the open space where you want your children to spread out and play, creates a cluttered look, and results in inexact and inefficient clean up. But where, oh where to put all the toys?
To avoid overfilling your space, try to find creative solutions. For example, make use of the vertical space on your walls. You might consider adding floating shelving above existing bookcases or low television consoles. These shelves are great for decorative items but are also useful for storing toy/craft items that require adult supervision (markers, glue, scissors, or games/toys with small pieces that can be hazardous for younger children). These items can be grouped accordingly and stored in small fabric bins or decorative cardboard boxes. If you have a daybed or small sofa in your playroom, you might consider adding underbed storage boxes to store assorted dress up costumes, board games, or collections of small toys (small plastic dinosaur collections, a set of small wooden blocks, or a grouping of baby doll clothing and accessories).
Max out your closet space by adding inexpensive wire shelving, which you can easily pick up at your local hardware store. The accessible middle and lower shelves are great for storing medium to larger toy items like your daughter’s animal farm and silo or your son’s mega-sized fire truck. Upper shelves are great for board games and even keepsake items like photo albums, scrapbooks, or baby books. A row of plastic or metal bins at the very bottom of the closet is great for housing various balls, stuffed animals, baby dolls, and like items.
Also, try to customize your storage selections to the type and size of your kids’ toys. The main floor area of your playroom will be occupied by the largest toys in your children’s collections: a girl’s kitchen or dollhouse, a boy’s tool bench, an easel, a train/activity table, and whatever furniture/seating you’ve set aside for this room (a day bed, window bench, a child’s rocking chair, a bean bag, etc). These larger pieces often provide great areas to store items that would otherwise take up space elsewhere. For example, the kitchen should house as many of the food/dishes/pots & pans as possible, while the tool bench should store the power tools, safety goggles, and assorted nails, nut, and bolts from your son’s collection. If you find there are too many tool toys than the space will hold, consider hanging some real peg board with hooks behind the tool bench to expand the storage area.
Get Creative
Some larger toys and furniture pieces can do double duty. I have seen bookcases shaped as doll houses. And train tables can be outfitted with trundle boxes underneath to hold train sets or other display sets with figurines (ie. toy soldiers, a pirate ship set, a castle/knights set, etc.) Some craft tables have a built-in shelf under the table for housing art supplies. There are also storage ottomans and window benches that lift up to reveal a hidden toy box beneath. Choose the storage items that best fit your space and particular needs.
Finally, know when enough is enough. If you have exceeded your maximum storage volume, then perhaps it’s time to pack up the toys your kids have outgrown. These can be transferred to the attic, basement, or can be passed on to a relative or neighbor. Toss out any broken or damaged items that are no longer functional or which pose a hazard to your children. Encourage your children to sort through their toy collection every year and choose at least 3 toys (hopefully more) with which they are willing to part to be donated to a local charity. Often children’s hospitals, orphanages, and women’s shelters hold an annual used toy drive.
