How to Organize Large Toys to Make More Room for Play

Learn how to organize large toys like a pro! These tips can help you maximize space in your kids’ play areas and store their favorites efficiently.

When finding options on how to organize large toys doesn’t necessarily mean buying lots of new storage items. You can repurpose things you already own, like shelves or baskets, and even make it a fun DIY project.

Don’t worry too much about getting it perfect from the start; organizing is a process that you and your kids or grandkids can learn to love over time. Helping your young ones enjoy cleaning up by using containers that are kid-friendly is a great way to teach organizing to your family.

What is the best way to organize large toys?

There are many ways to store large toys. But first, you need to decide: do you want to hide them or display them?

If you don’t have much extra space in your home, the first option is to keep them out of sight. You can use multi-functional furniture or bins that can slide under beds or fit into closets.

But remember, not all storage needs to be hidden. You can also keep a few of your kid’s favorites out, turning them into a fun display.

Choose a spot where the kids spend most of their playtime. Common choices include open shelving in the playroom, the top of a dresser in a bedroom, or a small table in the corner.

Large toy organization ideas

Let’s look at a few fun and easy options for keeping toys from taking over a room in your home.

1. Large Baskets

Family rooms tend to become messy because this is where everyone spends a lot of time in.

They’re a shared space for family fun—watching TV, playing games, or just relaxing—so they accumulate items from every family member.

Are there too many toys lying around in your family room? It’s easy for things to be left out, especially when everyone is having fun.

Using baskets is a great way to gather up toys, keeping a room neater. The trick is to pick sturdy baskets that can easily hold these items without things falling out and back onto the floor.

MINTWOOD Design Extra Large 22 x 14 Inches Decorative Cotton Rope Basket, Blanket Basket Living Room, Laundry Basket, Woven Basket, Toy Storage Baskets Bin, Round Basket for Pillows, Towels – BrownWhitmor Espresso Woven Strap Shelf Storage Tote Basket, 1 Count (Pack of 1)GZHOK Hand-Woven Storage Baskets Wicker Rattan Divided Basket Organizer for Drawer Baskets for Organizing Cabinet Coffee TableBellagio-Italia DVD Storage Binder, Classic Set – Stores DVD Cover Art – Acid-Free Sheets – 1-Pack, Stores up to 48 DVDs, CDs, or Blu-Rays, BlackFJZFING Collapsible Dog Pet Toy Box Accessory Storage Bin with Handles, Organizer Storage Basket for Pet Toys, Blankets, Leashes, and Embroidered Dog Toys GreyStorageWorks Storage Bins, Extra Large Closet Storage Bins for Organizing, Fabric Storage Baskets with Handles, Rectangle Storage Baskets for Closet, Natural Color, 2-Pack

 

2. Plastic Totes

My grandkids love trucks, the bigger the better. I find that a simple solution that works great is using large storage bins as a toy box.

Not only are they sturdy and durable, but they hold a surprisingly large amount. And it’s kid-friendly, so even toddlers can pick up their toys at the end of playtime.

3. Under-the-Bed Storage

An area that tends to get overlooked as a storage option is under the bed. You can use storage bins or totes to hold extra toys allowing you to rotate what your kids have to play with.

You can purchase totes with wheels or without. If you have carpet in the room, wheels are not needed as plastic totes will slide quite easily on a carpeted surface.

Before purchasing totes, be sure to measure the height so you know the clearance space. This will allow you to purchase the best size so it is easy to pull out and push back in again.

Here are few options:

Fulpower Under Bed Storage with Wheels, 2 Pack Under Bed Storage Containers, Large Under Bed Rolling Storage with Lid, Bedroom Storage Organizer for Clothes, Shoes,Toys, Books, Blankets BLACKIRIS USA 50 Qt Plastic Under Bed Storage Organizer Bin Container with Secure Lids and Durable Grey Buckles, Multi-Purpose for Clothes, Shoes, Clothing, and Bedding, Long, ClearWISUCART Bamboo Under Bed Storage Containers- Underbed Organizer with Wheels with Large Dust Bag,Sturdy Wood Rolling Under the Bed Shoe Storage Organizer Drawer 2 Packs (Nature)HOUSE AGAIN 2-in-1 Under Bed Storage with Wheels, Rolling Drawers Shoe Organizer, Under the Bed Storage Cart, Quality Storage Bags & Zippers, Clear Window & Solid Fabric, 2 Pack, White

 

What if you have a trundle bed?

If you have a trundle bed and do not need or use the bottom sleep area, you can transform the frame into a storage drawer.

1. Remove the mattress from a trundle under a bunk bed leaving just the open frame.
2. Place storage bins on top of the frame being sure you have enough clearance to open and close easily.
3. Use each container to hold extra toys.

Since they roll out smoothly, children can effortlessly pull them out to store or retrieve their toys. You can use a variety of containers depending on the size of the toys.

Plastic bins are great because they’re sturdy and easy to clean. If you prefer something with a bit more style, canvas bins or even decorative boxes can also work well.

4. Canvas Bags

Tote bags are often made from heavy duty cloth, which makes them perfect for storing oddly-shaped toys. These bags are great for stuffed animals, large trucks, dolls, and everything in between.

Whether your kids are heading to a staycation at their grandparents’ house, or going for a playdate, you can fill a tote with their favorites.

When you arrive, the tote can serve as a temporary storage spot, keeping everything in one place and making playtime and cleanup easier.

5. Coat Hooks and Big Baskets

When looking for storage options, be sure to consider the walls in the space you are working on. You can use heavy-duty hooks to hold baskets, turning an organizing idea into a room decoration.

This setup can be used to store stuffed animals, dolls, sports gear, or any bulky items.

A few tips:

1. Make sure the coat hooks are securely fastened. Be sure you have a stud or use an anchor to keep things more durable.
2. Choose a height that is easily reachable for putting toys away but also high enough to keep the baskets off the floor. 

As for the best type of baskets, it depends on your personal taste and the decor of the room. Woven or fabric baskets with sturdy handles work well and can add a nice textural element to the room.

Honey-Can-Do Set of 2 Round Decorative Wicker Baskets with Handles for Storage, Natural STO-09848 NaturalDII Polyester Container with Handles, Lattice Storage Bin, Large Round, GraySmall Rope Basket Round Woven Basket With Handle 9.5×9.5×7.1 in Cute Cotton Nursery Shelf Storage Basket Stitching Brown Beige Mixed Design Style 8.2LSquare Canvas Toy Storage Bins Basket with Handle Collapsible Toy Organizer for Nursery Storage, Kid’s Toy & Laundry, Gift Baskets(Round)

 

6. Open Shelves

Bookshelves can be very versatile for holding just about any toy in a room. They also work great for storing board games and puzzles. There’s no need to add bins, especially if the games are too large for standard bins or baskets.

Just make sure the shelves are sturdy enough with enough space to fit the size of the games and puzzles.

DIY shelving is always an option, but store-bought shelves work just as well if they match the size and weight of your kids’ toys.

How to motivate kids to pick up games and puzzles?

The best way to motivate kids to clean up is to create a simple, fun routine.

1. Label the shelves with pictures or words showing where each item belongs.
2. Turn cleaning up into a game where they earn points for putting things back in their proper place.
3. Set a timer and challenge them to get done before it goes off.

Kids like to have fun, even when cleaning up. These are just a few ideas to get your family involved in keeping a space more organized.

7. DIY wooden bins

DIY wooden bins are sturdier than other containers and can handle the weight of heavy books without a problem. You can even customize them to ensure that the design fits your space well.

DIY Wood Storage bin

1. Purchase an unfinished wooden crate from a craft or home improvement store.
2. Put a coat of paint on that is semi gloss for easier cleaning.
3. Purchase wooden designs or letters to personalize.
4. Paint each element and allow to dry.
5. Glue each onto the crate.
6. Fill with books or other toys.

Make them functional and stylish. Feel free to add padded fabric liners to soften the interior or use decals or stencils to add a bit of personality that matches your kids’ interests.

Consider tall shelves or hooks on walls for play tents and large trucks. Another great approach is to use furniture that doubles as storage such as a storage ottoman or a bed frame with drawers.

When looking for ways on how to organize large toys, you have a few options to try out. Look at the space you have so you can choose the best solution. Remember to make things child friendly so your little ones can be involved in clean up time.

More Easy Organization Hacks:

• Brilliant Ways to Organize Kid’s Toys
• Steps to Organize Your Craft Room
• Storage Benches for Small Home Storage