The Best Toy Organizers, According to Parents
As a mom of four, I can confirm that kids acquire a lot of stuff. Once that happens, the question becomes, where to put it all? Not only does having heaps of toys scattered around the room clash with your home decor, but keeping toys well organized and smartly displayed will encourage kids to engage with them more, and develop independence as they get and put away their playthings on their own, says Naeemah Goldson, certified professional organizer and owner of Restore Order Professional Organizing. “Teaching kids how to return items to their rightful place when they are done playing will build positive habits in organization that they can use throughout life.”
Plus, toys that are strewn about the floor can also pose some safety concerns. (Yep, stepping on stray Legos really hurts that much.) Sick of tripping over your little one’s playthings? We’ve come to the rescue with toy organizers for every area of your home—indoors and out. Read on for our favorite toy storage ideas, as well as some expert-backed top tidying tips.
The best toy organizers help clean up clutter in your home, while also making the toys you already have more accessible to your child. Toy organizers are an investment, making these items that you want to choose wisely. To choose the best toy storage solutions:
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We interviewed three organizational experts for their input on important features to look for in these items and the kinds of products they use in their own homes.
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We analyzed the market and tracked down the most popular toy organizers, narrowing the field based on elements like size, material, durability and value. Since many of us are parents ourselves, we relied on our experiences with our own children and their toys.
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Because no two homes are alike, we conducted extensive market research, scouring external forums, reviews and message boards to see how these toy organizers worked for a variety of families.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.
Angled toy storage bin
- Low profile
- Easy to move
- Durable construction
- Pricey
- Bins may be too small for some
This popular toy storage organizer isn't just a parent favorite, it's also a favorite of Goldson. “This is the exact toy sorter I have,” she says. “It’s durable and I’ve had it for 10 years. I love it because the bins are small, and they can fit the little action figures my youngest son plays with.” The storage solution features 12 brightly colored bins that are displayed at an angle, making it easy for kids to see what’s inside. The sturdy plastic construction also raises the odds this organizer will hold up to regular use.
Dimensions: 37.5" (L) x 14" (W) x 27.5" (H) | Weight: 19 lbs. | Material: Plastic
Our community says:
We have one of these in our living area. I need another one for [my son's] room, and a book shelf for his books. We are a work in progress! - d&a914, The Bump forum member
Upstairs where they play more, we are looking for one of those angled toy bins for them to put their toys in. - angel1015, The Bump forum member
Montessori shelving for toys
- Sleek design
- Hidden storage
- Perfect for rotating toys
- Expensive
- Large footprint
A toy shelf is a great way to display just a few toys at once, so your little one can easily pick and choose what they’d like to play with and then put it away once they’re finished. “Object permanence prevents children from utilizing their toys as often if they are hidden in out-of-sight toy storage,” says Veronica Hanson, a minimalist coach at Nomad Veronica LLC. “The best way to organize toys is to display them visually.” That’s the idea behind the Montessori method of teaching, and it’s the inspiration behind this wooden playshelf from Lovevery. Built with sturdy birchwood, this setup features a large shelf and two smaller cubes for storing toys, supplies and books.
Dimensions: 41" (L) x 23" (W) x 20.5" (H) | Weight: 90 lbs. | Material: Birch wood
Our community says:
Shelves are much better for toys than toy boxes—they keep things where they can be seen and are played with more often than the toys that end up in the bottom of a toy box that you can't get to without taking out the rest. You can also sort toys by theme, which teaches the kids and helps them when it's clean up time. - UsedToBeGoldie, The Bump forum member
We have something similar in our son's bedroom. It works quite well! - Laura B., mom of two
Cube shelving
- Affordable
- Quick and easy assembly
- Low profile and small footprint
- Only holds up to 30 lbs.
- Storage bins sold separately
- Cube shelving should be secured to the wall for safety
Looking for affordable shelving for toys? Consider a cube bookshelf. A popular choice among parents, this type of low-cost storage is available at a wide range of retailers. This version from Target has four open cubbies and sits low to the ground making it easier for tots to access their stuff. Use it to display toys and books or hide the mess in storage bins that slot into each square.
Dimensions: 12" (L) x 24.1" (W) x 24.2" (H) | Weight: 20.7 lbs. | Material: Particle board and paper laminate
Our community says:
We have the cube storage with fabric baskets for the living room. When the toys are put away, it looks semi-decent and doesn't scream KIDS TOYS. - angel1015, The Bump forum member
At our cabin we have the cube organizer /[with] fabric bins (it was $60 at target then I think $10 for the bins) for the living room. It looks nice and keeps the toys out of eyesight when they're not using them. - Kelly1109, The Bump forum member
We have cube shelves—some hold books and others hold fabric cubes with smaller to medium toys. - Kitten80, The Bump forum member
Toy storage baskets
- Soft cotton fabric
- Durable handles
- Baskets are foldable
- Relatively small in size
OrganiHaus makes tons of fun kids’ toy storage bins, so poke around to find the perfect style. We personally love this set of woven rope baskets.They’re made from 100 percent cotton and have hidden handles, so you can easily tote them from the playroom to your living space. If pastels don't match your vibe, the brand also offers these cute toy baskets in a natural wicker hue, bright rainbow stripes and more.
Dimensions: 15" (L) x 9.6" (W) x 9.8" (H) | Weight: 2.5 lbs. | Material: Cotton
Our community says:
In the kids room we have big open fabric baskets (found at Target) that we just throw their toys into. We have more in [our daughter's] bedroom as well for her stuffed animals and blankets. - Kelly1109, The Bump forum member
We use baskets. They're low to the ground but our large one holds a ton! - crackerjackprinter, The Bump forum member
Toy storage boxes with wheels
- Affordable
- Wheels for portability
- Stackable if you buy the lids
- Lid sold separately
These toy bins are cheap and cheerful—perfect if you need a quick storage fix. The boxes are made from durable plastic and you can buy a lid for an extra $2. The best part? The bins have wheels, meaning you can easily move them as you pick up toys and then scoot them into place once clean-up is done.
Dimensions: 15" (L) x 15" (W) x 11" (H) | Weight: 1.1 lbs. | Material: Plastic
Our community says:
I got these bins at Ikea. They have wheels, but they stack on each other (with the lid). I put soft toys in one, biggish toys in another and small toys in a third. (We're almost ready for a fourth bin…) I also like Ikea's hanging baskets for kids. (Great for soft toys, dress-ups) - mrsekins, The Bump forum member
Sling shelf for toys and books
- Affordable
- Sturdy yet lightweight
- Child-friendly design
- Assembly required
- Best suited for books
Once you’ve figured out how to store toys, you may consider adding a designated spot for books. This sling bookshelf is sturdy, but is still small enough for your little one to reach the top tier. Plus, the fabric “sling” shelves are nice and colorful and keep your child’s library contained. Available in three bright colors schemes.
Dimensions: 11.6" (L) x 25.2" (W) x 28" (H) | Weight: 8.6 lbs. | Material: Wood and fabric
Our community says:
We have a book sling in the living area and we store some toys on the bottom (there's room for baskets). - momquixote, The Bump forum member
Large toy box
- Doubles as a bench
- Durable wood construction
- Safety hinges and cut-out make it easy for kids to open
- Not the most organized option
Most organizational experts don’t recommend tossing a bunch of toys into a huge toy box, since it doesn’t encourage kids to engage with their playthings—but sometimes you just need a break from the clutter. If you’re looking for a big toy box that can ensure a speedy clean-up, this is the one for you. At just under three feet long, it’s got the capacity you need to fit just about everything (including dress-up costumes!). And it doubles as a bench if you’re short on seating!
Dimensions: 30" (L) x 21.2" (W) x 18" (H) | Weight: 33.9 lbs. | Material: Wood
Our community says:
/[We use] the KidKraft toy boxes, we have a navy one and a red one and there are zero paint chips after 2.5 years. - WasNotWas, The Bump forum member
We have a toy box, white wood, in the living room. But my living room still looks like a ToysRUs threw up in it. But if you are good about keeping toys to a minimum you can get away with a really nice toy box. - Kie310, The Bump forum member
Wicker toy basket
- Cute animal design
- Natural wicker material
- Easy to wipe clean
- Expensive
Thought toy organizers were purely practical? Think again. This wicker floor basket is aesthetically pleasing and kid-friendly thanks to the natural materials and animal design. (It’s shaped like a hippo!) And, as it sits low to the floor, your little one can easily see inside and reach in to pluck out their favorite toy. This sturdy toy bin comes in a range of cute animal designs, from a small turtle to a gigantic elephant.
Dimensions: 25.5" (L) x 16.5" (W) x 16.5" (H) | Weight: 7 lbs. | Material: Wicker, metal and polyethylene
Our community says:
We have a basket in the living room and a smaller basket on the bookcase. I try to keep things in her room and as she needs them we bring out the basket of larger items. The smaller basket stays on the bookshelf and I change out the toys about once a week. - JANCADANCE, The Bump forum member
Clear storage containers
- Stackable
- Clip-on lids
- See through, so you can see what’s in there
- Not the best for organizing toys
These clear toy boxes are stackable, durable and multi-functional—who says you can’t have it all? The clear plastic allows you and your little one to see what’s inside when they’re ready to play. And you can stack them up to clear some floor space.
Dimensions: 23.5'" (L) x 18.6" (W) x 12.2" (H) | Weight: 10.1 lbs. | Material: Plastic
Our community says:
We've got Rubbermaid storage bins which are great because they stack and have covers. - MesmrEwe, The Bump forum member
Right now we just use a big Rubbermaid storage container for the toys in the living room. - smwiggle, The Bump forum member
Bath toy storage
- Good for small spaces
- Matches with everything
- Dries toys easily
- Suction cup can unstick periodically
This concept is so smart: Simply scoop up your kids’ toys from the bath water using the handy mesh pouch, then mount it to the wall and let them drip dry. It’s the perfect bath toy storage solution for families with limited bathroom floor space—no need to squeeze another basket or bin into the corner! I’ve had this in my daughter’s tub for a year, and it’s held up nicely. The mesh is surprisingly durable, despite being constantly poked at with toys.
Dimensions: 10” (L) X 6” (W) X 12” (H) | Weight: 6.2 ounces | Material: Plastic, mesh
Our community says:
It holds a ton of toys and has never fallen. We put it in a high spot out of DS's reach so he can't yank it down. - jenb_99, The Bump forum member
Outdoor toy storage box
- Good capacity
- Weather-resistant
- Top can double as a seat
- No lock
If those toys are headed outside, opt for this water-resistant outdoor toy storage box. Reviewers rave about its ability to keep water (and pests!) out, so no matter how much it rains or how many mosquitos are out and about, those precious toys will stay protected.
Dimensions: 46" (L) x 23.6" (W) x 25.5" (H) | Weight: 39.5 lbs. | Material: Resin
Our community says:
We could not find a toy box big enough that was worth the money so we ended up getting this. It's an outside storage bin but it was the same price as the toy boxes and has a lot more space. - BDS2010, The Bump forum member
Pouches for small toys
- Zip-top keeps things contained
- Pack includes 8 different size pouches
- Only suitable for small items
Ever feel like you need an organization system for your toy organizer? We hear you! Dumping items into large toy boxes and containers can help hide the mess, but often small toys and miscellaneous parts can go missing. That’s where these zip-top pouches come in clutch. Made from tear-resistant mesh, these bags can be used to store Lego pieces, dinky cars or small dolls and their accessories.
Dimensions: 11" (L) x 10" (W) x 0.7" (H) | Weight: 1.5 lbs. | Material: Plastic
Our community says:
I recently have fallen in love with these zipper pouches! They are perfect for all the little sets of toys (magna tiles, flash cards, small cars, snacks, etc.) - Laura B., mom of two
The right toy storage ultimately depends on your own needs, as well as those of your child. “The solution you use totally depends on your child’s age, the amount of toys you’re dealing with and the amount of storage space you have available,” says Brenna Peyton, owner and lead organizer of One Organized Girl. “The younger your child is, the more simplistic the system should be and, as they grow and learn, the system should, too.” However, there are certain factors to keep in mind as you shop. Look for these elements.
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Size. If space is limited, Peyton recommends measuring the area where you’ll put your storage solution to make sure it will fit. “For super tight spaces, a system may have to forgo form and instead be heavy on the function,” she says. “The amount of space you have should also guide the volume of toys there are as well.” Goldson says that it’s OK for larger items to sit out. “Just pick the space for it to live and make sure it’s put back at the end of the night,” she says.
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Versatility. It’s ultimately more cost-saving to choose an option that you can use for years. “When you’re looking at storage furniture, you want something that can grow with your child, is versatile enough to work in multiple areas of your home and is well made,” Peyton says. “The super cute princess storage bin shelves and systems are great when they’re four, but realize that when they’re nine, the child is going to want something more grown-up.”
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Durability. There are a range of fabrics and materials for toy organization, but you’ll want to choose wisely. “You want to make sure the storage solution is durable so it can hold up over time,” Goldson points out. Plastic, wood and canvas are all durable options to consider.
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Adjustability. Not every storage solution is adjustable, but it’s a nice feature to have. “If you have a shelving system, being able to move the shelves to the height you want them at can help customize your organization,” Goldson says.
Goldson also recommends revisiting the toys you’re storing on an annual basis. “Kids outgrow toys quickly, but they also accumulate toys quickly,” she says. “When you’re deciding what to purge, make sure your kids are involved in the decision making if they are old enough.” Once you decide which toys you no longer want to keep, they can be donated or tossed, depending on their condition.
About the writer:
Korin Miller is a freelance writer who’s written dozens of health features for The Bump. She specializes in commerce, wellness and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Women’s Health, Forbes, SELF and more. Korin is a mom to four kids, ranging in age from 1 to 10 years old. She has a master’s degree from American University and lives by the beach.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Naeemah Goldson is a certified professional organizer and owner of Restore Order Professional Organizing. She is also the founder of the National Association for Black Professional Organizers and the host of the Organize Me! Radio podcast.
Veronica Hanson is a minimalist coach at Nomad Veronica LLC. She’s a blogger, minimalist, nomad and travel hacker.
Breena Peyton is the owner and lead professional organizer of One Organized Girl, a home services company based in Nashville, Tennessee.
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