Toy Storage Ideas...

[ABCDaycareMN]

First off, I have a very small space (townhouse). I am using my whole house (besides my bedroom) for childcare. I need ideas for toy storage. I am very organized and I hate messes.

At first I was thinking about getting a cube storage unit.. Anyone have one, does it work for you?

Otherwise i was thinking about getting plastic storage unit with drawers but think about little fingers getting stuck often...

What do you use? It will be in my main living space/dining room so want it somewhat organized and attractive as much as toys can get...

[DCMom]

IKEA.

So many choices for storage, especially if you are combining childcare and your living space.

I am also in MN and often go to the store to just get ideas in their displays. I personally love the Trofast drawer system, but there are many choices.

[littlemissmuffet]

I have cube shelving along the walls of the playroom - all the toys, puzzles and books are nicely stacked and sorted into baskets on the shelves. Larger toys are stored in larger baskets/bins which look nice when placed in the corners of the room.
I think the plastic drawer towers look kind of junky and they aren't very sturdy... I just use them to store crafts.

[MonkeyingAround]

Hi! I am in the same boat as you. I am "opening" my daycare in january and would love to hear everyone's ideas. I have 4 kids of my own and they go downstairs to our unfinished (but carpeted) basement to play with their toys.

I hate clutter too and I just plan on bring up a few bins of toys every day and rotate the toys for DC's. Think that would work?

[LK5kids]

I have identical low shelves that school supply compaines sell (like discount school supply) that my husband built. I have lots of nice, matching, red tubs from when I taught kindergarten. I make sure toys stay sorted. That's about it.

[LK5kids]

Hi! I am in the same boat as you. I am "opening" my daycare in january and would love to hear everyone's ideas. I have 4 kids of my own and they go downstairs to our unfinished (but carpeted) basement to play with their toys.

I hate clutter too and I just plan on bring up a few bins of toys every day and rotate the toys for DC's. Think that would work?

I think that would work if I was doing child care right in my family room or living room. I'd have to clear it out at night too. That's why I've always had a separate area for my child care center. But what about a kitchen set? There are small, toddler kitchens that could be easily moved each night and kids play just as well with those.

[ABCDaycareMN]

I think that would work if I was doing child care right in my family room or living room. I'd have to clear it out at night too. That's why I've always had a separate area for my child care center. But what about a kitchen set? There are small, toddler kitchens that could be easily moved each night and kids play just as well with those.

I already have a kitchen set. I really like the ikea idea, but spendy. For now, i just brought my daughters toy box downstairs until i can get something to actually sort everything and i can get rid of the bins in the garage of separate toys.

[TheMonkeyFam]

We currently use a s all bookshelf and some canvas handled totes. I keep mostly bigger toys. I will be buying some of the shelving units from ikea when I have the money. I love that you can adjust the size of the bins to fit the toys you have.

[providerandmomof4]

I recently bought several stack-able clear bins. I put all the legos in one, all the play kitchen stuff in another, link-o's in another, barbies and accessories in another. (anything that I have way too much of) The problem I'm having is, I'm having a hard time utilizing the toys I put up so neatly in bins. I secretly don't want the kids to get the toys out that are so neatly put up, and make a humongous mess again!

[ABCDaycareMN]

I recently bought several stack-able clear bins. I put all the legos in one, all the play kitchen stuff in another, link-o's in another, barbies and accessories in another. (anything that I have way too much of) The problem I'm having is, I'm having a hard time utilizing the toys I put up so neatly in bins. I secretly don't want the kids to get the toys out that are so neatly put up, and make a humongous mess again!

I have done this also. With Thomas and dolls. I have one bin out and that's the choice for that time. When all are done with that toy another can be brought out. I find that was fair and all learn to share. I haven't had an issue yet with boys not wanting to play with dolls or girls not wanting to play with Thomas. There are just so many pieces to both on them I dot want them all mixed up.

Ps my son was addicted to Thomas so he has a LOT and I do mean A LOT!

[biglou]

agree, Ikea is the best all around on balancing cost and style. quality is good enough to go a few years. billy shelf system and trofast dominate my facility.

[Scout]

How about some cube ottomans that the kids can also sit on? Might be pricey but, they look nice.

[Crazy8]

I have the cubical storage units in espresso. Have a few of them in my playroom and even have 1 9-cube unit in the corner of my family room for my own son's toys. I have nice wicker baskets in that one, the cheaper canvas bins in the ones in the daycare area.

[Meeko]

I have cubby storage in my playroom and clear containers from Walmart. See my post "finally moved into the basement"

I got the cubbies with drawers last week from Sams Club for our front area. Each child has a cubby for their belongings and yet it still looks nice. I wasn't liking the plastic drawer units we had been using. We bought three units. Loving it.

[EAP]

Ikea - trofast !! Love it!!