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KEEPING toys, books and crafts tidy in the playroom will feel like child’s play after you take note of the simple storage tips below.
Repurposed organisers
There is no need to purchase pricey organising products, especially when they will get banged up from wear and tear. Instead, look around your home to see what you can reuse in the playroom for storage. Extra food storage containers can house blocks and dominos while a spare tray can be used to corral video game equipment.
Clear and contained
On the other hand, if you like the streamlined look of matching containers, stick to mostly clear bins as they are easier to clean considering that messes are bound to happen. Keep similar items contained in the same bin, stack them to maximise space and label them, either with words or photos depending on your child’s reading level. Clear zippered envelopes make excellent organisers for puzzles and are easy to take on the road.
Concealed clutter
If the playroom shares space with another area of the house, such as the family room, consider a custom closet solution to keep visual clutter at bay. Arrange toys onto shelves, use baskets to contain smaller items and simply shut the closet door when playtime is over.
Display cases
For special creations, like Lego sculptures, give them a prime spot in the playroom. Acrylic display cases or shadow boxes allow your child to show off their work, plus they provide both storage and decor simultaneously.
Toy box
For the minimalist, both in terms of aesthetics and material things, a single chest positioned under the playroom window may be all that you need to store toys. Tuck plushies, balls and books into a lidded box for easy retrieval when it is baby’s time to play.
Floating shelves
Utilising the wall for storage is smart, especially when space is small. Safely hang a few floating shelves in the playroom and neatly arrange sentimental books and toys for a sweet decorative display. — bhg.com
Craft cubbies
No playroom is complete without a craft zone. If that is really up your kid’s alley, make sure they are stocked with supplies. An oversized cube unit lets you organise activity books, construction paper and a myriad of crafting tools. Use clear jars and caddies to sort small items into categories so they are easy to locate.
Open baskets
As already mentioned, simple solutions are usually best when it comes to toy storage. Use a basket or two to hold soft items like stuffed animals and blankets for fort-making sessions.
Sorted and labelled
No matter how you decide to set up the playroom, always strive to keep toys separated by type. While you do not need to be too specific with the categories, it helps to add general labels to bins, especially if someone, such as a babysitter, needs to reach for items off a high shelf.
Colour coded
There is no right or wrong way of organising books. However, if your child is currently learning their colours, consider arranging them in rainbow order on shelves to encourage their progress and bring a decorative boost to the playroom.
Functional style
A built-in unit provides instant storage in a playroom. Make sure you use the space wisely by organising the items your child most wants to see on display in order of use. In other words, the things they do not play with often should be placed on the top shelves and those they want to reach should be kept close to eye level.
Artful arrangement
You already know that employing a cubby system is a terrific way of storing toys. If your child is still growing, though, they will only be able to access cubes up to a certain level. Do not let the space above a horizontal unit be wasted. Lay out a gallery wall of corkboards and then pin their latest works of art on them.
Stackable storage
Similar to cubbies, modular organisers are ideal for playroom storage because they can grow and expand with your kids. Something that once held baby dolls and big trucks can later be repurposed to keep electronics and sports equipment.
Play table
Functional furniture is always a clever idea as it serves a dual purpose. Activity tables come in a multitude of forms but whatever interests your child has, be they trains or art, the right one will give them a place to play while also providing storage for their favourite toys.
Zoned out
Just as a guest room might serve a few other purposes (such as a home office and storage space), so can a good-sized playroom. Decide what the other purposes are (such as a home theatre and sewing room) and then clearly define the different zones using furniture and organisers to keep the stuff that comes along with each separate. — bhg.com
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