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Tired of the toy chaos? One of the easiest and most effective ways to organize toys is with wood shelves and labeled plastic bins. It’s affordable, simple to maintain, and easy for kids to use—making cleanup time way less stressful.
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Toy Organization Made Easy
We added basic wood shelves to the closet in our playroom and used clear plastic bins with large, easy-to-read labels. This created a clean, clutter-free space that still allows for easy access to favorite toys. Whether you’re dealing with Legos, dolls, puzzles, or random little figures, this system works.
Supplies You’ll Need:
supplies:
- Wood shelves (pre-cut or custom-cut at your local hardware store)
- Shelf brackets and screws
- Drill and wall anchors
- Level and measuring tape
- Clear plastic bins or containers (same size or a few different sizes)
- Labels (printed, laminated, or store-bought)
- Optional: label maker or printable label template
lego wall Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Install Shelves Inside the Closet
We measured our closet space and added simple wooden shelves from the hardware store. You can get them cut to size at Lowe’s or Home Depot. We used basic wood brackets to support them and made sure to leave enough height between each shelf for the bins to slide in and out easily.
2. Choose Clear Plastic Bins
Clear bins make it super easy to see what’s inside. You can get them at Target, Walmart, or Amazon in sets. Choose bins that fit your shelves snugly but still slide in and out without a struggle.
3. Add Large, Easy-to-Read Labels
We used a simple font and printed out labels for each category of toys: blocks, play food, cars, puzzles, art supplies, etc. Laminate the labels for durability or use a label maker. You can also add a small picture next to the word for younger kids who aren’t reading yet.
4. Sort Toys Into Categories
Now comes the satisfying part: sorting. Group like toys together, and be realistic about what your kids actually play with. Donate or store anything that hasn’t been touched in a while. The goal is to simplify, not just reshuffle.
5. Teach the System
Once everything is organized, walk your kids through how it works. Show them where each bin goes and explain the labels. You might be surprised how quickly they pick it up—kids thrive with structure, especially when it’s simple and visual.
why this works
- It’s visual and accessible. Kids can see and reach what they want to play with, and it’s just as easy to put it away.
- It reduces toy overwhelm. Fewer visible options help kids focus and play more creatively.
- It makes rotating toys easy. Want to keep things fresh? Just swap a few bins out every month and store extras elsewhere.
- It’s affordable. Wood shelves and plastic bins are way cheaper than a fancy storage system—and they work just as well.
What size bins work best for toy storage?
Look for bins around 12″–16″ wide and 8″–10″ tall to fit most standard shelving. Measure your space before you shop.
How do you label bins if your child can’t read yet?
You can use both words and pictures. Print a photo of the toys that belong in each bin and stick it next to the label.
Can this work without a closet?
Absolutely. You can install wood shelves directly on a wall or use a cube storage shelf and apply the same bin-and-label system.
What’s the best way to keep it from getting messy again?
Consistency. Do a quick clean-up every evening, and involve your kids in the process. When everything has a place, it’s easier to maintain.
Toy organization doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated. A few wood shelves, some clear bins, and labels can totally transform your space. Plus, it teaches your kids independence and responsibility while keeping your home just a little bit more peaceful. If you’re looking for a super simple, budget-friendly, and kid-approved way to manage toy clutter—this is it.
