If you ask parents the best part about raising kids in New York City, they’ll give you a variety of answers. But ask those same parents the most challenging aspect of city parenting, and lack of space is likely to be on the top of all their lists. While this can be considered a good thing–it does force families to decide what’s important enough to keep and what can be given away–this is not a particularly comforting thought when you’ve tripped on the same toy for the umpteenth time in one day.— To help maximize your limited storage space, here are six clever organizers to keep toys hidden away until their owners come a callin’.
Alligator Wall Organizer by 3 Sprouts. With three large pockets and a cute alligator design, this cotton wall hanging provides useful storage space wherever you need it most. While it’s great next to the changing table to hold diapers and other infant and toddler essentials, it’s also ideal for storing toys. An older child can tuck cars, books, and other small toys that would otherwise get lost in the shuffle into the lower pockets. $28.
Delta Children’s Products Disney Cars 3-Tier Storage Organizer. Sometimes having a favorite character on one’s toy chest makes cleaning up a bit more enticing. My son loves Lightning McQueen from “Cars,” who is featured prominently on this toy organizer, so he actually enjoys putting toys away in it. The large bin underneath is perfect for getting toys up off the floor, while the three small bins in the middle provide storage for smaller items, from crayons to Lego pieces. Kids can use the top shelf as a display area for their favorite toys. $60.
Expedit Shelving Unit by Ikea. Though it can be used to house everything from vases to books, this storage unit from Ikea is surprisingly efficient at storing playthings. (It even has its own Flickr page–search “toys” to see photos of how parents have turned it into a toy chest). The best way to make it accessible to kids is by placing it horizontally on the floor, so there are two rows of four cubes each at their eye level. Canvas, plastic, or wicker bins can be bought separately to serve as drawers that kids can easily pull out—but consider leaving some cubes open to showcase special toys or books. $90.
Giant Toy Chest by Little Tikes. This chest is true to its name: it has over six cubic feet of storage space. The lid is lightweight and doesn’t lock, so little hands can reach inside easily (and there is no possibility of anyone finding themselves trapped inside!). The chest is durable enough to stand up to years of use. $70.
KidKraft Austin Personalized Toy Box. Available in a range of colors, this wooden toy box also doubles as a bench. The lid is spring-loaded so that fingers don’t get pinched when opening and closing it. You can also give the box a personal touch by having your kid’s name painted on it. $90.
Oeuf Toy Store (pictured). This simple and modern storage unit is ideal for families looking for a design-savvy approach to keeping toys off the ground. Made from solid wood and available in natural birch or a walnut stain, it features three tiers of bins that can be positioned flat or at an angle to display their contents. Each bin includes removable dividers to help sort big toys from small. $499.
