26 DIY Toy Storage Ideas for 2026

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Toy clutter can take over a room faster than you expect, especially when storage isn’t planned with daily play in mind. 

Toys end up on the floor, in corners, and inside random boxes, making cleanup feel like a constant battle. 

The good news is you don’t need expensive furniture to fix this problem. In this article, you’ll find 26 DIY toy storage ideas 

That helps you organize toys using simple materials, smart layouts, and creative solutions that actually work for real homes.

Why DIY Toy Storage Works Better Than Store-Bought Options

DIY toy storage gives you full control over size, layout, and function, which is often missing in store-bought organizers. 

You can build storage that fits your exact space, whether it’s a small bedroom, shared playroom, or living area. 

DIY solutions are also budget-friendly and easier to adjust as toys change, making them more practical for long-term organization.

Crate Wall

Stacked wooden crates mounted to the wall create open, flexible toy storage. Each crate works like a cubby, making it easy to sort toys by type. 

You can paint or stain the crates to match the room. This setup keeps toys visible, encourages quick cleanup, and uses vertical wall space instead of floor space.

Rolling Bins

DIY rolling bins made from plastic tubs or wooden boxes allow toys to move easily from room to room. 

Add caster wheels to the bottom so kids can pull them out during playtime and push them back under shelves or tables. This works especially well for shared spaces or small rooms.

Bench Storage

A storage bench combines seating and toy organization in one piece. Build a simple wooden bench with a lift-up lid or cubbies underneath to hide toys inside. 

It works great in playrooms, bedrooms, or near entryways and keeps clutter out of sight while still being easy for kids to access.

Underbed Drawers

Underbed drawers turn unused space into hidden toy storage. You can build shallow wooden drawers or repurpose rolling bins that slide under the bed. 

This idea is perfect for small bedrooms and works well for puzzles, board games, or seasonal toys that don’t need daily access.

Pegboard Wall

A pegboard wall lets you hang baskets, hooks, and small bins to organize toys vertically. You can adjust the layout anytime as toy sizes change. 

This setup works well for art supplies, small toys, and dress-up items. It keeps the floor clear and turns storage into a visual, easy-to-reach system.

Cube Shelves

Cube shelves create clear sections for sorting toys by category. You can leave cubes open or add fabric bins for a cleaner look. 

This DIY-friendly setup works in bedrooms or playrooms and grows with kids as toy collections change. Labeling each cube also helps kids learn simple organization habits.

Toy Hammock

A toy hammock uses fabric or netting to store plush toys off the floor. It installs easily in a corner or along a wall using hooks. 

This idea frees up floor space and keeps stuffed animals visible but contained. It’s budget-friendly and adds a playful touch to the room.

Ladder Shelves

A repurposed ladder turned into shelves creates vertical toy storage without heavy construction. Add wooden planks across ladder rungs to hold bins, books, or baskets. 

This works well for lightweight toys and books and fits nicely in corners where bulky furniture won’t work.

Closet Cubbies

Closet cubbies turn unused closet space into organized toy zones. You can build simple wooden shelves or use stackable bins to separate toys by type. 

This keeps toys hidden when not in use and makes cleanup faster. It works especially well for shared rooms or homes with limited playroom space.

Ottoman Box

A DIY ottoman with hidden storage offers a clean way to store toys while doubling as seating. Build a simple box, add foam padding, and cover it with fabric. 

This idea works great in living rooms or bedrooms where toys need to stay out of sight without sacrificing functionality.

Toy Trunks

Toy trunks provide deep storage for larger toys and games. You can build one from plywood or upcycle an old chest. Adding handles or wheels makes it easier to move. 

This solution keeps bulky toys contained and gives kids a single place to drop toys during quick cleanups.

Book Sling

A book sling made from fabric or canvas stores books front-facing, making it easier for kids to see covers. Mount it low on the wall so kids can access books independently. 

This idea reduces floor clutter and encourages reading while keeping book storage simple and space-efficient.

Door Organizer

A hanging door organizer uses vertical space behind doors to store small toys. Fabric pockets or clear bins work well for action figures, dolls, or craft items. 

This idea keeps toys off the floor and is perfect for small bedrooms where extra furniture isn’t an option.

Pallet Bins

Pallet bins made from reclaimed wood create rustic toy storage at a low cost. You can build open-top bins or angled slots for easy access. 

These work well in playrooms or garages and are sturdy enough to hold heavier toys while adding a handmade look to the space.

Rope Baskets

DIY rope baskets provide soft, flexible toy storage that’s easy for kids to use. You can make them with coiled rope and glue or stitching. 

These baskets work well for stuffed toys and blocks and can be placed on shelves or directly on the floor without damaging it.

Drawer Dividers

Drawer dividers turn deep drawers into organized toy compartments. Build simple wooden dividers or use adjustable inserts to separate small toys. 

This idea keeps mixed toys from becoming cluttered and works especially well for LEGO, cars, and craft supplies stored in dressers or cabinets.

Floating Ledges

Floating ledges mounted low on the wall hold baskets, small bins, or toys directly. This keeps toys visible and easy to reach while freeing floor space. 

Ledges work especially well for displaying toys that kids use daily and can be adjusted as storage needs change.

Fabric Cubes

Fabric cubes create soft, lightweight storage for toys. You can sew simple fabric boxes or use foldable cubes that slide into shelves. 

They’re easy for kids to pull out and put back, making cleanup faster. This option works well in bedrooms and playrooms with cube shelving.

Corner Shelves

Corner shelves turn unused room corners into functional toy storage. Build simple triangular shelves or stack corner units to hold bins and baskets. 

This idea maximizes space without overcrowding the room and works well for small toys, books, or display items.

Cart Station

A rolling cart station keeps toys organized by category using tiered trays. You can customize each level for art supplies, games, or building toys. 

The cart moves easily between rooms and can be rolled away when not in use, making it ideal for shared living spaces.

Window Bench

A window bench with built-in storage uses seating space for toy organization. Build a bench with lift-up lids or pull-out bins underneath. 

This works well in bedrooms or playrooms and keeps toys hidden while adding a cozy reading or play spot near natural light.

Toy Locker

A DIY toy locker uses vertical compartments similar to school lockers. You can build narrow wooden sections or repurpose metal cabinets. 

Each child can have a designated space, making organization easier in shared rooms. This setup helps reduce clutter and encourages kids to manage their own toys.

Wall Buckets

Wall-mounted buckets or metal pails provide simple storage for small toys. Attach them to a wooden board or directly to the wall at kid height. 

This idea works well for quick-access toys and adds a playful, industrial look to playrooms or bedrooms.

Slide Drawers

Slide-out drawers built under shelves or low cabinets offer hidden toy storage. You can use wooden drawers or rolling trays to make access easy. 

This keeps toys out of sight but still reachable and works especially well in multipurpose rooms.

Stair Storage

Stair storage uses the space under staircase steps to hide toys in pull-out drawers or cabinets. This is ideal for homes where the play area is near the stairs. 

It keeps toys completely out of sight while using space that often goes unused.

Chalkboard Bins

Chalkboard bins allow you to label toy storage in a fun, changeable way. Build simple wooden bins and paint the front panels with chalkboard paint. 

Kids can help label their toys, making cleanup easier and turning organization into an interactive activity.