Where to put all the toys when you’re running out of storage

Getting a longer lifespan out of the kids’ toys might mean less turnover – but it also spells storage strain.

Packing away Lego is never fun.

It’s crunch time – and I don’t just mean summer’s annual Lego versus bare feet clash. Families who splurged at Christmas are likely to rein in spending this year as cost of living hikes keep coming. Indeed, the Australian Toy and Game Retailing industry will see a -4.5 per cent drop in sales in 2023, according to IBISWorld’s October 2022 forecast. But while parents might turnover fewer toys and games this year, the report sets the industry’s value at $559.5 million, so that’s still squillions of stuff to stash.

I used to hide toys in the hall closet. Whatever fell from favour was stashed next to the sheets and towels. Culling was especially useful after Christmas and birthdays, when the house looked like a tip. Then at various times – “Surprise!” – something new (well, old) would emerge and something tired would disappear.

The IKEA Kallax range has plenty of sensible options.

For toys and crafts on high rotation, purpose-built pigeon holes (the Ikea Kallax range, for example) make perfect, low stowaways. These can be filled with baskets that hold a variety of toys – but avoid see-through versions with toddlers who only have to see it to want it.

As littlies learn to pull open the baskets and spread havoc, try solid colour storage bins with lids and front-facing labels so you can find what’s needed. Keeping cost in mind, Kmart’s three-tier timber shoe cabinet for $65 is a cunning solution and useful later on.

Print and laminate a photo of, say, a Hot Wheels car or Hermione Granger wand and stick it on the corresponding basket. Kids like solving the puzzle of where things go – praise at pack up helps too.

Make It Yourself. Toy Hammock.

If you’re crafty, create your own toy storage/play mat. Buy bright canvas in different colours, cut a 1.5m circle, add a contrasting cord channel (yes, sewing machine mandatory!) and thread a strong cord. Pull the cord and the lot is collected in one swoop. Spotlight has striped canvas for as little as $17/per metre, at 1.5m wide, or you can buy ready-made, good quality versions online from upwards of $60. Then again, industry pundit Gizmodo predicts the imminent release of Apple’s AR/VR unit, a toy and gaming technology where no actual space is required. Do take heed of age warnings – and brace for older kids wanting to trade toys for VR sets.

So many toys, so little space

But to save money, shopping time and storage, find the nearest toy library and keep the simple joy of toys alive.

Short of space? Swap a coffee table or ottoman for a large chest to stash spillover. Ikea has a plain chest awaiting creative touches for under $150, or a Nordli chest of big drawers for $449. Adult trunks may be better value long-term – for inspo check out boutique sites such as House of Isabella.

Toy hammocks are popular and can look like hanging art reminiscent of works by Israeli artist Ron Deri – plus tidying is fast if you’re a good shot. Hang high in a corner to save space.