Forget paying for those fancy (and expensive) toy storage solutions. Build your own system using items that you already have around your home, or those that you can get for free.
As an added bonus, by using the things that you already have on hand or things that can be given new use, you are going green.
Baby Wipe Containers
Baby wipe containers have got to be one of the best forms of free toy storage out there. My kids have been out of wipes for some time, and yet we are still using these sturdy containers for everything from crayons to action figures.
Some of the containers even come in a “lego” or building block shape and can be used as toys themselves.
Take Out and Lunchmeat Containers
The next time you bring food home in plastic take out containers consider washing them and reusing them for toy storage. Anything with a separate snap on lid can be useful. In general, these containers can be shallow, so they are perfect for little hands to sort through crayons, stickers, etc. Heavy lunch meat containers (such as the Target store brand) are great for storing beads, craft supplies and small toys.
Stay away from cardboard or paper containers and anything that might have had raw meat in it. Containers that can survive the dishwasher works well because you can periodically clean and sanitize them.
Old Bookcases
Empty a bookcase or pick one up for free through Freecycle and turn it into some great toy storage. Place toys in baskets and then place the baskets on the shelves. Smaller, lower bookcases work best, and don’t forget to secure the bookcase to the wall with brackets to prevent injury.
Clean up is easy when everything can go into a basket at the end of play time.
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