Having a kid or two is exciting, but let’s face it – their stuff can quickly take over your home.
Did you know that the average American child owns a staggering 238 toys by the end of ten? Yikes!
If you’re living in a cozy small space with a small or tiny nursery, I’ve rounded up some seriously smart toy storage ideas & solutions.
Get ready to reclaim your space and say goodbye to toy chaos!
Vertical Thinking: Wall-Mounted Storage Solutions
Are you tired of tripping over toys in your tiny nursery? It’s time to look up! Wall-mounted storage solutions are your secret weapon in the battle against clutter.
1. Floating Shelves
Let’s start with floating shelves. They’re not just for books anymore! These versatile platforms are perfect for displaying stuffed animals, creating a cozy reading nook, or showcasing your baby’s favorite toys. Plus, they add a touch of style to any nursery decor.
2. Pegboard Systems
These are a small-space parent’s dream! Customize your storage with hanging baskets, hooks, and shelves. The best part? You can easily rearrange everything as your baby grows and their needs change. Pegboards are like magic for your walls!
3. Over-The-Door Organizers
Don’t forget about that unused space behind the door! Over-the-door organizers are fantastic for corralling small items like socks, bibs, or teeny-tiny toys.
Pro tip: use clear pockets to make finding things a breeze. Your future self will thank you during those middle-of-the-night diaper changes!
Double-Duty Furniture: Storage That Multitasks
When you’re dealing with a compact nursery, every inch counts! That’s where double-duty furniture comes in handy.
4. Ottoman
The ottoman with hidden storage compartments is like a magic box for your nursery! Use it as a comfy seat while you’re nursing, then lift the top to reveal a treasure trove of storage space. Blankets, toys, or your secret stash of midnight snacks – this little powerhouse can handle it all!
5. Changing Table
Gone are the days of single-purpose furniture! Look for a changing table with built-in drawers and shelves. It’s a diaper-changing station, dresser, and bookshelf all rolled into one, a space-saving nursery idea that packs a punch!
6. Bed
Don’t forget about the bed. I’m not talking about your average crib here. Think multifunctional nursery furniture like a bed with under-bed storage or drawers. It’s perfect for stashing away those bulky items that always seem to take up too much space.
Clear the Floor: Hanging Storage Ideas
Tired of tripping over toys? It’s time to elevate your storage game – literally! Let’s talk about hanging storage ideas.
7. Mesh Hammocks for Stuffed Animals
These stretchy sanctuaries are like magic nets that catch plushies mid-air! Sling one (or three!) across a corner, and watch as your floor suddenly reappears. It’s like giving your kid’s furry friends their own cozy bunk beds!
8. Hanging Fabric Pockets
Hanging fabric pockets are perfect for small toys, books, or even diapering essentials. Mount them on the back of a door or along a wall, and boom – instant organization without sacrificing an inch of floor space!
9. Macramé Toy Holders
Try macramé toy holders for a touch of boho chic. These hipster-approved hangers aren’t just practical. Dangle them from the ceiling or a sturdy rod, and suddenly your nursery’s sporting some serious style cred.
Clearing the floor could be fun, right?
Maximize Corners: Smart Use of Awkward Spaces
Guess what? Corners are untapped goldmines of storage potential! Let’s turn those awkward nooks into organizational powerhouses.
10. Corner Shelving Units
Corner shelving units fit snugly where two walls meet, creating a perfect home for books, toys, or adorable knick-knacks.
11. Triangular Storage Cubbies
Consider triangular storage cubbies. Stack them up or spread them out – they’re perfect for corralling stuffed animals, blankets, or whatever else is cluttering up your compact nursery.
12. Corner Toy Hammocks
Don’t forget about a corner toy hammock! Sling one up high, and suddenly those stuffed animals have a cozy new home that’s off the floor and out of the way. Plus, it adds a touch of whimsy to your nursery decor. Win-win!
Who knew those awkward spaces could be so useful?
Containerize Everything: Bins, Baskets, and Boxes
Let’s face it, toys have a sneaky way of multiplying overnight! But don’t worry, I’ve got a secret weapon for you: containers! Bins, baskets, and boxes are the unsung heroes of nursery organization.
See this cool super large toy storage basket you can buy on Amazon.
And this is one of the most creative basket toy storage solutions I’ve ever seen:
13. Color-Coded Storage Bins
First up, color-coded storage bins. These aren’t just containers; they’re a system! Assign a color to each type of toy – blue for blocks, red for stuffed animals, green for books. Suddenly, clean-up time becomes a fun sorting game. Your little one might even start tidying up voluntarily. (Okay, maybe that’s wishful thinking, but a parent can dream, right?)
14. Collapsible Fabric Boxes
Next, let’s talk about collapsible fabric boxes. Flexible fabric boxes are perfect for small nurseries because they can adapt to your changing needs.
Need extra storage? Pop them up! Room looking cluttered? Fold them away!
15. Plastic Containers
Last but not least, clear plastic containers are your best friends for visual organization. They’re perfect for decluttering baby toys while still keeping everything visible. Plus, they stack neatly, making the most of vertical space in your compact nursery design.
Behind Closed Doors: Closet Organization Hacks
Ah, the nursery closet – a treasure trove of untapped potential! Let’s unlock its secrets and turn it into a storage powerhouse.
16. Over-The-Door Shoe Organizers
Forget shoes – these babies are perfect for toys! Stuff each pocket with small items like rattles, teething rings, or even rolled-up onesies. Genius, right?
17. Tension Rods
Pop a few in at different heights and hang baskets from them. Voilà! Instant vertical storage for everything from diapers to blankets.
You can also use an awesome net for plushie toys available in wall mounting and corner installation options.
18. Closet Dividers
Closet dividers help categorize clothes by size or type. No more digging through piles to find that elusive newborn onesie at 3 AM!
Repurpose Everyday Items: Upcycled Storage
Let’s turn everyday items into storage superstars!
19. Spice Racks as Mini Bookshelves
Mount a few of these bad boys on the wall, and voila! You’ve got an adorable display for your kid’s favorite board books. It’s like a library, but cuter and way more space-efficient!
20. Mason Jars
Mason jars aren’t just for hipster beverages anymore! Use them to organize small toys, crayons, or even hair accessories. Plus, they look oh-so-charming lined up on a shelf.
21. Vintage Suitcases
Vintage suitcases are the secret weapons of decorative storage. Stack them in a corner, and they become both a stylish accent and a hiding spot for blankets or out-of-season clothes.
Who knew upcycled storage could be so fabulous?
Think Outside the Box: Unexpected Storage Spots
Let’s explore some unexpected storage spots that’ll make you feel like a space-saving genius.
22. Crib Storage Pouches
Crib storage pouches are perfect for stashing diapers, wipes, or small toys. No more midnight hunts for essentials – everything’s right at your fingertips.
23. Magnetic Strips
Mount one magnetic strip on the wall and watch as it becomes a home for metal toys and parts. It’s not just storage; it’s an ever-changing, interactive art installation! Your toddler will love arranging and rearranging their magnetic masterpieces.
24. Ceiling-Mounted Cargo Nets
Ceiling-mounted cargo nets are great for light, bulky items like stuffed animals. They free up valuable floor space in a small nursery.
Compress and Contain: Vacuum Storage for Off-Season Items
Ever feel like your tiny nursery is bursting at the seams? Enter vacuum storage – the superhero of space-saving nursery ideas!
25. Vacuum-Sealed Bags
Let’s start with those mountains of stuffed animals. You know, the ones that seem to multiply every time you turn your back? Vacuum-sealed bags are your new best friend! Just pop those plushies in, suck out the air, and watch in amazement as they shrink to a fraction of their size. It’s like magic, I tell you!
But why stop there? Space-saving bags are perfect for seasonal clothing and blankets too. Winter coats taking up precious closet space in summer? Whoosh! Into the vacuum bag they go. It’s like having an extra dresser without actually needing the space for one!
26. Compression Cubes
Let’s see what we can make with those bulky puzzle and game boxes. Compression cubes are the answer. These nifty little boxes let you squeeze the air out, turning a tower of games into a manageable stack.
Divide and Conquer: Drawer Organizers
Oh, the chaos of nursery drawers! It’s time to divide and conquer with some seriously smart drawer organizers.
27. Adjustable Drawer Dividers
Adjustable drawer dividers are like mini walls for your drawers. Short onesies here, tiny socks there, and suddenly you’ve got a perfectly organized system.
28. Sock Organizers
Now, here’s a hack that’ll blow your mind: repurpose sock organizers for small toy parts. Those little compartments are perfect for storing pacifiers, teething rings, or even those teeny-tiny baby socks that always seem to disappear. No more frantic searches during diaper changes!
29. DIY Cardboard Dividers
On a budget? No problem! DIY cardboard dividers. Cut, fold, and voila – custom drawer organization that won’t break the bank.
With these drawer organization tricks, you’ll transform your nursery from chaotic to calm in no time.
Vertical Stacking: Tower Storage Systems
Ready to take your nursery storage to new heights? It’s time to embrace vertical stacking with tower storage systems!
30. Stackable Clear Containers
These babies are a godsend for visual access! Stack ’em high and proud, filled with toys, clothes, or whatever else is cluttering up your compact nursery. No more rummaging through opaque boxes – you can see exactly what you need at a glance!
31. Tiered Fruit Baskets
Who says they’re just for fruit? Repurpose tiered fruit baskets for stuffed animal storage. It’s like creating a cozy high-rise apartment complex for your little one’s plush friends!
32. DIY Tower of Buckets On a Rotating Base
This DIY dream is perfect for easy access to toys or supplies. Give it a spin, and everything you need is at your fingertips!
By going vertical with your storage, you’re maximizing every inch of your nursery.
Make It Fun: Interactive Storage Solutions
Who says toy storage has to be boring? Let’s turn tidying up into a game with these interactive storage solutions! Your toddler will be begging to clean up. 🙂
33. Feed The Monster
The “feed the monster” toy bin. Picture this: a big, colorful bin with a goofy face painted on it. Suddenly, cleaning up becomes an exciting game of “feeding” the monster toys. It’s hilarious, engaging, and oh-so-effective!
34. Basketball game
How about a basketball hoop laundry hamper for plush toys? Slam dunk those stuffed animals into storage! It’s a win-win: your kiddo improves their aim, and you get a clutter-free nursery.
By making storage fun, you’re not just organizing – you’re creating positive habits that’ll last a lifetime. Plus, a tidy nursery means fewer midnight Lego encounters for your poor feet. Everyone wins!
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Wrapping Up
There you have it, parents – 34 sanity-saving toy storage hacks that’ll help you win the war against toy clutter in even the tiniest of nurseries!
Remember, the key is to get creative and make organization fun for both you and your baby. By implementing these clever ideas, you’ll not only maximize your space but also teach your child valuable lessons about tidying up.
So go ahead, give these hacks a try, and watch your nursery transform from chaotic to calm. Your future self (and your feet, after avoiding those midnight Lego encounters) will thank you!
Last Updated on November 4, 2024 by Tania Nizova | Published: July 11, 2024
Mom of 3-year-old superhero Michael and 7-year-old princess Stasia. 👩👧👦
Passionate about research and getting to the core, enjoying processing information & always hungry for more. 📖
Learning & sharing how to be a better mom. Join me, and let’s grow together! 🌼