Control Kids' Clutter with 6 Creative DIYs
—Debra Immergut
Where there are kids, there are toys. Parents often find themselves herding stuffed animals and managing piles of playthings. Luckily, some creative moms and dads have figured out excellent ways to corral the kid clutter.
1. Great crates
Photo: dreamstodestinydesignco.com
When you need storage that stands up to rough-and-tumble kids, nothing compares to a sturdy wooden crate. This handy homeowner constructed a set from wooden planks, then stained them for a finished look. If you’re not a woodworker, you can find similar crates in craft stores.
Related: 8 New Ways to Use Old Wooden Crates
2. Stuffed animal swing
Photo: itsalwaysautumn.com
A homemade triple-level swing holds a whole herd of plush toys and can be constructed for pennies from scrap wood and rope. Hang on to this idea until the kids are old enough to use it safely.
Related: 10 Playful Examples of Swinging and Swaying Furniture
3. Plush Toy Zoo
Photo: akgriffiths.blogspot.no
At first, this mom tried storing a stuffed-animal collection in bins, but the toys ended up on the floors when the kiddos used the containers for epic fort building. So, she switched up her storage by drilling holes in an inexpensive bookcase, knotting the ends of a few bungee cords, and stashing the plush pals behind the ropes.
Related: Get Organized—25 Clever Ideas for Repurposed Storage
4. Furniture with purpose
Photo: abeautifulmess.com
To keep kiddie chaos at bay, parents often turn to multitasking furnishings like storage ottomans and captain’s beds. Instead of shelling out for a pricey piece of furniture, this clever dad built a clean, modern bench with built-in storage from a single sheet of plywood.
Related: Storage Ottomans—Clear Clutter Quickly, Easily, and with Style
5. All dolled up
Photo: agirlandagluegun.com
Vertical storage is always a smart solution when space is tight and toys are plentiful. A Barbie collection of impressive proportions finds a tidy home in this custom-stitched organizer that hangs on the back of a door. No sewing skills? No problem! A hanging shoe organizer will do the same job.
Related: 10 “Zero Dollar” Storage Hacks
6. Perfectly pegged
Photo: thecreativityexchange.com
Pegboard remains a storage classic for a reason—it’s cheap, easy to install, and can be painted to match any decor. In this garage, it’s dressed up with stripes and outfitted with hooks and baskets to store outdoor toys and sports gear. There’s even a spot to hang a big roll of drawing paper for outdoor art sessions.
Related: 9 Ways to Get on Board with Pegboard
