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Best toy storage solutions for a clutter-free home in 2024
Take your lounge, bedroom or playroom from building block bedlam to tasteful and tidy with these toy storage solutions, as recommended by parents on the Mumsnet forums.
By Poppy O'Neill | Last updated Feb 6, 2024
Whether it's your child's collection of teddy bears, cars or their best train set, kids' and toddler toys can make an awful lot of mess at home. That’s why so many of us search for the best toy storage solutions that'll save both space and sanity at the end of a busy day.
Storage solutions that can contain all your kids’ toys, keep them organised and won't offend your eyes are worth their weight in gold while your children are small. Whether you’re looking to maximise a small space, invest in storage that’ll last for years to come, or you just cannot bear to tread on another piece of Lego, we’ve got the boxes, baskets and units for you.
We turned to the wisdom of our popular parenting forums, looking for authentic recommendations for toy storage solutions real UK mums and dads swear by - we also took into account which toy storage solutions were best avoided. Combining this with expert opinions and consumer reviews, we've created a round-up that we think has something for every family, budget and toy collection.
Here are the best toy storage solutions to buy.
The best toy storage solutions - at a glance:
Best overall toy storage: IKEA Kallax
Best budget toy storage: Wham 60l Storage Boxes
Best toy storage basket: Woodluv Wicker Storage Basket
Best stackable toy storage: GLTC Rackham
Best toy storage ottoman: Home Harmony Folding Storage Ottoman
1. Best overall toy storage: Ikea Kallax Units
Price on writing: £35 | Buy now from Ikea
Key specs
Material: Particleboard | Size: Various
What we love
Flexible modular design
Neutral look is suitable for all ages
Can be repurposed to store pretty much anything
What to know
Heavy and large
What Mumsnet users say
"Ikea Kallax is what I and most of my friends go for. They come in different configurations and then different boxes, doors or drawers go in the squares. They don't look too childish if it's a shared space (not garish primary colours) and you can shut the doors on them at night so you're not constantly staring at Peppa Pig" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Mrs Hathaway
"Seconding the Ikea Kallax. I have a 2 x 2 for the living room, in neutral colours so all toys can be hidden away. We do the same in terms of themes - one box is Paw Patrol, another is Toy Story, etc. In the kids' room I have a 2 x 4 - I use some shelves for books and the rest for their other toys, crafts, tracks etc. Best storage ever!" - tried and tested by Mumsnet user, Monoblock67
Our verdict
Endlessly versatile, there’s a Kallax to fit every room - and every toy collection. Each of the 33 x 33cm squares can be used as is, or transformed into a drawer or cupboard. We picked these over other options because they tick all the boxes - affordable price, good-looking, roomy and versatile.
Mumsnetters love the simple design that’ll blend into any room and units can be repurposed when your kids’ interests change. The only drawback when compared to other toy storage is that Kallax is a piece of furniture in its own right, so takes up more space than, say, an under-bed box. Mounted on the wall or freestanding on the floor, they’re easy for kids to access and, if you’re lucky, tidy up at the end of the day.
Related: The best trikes for babies and toddlers, tried and tested by Mumsnetters
2. Best budget toy storage: Wham Plastic Storage Boxes (Pack of 5)
Price on writing: £40 (pack of five) | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Material: Plastic | Size: 60 litres, 60 x 40 x 33cm each
What we love
Great quality that will last and last
Under a tenner per box
Can be used to store just about anything
What to know
Not the best looking
Lids might not get used
What Mumsnet users say
"All our toys are kept in clear lidded boxes. The majority kept in the bedroom and 2 or 3 in the living room - this way the dc's can have new/different toys downstairs every few days" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Raggydoll
"It works really well for us because you can easily see what's what. Sets of toys are kept inside material bags that are tied up at the handles. Usually we get them from the pound shop. They take up less space than more boxes" - endorsed by Mumsnet user, spad
Our verdict
For no-nonsense toy storage on a budget, these simple plastic boxes from Wham are ideal. With loads of different sizes available, a stash of these will keep toys organised and they can easily be stacked and stashed away when not in use so they're perfect if you rotate your kids’ toys.
As they’re see-through, you can see exactly what’s inside, making rummaging for a favourite HappyLand figure or Thomas train that much easier. Mumsnetters are divided on lids - some say they don’t get used, while others like them for keeping toys dust-free.
3. Best toy storage baskets: Woodluv Large Brown Wicker Storage Basket
Price: £40 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Material: Wicker | Size: 59 x 38 x 43cm
What we love
Rustic look
Roomy
What to know
White liner may get grubby
What Mumsnet users say
"A big wicker laundry hamper is also a good idea for just chucking bigger toys in at the end of the day. A hamper will last past the toddler age too as it can be reused for laundry etc in the future." - recommended by Mumsnet user, BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz
Our verdict
If you’re looking for aesthetically pleasing toy storage that’ll seamlessly slot into your existing furniture, a wicker hamper like this one from Woodluv will work perfectly. Baskets like this are sturdy, well-made and look great, even when filled with Peppa Pig paraphernalia.
This one comes with a washable liner, a lid and is made from sustainable willow. The lid is attached with strong velcro, so you can remove it if that works better for you. Like the Ikea Kallax and Wham boxes, this is another versatile storage solution that can be repurposed to store washing, shoes or logs for the fire.
4. Best stackable toy storage: GLTC Rackham Storage Set
Price on writing: £132 | Buy now from GLTC
Key specs
Material: MDF | Size: 80 x 66 x 32cm
What we love
Child-sized
Great looking
Stackable
What to know
Expensive
What Mumsnet users say
"The Rackham - we have set 3 which is the book tray plus bookshelf underneath, but you can get various different combinations which stack together. The book tray is really good for letting them look through and choose books, it holds a lot, and if you get set 3 you can put extra books in the underneath bookshelf part so it’s easy to rotate those with the ones in the tray" - recommended by Mumsnet user, minipie
Our verdict
The Great Little Trading Company - GLTC to Mumsnetters - does a brilliant line in stackable toy storage. We love the Rackham range, which combines shelves, boxes and storage trays that fit together and is a perfect height for little ones to access. The discreet handles makes it easy to rearrange, and they make great bathroom storage when they’re no longer needed for toys.
This storage set includes a toy box, bookshelf and tray, which can be used together or apart. Easy to assemble and great quality, this set will last a lifetime.
5. Best toy storage ottoman: Home Harmony Folding Storage Ottoman
Price on writing: £27 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Material: Polyester | Size: 38 x 76 x 38cm
What we love
Toy storage disguised as a footstool
Discreet
Easy to clean
What to know
Could be sturdier
What Mumsnet users say
"We are able to fit all of DS's toys in it right now so in the evenings we dump all of the various toy boxes and bins in the ottoman and close the lid. Ours is sturdy enough to put drinks/plates on, but if it's not you can just get a large tray to put on top (not that we ever eat dinner on our laps watching TV of course)" - recommended by Mumsnet user, MomorMum
"I've got a leather ottoman in the living room (our flat is teeeeeny!) and I just pop the lid back on when she's sleeping and use as a coffee table" - suggested by Mumsnet user, earlynightneeded
Our verdict
If your sitting room doubles as a playroom, you probably don’t want to have to look at toymageddon after putting the kids to bed. A simple ottoman like this one by Home Harmony means you can chuck everything into its cavernous secret compartment, close the lid and put your feet up. Picking a faux-leather style means it’ll be wipe-clean and low maintenance, too.
Mumsnetters' top tip with large storage baskets like this is to get smaller baskets or boxes that fit into the ottoman. That way you can keep toys vaguely organised while they're out of sight.
6. Best toy storage for toddlers: Argos Home 4-Tier Kids Basket Storage Unit
Price on writing: £50 | Buy now from Argos
Key specs
Material: MDF, fabric | Size: 80 x 86 x 30cm
What we love
Easy-to-access tilted drawers
Lots of compartments for different types of small toy
Affordable price
What to know
Not as easy to repurpose as other toy storage solutions
What Mumsnet users say
"I'm surprised how much it holds and was £40" - tried and tested by Mumsnet user, hermoinegrange
Our verdict
Drawers that are slightly tilted help toddlers see and access all their toys. This large unit from Argos is perfect for a playroom or kid’s bedroom. There are 12 drawers so you and your child can sort toys into categories - or play greengrocers - and they can be easily taken down, carried around the house and put back at the end of the day.
The only negative for this option is that the unit looks like toy storage, so it'll be more difficult to use for something else when it ceases to be needed to keep toys in.
7. Best under-bed toy storage: Really Useful 33-Litre Box
Price on writing: £18 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Material: Polypropylene | Size: 71 x 44 x 16cm
What we love
Fits neatly under most beds
See-through
Easy to keep clean
What to know
What Mumsnet users say
"We have Really Useful boxes, they are really robust, tolerate being stood on etc, and 2 yo ds can open and close them properly without a problem" - tried and tested by Mumsnet user, ApuskiDusky
"Mine are Really Useful boxes and they are ace - stay nice and clean and really protect what's in them, and you can get them at depth as low as 12 cm" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Heroine
Our verdict
If you’re looking to maximise space, under-bed storage helps you make the most of your kids’ bedroom. At the end of the day, toys can be chucked into a box like this Really Useful one, and slid under the bed out of sight.
Because it's long and shallow, it's also easy for kids to rummage through, plus it's made from tough, kid-proof plastic that’ll withstand playing, spills and even a bit of climbing.
8. Best Lego storage: Big Nose Deer Drawstring Play Mat
Price on writing: £12 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Material: Nylon | Size: 150cm
What we love
Easy to tidy up
Portable
What to know
Kids might not keep their toys within the mat
What Mumsnet users say
"We use the drawstring bag that a pp mentioned. It's great for us because we can take it to my parents, we take it camping, but also when tied you can literally shove it anywhere" - recommended by Mumsnet user, annlee3817
"My preferred method is a drawstring playmat, it keeps it all together, it's easy to rummage around for the piece you need and tidying up afterwards is a doddle" - tried and tested by Mumsnet user, NannyR
Our verdict
Lego fans generally fall into two camps: chuck it all in together, or sort it by size, colour and type. If you and your kids are in the former camp, a drawstring playmat like this one is the answer to your Lego-based prayers.
Providing kids keep their bricks within the generous dimensions of the playmat, tidying up is a case of simply pulling the drawstring, which scoops up all the bricks and transforms into a compact nylon bag.
Related: The best vacuum storage bags for freeing up wardrobe space
9. Best bath toy storage: Ubbi Bath Toy Organiser Caddy
Price on writing: £20 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Material: Plastic | Size: 19 x 25 x 17cm
What we love
Clever design drains water away
Dishwasher safe
Good size
What to know
Pricey
What Mumsnet users say
"We've got one of these - it's brilliant" - recommended by Mumsnet user, coffeeneeded
Our verdict
Mumsnetters have been struggling to keep bath toys gunk-free forever, and this storage caddy from Ubbi is our latest weapon in the battle against mould and slime.
What’s ingenious about this one is the easy-to-clean tray underneath the basket, which catches drips - keeping the toys dry and mould-free. It’s big enough for a respectable bath toy collection, and you can even put it in the dishwasher.
10. Best outdoor toy storage: Keter Marvel + Garden Storage Box
Price on writing: £50 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Material: Polypropylene | Size: 45 x 117 x 57cm
What we love
Really sturdy
Enough room for all your garden toys
Waterproof
What to know
Not ideal for smaller gardens (but more compact than a shed)
Our verdict
This storage box from Keter is just the thing for garden toys. It’s robust, roomy and of course, waterproof. There is some assembly required, but reviewers say it's pretty straightforward. Once it's built, you can chuck all the scooters, balls and skipping ropes in, close the lid and forget about them until next time.
What’s more, it’s low to the ground, making it easy to access for kids. It also doubles as a seat - but you’ll need a couple of cushions to make it comfy.
What’s the best way to store toys?
The best toy storage is both easy to access for kids, and discreet enough to be tucked away when playtime’s finished. Removable boxes or baskets make for kid-friendly toy storage, and they’ll also help you teach your kids about tidying up.
Are boxes or baskets better for toy storage?
It depends on your taste. A fabric or seagrass basket might look great in your living room, but plastic and MDF boxes are sturdier and easier to clean.
What’s the best storage unit to buy for toys?
Ikea’s Kallax range is our pick for the best toy storage solution, thanks to its versatility, simple design and great price. It's by far the most-recommended and highest rated toy storage solution in the Mumsnet forums, that's why we gave it the top spot in our round-up.
About the author
Poppy O'Neill is a Content Editor at Mumsnet and a mother of two. She's been researching and reviewing baby and child products for 2 years, with a particular focus on baby essentials, toys and books for toddlers and outdoor play equipment. From potties to paddling pools and bunk beds to bedtime stories, she loves to deep-dive into research and find the best products out there.
Poppy is also the best-selling children's and parenting author of books such as Don't Worry, Be Happy, Imagine a Garden and Mother Power. She specialises in children's mental health and her books are used by therapists, teachers and SENCOs across the UK. She's shortlisted for a The Week Junior Children's Book Award, her books have been translated into eight languages and she's been featured in The Guardian, The Sunday Times and The Sun.
After earning a BA in Creative Writing from the University of Leeds and a PGCert in Fashion and Lifestyle Journalism from University of the Arts London, she worked in fashion for most of her 20s. When her children were young, she undertook an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Chichester and re-trained as an author and freelance writer.
How we chose our recommendations
Because we know there’s nothing like a real recommendation from a real parent, we first headed to the Mumsnet forums to find out which toy storage solutions discerning Mumsnetters had chosen for their families.
We then did some research across the wider web, looking at which toy storage had won accolades and been featured in ‘best buy’ lists across online and print media, and what customers’ reviews said about them. Having collated all that information, we picked the toy storage solutions we thought would make the best buys in several interest categories.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide independent, unbiased advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links on our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.