Keeping outdoor toys organized can be a real challenge, especially when you have an active household like mine. Over the years, I’ve experimented with various storage solutions, and through a lot of trial and error, I’ve finally found a few that work exceptionally well. My backyard and garage have transformed from cluttered chaos to an inviting, functional space for kids to play and explore. These storage ideas are not just about aesthetics—they are all about practicality and accessibility. Let’s dive into the solutions that have made a difference for me and my family.
Why Organizing Outdoor Toys Matters
Outdoor play is essential for children’s development, but when toys are scattered everywhere, it can feel overwhelming and chaotic. For my family, it was about finding a balance. I wanted our outdoor space to be as inviting as possible for the kids while maintaining a semblance of order. I live in a vibrant neighborhood where kids love to run through the grass and ride bikes, so my storage solutions needed to be accessible and easy for everyone to use. Through this journey, I’ve realized that the best solutions are often the simplest.
1. Milk Crates on the Fence: Simple and Effective
One of my favorite and most effective outdoor storage solutions involves using milk crates mounted on our backyard fence. This idea came from a need to keep small toys organized and off the ground, yet still within easy reach.
Materials Needed:
- 2×4 wooden planks
- Milk crates (available at most home improvement stores)
- Heavy-duty hooks
The milk crates hold everything from digging tools to “mud kitchen” supplies. My husband installed them on the fence, creating a space that’s easy for kids to access without making a mess. The crates are loosely organized by category—pipes, tools, and buckets—which helps maintain order. This setup has been in place since 2021 and is still going strong. What I love most is how easy it is to see and grab the items we need without rummaging through piles of toys.
2. Rolling Cart: Mobile and Versatile
A rolling cart has become an indispensable part of our outdoor toy storage system. I keep this cart in our garage, and it holds some of the most frequently used toys. What’s great about the rolling cart is its mobility—we can easily wheel it out to wherever the kids are playing.
Materials Needed:
- Rolling cart with multiple levels
- Small plastic bins for organizing smaller items
The cart not only holds toys but also smaller bins for items like chalk, reusable water balloons, and other loose pieces. This approach is far better than using large tubs or storage boxes where toys tend to get lost or forgotten. The cart makes everything visible, accessible, and, most importantly, usable for kids of all ages.
Personal Insight: My 9-year-old and I put this cart together in about 30 minutes, making it a fun and quick project that serves a big purpose.
3. Large Bins for One Type of Item: Less Is More
When it comes to large bins, I’ve learned that less is more. Originally, I tried using big bins to store a variety of outdoor toys, but this quickly turned into a disorganized mess. Kids couldn’t see what was inside, and toys would get buried and forgotten.
How to Make It Work:
- Use large bins to store only one type of item (e.g., shovels and rakes, water blasters).
- Make sure the toys are taller than the bin lip so they’re visible to kids.
We have two 10-gallon beverage tubs from Target with drainage holes drilled in the bottom to prevent water buildup. One bin holds shovels and rakes, and the other holds water blasters. By keeping it simple and focused, the kids always know where to find what they need.
Lesson Learned: Avoid overfilling bins with a variety of toys; stick to one category per bin to maintain visibility and order.
4. Ball Rack: Containing the Chaos
Balls are a staple of any backyard, but they’re also notorious for creating chaos. We tried tubes and baskets, but nothing seemed to work until we found a ball rack that fit our needs perfectly.
Key Features:
- Adjustable configuration to fit different spaces
- Allows each ball to have a designated spot
After trying several solutions, the ball rack turned out to be the best fit for us. It’s versatile enough to be adjusted to fit our garage space, and it has significantly reduced the mess. Plus, it helps teach the kids to return the balls to their “home” after playtime.
Pro Tip: Make sure to check the dimensions and configurations to find a rack that best suits your storage space.
5. Outdoor Shelves: A Game-Changer for Accessibility
Outdoor shelving has been a game-changer for us. Installed in 2018, these shelves provide accessible storage without hiding toys away in bins or boxes where they might be forgotten.
Benefits:
- Keeps toys visible and within easy reach
- Easy for both kids and parents to maintain order
I use several plastic bins on these shelves to further organize the toys by type. This makes it incredibly easy to clean up after playtime since each toy has a designated spot.
Why It Works: Having visible storage solutions encourages kids to take responsibility for their toys and makes cleanup time faster and more efficient.
6. Laundry Baskets: Simple and Affordable
Laundry baskets might seem like an unconventional choice for toy storage, but they’ve proven to be incredibly effective for our outdoor needs.
Why I Love Them:
- Affordable and easy to find
- Provide visibility while containing the toys
In our backyard, we use one basket for mud kitchen supplies and another for tools that are better suited for indoor play but have ended up outside. The mesh design allows kids to see what’s inside, and at $2 each, they’re a budget-friendly solution that can’t be beaten.
Personal Experience: I was skeptical at first, but these laundry baskets have stood the test of time and weather.
7. Bike Rack: An Organized Parking Solution
The bike rack was a late addition to our setup, but it’s now one of my favorite storage solutions. Kids need a specific place to park their bikes, and having a bike rack creates that order.
Why It Stands Out:
- Organizes bikes in one compact area
- Keeps the garage or yard tidy
Our bike rack can hold up to five bikes, but I’ve customized it to fit just three. It’s made a huge difference in keeping our outdoor space organized and has become a talking point among parents in the neighborhood.
Best Tip: Consider the size and number of bikes in your household to choose the right bike rack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore the best outdoor toy storage ideas! Find practical solutions and expert tips for organizing and decluttering your outdoor space efficiently.
What are the best materials for outdoor toy storage?
From my experience, plastic bins, metal racks, and durable rolling carts work best. They are weather-resistant, easy to clean, and keep toys visible and organized.
How do you keep outdoor storage from getting waterlogged?
Ensure bins have drainage holes, use weather-resistant materials, and avoid placing storage directly on the ground where water can pool.
Can these ideas work for smaller spaces?
Absolutely! The rolling cart, laundry baskets, and milk crates can be adapted to smaller yards or even balconies, providing flexible and effective storage solutions.
Final Thoughts: Creating a Fun and Organized Outdoor Play Space
Organizing outdoor toys doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With some creativity and strategic planning, it’s possible to create a space that is both fun and functional. Remember, the goal is to make toys accessible for play while keeping the space tidy and inviting. By incorporating these storage solutions, I’ve been able to enjoy a clutter-free backyard that still welcomes the chaos and joy of childhood play.
These solutions have worked wonders for my family and me, and I hope they bring the same sense of order and ease to your outdoor play space!