The Best Minimalist Toy Storage Ideas and Inspiration

Inside: Tips and ideas for minimalist toy storage, even kids will love, to simplify and have less clutter in your home.

If you have kids – of just about any age — you know how much clutter toys can create.  Even if you are intentional about limiting the “stuff” you bring into your home, kids enjoy and even need toys.  Toys provide education and enrichment and, just as importantly, keep them busy!  LOL.

But toy clutter can quickly accumulate, leaving your home overwhelmed with pieces, parts, games, puzzles, stuffed animals, etc.

If you are happy for your children to enjoy toys, but want to keep it minimal and your home aesthetically pleasing, then you are looking for minimalist toy storage. There are many benefits to purchasing and organizing toys with minimalist intentions. This does not mean your kids only get wooden, Montessori-style things to play with (which are awesome but other types of toys are perfectly acceptable too)! Having minimalist toy storage simply provides you and your family with several benefits which are discussed below.

What Is Minimalist Toy Storage?

Minimalist toy storage is a concept that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It involves simplifying the way toys are stored and displayed in a home, with the goal of reducing clutter and creating a more peaceful living space. The idea behind minimalist toy storage is to focus on quality over quantity and to only keep toys that are truly loved and played with.

There are many benefits to minimalist toy storage for both children and adults inside the home.  Toys are fun and meant to be!  But keeping them in check and not allowing them to take over your home offers many benefits to the home environment. 

The Benefits of Minimalist Toy Storage

Less stress, more calm

One of the main benefits of minimalist toy storage is that it can help reduce stress and anxiety in both children and adults. When there are fewer toys scattered around the house, it is easier to keep things organized and tidy. This can create a more calming and relaxing environment, which can be especially beneficial for children who may feel overwhelmed by too much stimulation. 

Saves time and money

Another advantage of minimalist toy storage is that it can save time and money in the long run. By only purchasing toys that are truly loved and played with, parents avoid wasting money on items that will quickly be forgotten or discarded. 

Additionally, having a more streamlined toy collection makes it easier to find and access the toys that are actually being used, which can save time and lower frustration for both parents and children.

More space

Minimalist toy storage helps create more space in your home. By reducing the number of toys, families avoid clutter and make better use of the space they have. This can be especially important in smaller homes or apartments, where space is at a premium.

Less clutter

Minimalist toy storage also reduces overall household stuff and clutter. When there are fewer toys, it is easier to keep them organized and put away. This helps create a sense of calm and order inside your home which is beneficial for both children and adults.

Encourages creativity

Minimalist toy storage encourages creativity in children. When there is a small selection of toys, children are forced to be more creative with what they have. They may use blocks to build a fort or use a cardboard box to create a spaceship.  Having fewer toys can inspire children to be more resourceful and imaginative with the ones they do have, as they are forced to come up with new ways to play with them.

Encourages use of toys

Have you been frustrated to look around your living room, see toys scattered everywhere yet feel like they are never truly played with? Yes? Me too. So much stuff (link) gets acquired and yet often just gets lost in the shuffle.

When toys are organized and easy to find, children are more likely to use them. This can lead to extended play and less boredom.  The beauty of this is your children actually play with what they have!  You lower the lack of use or “value” of toys you’ve purchased or have been gifted.

Ways to Have Minimalist Toy Storage 

Declutter on the regular

To minimize toy storage you’ll want to regularly declutter.  Once a month take stock of what your children are actually playing with and get rid of anything that is no longer enjoyed, is in poor condition or they have outgrown. This does not need to take a lot of time, a quick 10-15 minutes will suffice to review your home’s toy areas:  living room, playroom, the kids’ bedrooms.  A sharp eye and fast decisions will allow this process to go smoothly!  

Organize toys thoughtfully

Another way to create minimalist toy storage is how you actually organize them.  Try to group like items with like based on either type of toy, size, or even color, or where the toys are most often used. 

Toy Organization Ideas:

• Store school supplies together (i.e., pencils, markers, notebook paper, etc) where homework is typically done
• Arrange books on the shelf by series, reading level or genre
• Stack puzzles and board games together in the same cabinet or closet
• Put all dress up clothes and accessories in one large basket or soft toy bin
• Store all stuffed animals in a soft toy bin, large basket or over-the-door organizer
• Keep markers, crayons and colored pencils sorted by color

Consider what your children truly like

Keep toy storage to a minimum by recognizing what your children truly enjoy.  For example, my two boys were never really into cars and trucks – yet we had dozens of Hot Wheels when they were younger for some reason.  I finally realized this wasn’t a toy they loved so I stopped putting them in Christmas stockings and Easter baskets!  

Knowing your kids’ passions and interests helps you hone in on what is worth investing in toy-wise; thus keeping toys to a minimum and avoiding excess clutter that has no purpose in your home.

Limit what is brought into your home

The most effective way to limit toy clutter and have minimalist toys is to manage what is brought into your home. This applies to your own shopping habits as well as how often your children are gifted things from well-intentioned family and friends.  

When celebrating birthdays, holidays, etc, gently let people know you prefer a “no-gift” birthday or clutter-free gift ideas.  Consider asking for experiences over physical items as gifts (see below).  Let people know specifically what your kids need or that you trying to keep it simple when it comes to toys at home.  

Prioritize experiences over things for holidays and celebrations

As a family, consider what is most important to you when it comes to celebrating holidays, birthdays and special occasions.  It is easy to get caught up in gift giving, especially for younger children who love new things, but experiences are incredibly valuable at any age.

Keep your toy storage to a minimum by focusing on experiences over items when holidays and special occasions come around.

Use thoughtful furniture and storage items

Create minimalist toy storage in your home by considering multi-functional and organizing furniture.  For example, a storage ottoman can be used to store toys, but also serves as extra seating or a footrest. Use wall-mounted storage solutions, such as shelves or pegboards, to keep toys off the floor and out of the way.

Minimalist Toy Storage and Playroom Organization

Minimalist playrooms typically have few visual distractions and maintain a light, airy aesthetic where everything has its place.  If you don’t have a dedicated playroom in your home (as I never have!) you can still create an organized, attractive play space for holding your children’s toys, books and games.  

Create an organized, minimalist playroom with these fun and functional storage suggestions, keeping toys organized but accessible.

• Three tier cart – art and craft supplies, card games, Lego storage, Barbie accessories, smaller books
• Cube divider – soft fabric bins for dress up, doll clothes, nerf accessories, smaller stuffed animals, shelving for books
• Hard plastic containers with lids – Barbies, Legos, MagnaTiles
• Trays – coloring books, school notebooks, construction paper
• Over the door holder – stuffed animals, Barbies/accessories, art supplies, action figures
• Soft baskets and bins – blankets, stuffed animals, soft dolls

Conclusion to Minimalist Toy Storage

Minimalist toy storage can be a great way to create more space, reduce clutter, and encourage creativity in children. By choosing storage solutions that work for your family, you create a home that is both functional and beautiful and not overrun with toys!

Simply put, minimalist toy storage is a doable, effective way to create a more peaceful and enjoyable living space for the whole family.