Posted by Lisa Neatham
on January 29, 2026
Our Top 5 Storage Tips to Declutter Your Family Home (and Stay on Top of Toys)
As a children’s storage specialist, we know first-hand that toys have a habit of spreading… fast. One minute the house feels calm and organised, the next it looks like a toy shop exploded. The good news? With a few clever storage strategies, you can keep toys under control and create a home that works for the whole family.
Here are our top five tried-and-tested storage tips to help you declutter your family home and stay on top of toys, without losing the joy of play.
1. Embrace Toy Rotation (Less Out = More Play)
Toy rotation is one of the most effective ways to reduce clutter and encourage better play. By regularly swapping toys in and out, children stay more engaged, and you avoid having everything out at once.
Toys that aren’t in use can be neatly stored away, keeping bedrooms and play spaces calmer and easier to manage. A generous toy box, like our Large Classic Toy Box, is ideal for storing rotated toys out of sight while keeping them easily accessible for both grown-ups and children. They’re deep and roomy, but to ensure they’re child safe we always put safety hinges in just to protect little hands from the lid falling down.
For a more flexible approach, Bloomsbury Modular Storage has been designed with toy rotation in mind. With a mix of open shelving (perfect for displaying favourite toys and inspiring play) alongside cupboards and drawers to hide toys away for another time, it’s a brilliant long-term solution that adapts as children grow. Units can be used individually or placed side by side in pairs or trios, depending on the space available. For those needing extra drawer storage, the Sideboard Drawer Unit offers two roomy drawers alongside two cubby holes, perfectly sized for our Aykasa Crates. Alternatively, the Cupboard Unit features a deep drawer, a tall cupboard, plus one tall and one smaller cubby hole, providing versatile storage for toys of all shapes and sizes.
Each unit offers child-accessible storage while neatly hiding away clutter, making Bloomsbury a practical and long-lasting solution for family homes.
2. Use Crates for Small Toys and Craft Supplies
We all know the trickiest toys to keep organised: small cars, figures, Lego pieces and craft supplies. They travel everywhere, and fast.
Aykasa folding crates are a game-changer. They’re lightweight, portable and make it easy to scoop up small pieces quickly (which also encourages children to help tidy up). When not in use, they fold flat, perfect for busy family homes.
We designed our Porter Crate Storage Unit to house these crates at a child-friendly height, making it easy for little ones to access and return toys independently. It’s available in both white and natural wood to suit different interiors.
If space is tight, Carter Storage Towers are a brilliant alternative. Available in Mini and Midi sizes, they’re compact and versatile:
- The Midi sits neatly on the floor—ideal for corners, alcoves or beside a desk
- The Mini is tabletop-sized and works beautifully as a craft station
These crate towers are especially handy for after-school activities, with clearly organised sections that invite creative play.
3. Choose Open Storage for Shared Family Spaces
In living rooms, kitchens or shared family areas, open storage works wonderfully. Shelving units allow toys to be visible and accessible, which encourages children to play independently—and tidy up afterwards.
Our Abbeville and Blake Cube Storage Units are perfect for shared family spaces where play and everyday life happen side by side. They make it easy to display toys in a welcoming, homely way, while keeping everything organised and within easy reach for little hands.
With a choice of layouts, from long, low units that sit beautifully in living rooms to smaller designs that tuck neatly into a corner, these much-loved GLTC staples fit effortlessly into family homes. Solid and sturdy, they’re designed to cope with daily use and grow with your family over time.
Finished in a wide range of colours, from classic white and soft oatmeal to Ocean Blue and Chalk Pink, Abbeville and Blake units bring both style and practicality to your space, helping to create calm, clutter-free rooms that still feel warm, lived-in and full of play.
Accessorising shelves with baskets or storage cubes makes tidy-up time quicker and less overwhelming. Rope baskets are particularly great for younger children, and with a wide range of colours and designs available, you can choose from bright, playful options for a pop of colour or calm, neutral tones for a more serene, timeless look
4. Zone Off a Dedicated Play Area (No Playroom Required)
You don’t need a separate playroom to keep toys contained and organised. Zoning off a small area within a living room or kitchen can make a surprisingly big difference, helping play feel intentional rather than scattered throughout the house.
A simple rug underfoot, a bean bag or a few soft cushions, paired with some child-accessible storage, instantly defines a dedicated space for play. It gives children a clear sense of where toys belong and creates an inviting area they naturally gravitate towards.
This gentle boundary helps prevent toys from taking over the entire room, making tidying up quicker and more manageable at the end of the day. Just as importantly, it allows children to play close to family life—so they can build, create and imagine while still feeling connected to what’s going on around them.
5. Make the Most of Your Walls
When floor space is limited, think upwards. Wall storage is an excellent way to free up space while keeping toys organised.
Simple wall shelves are ideal for toy rotation, allowing toys that aren’t currently in use to be stored higher up and rotated down when it’s time for something new. They also offer a lovely way to display children’s most treasured items, from favourite toys and tiny trophies to crafts and special memories collected on days out.
Our Trinket Shelf has been designed with this in mind, providing a neat and thoughtful place to keep small figures, creations and keepsakes organised, on display and safely off the floor.
For a more flexible and creative approach to wall storage, Paxon Modular Storage allows you to design a wall system that’s completely tailored to your family’s needs. Whether you’re creating a compact craft station, a reading nook or a beautifully organised display wall, Paxon gives you the freedom to mix and match elements to suit both your space and your child’s interests.
With a thoughtful selection of shelves, peg rails, book ledges and hanging mini baskets, it’s ideal for organising arts and crafts, keeping books within easy reach, and displaying favourite toys or treasured pieces. Everything can be arranged at a height that works for your child, encouraging independence while keeping clutter neatly contained.
A Calm Home That Still Encourages Play
The key to successful toy storage isn’t hiding everything away, it’s creating systems that are easy for children to use and simple for parents to maintain. With thoughtful storage, you can reduce clutter, encourage independent play and enjoy a calmer family home.
