Overhauling a Basement Toy Room into an Organized Play Haven
With two active little boys and an ever-growing collection of toys, this family’s basement playroom had become a chaotic zone. The existing cube storage system, while aesthetically pleasing, wasn’t functional. Opaque fabric bins made it easy to “hide” the mess, but in reality, toys disappeared into the depths, never to be seen (or played with) again. Instead of encouraging organized play, the system led to toys piling up on top of and outside of the bins—creating even more clutter.
Our goal? To create a playroom that not only looked tidy but also made it easy for the kids to see, access, and put away their toys independently.
BEFORE
Our Approach: A Smarter Storage System
We knew the cube system could work, but it needed better bins—ones that showcased the toys rather than concealing them. We replaced the opaque fabric bins with clear, labeled storage bins from The Container Store, making it easier to see and access each toy category.
THE BIG SORT
Creating Designated Zones for Play & Storage
Truck Parking Lot: Big toy trucks were taking up valuable space, often scattered around the room. We utilized an existing IKEA storage system to create a designated “parking lot,” ensuring the vehicles had a clear home.
Repurposing the Bookshelf: A bookshelf in the back corner was taking up space but wasn’t being used effectively. We relocated it to one of the children’s rooms, freeing up more space for structured toy storage.
Intentional Cube Organization: Instead of cramming everything into bins, we gave each category of toys a dedicated home, making cleanup intuitive for the kids.
Involving the Kids in the Process
We made sure the kids were part of the organizing process—because when kids feel involved, they’re more likely to maintain the system. By working together, we ensured the setup was intuitive and easy for them to follow.
AFTER
The Result: A Playroom That Works for the Whole Family
With clear storage bins, a structured toy parking system, and an optimized layout, the playroom is now a functional and organized space that encourages independent play and easy cleanup. The parents can breathe a little easier, and the kids know exactly where their favorite toys live—no more searching or dumping everything out to find one piece!