Outdoor storage for kids’ toys can be a real challenge – especially when you have all manner of toys scattered throughout your yard, patio, or garden.
Between bouncy balls and bikes, buckets of sand toys, and outdoor playsets, it can get out of hand really quickly.
The key is to find outdoor storage that can accommodate all the different toys without compromising the look and feel of your outdoor space.
Storing your outdoor toys not only keeps your yard, patio, or garden neat and tidy, it also makes it easy for you and your kids to locate all those toys when it’s time to play.
If you’re ready to say goodbye to endless searching and tripping over random toys whenever you leave or enter your house, these ten simple and clever outdoor storage solutions are just what you need.
10 Outdoor Storage Solutions for Kids’ Toys
1. Outdoor Storage Shed
An outdoor storage shed can be a lifesaver when it comes to storing kids’ toys. Sheds are a popular choice because they are available in various sizes, materials, and styles. These days, outdoor sheds are much more than just practical storage solutions. You’ll find plenty of options that fit with your outdoor décor, too!
Why It Works & Tips for Choosing:
Outdoor sheds are a good choice for a variety of toys. A shed can store balls, scooters, sand buckets and toys, outdoor games, and so much more. Sheds come in different sizes and shapes, so you can pick one to suit your space. Plus, they often come with shelves, hooks, and compartments that can help you keep everything organized.
Tips for Choosing the Right Outdoor Storage Shed:
There are so many different types of outdoor sheds. Most are weather-resistant or made from weather-resistant materials such as resin, wood, or metal. So, you can choose a style that best fits your space and budget.
Double doors are nice for easy access, while built-in shelves can be helpful if you have lots of smaller toys.
Ventilation is also important. Sheds often have ventilation holes in the walls to prevent moisture buildup and mold growth. However, you can also add a vent or two if yours doesn’t have any.
Related:50 Fun Indoor Activities for Kids (That Don’t Involve Screens)
2. Toy Chest with a Lid
Toy chests with lids are one of the simplest and most affordable outdoor storage options for keeping kids’ toys out of sight (and out of harm’s way). You can store an outdoor toy chest or storage box in a corner of your yard, on the patio, or in your garage.
Why It Works & Tips for Choosing:
Toy chests and boxes are a simple way to store larger outdoor toys. From soccer balls to scooters and outdoor games, you can toss these into a toy chest or box and close the lid to keep them from getting wet, blown away, or dirty. They’re also easy for your kids to access when they want to play.
Tips for Choosing the Right Toy Chest:
Toy chests and storage boxes come in many sizes and materials. Choose one that will fit your space and hold all the toys you need to store. Outdoor chests are often made from cedar, plastic, or resin that will last for years and withstand the elements.
Toy chests are often quite heavy. If your children will be accessing their toys often, look for a lighter-weight option.
Make sure the toy chest lid has safety hinges, so it doesn’t slam shut.
3. Rolling Storage Bins
Rolling storage bins are a great choice for parents who are looking for a flexible and portable storage solution for their children’s outdoor toys. Small outdoor toys such as action figures, building blocks, and toy cars are great storage solutions that can be stored in small, portable rolling bins.
Why They Work & Tips for Choosing:
Rolling storage bins are great for transporting items from one side of the yard to the other. Your kids can move their toys in and out and put them away. They are lightweight and stackable for easy storage when not in use. Some models even come with a locking lid for extra security.
Tips for Choosing the Right Rolling Storage Bins:
Look for bins that come with lockable wheels that can be locked in place for extra stability.
Clear plastic bins are helpful so you can see what’s inside without having to open them.
Color-coding storage bins can help keep toys organized and easy to grab.
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4. Garden Bench with Storage
Garden benches with built-in storage are functional, stylish storage options to hide all those toys from view. They look great in most outdoor areas, including patios, decks, and even beside the pool. They provide seating for adults and hidden storage underneath for your kids’ toys.
Why It Works & Tips for Choosing:
Garden benches with storage are ideal for tight spaces where every inch counts. They are an attractive and practical solution for both adult seating and toy storage in the same footprint. They are available in many styles, colors, and fabrics.
Tips for Choosing the Right Garden Bench with Storage:
Look for benches with waterproof cushions and protect the storage area below. Ensure the storage space is big enough for your needs, or opt for a larger bench if you have more toys to store.
Choose a bench frame made from sturdy wood or metal that can withstand the weather.
5. Toy-Specific Storage Caddies
Toy-specific storage caddies are open containers that can easily be carried and transported from one place to another. They often come with built-in compartments or dividers to help sort and organize toys.
Why They Work & Tips for Choosing:
Toy-specific storage caddies are excellent for sorting toys and other outdoor items and toys. These are portable, lightweight, and can be stored indoors or out depending on where you need them. Their open design makes them a cinch for kids to use.
Tips for Choosing the Right Toy-Specific Storage Caddies:
Look for caddies with dividers to help sort and separate toys into categories.
Choose caddies that have a handle for easy carrying.
Select weather-resistant or durable caddies made from materials like canvas or heavy-duty plastic.
Related:100 Fun Things to Do With Kids
6. Hanging Storage Solutions
Hanging storage can be a creative and space-saving solution for parents short on storage space. You can use hooks, baskets, or mesh bags to store toys such as toy shovels, balls, and other small outdoor accessories or playsets on the side of a fence, the corner of a wall, or the side of a shed.
Why They Work & Tips for Choosing:
Hanging storage keeps toys off the ground and prevents clutter, allowing easy access to the toys and accessories. Hanging storage is an excellent way to take advantage of vertical space in the yard if you are short on floor space.
Tips for Choosing the Right Hanging Storage Solutions:
Use heavy-duty hooks or wall-mounted baskets that are capable of supporting the weight of the outdoor toys.
Mesh bags or baskets will let your toys air out and remain dry.
A hanging storage rack can be mounted on the side of a shed or garage.
7. Deck Box
Deck boxes are a convenient and weatherproof way to store toys outside. They are designed to look like outdoor furniture and can double as seating or a side table when not in use. Deck boxes are perfect for storing almost anything, from pool toys to outdoor games and sports equipment.
Why It Works & Tips for Choosing:
Deck boxes are weatherproof and a convenient way to keep toys dry and secure. Deck boxes are available in various sizes and materials and can hold many items. They often feature a lift-top or flip lid that opens for easy access to the toys inside. Most deck boxes are built to last and are weather-resistant.
Tips for Choosing the Right Deck Box:
Opt for a deck box with a lift-top or flip lid for easy access.
Look for a deck box with locking mechanisms if you’re worried about toys blowing away.
Choose a deck box with a UV-resistant, durable finish that won’t fade or crack over time.
Related:15 Fun Things To Do With Your New Born Baby
8. Repurposed Storage Furniture
Repurposed furniture is an excellent and budget-friendly way to create outdoor storage solutions for kids’ toys. Furniture such as dressers, cabinets, and bookshelves can be painted and equipped with storage bins and baskets to make your own storage solutions on the cheap.
Why It Works & Tips for Choosing:
Repurposing old furniture is a great way to give new life to old items and an excellent way to upcycle and recycle. Repurposed furniture is usually a more personal and unique storage solution that can add personality to any outdoor space.
Tips for Choosing the Right Repurposed Storage Furniture:
Make sure the furniture is sturdy enough to last and handle outdoor use.
Paint or seal the furniture with weather-resistant products.
Use clear storage bins or baskets inside the furniture to make it easy to see what’s inside.
9. Toy Storage Trunks
Toy storage trunks are large chests with lids and are a vintage-inspired yet practical outdoor toy storage solution. Outdoor toy storage trunks are sturdy and can be used to store all kinds of outdoor toys, from pool floats to toys and cushions.
Why It Works & Tips for Choosing:
Toy storage trunks are large and can store a variety of toys, such as balls, outdoor games, and sand buckets. They are large enough to use as outdoor seating with the addition of some cushions. Toy trunks work well in larger outdoor spaces such as backyards and decks.
Tips for Choosing the Right Toy Storage Trunks:
Look for a toy trunk made from durable and weather-resistant materials such as wood or resin.
You can use cushions on top of the trunk to make it into a seat when needed.
Check for ventilation holes in the toy trunk to prevent moisture buildup.
10. Garden Storage Bins with Lids
Garden storage bins with lids are a great way to store toys outdoors. They are available in various sizes, colors, and materials. Garden storage bins are perfect for keeping toys organized and labeled. These bins can be stacked neatly to create even more storage space for toys and other items.
Why They Work & Tips for Choosing:
Garden storage bins with lids are perfect for storing outdoor toys. The bins keep toys clean and dry, especially when stored in places exposed to the elements. The lids will protect your toys from rain or dirt. Storage bins are easy to move or reconfigure if needed. Bins often come in bright colors to help identify the items inside.
Tips for Choosing the Right Garden Storage Bins:
Look for stackable garden storage bins for easy organization.
Select bins made from durable, UV-resistant plastics that won’t crack or fade over time.
Label the bins to make it easy for kids to put their toys away and find what they need.
Final Thoughts
Outdoor toy storage doesn’t need to be stressful or complicated. With these ten outdoor storage solutions for toys of all shapes and sizes, you can keep your outdoor space neat, tidy, and organized and make it easy for you and your kids to find all those toys.
Whether you go for an outdoor storage shed, rolling toy bin, or a stylish garden bench with hidden storage, these outdoor storage ideas will help you stay organized without sacrificing style.
Outdoor toy storage is all about making your outdoor space functional, practical, enjoyable, and stress-free. So, invest in some storage solutions that will work for your family and make your yard or garden a more welcoming and enjoyable space for everyone!
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