I decided that I needed to reorganise Toots toys. She has a large wooden toy box downstairs which is a pain in the backside to get anything in and out of and two pop up storage bags in her room filled with toys. Obviously, she only ever plays with the two or three things sitting at the top of each of these boxes and bags.
So the plan was simple. Smaller, lighter boxes which could be brought out one at a time, easily packed up again and another box brought out to keep the toys in even rotation.
Rather than buy made for purpose toy boxes like Trofast I thought I could make my own using some of the dozens of boxes my office throw out every day and some pretty wrapping paper.
So I bought the paper
And got to work wrapping some of the boxes I brought home from the office.
They look good don't they?
Yeah. Well they don't work. They're flimsy for a start. I should have known they'd never stand a chance against Toots. They've been taped together again more times than I can count in the last couple of weeks and I've finally given up. They may have done a better job if I'd used sturdier, heavier boxes.
Anyway, guess who's saving for Trofast.
For more WFMW posts, check out Rocks in my Dryer. And if you see or have any great ideas for organising kids toys, please let me know.
I have this Trofast unit and boxes http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/S09848447
ReplyDeletebut it is not 100% successful either unless the toys are very light. The middle box I use for lego, and has cracked near the top lip on one side! The largest box did have wooden train track, but I have swapped it for lighter playmobile toys instead.
Just a reminder I give all clients... storage for kids is a challenge. Durability is always tops on the list, but kids are hard on stuff. Don't break the bank on storage containers for them. If the storage is see through, it is likely better. Kids forget what they have in containers. Out of sight, out of mind. There is no perfect solution, just solutions that work for your child, your budget, and your space.
ReplyDeleteGood Luck!
Mrs. Bick www.mrsbick.blogspot.com
sometimes you get what you pay for - better luck next time
ReplyDeleteDo you have stores similar to our "everything's a dollar" stores? I picked up a dozen colorful storage totes that slide neatly into a bookcase we already owned, creating a system similar to the one you want. It's really made a difference in keeping Kat's toys organized.
ReplyDeleteI'm using plastic baskets I bought from WalMart and a small bookshelf and that is what we're using for Sugar's toys... It definitely works for me!
ReplyDeleteOh and I tried the wrapping papered baskets too... they didn't last very long at all!
My WFMW post is here: http://afrugalhousewife.com
Well your boxes sure SEEM like they'd be a good idea! I applaud you for your creative and frugal intentions :)
ReplyDelete