Civilized Storage, Toys Straighten Up

Forget breakfast in bed, I get cars! Lots and lots of cars!

For some it's Barbies for others it's Legos, for us it's Hot Wheels. They take over the floor, the bed, the counter tops and are found found parked in every nook and cranny, cabinet and book shelf in the house.

It started out with just two larger cars and a couple random vehicles. Then for our son's second birthday last week, he received a dozen or so toy cars from friends and his older brother passed down to him his collection of 60+ cars. (Some were even their father's from when he was a boy.)

Found on stacyssavings.com. These shelves can be found at Target & Ikea.

My first thought was...where do they all go when he's done playing? My sister had gifted him a small carrying case that fits 18 cars. Perfect for bringing to a friends house, but not big enough for putting away at the end of the day.

I did my homework and found some simple ideas for small toys and car storage. Most of them are D.I.Y because the D.B.O. (done-by-others) retail options are unfortunate looking with big brand logos and flames and such. I loved these three, simple clean and functional.

Found on homedit.com. This clever storage DIY is made from PVC pipe. You can make it any ever color you want and it looks super fresh.

Found on homedit.com. I love the magnetic strip idea for display storage.

However, if you don't want to display the cars, let's say in a play area or bedroom you need other options. For example we don't store any toys in the bedroom and instead they are kept in the family spaces where we spend most our time. Particularly in the living room, so I need a discreet option that blends in with the rooms furnishings. (When they aren't all over the floor.)

Option 1: Storage ottoman that is functional and looks good, but has a secret hiding place for toys. Target, was approximately $20 each.

Option 2: Attractive storage bins that fit into our living room media center. These are all filled with toys, books and games. Target, Room Essentials Y Weave $5.00-47.99

Option 3: In the wine storage area? This nook has it's own little lanes, is easy to access and even though it has no cover looks neat and tidy. Plus our son loves to put "park" the car in rows, this would make putting his toys away more fun!