Clever DIY Storage Solutions Every Mum with Little Ones Will Love

A close up of boxes storing children's toys, from Canva Pro
DIY Storage Solutions For Families
Collaborative post by another author.

Raising little ones is a whirlwind of joy, mess and constant activity. Between toys scattered across the floor, clothes piled up and all the essentials needed for day-to-day life, storage can quickly become a challenge. Finding practical and creative ways to organise your home can make a huge difference, not only to keep things tidy but also to make life easier and less stressful.

If you’re a mum juggling nappies, toys, clothes and everything in between, this blog post is for you. Here are some clever DIY storage solutions that are easy to create and perfect for families with little children.

Utilise Vertical Space with Hanging Storage

When floor space is limited, the best way to expand your storage is upwards. Vertical storage solutions help keep things organised without crowding your living areas.

  • Wall-Mounted Toy Organisers: Use a series of colourful fabric pockets or mesh organisers fixed to the wall to sort small toys, books or craft supplies. These are easy to reach for children and encourage them to put things away themselves.
  • Pegboards: A pegboard is incredibly versatile. You can hang baskets, hooks and shelves to store anything from keyrings to art supplies. Painting the pegboard in a bright colour makes it an attractive addition to a child’s playroom.
  • Over-the-Door Organisers: Perfect for shoes, hats or even toiletries. The slim profiles keep items off the floor but close at hand.


Repurpose Everyday Items for Toy Storage


You don’t need to buy expensive organisers when you can cleverly repurpose things you already have around the house.

  • Old Suitcases or Wooden Crates: Stack them in a corner or under a window to hold toys, books or clothes. Adding wheels to crates makes it even easier to move them around.
  • Mason Jars and Tins: Perfect for small items like crayons, buttons or hair accessories. Attach jars to a wooden board and mount it on the wall to create a handy art station.
  • Hanging Baskets: Use baskets normally meant for fruit or laundry to keep toys balls, or soft items organised.


Use Multi-Functional Furniture


Investing in or creating multi-purpose furniture can save space and reduce clutter. Pieces that combine seating with storage or tables with drawers are perfect for family homes.

  • Storage Ottomans or Benches: These can hide toys or blankets while providing a comfy spot to sit.
  • Beds with Drawers: Under-bed storage is often overlooked but offers plenty of room for clothes or toys.
  • Bookshelves with Bins: Shelves can hold books and display items, while bins below store smaller, loose items neatly.


Create Personal Storage Zones for Each Child


Encouraging children to take responsibility for their belongings is easier when they have their own dedicated spaces.

  • Individual Baskets or Boxes: Label boxes with names or photos so kids know where their toys and clothes belong.
  • Cubby Shelves: A set of cubbies at child height makes it easy for little ones to grab what they need and tidy up when playtime ends.
  • Custom Coat Hooks: Install low hooks for each child’s coat, bag or PE kit.

If you’re looking for precise and affordable cutting services to help with custom storage solutions, like making your own labelled wooden crates or customised shelves, Cut My offers fantastic options in the UK. Their high-quality cutting services allow you to create personalised pieces tailored to your needs, saving time and effort.

Maximise Wardrobe Space with DIY Organisers


Wardrobes can quickly become jumbled with all the clothes, shoes and kit, but these add ons will help you stay organised.

  • Hanging Fabric Dividers: These create compartments inside your wardrobe for organising clothes by type or child.
  • DIY Shoe Racks: Use simple wooden slats or crates to make your own shoe storage that fits inside the closet.
  • Double Hanging Rails: Installing an extra rail doubles the hanging space for tiny outfits.


Label Everything for Easy Tidying


Children respond well to clear cues. Label boxes, shelves and bins with words or pictures to help children know exactly where everything belongs. You can even make it a fun craft project with your little ones.

DIY Under Stairs Storage

The often neglected space under the stairs is a goldmine for storage possibilities.

  • Pull-Out Drawers or Cabinets: These can store shoes, toys, or seasonal items neatly out of sight.
  • Open Shelves: Display books or toys while keeping them organised and accessible.
  • Reading Nook: Incorporate cushions and shelves for books to create a cosy, functional corner for your children.


Tips for Maintaining Organised Spaces


Having great storage is just the start—keeping it tidy requires a bit of routine.

  • Daily 10-Minute Tidy: Encourage the whole family to spend a few minutes at the end of the day putting things back in their place.
  • Rotate Toys: Keep some toys in storage and rotate them weekly to reduce clutter and keep playtime exciting.
  • Involve Your Children: Make tidying up a fun activity rather than a chore.

No one wants to be overwhelmed by clutter, especially when managing the busy chaos of little ones. With a bit of creativity and some DIY effort, you can transform your home into a neat, functional space everyone will enjoy. Whether it’s clever vertical storage, repurposed items or personalised organisers, these solutions will help you keep up with the demands of family life without losing your mind.

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