How to Build Storage for a Playroom

Is your playroom a mess? Do the kids have a hard time finding what they need and as a result lose interest in their toys? Do you yearn for an organized playroom that contains adequate storage? Put your creativity to the test and build a toy storage system for the playroom that promises to keep clutter at bay and allows the kids to find joy in playing with their toys.

Things You'll Need

• Unfinished wooden bookshelves
• Bins, baskets, crates
• Sandpaper
• Paint
• Wall stud finder
• Drill
• Screws and anchors

Instructions

Plan and Prepare

1. Empty the playroom to start with a fresh palette. Throw away broken toys. Take unused items to a thrift store or give them to a family in need. Keep only the things the kids enjoy playing with.

2. Measure the playroom, taking into account the door opening into the room. Select a wall on which to build the playroom toy storage, preferably the largest wall in the room without windows.

3. Purchase unfinished bookshelves, one to three, depending on the playroom's space and the number of toys. Visit a local unfinished furniture store or shop on line (see Resources). Select bookshelves that have cabinet doors at the bottom.

4. Choose a paint color for the toy storage--consider white or black for a neutral finish or a brighter, kid-friendly color like blue, red or pink. Purchase satin finish paint in addition to white primer if the finished product will be white.

5. Purchase wicker baskets, storage bins and crates to keep toys uncluttered. Place toys by function (for example: Barbies, Lego sets, trains) into their own containers.

Create the Toy Storage

1. Lightly sand the wooden bookshelves and dust off any residue. Apply two coats of primer if you are using white paint, allowing the primer to dry for 1 to 2 hours between coats. Apply two coats of paint, allowing the paint to dry completely for 1 to 2 hours between coats.

2. Use a stud finder and pencil to mark studs across the wall. Place the bookshelves against the wall and drill holes through the top and bottom of the back of the bookshelves into the studs. Drill screws (using anchors, if needed) into the created holes to attach the bookshelves to the wall.

3. Place the baskets and storage bins on the shelves of the finished playroom storage unit. Use the cabinets or crates to store bulky toys that don't fit neatly into a basket. Stack games and books on the shelves.

Tips & Warnings

• Leave adequate room for children to be able to move around and play easily.

• A child's stepping stool can be used for hard-to-reach objects, but use caution with small children.

• Check periodically to make sure that the bookshelves are still secure.

References

• Lifeorganizers.com: How to Create a Fun & Functional Child Playroom

Resources

• Unfinished Furniture Giant
• Bins, Baskets and Crates