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Wooden toys: How do I store them? [Top Storage Ideas]

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Storage for wooden toy can be a tricky issue. It's not like plastic toys that you can just put in a box. 

Wooden toys must be stored in a different way to prevent damage.

Wooden Toys - How do I store it?

One of the best ways is to neatly arrange the wooden toys on a shelf, so that they can always air and are nicely visible, both for your child and for yourself. Other options include modular systems and a wooden storage box that doubles as a bench.

I have solved the most difficult issue of storage for you and have figured out different ways for you, so that your child has more room to play.

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What should you keep in mind when storing wooden toys?

Wooden toys are generally safe to store in a chest, but there are a few reasons why this isn't always ideal.

First, wooden toys can be sensitive to moisture and temperature changes.

If the wood gets too damp, it can warp or even mold. If the wood gets too dry, it can crack or split.

If the box the toy is kept in is not well ventilated, this can lead to moisture problems and damage to the toy.

Secondly, wooden toys can be damaged if they are stored in a box without the necessary protection.

Toys can rub against each other and get scratched or damaged if they bump into the edges while moving the box.

It can also be difficult to sort the toys in the crate, which can cause them to break or become damaged if stored with heavier or sharper objects.

Third, it can store away of wooden toys in a box reduce the accessibility of the toy.

If the toy is not easily accessible, this can lead to less playtime and less use of the toy.

In addition, storing toys in a crate can make it more difficult to tidy up and keep the toys organized, which can lead to a cluttered play area.

In short, while storing wooden toys in a box can be an option, make sure that the box is well ventilated, the toys are well protected and the toys remain easily accessible.

Also read: 11 best wooden roleplay toys for HUGE pretend play

Discover the best wooden toy storage ideas

So what are good ways to tidy up wooden toys? I'll walk you through the options.

Wooden storage box

A beautiful wooden storage box or wooden bench with storage space is a popular and practical piece of furniture for storing toys. 

They come in different shapes, sizes and styles, so there is a suitable item for every nursery.

In addition, storage benches can also serve as a seat, which brings extra convenience and pleasure.

Wall shelves and storage systems

Wooden wall shelves and storage systems are ideal for neatly storing toys, keeping them scratch-free and saving space at the same time.

They are easy to assemble and can be placed at different heights for easy access by children of all ages.

Consider, for example, a wooden bookshelf for books and puzzles or a wall rack with trays for smaller toy items.

Watch here how to install beautiful floating shelves:

Wooden toy boxes on wheels

A wooden toy box on wheels is a fun and playful way to store toys.

Children can easily move the box and put the toys in and out themselves.

Moreover, these boxes are often provided with cheerful colors and prints, which makes them extra attractive for the little ones.

Stackable, open wooden storage boxes also work well.

Storage furniture with compartments and drawers

Wooden storage units with compartments and drawers are ideal for storing all kinds of toys, from cuddly toys to building blocks.

They provide an overview and help organize the toy collection.

Choose a piece of furniture with different sizes of drawers and compartments to accommodate both large and small toys.

Themed storage

For the real fans of trains, cars or princesses, for example, there are also wooden storage units in the shape of their favorite theme.

Think of a train or car bed with built-in storage space or a beautiful princess cupboard.

These storage units are not only functional, but also a nice addition to the nursery.

When choosing the right wooden toy storage, it is important to take into account the available space, the preferences of your child and of course the quality of the product.

Wooden toy storage should be durable and sturdy so that you can enjoy it for a long time. 

Take the time to look at the different options and choose the storage that best suits your family and interior.

Wooden toy storage for small children's rooms

In a small children's room it is important to use the available storage space as efficiently as possible. 

Moreover, wooden toy storage should not only be durable, but also safe for your child.

Opt for wooden storage options that fit well within the perhaps limited space, such as a wooden box that fits under the bed.

Door and wall storage

Make clever use of the door and walls in the small nursery. For example, hang bags on the inside of the door to store wooden toys.

It is very nice to attach shelves to the wall to display your child's wooden toy collection and to tidy everything up at the same time.

Toys in sight, but within reach

In a small space it is useful to have toys within reach, so that your child can easily reach them.

For example, place a wooden doll's pram with storage space next to the bed or the play corner. This way your child can pack and tidy up his or her own things.

Durable and affordable storage options

Wooden toy storage doesn't have to be expensive. There are many durable and affordable storage options available.

For example, take a look at second-hand stores or online marketplaces. Second-hand options are durable and affordable.

I explain here how to easily clean wooden toys (top tips!)

Tips for organizing storage space

To keep the small nursery neat and organized, you can apply the following tips:

  • Use labels or stickers to indicate what is in each box or bag.
  • Make a permanent place for each toy so your child knows where everything belongs.
  • Clean up regularly and get rid of toys that are no longer used, so that there is room for new items.
  • Make sure you have enough storage material, such as wooden boxes or bags, so that you always have enough storage space.

By making smart use of the available space and opting for sustainable wooden toy storage, you create a safe and organized environment for your child to play in.

Wooden toy storage: convenient and accessible for children

It is important to choose storage furniture that grows with the stage your child is in.

Wooden toy storage can be both flexible and smart, allowing your child to tidy up their own toys.

For example, think of:

  • Adjustable bookcases and shelves: Allows you to adjust the height of the shelves as your child grows and needs more space for toys or children's books.
  • Drawers with labels: Label the drawers so your child knows where each toy belongs. This makes cleaning up easier and stimulates your child's independence.
  • Wall storage: Fix it at a height that your child can easily reach. This way they can store their own things.

I have here the best toy cabinet options listed for you, with a buying guide!

Storage solutions that save space

In a small children's room it is important to make the most of the available space. Here are some space-saving wooden toy storage ideas:

  • Wall mounted storage: Use the wall as storage space by attaching shelves or wall organizers. This saves floor space and ensures a tidy room.
  • Toy storage with wheels: A wooden box on wheels is a practical solution for storing toys. Your child can easily move the playpen and clean up the toys themselves.
  • Trofast storage series: This modular storage series offers plenty of storage space and is easy to adapt to your child's needs.

Safety and accessibility for children

When choosing wooden toy storage, it is important to consider safety and accessibility for your child. Please note the following points:

  • Stability: Make sure that the storage furniture is sturdy and stable, so that it does not fall over if your child pulls or climbs on it.
  • Rounded corners: Choose furniture with rounded corners to reduce the risk of injury.
  • Usability: Choose storage solutions that are easy for your child to use, such as drawers with handles at child height or storage boxes with clear labels.

By taking these tips into account, you will create a children's room with wooden toy storage that is both practical and attractive, and where your child can tidy up his or her own toys.

Are wooden toys sensitive?

Wooden toys can be sensitive to moisture and temperature fluctuations.

A shelf, cupboard or box for wooden toy storage should therefore not be placed in a damp room, such as a basement that is never heated, or a humid room.

You then run the risk that the toy will deform or warp.

In addition, wooden toys are susceptible to mold, and mold is hazardous to health and causes wood rot; it is better to throw the toy away immediately.

Place your wooden toys on a shelf so that the sunlight cannot come into direct contact with the toys.

Direct sunlight not only causes discoloration, but also cracks in the wood.

Brighten up the nursery with wooden toy storage

Wooden toy storage can be not only functional, but also a nice addition to the nursery.

Choose storage space that matches the style and colors of the room, so that the toys are neatly stored while adding to the atmosphere.

Consider, for example, a large wooden box with a cheerful color or a storage rack with various compartments in playful shapes.

Personalize the storage with your child's name

To make the wooden toy storage even more personal, you can paint or stick your child's name on it with wooden letters. 

This not only adds a nice touch to storage, but also helps your child find their toys more easily.

In addition, it can help to teach your child responsibility for cleaning up his or her own things.

Use themes to make the storage space playful

Another way to make wooden toy storage more fun is to work with themes that match your child's interests.

Consider, for example, a storage cabinet in the shape of a castle for a child who likes to play with knights, or a storage rack with images of animals for an animal lover.

This makes the storage space not only functional, but also part of the fun.

Provide storage at child height

To ensure that your child can pick up and tidy up his or her own toys, it is important that the storage space is easily accessible.

Choose a storage cabinet or rack that is not too high, so that your child can easily reach it. 

This also helps to keep the nursery neat and tidy, because your child can pack and put away his or her own things.

Some tips for choosing wooden toy storage as a decoration

  • Choose storage space that matches the style and colors of the nursery
  • Personalize the storage with your child's name, for example with wooden letters
  • Use themes that match your child's interests
  • Provide storage at child height, so that your child can grab and clean up his or her toys

These tips will help you choose wooden toy storage that is not only functional, but also a fun addition to the nursery. 

This way, tidying up toys becomes a pleasant event, and the room remains neat and tidy.

Beautiful condition of course that beautiful wooden rainbow from Grimm and other rainbow toys

Tips and tricks for organizing wooden toy storage

Before you start organizing the wooden toy storage, it is good to sort the toys first. 

This helps you to get a better overview of what you have and what you really need. Here are some tips to get you started:

  • Collect all the toys and put them in one place
  • Sort the toys by category, such as building blocks, puzzles, wooden vehicles, etc.
  • Throw away broken toys or repair them if possible
  • Donate toys that is no longer used or keep it for younger siblings

Choose from the various wooden storage options

There are so many different types of wooden toy storage available that it can sometimes be difficult to make a choice.

Here are some tips to help you choose the most fun and practical storage:

  • Choose storage that fits the size of the room and the amount of toys
  • Look for fun and original items, such as a wooden toy box with a nice design or a wooden storage rack with several compartments
  • Look at the nursery's primary colors and choose storage to match
  • Visit a toy store or take a look at websites such as nekokidsdesign.nl for inspiration

Organize the toys in a logical and accessible way

Now that you've sorted the toys and decided on the wooden storage, it's time to organize the toys. 

Here are some tips to help you with that:

  • Make sure the toys are organized in a logical way so that children can easily find and clean them up
  • Place the most commonly used toys in an easily accessible place
  • Use labels or stickers to indicate where each type of toy belongs
  • Use bins or baskets to store smaller items

Make tidying up fun and educational for kids

It is important to teach children from an early age learn to tidy up their toys.

This can be done by making cleaning up fun and educational. 

Here are some tips to help you with that:

  • Make it a game, for example by competing who can clean up all the toys the fastest
  • Give praise and rewards when the toys are tidy
  • Make sure the wooden toy storage is attractive and inviting so that children will enjoy using it

With these tips and tricks you will be well on your way to organizing the wooden toy storage in the nursery in a fun and efficient way. 

Toy chest vs storage cabinet or shelves

A toy box can be a great storage for wooden toys, but an accident is in a small corner!

Think of the fingers that can get between the lid, and what can happen to the toes when your child tries to lift the box.

If your child climbs on the toy box, a plastic one is not recommended, and a wooden box is also much nicer.

You can put a pillow on top and turn it into a bench.

A storage cabinet with compartments for toys or baskets, or shelves on the wall, can sometimes be a better and safer option.

You can then sort the toys neatly and they will remain scratch-free for longer.

Wooden toys also look great on a shelf in a child's room, and don't take up any play space like a chest or cupboard does.

DIY wooden toy storage: creative and durable

A homemade wooden toy storage is not only a wonderful addition to the nursery, but it is also a sustainable choice that can last for generations.

Building your own wooden toy storage stimulates creativity and ensures a unique and personal result.

In addition, depending on their age and development, children can help build and arrange the storage, which contributes to their cognitive growth.

Conclusion

Wooden toy storage is a must for every child's room.

It is easy to move, expand and personalize. As you have seen, there are many ways to do it.

From modular storage systems to simple neat shelves on the wall.

The best storage system for wooden toys is one where the toys can air out, are accessible to your child and also look a little nice.

Also read: 20 Wooden Toy Brands That Will Surprise Your Child

Always something to do for the holidays or rainy day?

Play Choice now has the ultimate activity book collection, with over 60 pages of fun coloring pages and educational puzzles.

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.