Summer days evoke memories of children playing outdoors, with many toys scattering the yard. But as the warmer days wane and the cooler season approaches, many homeowners face the challenge of storing these play items, especially without the convenience of a garage. Let’s explore inventive methods to safely store summer toys, ensure their longevity, and tidy up your outdoor spaces.
Maximize Vertical Storage
Walls, fences, and even the sides of your home can become invaluable storage allies. Sturdy hooks, pegboards, or nets on vertical surfaces can transform how you see the storage. This can be especially effective for items like bicycles, scooters, or sports gear. Ensure they’re anchored securely. Additionally, adjusting shelves can offer flexibility, allowing you to change the storage configuration as your needs or toy collections evolve.
Under Deck or Porch Storage
The concealed area beneath raised decks or porches often needs more utilization. You can arrange toys systematically beneath these structures using weather-resistant storage bins or containers. To ensure items remain clean and undamaged, it’s advisable to place them in individual bags or containers before putting them in a larger bin. Adding labels can further organize this space, ensuring that toys are easily accessible and returned to their designated spots after use.
Storage Benches and Deck Boxes
Outdoor benches that double as storage are a two-for-one solution. They offer seating options while hiding toys. Deck boxes, crafted from durable materials, withstand the elements and keep toys dry and undamaged. Considering that these come in various designs, you can choose one that complements your outdoor decor, turning storage into a decorative statement.
Shed Solutions
While you might not have the luxury of a garage, a small storage shed can be a game-changer. These sheds can range from structures large enough to walk into to compact, vertical designs that fit snugly in a garden corner. Besides toys, these sheds can accommodate gardening tools or seasonal items, optimizing outdoor space utility. Ensure that shelves or organizers are added inside the shed for efficient use of space.
Weatherproof Storage Bags
Weatherproof storage bags provide an excellent solution for items susceptible to weather damage. These zippered bags keep moisture, dust, and pests out. Plus, they often come in transparent or semi-transparent materials, letting you easily identify the contents. Storing these bags in an organized manner—perhaps in a dedicated container—will make retrieval straightforward.
Creative Repurposing
Repurposing is not just eco-friendly but can also be an aesthetically pleasing solution. Paint an old dresser with weather-resistant paint to transform it into a toy storage unit. If you have an old ladder, suspend it horizontally to hang toys, hats, or buckets filled with play items. These repurposed storage solutions can add character to your yard or patio.
Invest in a Toy Organizer
Outdoor toy organizers designed for yard use can change the game. Rafted from durable and often weather-resistant materials, these organizers withstand the outdoors and keep toys orderly. Many feature wheels for easy movement, letting you shift toys to shaded areas or nearer play zones when necessary.
Use Tarps and Bungee Cords
Tarps can offer a shield for toys that are cumbersome or inconvenient to move. Secure the tarp with bungee cords to protect the toys underneath from the elements. Additionally, color-coded tarps or labels can help quickly identify the toys underneath, so you don’t need to uncover everything for one toy.
Rotating Toy System
A rotating toy system can refresh the play experience for children. By keeping some toys out of sight and bringing them out in intervals, you reintroduce them, making old toys feel new again. This system also ensures that only a portion of the toy collection is out at any given time, minimizing clutter.
Floating Storage
For pool owners, floating storage units can be transformative. These floating bins or nets can hold toys, ensuring they don’t drift away or clutter the poolside. By keeping toys in the water, you also reduce the wear from repeatedly drying out and getting wet again.
Incorporate Landscaping Features
Your garden or yard layout can be tweaked to integrate storage. Raised plant beds, for instance, can house hidden storage units beneath them. Alternatively, trellises or decorative fences can be outfitted with hooks or pouches for toy storage while also serving as an ornamental feature.
Evaluate and Declutter
A routine evaluation of toys can significantly simplify storage. As children grow, their interests and needs change. Some toys become redundant, while others might be damaged. Sorting through the collection and donating, recycling, or discarding can reduce the storage burden and ensure that only valued toys occupy space.
With a garage, outdoor toy storage is more manageable. However, with creativity, strategy, and some DIY enthusiasm, your yard can be both a playground and a neatly organized space. Proper storage not only prolongs the life of toys but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor area. Embrace these solutions and watch your outdoor space transform.
