If you have kids, you know how quickly their toys can take over your living room. The endless stream of dolls, stuffed animals, action figures, and building blocks can create a never-ending cycle of clutter that seems impossible to control. 

However, with a little creativity and planning, you can create a clutter-free living space that is both functional and stylish. 

Let’s explore some must-try living room toy storage ideas to help you achieve just that.

Use Storage Ottomans

Storage ottomans are an ideal choice when it comes to keeping your children’s toys organised and out of sight. These versatile pieces of furniture are not only comfortable to sit on, but they also offer ample storage space to keep your living room neat and tidy. 

With a range of sizes, styles and colors to choose from, storage ottomans can fit seamlessly into any decor scheme. Some ottomans even come with removable trays, making them perfect for serving drinks and snacks when you’re entertaining guests. 

So, if you’re looking for a stylish and functional way to declutter your living space, a storage ottoman might just be the solution you need.

Create a Toy Nook

Consider creating a designated toy nook. Not only will this keep the space organised, but it will also provide a fun and cosy area for your children to play and read. 

Using a bookshelf or cubby system is an excellent way to store toys, while a comfy cushion or rug can make the nook inviting. 

Having all the toys in one area makes cleaning up a breeze, allowing you to maintain a clutter-free living room that’s both functional and stylish.

Install Wall Shelving

Wall shelving is an excellent solution for bulky toys that don’t fit in an ottoman or toy nook. 

Use floating shelves to provide a stylish and functional display option for your children’s favorite toys, books, and board games. The key is to ensure that the shelves are at a height that your children can easily access so they can take out and put away their toys independently. 

Consider using colorful bins or baskets to further organise and add a pop of color to the shelves. 

Use Baskets and Bins

When it comes to versatile storage options, baskets and bins are excellent choices for keeping your living room tidy. They come in a range of sizes, shapes and colors, making them an easy way to add a pop of color and texture to your decor. 

Baskets and bins can be used to store anything from small toys to larger items like blankets. They’re also lightweight and easy to move around, so you can quickly tidy up any messes. 

Repurpose Furniture

Repurposing an old piece of furniture is an excellent way to create a unique and cost-effective toy storage solution for your living room. 

Instead of getting rid of an old dresser or bookshelf, consider using it to store your children’s belongings. An old dresser can be repurposed to store clothes and toys, while an old bookshelf can hold books and board games. 

This not only helps you save money but also gives your living room a personal touch that reflects your unique style. 

Use Vertical Space

Hanging toy hammocks or nets from the ceiling is an excellent way to store stuffed animals, while over-the-door shoe organisers can be used to keep small toys and accessories organised. 

By using your vertical space, you’ll free up floor space and create more room for your children to play. These vertical storage solutions are easy to install, affordable, and can add an interesting element to your living room decor. 

Create a Toy Rotation System

To minimise clutter and keep things fresh, consider implementing a toy rotation system. 

Rotate toys in and out every week or month, giving your children something new to play with while keeping the rest of the toys stored away. 

This method not only helps prevent clutter but also helps children appreciate their toys more and become more imaginative with the toys they have. It also encourages children to take good care of their toys since they know they’ll get a chance to play with them again in the future.

Consider Self Storage

If you’re still struggling to find space for your children’s toys in your living room despite trying all of the above ideas, it may be time to consider self storage. 

Self storage units, like the ones provided by Wigwam, can be a great solution for storing your children’s toys that they don’t currently use or for seasonal items like holiday decorations. 

It’s a safe and secure way to keep your home clutter-free without sacrificing the things you love.

A clutter-free living room is possible even with children’s toys. By using storage ottomans, creating a toy nook or considering self storage, you’ll be able to create a functional and stylish living space that both you and your children will love.

And if you do decide that self storage is the best option for you, Wigwam is here to help. With various unit sizes and 24/7 security, you can rest assured that your belongings will be safe and secure with us. Don’t let clutter get you down, organise and store your children’s toys today.

Not sure how much space you’ll need, use our handy space calculator!

Simon Fothergill
Written by

Simon Fothergill has more than 20 years of experience in the UK self storage industry and is Managing Director of Wigwam Storage. He writes practical, easy-to-follow advice to help customers make the most of self storage, whether they are moving house, decluttering, renovating, storing business stock or simply needing extra space. With a long background in self storage operations and customer service, Simon shares useful self storage tips, packing advice and storage solutions designed to make storage simple, flexible and stress-free.

Customer Reviews

Wigwam Self Storage place picture
4.9
Excellent service from Wigwam Self Storage Lincoln. The staff were friendly, helpful and professional from start to finish. The storage unit was clean, secure and easy to access. Everything was explained clearly, and the whole process was quick and straightforward.

I would definitely recommend Wigwam Self Storage to anyone looking for a safe and reliable place to store their belongings. Great service!
Paul Adams profile picture
Paul Adams
7 days ago
Very clean space, app works really well. Plenty of trolleys available.
Stephen Grey profile picture
Stephen Grey
1 week ago
I have dealt with both Selina and Sascha, in person and via email. The service each of them has provided has been excellent and makes me feel that I have made the right decision to use Wigwam's services.
Colin C Harman profile picture
Colin C Harman
1 week ago
I have used the storage at Cheltenham for nearly two years now and have always been glad I made the change from a large facility in Kingsditch. I recall leaving a glowing review of Casey and his team when I first took on the unit. Just yesterday I left a less than complimentary review but have discovered my frustration at the time was due to misleading info I obtained over the Internet and nothing to do with Wigwam. So that review is withdrawn and I continue to recommend Wigwam as a convenient town centre facility, well run and utilising a high tech, easy to use entry system.
Dom Hall profile picture
Dom Hall
1 week ago
I can no longer recommend this storage facility after being a customer here for a few weeks. The lift to the second floor has been broken for some time, and this is a serious problem - the stairs are too narrow to get anything remotely large up to your unit, which makes storing bigger items essentially impossible. For me, that defeated the main purpose of renting a locker here.

On top of that, the dolly trolleys are meant to be returned to a designated point after use, but in practice no one does this, so you end up hunting for one. Most of the time they’re left in a separate building I don’t have access to, meaning I have to walk around 50m through corridors and up stairs carrying my belongings just to reach my unit. I reported this to reception and was told they’d return the trolleys to the proper point, but nothing has changed.

Parking is another issue - the boxing gym attached to the building also uses the car park, so it often feels crowded.

Only use this facility if you’re desperate. Otherwise, I’d look elsewhere.
Steve Rooney profile picture
Steve Rooney
2 weeks ago
Good experience so far ! Staff Helpful and available if any issues ! Appreciate the discounted offered for 8 weeks, so took advantage of that ! wish it was longer !!!
Easy to navigate the site with easy access and facilities !
Tony Watson profile picture
Tony Watson
2 weeks ago
Fantastic idea to use an app to gain entry. Once set up it's so easy to use and saves faffing around with keys and security fobs. My first visit was a revelation and is a definite encouragement to keep going back.
Well done Wigwam!!
Benjamin Currie profile picture
Benjamin Currie
3 weeks ago
Got a small lock up for short term use - getting set up was quick and easy. Introductory offer is also great.
All the team we've dealt with at Wigwam have provided fantastic customer service with some lovely personal touches. Our storage unit and the surrounding site is clean, well maintained and good value for money. I would definitely recommend.
Brian Stacey profile picture
Brian Stacey
3 weeks ago
Really friendly team, very helpful and good facilities. Would happily use Wigwam for short term storage again. Cheers!
Laura Smith profile picture
Laura Smith
3 weeks ago
Great storage facility, would highly recommend. The process of booking and accessing the unit was really straightforward and customer service has been excellent.
Chris Sabin profile picture
Chris Sabin
4 weeks ago
Lovely helpful friendly staff
Transparent pricing
Very happy with the service.